Most
Influential Bahar Alaeddini
Women
Partner , Harris Hagan
Bahar Alaeddini ’ s motivation for success goes right back to her childhood , where she learned the value of hard work and striving towards your dreams .
“ Experiencing adversity in my childhood is the thing that motivated me for the simple reason that I wanted a different life than I had been given and more control over my destiny ,” she says . “ I wanted to make my own choices , starting with studying well in my teens , and would work as hard as I could to have the best opportunities .
“ I learned persistence and resilience , which certainly helped in the early stages of my legal career when I was faced with fierce competition and repeated rejections !” To say Alaeddini is now well established in her career would be an understatement . However she openly admits that she has faced numerous challenges in her professional life , particularly when “ dealing with a difficult person , where I felt their gender and racial biases were clouding the way they treated me ”.
“ Once I put aside my personal frustrations , I overcame the challenge , got on with the job and realised that through no fault of mine , not everyone can be pleased ,” she explains .
As for the secrets to her success , Alaeddini says this is not a straightforward concept .
“ There really isn ’ t a secret sauce , as success is both a personal and continual journey , and it is something that I am still navigating !”
Looking towards the future of equity in gaming , Alaeddini believes it is important to show women that they can have a work-life balance – if this is fostered by the right work environment .
“ I am proud that at Harris Hagan we have equity : 50 % of both our partners and lawyers are female ,” she says . “ My hope is that women coming through the ranks in gambling compliance and / or legal roles both in-house and in private practice see that in the right environment you can enjoy your career , be good at it , have a personal life , including a family , and find balance !”
“ I am proud that at Harris Hagan we have equity : 50 % of both our partners and lawyers are female ”
ICE LONDON 2024 • ISSUE 135 • 103