Ladies Royale: Poker, Strategy, and Empowerment for Women

The Donas da Voz podcast delved into the world of Ladies Royale, an exclusive event that is redefining the role of women in business and strategy. Hosted by Livia Matos, the episode brought together the creators of this inspiring movement: Ana Toledo, Ana Adélia, and Kelly Gusmão. They share how poker, a mind sport, became the perfect metaphor for developing essential skills for leadership and life.

The Spark of Ladies Royale: Boldness in Male-Dominated Spaces

The idea for Ladies Royale was born from the desire of businesswomen to question the status quo and occupy spaces that are predominantly male. Ana Toledo, Ana Adélia, and Kelly Gusmão, already accustomed to corporate environments, realized the potential of poker as a powerful tool. "We are women who love to question the status quo and occupy predominantly male spaces," says Ana Toledo, emphasizing that poker is one such space. What started as a relaxed game night among friends, posted on social media, revealed a huge "repressed demand": women eager to learn and connect through the game. The inaugural event, with just six weeks of planning, gathered 30 women at a black-tie gala, demonstrating the power of a bold idea and impeccable execution, 100% conceived and operated by women.

Poker as a Metaphor for Business and Life

Poker is much more than a card game; it's an exercise in strategy, control, risk calculation, and emotional intelligence. The creators of Ladies Royale use these principles to inspire women to better position themselves in their careers and lives.

Strategy and Emotional Intelligence: Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Asked which of these skills women most lack or excel in, they agree that emotional intelligence is a feminine strong suit. However, Ana Adélia points out that while women study more and have great capacity, "they lack a bit of strategy in knowing they are well-positioned and can use that to their advantage." Kelly adds that women are taught not to be aggressive, whereas in poker, "aggression" (in the sense of boldness and betting) is crucial for success. Women need to "strategically position themselves and fight for a better salary or the job we want."

"Pot Commitment," "All In," and "Bluff" in Real Life

Poker terms take on new meaning when applied to daily life. "Pot commitment" describes the difficulty of letting go of something (an idea, a relationship) in which one has invested a lot, even when it's no longer advantageous. "All in" represents an all-or-nothing approach, the bold decision to bet all chips. "Bluffing," often viewed negatively, is valued as a strategic tool in business and life. "You need to appear to be before you are," explains Ana Adélia, "you need to appear to be the best option among all competitors to win that bid." Livia Matos complements this with the phrase "Fake it until you make it," emphasizing that this can be a form of protection and empowerment.

The Power of Sisterhood and Breaking Taboos

Support networks and sisterhood are pillars of Ladies Royale. "We do absolutely nothing alone," Kelly emphasizes. Being surrounded by women who inspire and uplift is fundamental for growth. The event goes beyond the game of poker, creating an environment of networking and mutual support, where "poker is, in fact, the excuse for us to be here together."

Challenging Boundaries and the Male Imagination

Ladies Royale is a provocation to the male power structure. With cigars, drinks, and an exclusive environment for women (cis and trans), the event asks: "One day they said: 'poker is not for women, drinking is not for women, cigars are not for women.' Where were these ideas created? Why were they created?" The female exclusivity stirs the male imagination, generating curiosity and even questions about how to gain entry, reinforcing the movement's impact.

The Biggest Barrier and the Triad of Money, Power, and Freedom

The biggest barrier for women to dare more in business and life? The guests agree that it's "herself," but that this stems from a complex "historical-cultural context." Rights like voting and having a bank account are recent achievements, and women still deal with the stigma of "not being good with money."

The triad of money, power, and freedom is still a taboo. Financial independence is identified as the "main move" for women to take ownership of their lives and have the power of choice, especially in challenging situations. "Women will only achieve this through financial independence," states Ana Toledo.