Stacking the Bench: Amanda Ladner on Developing the Next Generation

"Mentorship is how we multiply wisdom, share lessons (including the hard ones), and build the next generation of leaders. It's how we stack the bench in our bullpen and win the ongoing war to create and retain great talent."

Amanda Ladner is based on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where, as she puts it, "hospitality meets heart, and community is everything." As Vice President of Human Resources at Penn Entertainment, she supports Boomtown Casino Biloxi, Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast, and Sanford Orlando Kennel Club. But her understanding of the role goes beyond the typical HR description.

"My role is much more than policies, compliance, and procedures; it's all about people, culture, and retaining & developing highly engaged Team Members to allow talent to thrive and grow."

Her focus on development extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities into her work as a mentor through the Global Gaming Women mentorship program.

An Impression That Lasted

Amanda's inspiration to become a mentor came from someone who left a lasting mark on her career: the late Susan Foster, former GM at Rivers Casino. "Her belief in developing women in the gaming industry was contagious."

The belief passed from Susan to Amanda continues through Amanda's own mentorship work. What she finds most rewarding is "watching mentees step into their potential - whether it's a new role, a bold decision, or simply finding their voice."

Many Moments, Not Just One

When asked about specific moments or success stories from her mentorship journey, Amanda simply says: "There isn't just one moment, there are many. I've seen team members rise from entry-level roles to become Directors and Vice Presidents. I've watched others pivot into entirely new functions, for example from Hotel to Human Resources, and absolutely thrive."

Each person's path looks different, but the support and guidance help them navigate their unique journey.

A Two-Way Street

Mentorship has shaped Amanda's own development in ways she continues to recognize. "Mentorship has deepened my sense of purpose in the professional world. Personally, it's taught me to listen with more intention and lead with more empathy. Professionally, it's sharpened my ability to see potential in others, even before they see it in themselves."

She sees each conversation as an opportunity for her own growth. "Every conversation with a mentee challenges me to reflect, adapt, and grow. It's a two-way street of learning; I constantly learn from mentees by listening to their stories and experiences."

The experience has worked on her like both "a mirror and a magnifier; it shows you where you've grown and where you still can. It's made me more intentional in how I lead and more grateful for the people who've taken the time to pour their knowledge and time into me."

Just an Hour a Month

Amanda's advice to someone considering becoming a mentor for the first time acknowledges the reality of busy schedules while making the task manageable: "Do it, even if it's just an hour a month. We're all caught in the whirlwind of life and operations, but someone once made time for you. Pay it forward."

And you don't need to be perfect: "You don't need to have all the answers, just a willingness to listen, guide, and be a cheerleader for someone else's potential."

No One Gets There Alone

Amanda's perspective on why mentorship matters comes from her own experience receiving guidance. "No one gets to where they are alone. I've had many mentors with various experiences and functional area expertise, especially my husband, whose deep industry knowledge and unwavering support have shaped my journey."

She sees mentorship as essential to organizational sustainability. "Mentorship is how we multiply wisdom, share lessons (including the hard ones), and build the next generation of leaders. It's how we stack the bench in our bullpen and to win the ongoing war to create and retain great talent."

A Resource for Perspective

For women in gaming, Amanda recommends Choose Your Perspective by John Martin. "It's not just a read, it's a mindset shift. It challenged me to think intentionally, filter out distractions, and build habits that elevate my perspective and confidence. It's a powerful tool for anyone navigating the complexities of leadership, especially women in gaming."

Building the Next Generation

From the Mississippi Gulf Coast to multiple Penn Entertainment properties, Amanda continues the work Susan Foster inspired in her: developing women in the gaming industry. She's watched entry-level team members become VPs, seen people pivot successfully into new functions, and helped mentees find their voice.

Each transformation adds another person to the bench, another leader ready to step up. That's how wisdom multiplies - one mentorship relationship at a time, even if it's just an hour a month.