Lara Gertzen

CEO, Co-Founder, and one hell of a poker player.

Lara Gertzen doesn’t just play poker — she plays the long game. Since founding The Poker People in 2006, her company has produced thousands of poker tournaments. Providing equipment, dealers and expertise to everyone from small nonprofits to former presidents. She’s built a powerhouse brand that has raised over $20 million for charity and delivered unforgettable events for Fortune 500 companies nationwide. With a staff of 50 and audiences that span from boardrooms to ballrooms Lara has built a reputation for creating high-energy, high-impact experiences where competition, strategy, and connection meet.

Now Lara is stepping away from the poker table to expand her role as a speaker. Her signature talk “Soft Skills You Can’t Afford to Fold” teaches audiences — especially women — how to use games like poker as both a training ground and a metaphor for mastering the skills that win in business and in life.

Her talk blends sharp strategy with relatable stories, inspiring listeners to take smart risks, read the table, and play to win. If you’re ready to raise the stakes at your next seminar, team building event, or networking session, Lara is ready to deal you in.