2007 GREAT WOMEN OF GAMING
Proven leader
Erica Frohm
President
01 Insights
It took just six years for Erica Frohm to rise through the ranks at WMS Gaming, starting as a software engineer and working her way up to director of systems development. In 2001, she left WMS to start her own company, 01 Insights, and continues to pursue her career as company president. Although her hard work and dedication are critical components to her success, Frohm says she probably wouldn't be where she is today without the trailblazing done by others. "I am honored to be recognized among this group of talented women, many of whom have paved the way for women like me," she says. "It is through their hard work and perseverance through challenging situations that I have limitless opportunity before me. I have been so fortunate to grow up with the expectation and anticipation of having a career. Many women before me did not have that privilege."
In 1994, Frohm graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, adding to her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Lake Forest College in Illinois. From there, she went on to start her career as a software engineer at WMS, programming and designing reel slot machines. She later worked as manager of software development and manager of game development before taking on the position of director of systems development, directing more than 75 engineers.
"My parents raised me to believe I could do anything," Frohm says. "Every employer and client has reinforced that. I started at WMS Gaming, where I was offered amazing opportunities to grow and learn at a formative point in my career. This kind of positive, unbiased view of business opportunities for women is now the norm rather than the exception. And I humbly thank the women who fought so hard for upper management positions, who laid the groundwork and made an impact. Their commitment has opened doors for me."
Now that she's advanced into a top executive position, Frohm says finding motivation is more important than ever. "The dedication of my colleagues inspires and motivates me," she says. "I am honored to have worked with so many smart and dedicated people while also having the reward of seeing them grow and learn. There is no better working environment than one where people push themselves outside of their comfort zone in order to reach their goals. It is a pleasure to be a part of that."
Asked what advice she would give to an aspiring gaming professional looking to be in a leadership role, Frohm says: "Develop a community of men and women who support you, help you grow, and bring balance to your career and life. Challenge yourself to understand all facets of your business—even those facets in which you are not involved—and invest equally in the people around you to help them understand your business. Support them, help them grow, and challenge them to go higher, and they in turn will do the same for you."
In the 14 years she's been in the gaming industry, Frohm says one thing has definitely changed. "I have worked with very few women during my career," she says. "Actually, this is the first year where I work with more women than men. I continue to meet incredibly talented women in this industry every day, and I think you will see more women proliferate all ranks in the casino industry in the next decade."
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