2004 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader

Tia Rhodes

Vice President of Hotel Operations
Flamingo, Las Vegas/Caesars Entertainment Inc.

 

When you're a child, everything is new. For Tia Rhodes, that feeling of experiencing everything for the first time accompanied every move her family made due to her father's military career. "I grew up in a little bit of everywhere," she says. "We moved around almost every two to three years. we lived in Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Texas, the Philippines…" She stops and thinks for a minute. "But I've been in Las Vegas now for 30 years. So this truly is my home."

With those moves at such a young age, she says, "I learned to accept change, make friends quickly and adapt to different personalities." It's helped me throughout the years.

She also credits the people around her with helping her welcome change and not accept the status quo; in fact, it may have led to her 26-year career at Caesars Entertainment. "My original goal was to work with the juvenile court system," says Rhodes. "(But) I got an offer to work at Caesars Palace. She began her career as a file clerk in accounting and progressed from there. "I loved the energy, and being able to create a positive experience for the customer. It was about having opportunities along the way," she says. "And having people taking chances on me." Her most recent success was her promotion to Vice President of Hotel Operations at the Flamingo in 2003.

Rhodes is certainly open and approachable, which has proven to be a key factor in being a successful woman in the gaming industry. "I don't think (being a woman) was a hindrance, because I always maintained confidence," she says. "I always remained professional. It was a help in some respects because my management style was not domineering or overpowering, I prefer listening and being open. That's what has been successful for me. I have seen other females that are successful with their own particular style. But what's important is being able to adapt to the environment that you are in, and to the people that surround you."

She acknowledges that the path can be more difficult for women in gaming, especially when it comes to communication. "That's definitely true," she says. "But you have to make other opportunities. I don't play golf, so creating another environment to bond with your colleagues is important."

"You have to figure out a way to work it to your advantage. It's important to earn respect for the job you do. Show that you are intelligent and knowledgeable about your industry. The expectation is that you are capable of making the right—and sometimes difficult decision."

Reflecting for a moment, Rhodes notices that the higher she got on a corporate level, the fewer women there were—and the more valuable they became. "As I got further along, yes, I did notice it," she says. "The few women who had titles had respect for one another because they knew the struggle was maybe a little harder to get where we were."

Still, Rhodes sees everyone, male or female, as an opportunity to learn. "I learned from each experience and interaction. If someone shares a concept or idea I wasn't familiar with, and it can be used later, I make a mental note to use it at an appropriate time."

This willingness to learn from her peers and strive for success, perhaps comes from her background. "My parents always wanted me to be the best. "They'd say, don't ever let anybody tell you you can't do it," she says. "Their goal was to make me an overachiever. Along the way, I met people who became my mentors, men and women who helped me to strengthen my natural characteristics and traits. They taught me to overcome challenges, have a positive attitude, always believe in my world, my values, and maintain a high work ethic.

"I have had strong mentors who were very supportive of me—even when I was uncertain of my career direction. They were there when I'd ask myself, 'is this the business for me, do I want to continue to progress?' Later, when I got to a point where I felt 'comfortable,' those same individuals would say, 'now have you thought about the next challenge?'"

Rhodes says that progress has involved conflict, and sometimes with women. One story that perhaps typifies Rhodes' success, and one that she likes to tell during her speaking engagements at the University of Houston or mentoring through the UNLV Mentor program, is about a woman whom Rhodes had passed by in promotion. "She said she didn't know why I got the job, and would be not be supportive," Rhodes says. "Six months later she apologized. Today she is one of my best friends. I turned the relationship around and became her mentor. It involves being personable. I take an interest in people that work with me. We're all working to achieve one goal."

If two things are important, Rhodes says, they are being willing to accept risk and letting people help you. "It is more than just a job," she says. "It becomes your life. However, it is important to find balance between career and the rest of your life. I've recently rebalanced. I've started exercising. I try to eat healthy foods. And you have to make sure you keep your commitments to your children (Rhodes has a 23-year-old son), and your other relationships.

"But I love being able to deliver on the customer's expectations. It can be a long, difficult week, but when you hear even one positive story of a happy guest or employee, it can turn it all around for you."


Copyright 2011, Great Women of Gaming. All rights reserved.