Leveling Up: How Jacquie Carroll Pivoted from Consulting to Gaming
Switching industries can feel like starting from square one—especially when your prior success doesn’t guarantee a win in a brand-new arena. Jacquie Carroll’s move from educational consulting to launching GameKraft demonstrates how community, curiosity, and courage can transform a fresh start into a high-score success.
Name: Jacquie Carroll, EdD, AFC
Company: GameKraft
Website: https://www.gamekraft.us
Challenge & Lesson:
“Last year, I embarked on a new chapter in my professional journey. After a successful career in higher education, instructional design, and student success, I launched my next chapter as the Founder & CEO of GameKraft, where I bring together my passions for teaching, learning, and fun to create innovative educational games.
One of the most significant challenges I faced was the lack of knowledge about this new industry. I needed to immerse myself in the new community to understand its norms and intricacies. I quickly realized that my success in consulting and education did not automatically translate to success in board and card games. I decided to lean into my new community, seeking advice, mentorship, and collaboration from industry experts and fellow entrepreneurs.
I have always been a learner as well as a teacher, and I value being part of a strong community. In my mind, tapping into the power and collective knowledge of community and the importance of building strong relationships is key for entrepreneurs. I credited much of my success to the support I received from my peers and mentors, who provided invaluable insights and guidance. Through networking events, industry conferences, and online forums, I was able to connect with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for fun, educational games and entrepreneurship.
Pivoting and embracing new opportunities played a significant role in my success. I believe it is important to stay open-minded and be willing to take risks, even when faced with uncertainty. Living during a time where many of us will have several careers in our lifetime, it is good to recognize that with perseverance, support, and a commitment to learning, it is possible to navigate new industries and achieve success.”
Jacquie’s journey reminds us that no matter how seasoned you are, every pivot begins with a learner’s mindset. Embracing community, mentorship, and calculated risks, she turned an unfamiliar industry into an opportunity to blend education with play—proving that with curiosity and support, any entrepreneur can elevate their capabilities.
