Alexandra Rabensteiner - Lifelong Learning Through Mentorship

"Mentoring has definitely helped me grow - as a leader, and also as a coach. It keeps me listening deeply and holding space for someone else's process."

Alexandra Rabensteiner embodies the true spirit of mentorship—someone who both gives and receives, leading whilst continuing to learn. Based in the Austrian region of Styria, Alexandra serves as Marketing Director for IGT's EMEA Gaming division, where she blends strategy and creative execution with a deep commitment to empowering others. What makes her story particularly compelling is her dual perspective as both an active mentor and mentee, understanding mentorship as a continuous journey of growth and connection.

Building Teams, Empowering Growth

Alexandra's professional approach reflects her mentorship philosophy. "My work blends strategy, creative execution, and cross-functional collaboration, but at its heart it's about people. I'm passionate about building strong teams and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to grow, contribute, and succeed."

Her recommended resource for women in gaming speaks to her belief in women supporting one another. "One of my longtime favourites is Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. While it's sparked plenty of debate over the years, it still stands out to me as a powerful call for women to own their space - especially in industries like gaming, where leadership often is still male-dominated. What I appreciate most is that it blends research with relatable stories, encouraging women to step up, take a seat at the table, and not wait to be invited."

"It also highlights the importance of building supportive networks - and that's exactly what mentoring is all about. As a leader, I often see talented women holding themselves back out of doubt or perfectionism. Lean In reminds us that confidence can be just as important as competence - and that we rise higher when we lift each other up."

The Mentor's Journey: Paying It Forward

Alexandra's motivation to mentor stems from gratitude and a desire to create safe spaces for growth. "Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have people who believed in me, challenged me, and supported me - especially at times when I was still finding my voice. Mentoring is my way of paying that forward. I value creating a space where someone feels safe to explore their ambitions, ask honest questions, and grow into their potential."

Her approach focuses on celebrating uniqueness rather than conformity. "Every mentoring relationship is unique, but the common thread is the joy of witnessing progress - whether it's a bold leap forward or a quiet shift in mindset that changes everything over time."

A Moment of Transformation

One particular mentoring conversation illustrates Alexandra's impact perfectly. "One conversation that really stayed with me was with a mentee who felt frustrated and discouraged after being told - directly or indirectly - that she needed to 'act differently' in order to succeed. She felt like she had to change who she was just to meet expectations."

"During our talk, I reminded her that she didn't land her role by accident - she was there because of her capabilities, her perspective, and the unique way she leads. I encouraged her to stay true to herself and trust that her way of doing things is not only valid, but valuable. At the end of the call, she paused and said, 'Thank you. This is exactly what I needed to hear today.' Moments like that remind me why mentoring matters - sometimes, all it takes is someone else believing in you to help you reconnect with your own strength."

Growing Through Giving

Being a mentor has supported Alexandra's growth and helped her embody leadership attributes. "Mentoring has definitely helped me grow - as a leader, and also as a coach. It keeps me listening deeply and holding space for someone else's process, trusting that the answers often lie within them. Mentoring also challenges me to walk the talk. I can't encourage someone to own their voice, set boundaries, or lean into their strengths if I'm not modelling those behaviours myself."

"And honestly, I learn a lot from my mentees. Every conversation brings a new perspective, and those fresh insights often stay with me long after the session ends."

The Mentee's Perspective: Embracing Continuous Learning

Alongside her success as a mentor, Alexandra recognises the value of being mentored herself. "Even though I mentor others in my role, it doesn't mean I have all the answers. I have moments of uncertainty and self-doubt, just like anyone else. I'm a strong believer in lifelong learning, and for me, having a mentor is part of that journey and was a conscious decision to stay open and connected to fresh perspectives."

Her approach to being mentored reflects emotional intelligence and self-awareness. "What I hoped to gain wasn't so much advice in the traditional sense, but rather honest conversations. Someone I could think things through with, who could challenge me gently, and who would remind me of the bigger picture when I got caught up in the day-to-day."

Learning to Pause and Reflect

One of the most profound insights from her own mentoring experience changed how she leads. "One of the most valuable insights for me was being reminded that it's okay to pause. As someone who is naturally driven and solution-oriented, I often move forward without always giving myself space to reflect. Through mentoring conversations, I was encouraged to sit with discomfort a little longer, to not rush clarity, and to allow myself to be in the learning process rather than trying to fast-track through it."

"That small shift made a big difference in how I lead - and in how I show up for others."

The support she receives as a mentee enhances her professional and personal growth. "It's helped me gain clarity in moments when things felt uncertain or overwhelming. Having someone neutral but invested to speak with - who listens without judgment and challenges without ego - has been incredibly helpful. Professionally, it gave me a space to step back and look at things from a broader perspective. Personally, it reminded me that I don't always have to be 'on' or have it all figured out. It's okay to need support."

Advice for Both Sides of Mentorship

For aspiring mentors, Alexandra offers reassuring guidance. "If you're thinking about becoming a mentor, I'd say: go for it. You likely have more to offer than you think. Often, it's your real-life experiences - the challenges you've worked through, the decisions you've made, the lessons you've picked up along the way - that resonate most. Being a mentor isn't about having a perfect track record or a specific title. It's about showing up, being present, and genuinely wanting to support someone else's journey."

"What you see as 'just part of the job' might be exactly the perspective or reassurance someone else needs."

For potential mentees, her advice is equally encouraging. "Don't overthink it - mentorship isn't about having a detailed plan or a perfectly polished version of yourself. It's simply about being open to learning and willing to reflect on where you are and where you'd like to go. Having a mentor is not a sign that you're lacking something - it's a sign that you're invested in your own growth. No matter where you are in your career, there's always value in hearing someone else's story, gaining perspective, and finding support outside your usual circle."

The Ripple Effect of Mentorship

Alexandra's vision for mentorship extends beyond individual relationships to systemic change. "Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity isn't - especially in male-dominated sectors. Mentorship builds the missing bridges one conversation at a time. It breaks down barriers, builds confidence, and creates peer-to-peer support essential for lasting change."

"When people feel seen and supported, they're more likely to support others in turn. That ripple effect leads to stronger teams, more inclusive workplaces, and a more balanced industry. I truly believe that women need to stand by each other, not compete - but lift one another up."

For Alexandra, mentorship represents something profound: "A reminder that growth is a shared journey - we don't have to figure it all out alone."

Join the Journey

Alexandra Rabensteiner's story demonstrates that the most powerful mentors are often those who remain students themselves. Her dual experience as both mentor and mentee shows that growth is indeed a shared journey, where wisdom flows in both directions and everyone has something valuable to offer.

Whether you're ready to share your experience as a mentor or seeking guidance as a mentee—or perhaps both—the Global Gaming Women mentorship programme offers a space for authentic connection and mutual growth. Because as Alexandra's journey shows, we all have something to learn and something to teach, no matter where we are in our careers.