Event report • Committees
Meet the Leader series - Deborah Papiernik
Full replay available at the bottom of this page
In celebration of International Women's Day and ahead of the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, our Women Leadership Committee hosted a special edition of its "Meet The Leader" series featuring Deborah Papiernik, Senior Vice President, New Business & Strategic Alliances at Ubisoft.
Bringing together participants from different locations, the virtual session offered an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of one of the world's most dynamic industries: gaming.
Throughout the discussion, Deborah Papiernik reflected on her unique professional journey and the reasons she chose to dedicate her entire career to the gaming industry.
Describing gaming as a powerful combination of creativity and technology, she highlighted its unique ability to bring joy, emotion, and engagement to millions of people around the world. More than a form of entertainment, gaming has become a platform for storytelling, social interaction, and innovation.
Her career at Ubisoft has allowed her to witness and contribute to the industry's remarkable transformation over the past decades, from traditional video games to immersive and interconnected experiences.
Beyond Gaming: Exploring New Frontiers of Entertainment
As Senior Vice President of New Business & Strategic Alliances, Deborah Papiernik's role today extends far beyond the development of video games.
She shared insights into Ubisoft's exploration of new forms of entertainment and strategic partnerships across a wide range of sectors, including live entertainment, location-based virtual and augmented reality experiences, music, healthcare, mobility, and culture.
These initiatives reflect a broader evolution of the gaming industry, where intellectual property, immersive technologies, and digital experiences increasingly intersect with other industries and everyday life.
The Role of AI in Creative Industries
Artificial intelligence was another key topic of discussion.
Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human creativity, Deborah Papiernik emphasized its potential as a tool to assist creators and enhance the creative process. She shared her perspective that AI should empower creation rather than replace it, enabling artists, designers, and developers to focus on imagination, storytelling, and innovation.
She also highlighted the opportunities presented by Generative AI to create richer, more personalized, and more immersive experiences for audiences.
Leadership Lessons for the Next Generation
One of the most impactful moments of the conversation centered on leadership and career development.
Drawing from her own experience, Deborah encouraged participants - particularly women aspiring to leadership roles - to make their voices heard, embrace their unique perspectives, and remain authentic in their leadership style.
She emphasized that challenging assumptions and contributing new ideas are not only important for personal growth but are also essential drivers of innovation within organizations. Building self-confidence, she noted, often begins with recognizing the value of one's own perspective and being willing to share it.
As with all Meet The Leader sessions, the event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to engage directly with a senior executive and gain insights into both leadership and industry transformation. The conversation highlighted how innovation, curiosity, and authenticity can shape a successful career, while also demonstrating the growing influence of women leaders in technology, entertainment, and business.
