Ever thought a simple game with your child could spark a whole new career?
My name is Barbora Polaskova, and I navigate two seemingly distinct careers. By day, I am the Head of Finance at DNAi, and in my spare time, I am a certified esports coach. I hope my story inspires you to realize that it is never too late to start something new. Here’s a glimpse into my unique journey and the unexpected connections between these two roles.
From Mother to Gamer: A Surprising Start
My venture into esports began five years ago, driven by a simple desire to connect with my son. He wanted a gaming partner, and I willingly joined in. Little did I know, the roles would soon reverse — my son moved on, but I found myself completely hooked. Specializing in Fortnite, a relatively new game at the time, I dived deep into its mechanics and community. The turning point came when I started writing articles about Fortnite for Playzone, a popular gaming platform. This involvement exposed me to the professional esports scene, where I observed and wrote about competitive matches. My passion and knowledge grew, leading me to join the Czech esports Association as a secretary and later pursue a certification course to become an esports coach.
The Path to Professional Coaching
Becoming a certified esports coach wasn’t just about mastering the game. The training, conducted at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University, emphasized a holistic approach. We learned to prepare players mentally and physically, incorporating aspects like ergonomics, nutrition, and sleep hygiene. This comprehensive training aims to ensure that aspiring gamers maintain a healthy balance between gaming and physical activity. We aim to achieve the same balance at youth camps, which I also help organize.
Finance and Esports: Unexpected Parallels
Parallel to my esports journey, my professional career has always been rooted in finance. With a degree in economics and years of experience in various financial roles, joining DNAi as Head of Finance was a natural progression. Managing financial operations for a company focused on artificial intelligence requires precision, strategic thinking, and a calm demeanor under pressure — skills that surprisingly overlap with esports coaching.
A core lesson from my coaching experience is the crucial importance of mentality. Success in both finance and esports hinges on clear focus and resilience. In esports, players must learn to leave past mistakes behind and approach each new game with a fresh mindset. Similarly, in finance, it is essential to analyze past decisions, learn from them, and move forward with a strategic plan.
Final Thoughts
Combining a career in finance with a passion for esports might seem daunting, but it is incredibly rewarding. The skills and lessons from each field complement and enhance my performance in the other. To anyone considering a similar path, I say embrace it. Whether you’re driven by professional ambition or a passion for gaming, the journey is enriching and offers valuable insights applicable to all areas of life.
Thank you for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to explore the intersections of your own interests and career paths.
Written by:
Barbora Polaskova
