As I looked around the poker room, I realised how few women were at the table – much like in boardrooms and investment meetings. Poker, like business, rewards patience, resilience, and strategy, not just bravado. This moment sparked an idea: why not redefine poker as a leadership tool for everyone, not just an elite few?

That’s how Aces High was born, a company designed to transform poker into a high-impact team-building and leadership development tool. Unlike traditional networking events, poker creates a real-time environment where professionals sharpen decision-making, learn risk management, and build confidence.

The poker table as a boardroom proxy

After a decade in investment banking and raising over £1 million for a femtech startup before exiting, I’ve learned that success isn’t about having the best hand; it’s about how you play it. The same skills that drive poker, reading people, making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information, and staying cool under pressure are what define great leaders, especially in the startup world.

At Aces High, we strip poker down to its core lessons, removing the gambling element and replacing it with structured learning experiences. Our workshops immerse teams in fast-paced, high-stakes scenarios where they must think critically, adapt quickly, and trust their instincts. You don’t need to know poker; our professional dealers, including World Series of Poker experts, guide you through hands-on learning that you can immediately apply in the workplace.

Redefining the game for everyone

One of the biggest myths about poker is that it’s only for the loudest, most aggressive players. In reality, the best players and leaders are those who observe, assess, and strike at the right moment. That’s why Aces High resonates with professionals from startups to corporate executives.

We’ve seen complete beginners outplay seasoned pros simply by focusing on emotional control, risk assessment, and strategic patience. This mirrors real-world leadership; you don’t need all the answers, just the ability to make the best decision with the information at hand.

Going all in: what’s next for aces high

Since launching, we’ve worked with top VC firms, tech startups, law firms, and investment managers – all looking for a fresh approach to training. The feedback has been incredible, teams leave our sessions more connected, confident, and prepared for high-pressure challenges.

With a strong start and a growing client base, Aces High has ambitious plans. We’ve been featured on BBC and CBS News, and Richard Branson even shared our pitch with his 4 million followers as part of the Elevator of Dreams campaign with Simon Squibb, endorsing our vision.

We’re expanding beyond London, with plans to franchise across the UK and internationally. My mission is simple: to break down barriers – not just in poker but in business, and help professionals master calculated risk-taking, resilience, and strategic leadership in a fun, high-energy environment.

At its core, poker teaches us to embrace uncertainty, take calculated risks, and trust our instincts, the same qualities that define successful leaders. Whether at the poker table or in the boardroom, it’s not just about the cards you’re dealt, it’s about how you play them. And sometimes, success comes down to one thing: having the courage to bet on yourself.