2006 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader
Diana Bennett
Chief Executive Officer
Paragon Gaming
"Today is an age of specialization and having an expertise and a solid education behind anyone trying to get into the gaming industry is a necessity. However,
I believe that to grow you need to be willing to expand beyond your current field and learn all aspects of the industry," Bennett, said.
Bennett has more than 20 years of experience in the gaming industry. Licensed in 45 jurisdictions, Bennett launched and managed the Luxor, Excalibur, and several other principal Strip properties. Bennett also shouldered the merger between Edgewater Hotel and Casino and Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino's executive staff.
Acknowledging her achievements, she said: "To reach the top levels in management one needs to have a broad understanding of the leisure and entertainment field as a whole and the aspects that make gaming such a unique opportunity. Running a gaming property today means understanding how all aspects work, including food and beverage, retail, and as importantly, a broad understanding of human resources."
The daughter of a renowned gaming industry figure, William Bennett, Bennett grew up alongside the gaming industry. Learning from some of the best and the brightest, she continues to dedicate herself to numerous community causes, including the Nevada Chapter of the International Women's Forum, where she serves as vice president, and the I Have a Dream Foundation, where she is a board member. Bennett has also earned recognition as one of the "Outstanding Women in Nevada" since 1994.
Dona Cassese, president, The Marketing Group, who once worked alongside Bennett at the Luxor stated, "Bennett has been instrumental in the mentoring, and therefore, the progression of many females' career paths in the gaming industry. Thanks to her guidance, many of these women are now leaders in their given fields. Bennett is a humble woman who does not require praise, but is quick to give it…which is why she is even more deserving of this honor."
When asked to give advice for the aspiring gaming professional, she politely replied: "Anyone seeking to move into a leadership position must show that they possess leadership skills, but also their willingness to be diversified in their duties. We look for people that are willing to look beyond their job descriptions to recognize that if something needs to get done, and they are the best person to get the job done, then they should do it. You do need to get the attention of upper management. They will see you going above and beyond. And work with your human resource department to learn about potential learning opportunities. If your company does not help you plan your future, you can either create your own, or find a company that will recognize your desire to advance. But the onus is on the individual and their drive and perseverance."
Bennett extends her positive influence and perseverance in everything she accomplishes. Though she manages several hundred people, many find that she still has the ability to take the time to support and mentor her employees.
Somehow, she still manages to keep abreast of her family life as well. With three grown children, she admitted: "I think it is still very difficult for women in the professional world, especially if they think they can have it all. The image of the 'Super Woman' that was so popular years ago is not reality. We have to balance our home and our work. We need to make certain that we make the most of our time whether it is in the office or the home. And we need to absolutely give up the word 'guilt.' Recognize that when we are at work, we are giving it all we have and when we are at home, we will give our spouses and our children the best we have. Let them see you as happy and successful and they should want to emulate their fulfilled parents."
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