She Didn’t Love the Camera, but Now She Runs a Studio
When Evolution first came to Canada, it wasn’t just a studio opening, it was the beginning of something transformative. Among the very first Game Presenters hired was someone who never imagined herself on camera. What started as a leap into the unknown turned out to be the best job she has ever had.
This is the story of Clarisse, one of our very first Game Presenters hired in Evolution Canada who went on to become Operations Manager and helped build our Burnaby studio from the ground up.
Her journey is proof that you don’t have to love the spotlight to shine.
Stepping out of her Comfort Zone
Her journey started with some hesitation and uncertainty.
“The camera and I were never friends,” she laughs. “That’s not my comfort zone. But I still took the leap and gave it my best. That first day of our table launch in February 2018? Terrifying! My heart was pounding.”
The minutes before the tables went live were intense. But she remembers the moment she pulled herself together, relied on her training and made it through.
“That day was emotional. I had tears in my eyes as it was such a huge moment we had trained for and looked forward to. I felt that I was part of something special.”
Discovering Evolution and the Game Presenter Role
Originally from Lebanon, she had lived in Montreal for over a decade before coming to Vancouver to become a yoga instructor. While waiting for her license, she discovered Evolution.
“I told my mom that it felt like I won the lottery,” she says.
“I stumbled onto this big company that just started in Canada, came in for a tour, and was blown away by the concept and opportunity for growth. I thought why not give it a shot?”
Despite the initial nerves, she says being a Game Presenter was the best job she’s ever had.
“You’re completely immersed in the moment. You get giggles, energy, and adrenaline in the studio. It was so much fun and totally unexpected.”
And to those who think you need to be outgoing or a natural performer to thrive in the role, she says: “That’s a misconception. You just need to be open, curious, and willing to try. You grow into it.”
Building Burnaby’s Studio with a Dream Team
About half a year into her role as a Game Presenter, she was promoted to Team Manager. Just as she began wondering what was next, the opportunity to open Burnaby studio came along.
“It was intense but also really exciting. We were building something brand new, and it felt like I was jumping several steps all at once.”
But it worked, and more than that, it thrived.
“As cliché as it sounds, teamwork really made the dream work. Together with some of the founding employees, we went over to Burnaby and implemented everything we learned in New Westminster,” Clarisse recalls.
“With the experience, everyone knew the pace, the expectations, and they had the heart for it. We all had a mission and had something to prove”.
It was a proud moment for the entire team. We captured the excitement of opening Burnaby’s new floor and a turning point in our studio’s growth: See the LinkedIn post here
Why Evolution Promotes from Within
Clarisse is a firm believer that the strength of Evolution lies in its people, especially those who grow with the company from the ground up.
“Everyone in our Floor Management team in Burnaby was once a Game Presenter, a Shuffler, or a Card Inspector. That is not a coincidence. We promote from within.”
“We know that putting yourself in someone else’s shoes doesn’t come naturally to everyone. However, having been in those roles ourselves helps us make operational decisions that are sincere,” she says. She adds that even external hires should experience life on the floor to truly understand operations.
“Being a Game Presenter and Team Manager taught me everything I needed to know to be a successful Operations Manager. It wasn’t so much from my previous work experience, it was that hands-on time with the games and the people.”
Diversity as a Strength
The Burnaby studio isn’t just successful, it’s incredibly diverse. People from different cultures, speaking different languages, working together toward a shared goal.
In the Burnaby studio alone, we represent over 30 nationalities, and we offer Game Presenter jobs in Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. There are also other roles such as Card Shufflers and Card Inspectors that do not require these language skills. In fact, many members of the floor management and office support do not speak these languages.
“That’s our strength. No two people here have the same background, but everyone brings something unique to the table. We play multiple roles and help each other grow in our new roles. We pool in all our ideas and always keep an open mind. We’re bold and gutsy, and it works”.
When One Door Closes, Trust That Another Will Open
She also believes Evolution’s global presence gives people a reason to dream big.
“I wasn’t selected the first time I applied for another senior role back in 2021. It broke my heart, but I didn’t give up as I see the company’s growth potential. The amazing thing about Evolution is when doors close, you know that there will be others open. That’s the beauty of being part of a large company that’s still growing.”
Her Advice to Anyone Thinking About Joining Evolution
“We are in an exciting phase of growth now, and there’s no better time than now to be part of Evolution’s growth. This was the exact reason I was attracted to Evolution back then due to how international it is, and how much the potential for career growth it has”.
“For people who have already joined us, this is also the perfect time for career growth since there will be a lot of opportunities as we prioritize promoting from within”.
For people who aren’t sure if they love the spotlight, Clarisse has the following advice:
“Just be curious, and you’ll find your place at Evolution and embark on a path you never imagined, just like I did.”
Inspired by Clarisse’s story?
Your own journey could start here