The Rise of Poker in the Workplace: A Game of Strategy and Skill Beyond the Casino
Introduction to the New Workplace Trend
In an unexpected twist, the high-stakes world of poker is finding a new home—not in casinos or secret underground clubs, but in the modern workplace. Thanks to the vision of Jo Living, a passionate card player and entrepreneur, the game of poker is being reimagined as a tool for professional development. By teaching employees the art of strategic thinking, negotiation, and decision-making, Living is proving that poker is more than just a game—it’s a powerful skill-set that can transform the way people approach their jobs. At the heart of this movement is Living’s company, Aces High, which is reshaping the way businesses invest in their employees’ growth.
From a Childhood of Cards to a Career in Poker
Jo Living’s journey into the world of poker is a story of unexpected twists and turns. Growing up in a family of bridge teachers, Living was surrounded by cards from a young age. She learned to shuffle cards at the tender age of five, but it wasn’t until her 30s that she discovered poker. What began as a casual interest quickly turned into a passion, and it was during a pivotal trip to Morocco—where she won her first international poker tournament while pregnant—that Living had an epiphany. She realized that the skills she honed at the poker table could be transferable to the boardroom. This realization set her on a path to empower others, particularly women, to embrace these skills and apply them in their professional lives.
The Birth of Aces High and Its Mission
Living’s vision to bring poker into the workplace led her to launch Aces High, a company that hosts poker workshops across the U.K. These workshops are designed to help employees, especially women, build confidence and develop key skills such as negotiation, communication, and strategic thinking. Living noticed that while poker is often seen as a male-dominated game, many of the skills required to excel at it—such as empathy, intuition, and deep listening—are inherently “female skills.” By teaching these skills in a fun and inclusive environment, Living aims to create a more level playing field for women in the workplace. Her workshops have already started to yield results, with participants reporting increased confidence, better client relationships, and even career advancements.
How Poker Translatesto the Boardroom
At the heart of Aces High’s approach is the belief that poker is more than just bluffing and bravado. The game requires a unique combination of logic, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—skills that are just as valuable in the boardroom as they are at the poker table. During her workshops, Living guides participants through exercises that focus on decision-making, risk-taking, and the ability to reassess and adapt. These exercises are designed to help employees develop a better understanding of themselves and their colleagues, fostering stronger communication and collaboration. By removing the high-stakes pressure of real-money poker, Living creates an environment where participants feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their mistakes.
Bringing Poker to the Office: A Fun and Inclusive Approach
One of the most unique aspects of Aces High’s approach is its ability to make poker accessible and enjoyable for everyone. During a recent workshop at Stepping Stone Media in London, poker tables were set up in the office, complete with cards, dealers, and chocolate chips (instead of real money). The event was met with enthusiasm from employees, who appreciated the opportunity to step away from their desks and engage in an activity that felt both fun and professional. David Mynard, the company’s managing director, summed up the experience perfectly: “I really love the idea of taking the game of poker and thinking about how that can translate to learning about ourselves and developing our own skills of communication and reading other people.” For Mynard and his team, the workshop was a resounding success, offering a refreshing way to build camaraderie and improve workplace skills.
The Future of Aces High: Expanding the Game of Professional Development
As Aces High continues to gain momentum, Living has big plans for the future. She hopes to franchise her workshops across the U.K. and eventually bring them to the U.S. Her ultimate goal is to create a global movement that challenges traditional norms and empowers employees—especially women—to embrace their full potential. With its unique blend of fun, strategy, and professional development, Aces High is redefining what it means to “play the game” in the modern workplace. For Living, it’s not just about winning hands or making deals; it’s about helping people bet on themselves, no matter what life—or work—throws their way.
