Six Questions for Carol Thompson

Tiffany Brown

Carol Thompson is one of only a few women running a Las Vegas-area casino resort. She says there’s sexism in the gaming business, but she’s able to tune it out.

By Liz Benston (contact)

Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Carol Thompson, assistant general manager of Aliante Station, which opens Tuesday, is among a few women in Las Vegas running casino hotels.

Was there a “eureka” moment when you realized that a management job was within reach?

When Felix Rappaport left Treasure Island to become general manager of Boulder Station, I followed him. I saw how Station Casinos was willing to give people opportunities. And Felix was the kind of boss who’d give you projects regardless of the title you had. When you work with someone at that level, you sit in on all the meetings. It’s all there for you to learn.

Loyalty seems like a tough sell at the bigger companies. What does it mean to you and why does it matter?

This business is about relationships and the way you treat people. When people take a chance on you, the last thing you want to do is disappoint them. There are going to be good times and bad times. When things get rough, you wait for the upside to come because it will.

How much of your success is luck and how much is hard work?

I’ve been blessed to work for great people. But it’s also about wanting something badly enough and going for it. Some people never get that break. If you’re not working for the right employer who’s going to recognize your contributions, that’s a problem.

The gaming business is very much an old boys club. Have you encountered sexism?

It’s noise that’s out there and I choose not to let it be a distraction. I’m not conscious of the fact that I’m a woman. People will know you’re a hard-working person and deserving of opportunities.

How have you balanced career and family?

There have been times when that balance has been successful and times when I’ve been terrible at it. I have the support of my children and husband. I’ve also been lucky to have people tell me when I’m spending too much time at work. There were times I was with family or friends but not fully present. It took me years to learn that.

Do you have any management advice?

No matter what position you’re in, think about the next position you want and stretch yourself so you can grow.

Starting out, work hard and trust that the money will come. In my experience, those new to the corporate world want to be paid first and prove themselves later.