More Than Career Advancement: Alex Keating on Mentorship as Connection

"What started as a mentorship program turned into genuine friendships, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for the power of supporting one another. That is something truly special."

Alex Keating is based in the Kansas City Metro area, working for IGT as Director of Value Creation - IT & Product Technology. Her background spans technology, product, revenue operations, and people leadership, with a focus on strategic growth, operational transformation, and building high-performing teams. She's participated in the Global Gaming Women mentorship program as both a mentor and a mentee.

Learning and Giving Back

Joining the GGW mentorship program was to be expected for Alex. "I've participated in mentorship programs before and have always found a great deal of fulfillment in helping others grow, build confidence, and achieve their goals. At the same time, I strongly believe that no matter where you are in your career, there is always value in learning from the experiences and perspectives of others."

She joined GGW specifically to connect with women across the gaming industry while giving back. "I've always believed that growth happens through shared experiences, honest conversations, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge and support you."

Genuine From the Start

What made her mentorship relationships feel different was how quickly they became personal. "We started as complete strangers, but the conversations quickly evolved beyond career advice or professional development."

There was trust and vulnerability from early on. "Whether we were discussing leadership challenges, career goals, confidence, work-life balance, or navigating uncertainty, every conversation felt honest and supportive."

What's remarkable is that the relationships continued well beyond the formal three-month program. "All three relationships have continued well beyond the formal three-month program. I can genuinely say that my mentor and mentees became friends, not just professional connections, and that speaks volumes about the environment the mentorship program creates."

About the Advice

A significant shift happened for Alex around what mentorship actually is. "One of the biggest shifts for me was realizing that mentorship is often less about having all the answers and more about creating space for honest conversation, encouragement, and perspective."

She noticed this from both sides. "Some of the most meaningful conversations weren't centered around tactical advice at all. They were conversations about confidence, navigating change, overcoming self-doubt, and recognizing strengths that we sometimes overlook in ourselves."

That realization led to something bigger: "It reinforced for me that mentorship is not a one-way relationship. Both people grow through the experience."

What Stood Out

The quality that showed up across all three relationships was openness. "Everyone showed a genuine willingness to be honest, curious, and receptive, which created a foundation of trust very quickly."

From her mentor, she gained perspective. "My mentor brought a calm confidence and thoughtful leadership perspective that I deeply respected. She challenged me to think bigger while also reinforcing the importance of balance and self-awareness."

Her mentees brought determination. "Both of my mentees brought tremendous drive, humility, and eagerness to learn. Watching them navigate new challenges, pursue growth opportunities, and step outside of their comfort zones was incredibly inspiring."

Beyond Career

The program reshaped how Alex sees mentorship entirely. "Before this program, I viewed mentorship primarily as a professional development opportunity. Now, I see it as something much more personal and transformational."

She's clear about what mentorship actually does: "Mentorship has the ability to build confidence, expand perspectives, strengthen leadership skills, and create lasting relationships that continue long after the program formally ends."

And it's not just for early-career people. "Mentorship is valuable at every stage of your career. No matter how experienced or established you are, there is always something to learn from someone else's experiences and perspective."

For Those Considering It

Alex's advice to people thinking about joining is honest. "You do not need to have everything figured out to bring value to the experience. Some of the most impactful moments come from simply being willing to show up authentically, listen openly, and invest in another person's growth."

The program delivers on connection. "The program creates opportunities to build meaningful relationships with incredible women across the industry, and those connections can have a lasting impact both personally and professionally."

Resources for Growth

For other women in the field, Alex recommends Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. "Her work reframes leadership around courage, vulnerability, trust, and communication, which are incredibly important qualities in both technology and business environments."

She emphasizes balancing technical skills with personal development. "Some of the most impactful leadership skills are not purely technical. They come from emotional intelligence, adaptability, confidence, and the ability to build meaningful relationships with others."

And beyond books: "I genuinely believe mentorship is one of the most valuable resources available. Having people who encourage your growth, challenge your perspective, and help you navigate uncertainty can make an incredible difference throughout your career."

What It Became

For Alex, what began as a structured program transformed into something deeper. "What started as a mentorship program turned into genuine friendships, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for the power of supporting one another. That is something truly special."