The Women of PokerNews: Innovation and Leadership in Focus

This International Women’s Day, PokerNews is proud to pull back the curtain and celebrate the talented women who drive the company forward.

From the logistics of global live events to the psychology of digital design, these are the people who are vital within the PokerNews organization.

Hard Work Behind the Scenes

For Global Live Events Executive Sava Krink, success is often measured by what the audience doesn’t see: the absence of chaos. For Krink, her pride comes from the invisible frameworks she builds to support our global operations.

“Knowing I helped build that framework behind the scenes, that’s when I’m proud”

“When you see multiple events running smoothly across different regions with the right people in place, it’s incredibly rewarding,” says Krink. “When everything works, the output is high quality, our partners are happy, and no one notices the potential chaos behind the scenes—knowing I helped build that framework behind the scenes, that’s when I’m proud.”

This sentiment is shared by UX & CRO Specialist Steph Freeland, who finds her motivation in the journey from a “rough idea” to a functional reality. Working at the intersection of design and technology, Freeland enjoys working on adding features that our readers use every day.

“The process of collaborating to shape an idea into something real is always exciting,” says Freeland. “But the best part is watching it go live. I love improving how things look and feel, but seeing those changes actually make a difference to our users reminds me that even small ideas can have a massive impact.”

“When something starts as a rough idea in my head and seeing it come to life, that process is always exciting,” says Freeland. “The whole team works to shape it into something real and I get to watch one of my feature ideas come to life.

“But the best part is watching it go live and seeing users actually interact with it. I love improving how things look and feel, but what really keeps me motivated is seeing those changes actually make a difference to the people who use our website. It’s reminded me that even small ideas can have a real impact, and I really enjoy being part of that process.”

Confidence is the Key

While live events heavily influence PokerNews and its output, the people who manage the content that it creates are vital. Sophie Moseley, Junior Data Entry & Content Publishing Assistant, recently proved this during her work on the Sportsbet coverage for the Italian Winter Olympics. As a vital link in a growing content team, Moseley has seen her role evolve into one of leadership and mentorship.

“I’m the point of contact for our freelance writers and I’ve been surprised at how much confidence I’ve grown in this role. I’ve learnt that I can grow my skills in multiple areas at once, be counted on to teach processes to others and boost team spirits.”

“I’ve got way more confident working with data than I ever expected”

Freeland agrees that she has also seen the impact of being a vital part of the team that makes PokerNews the industry-leader it is today.

“I used to rely mostly on gut instinct, but here I’ve learned how to read the numbers and spot patterns. I’ve got way more confident working with data than I ever expected, and can explain it in a way that actually helps the team make decisions.”

Leading From the Front

Leading in a fast-paced, global environment requires a delicate touch. something Krink has mastered while navigating the complexities of the PokerNews live reporting business. Managing a global network of freelancers has pushed her well beyond her original comfort zone.

“Most people probably think live event coverage just ‘happens,'” she says. “I’m learning how to motivate without micromanaging, how to give honest feedback while keeping relationships strong, and how much small communication choices can shape a working relationship.

“It’s an ongoing process, and one that’s made me much more aware of how I show up as a leader.”

While the responsibility of overseeing global events felt heavy at first, Krink has embraced the challenge as a catalyst for her own career

“I’ve realized I actually enjoy being the person who connects the dots and makes things work. It’s pushed me to step up in ways I probably wouldn’t have chosen for myself earlier in my career.”