Most
Influential Brianne Doura-Schawohl
Women
CEO & founder Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC
For Brianne Doura-Schawohl , making iGB ’ s Most Influential Women list represents a tremendous honour , especially in being recognised by her peers .
“ As a female business owner looking to make a difference and create a new path , it brings me an immense amount of gratitude and pride ,” she says .
The CEO and founder of Doura- Schawohl Consulting LLC modestly attributes her success to a village rallying behind her .
“ Success isn ’ t about embarking upon the journey alone or never failing ,” she adds philosophically .
Doura-Schawohl also highlights that as an entrepreneur , a wife and a mother , she is often faced with having to take difficult decisions , make sacrifices and take risks . “ Having mentors , colleagues , clients , family and friends – people that believe in me , truly believe in what I am doing and what I am trying to build – well , that ’ s my secret .”
Doura-Schawohl also acknowledges her mistakes and makes an effort to regroup quickly when professionally , things don ’ t go as planned . She also divulges that she ’ s getting better at asking for help .
“ I would like to believe these qualities don ’ t make me weak but rather put me in a position to continue to grow and evolve as a person and a leader ,” she says .
Another thing the CEO has come to terms with is the saying ‘ women can have it all ’. “ Whoever said that lied ,” she explains . “ No one can have it all . When I am away on business , I am sacrificing being home with my family , and when my family needs me , I could be losing out on potential business opportunities .
“ It ’ s all about priorities and being happy with the choices you make and the balance you desire and create for yourself .”
One of Doura-Schawohl ’ s biggest challenges in her journey has been finding her confidence . She admits that like many women she ’ s no stranger to imposter syndrome .
“ I have felt more times than I care to admit that , because I haven ’ t had many female mentors or come across many other female leaders in gaming , I somehow don ’ t belong or won ’ t be accepted . I ’ ve also found myself worrying once or twice that I have only received a job because I was a woman .”
Yet , once she let go of these mental obstacles , the CEO was able to find herself in a different state of mind .
“ I ’ ve found tremendous happiness in the realisation that I am more than capable , that I am being embraced by men and women in the industry due to my contributions , not my gender , and that I do have a meaningful place and role within this sector .”
“ It ’ s all about priorities and being happy with the choices you make ”
ICE iCE LONDON 2024 • ISSUE • 135 135 • 109 • 81