The iGaming Leader

In this episode of the iGaming Leader Podcast, Leo Judkins sits down with Ebbe Groes, the co-founder and CEO of EveryMatrix. From a garage in 2008 to building the world’s largest casino aggregation platform, Ebbe has navigated the brutal realities of scaling a B2B giant without the "fuel" of massive venture capital.Ebbe shares the high-stakes decisions of EveryMatrix’s "survival" era between 2015 and 2017, where the company nearly ran out of cash and the team took massive salary cuts to keep the dream alive. He pulls back the curtain on why he ringing a literal bell in meetings to keep efficiency high, the "law of large numbers" that makes VCs dangerous for founders, and why his recent decision to bring his brother in as co-CEO is about building a multigenerational legacy.GUEST BIOCo-founder & CEO, EveryMatrixEbbe Groes is a seasoned technology entrepreneur with a PhD in Economics and a proven track record of scaling software startups. Since co-founding EveryMatrix in 2008, he has transformed a bootstrapped venture into a leading global B2B iGaming provider that remains debt-free and founder-controlled. With nearly two decades of experience in the sector, Ebbe is known for his sharp commercial focus on tier-one clients and his commitment to maintaining product agility through modular, independent business units.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – The VC calculation: Why investors push 60% of companies "down the drain"02:00 – From garage to global giant: The EveryMatrix origin story04:00 – Founder-led advantages: Fast decision-making vs. board bureaucracy06:30 – Identifying bottlenecks: your Outlook calendar is your best leadership gauge 09:00 – The 2015–2017 crisis and nearly running  out of cash4:30 – Swapping salaries for equity during the lean years20:00 – Why EveryMatrix only raised $4.3M in 18 years25:00 – Watching your business dreams get taken by VCs28:00 – The luxury of "No": Segmenting clients into Gold, Silver, and Bronze32:30 – Co-CEO Strategy: Bringing in family to build a 100-year business37:00 – "Chop, Chop": Removing people who aren't in the fight with youMemorable Quotes"The key thing to understand about VCs is that they do their calculations on large numbers... they're going to push and accelerate to see if you belong to the 60% that go down the drain.""Suddenly the founders... their dreams are shut to pieces and they own 10% of the company. There's nothing fun about it. You feel then cheated from your own dreams.""It's important that you surround yourself with also people that think like you and you don't feel, 'oh, I'm alone in fighting this battle.'""If there's some founder in a similar situation... and he feels that some people are not with him... then, you know, here's your chance to get rid of them... So chop, chop."Key TakeawaysThe "Fuel" Trap: Venture capital often accelerates a company toward a "hit or fail" binary outcome. Founders who take too many rounds often end up as "passengers" in a company they no longer own or recognise.Modular Agility: Splitting a large organisation into independent business units with their own P&Ls prevents management bottlenecks and allows each product to compete as a specialist in the market.Transparency in Crisis: During the 2015 cash crunch, EveryMatrix survived by being radical about cost-cutting and transparent with staff, eventually converting reduced salaries into high-value equity.The Power of "No": Taking the wrong clients creates "opportunity cost" and disrupts your roadmap. Segmenting clients and being willing to cut off distracting revenue streams is essential for long-term scalability.Succession as Legacy: Bringing in a Co-CEO isn't just about bandwidth; it's about shifting from a "trade sale" mindset to a multi-generational, family-owned philosophy that preserves the company’s DNA.Follow Ebbe Groes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebbe-groes/Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/

In this episode of the iGaming Leader Podcast, Leo sits down with Charles Cohen, a serial entrepreneur who has experienced the industry's highest peaks and most isolating moments. From building beenz.com, one of the internet’s first digital currencies, to pioneering mobile-first gaming with Probability plc, Charles shares the raw reality of leadership when the "arc of the universe" refuses to bend to your will.Charles reflects on the "seasickness" of the .com bubble burst, where a $300 million valuation evaporated almost overnight, and the discipline required to stick to a "mobile-only" strategy when the rest of the industry was laughing at the idea. Now leading the Department of Trust, he discusses the evolution of player safety and why the most valuable lessons in a career are almost always learned on the way down.GUEST BIOCharles CohenFounder & CEO, Department of Trust / NED VeikkausCharles Cohen is a veteran technology entrepreneur who has founded, listed, and exited major businesses in both the UK and US. An Oxford PPE graduate, he rose to prominence as the founder of beenz.com before becoming the CEO of Probability plc, the pioneer of mobile-centric gambling games. Following Probability's acquisition by GTECH (now IGT), Charles spent nearly seven years as Vice President, leading global mobile and US sports betting expansion. Currently, he leads the Department of Trust, sits on the board of Veikkaus Oy, and serves on the UK Gambling Commission Industry Forum.Key topics discussed00:00 – You can’t negotiate with reality: Adapting or walking away.03:00 – Realising a $300M valuation no longer applies.09:00 – The Founder’s Trap: Being a passenger on your own train.11:00 – Closing offices and returning value honorably.16:00 – Why Charles resisted the "regular website" for Probability.19:00 – Mailing physical checks in the early days of mobile.24:00 – Every employee is taking a risk on your company.33:00 – Why selling a business is the most stressful period.37:00 – The PASPA Repeal: Being in the right place at the right time.44:00 – Compliance & Automation: Where manual processes go to die.48:00 – Why you should always have more questions than answers.Key takeawaysLearn on the Downward Trend: Success masks inefficiency. True learning and organisational discipline are forged during downturns and failures rather than during rapid growth.Don't Finesse the Inevitable: When a paradigm shift occurs—like a market bubble bursting—leaders must accept and adapt immediately. There is no room for denial or finessing a fundamental change in reality.The Discipline of Specialism: Real value is built by doing something different, not by being a "different version" of what everyone else is doing. Sticking to a "mobile-first" bet when desktop was king created long-term enterprise value.Identity vs. Momentum: High-growth startups can turn founders into "passengers on their own train." It is essential to maintain a rational perspective when behavior starts to be influenced by metrics like "fundraising" rather than core business health.Systems Over People in Compliance: Regulatory failure is often a system failure, not a people failure. Overburdened and under-equipped departments require better data and systems (like Open Banking) to make risk-based judgments effectively.Memorable quotes"There's no room for denial, you can't negotiate with it... You've either got to accept it and adapt to it, or get out and walk away.""The lesson that I took out of it ultimately is: you don't learn anything on the way up. Everything you learn, you learn on the way down.""All this Silicon Valley horse shit about defining the future... You can not bend the arc of the universe.""What's a couple hundred million between friends?"Follow Charles Cohen on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cohencharles/Follow Leo Judkins & iGaming LeaderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/subscribeJoin the Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/applyThis episode is sponsored by Sumsub, the leading identity verification provider for iGaming operators. Learn more at https://sumsub.com/blog/knowledge-hub/gambling/

In this episode of the iGaming Leader Podcast, Leo Judkins sits down with Andy Rogers, the quiet force behind some of the industry's most significant behind-the-scenes developments. Andy shares his journey from industrial design to launching and exiting multiple agencies and technology firms, including his strategic tenure at Media Tech and the eventual founding of Rokker.The conversation explores strategic decision-making under intense constraints, the intricacies of business design, and the reality of navigating a "mad" 10-year plan. Andy offers deep insights into the value of patience, the importance of running your own race, and why being undercapitalised is the most expensive mistake an executive can make.GUEST BIOAndy RogersFounder and CEO of RokkerAndy has been an MD, CEO, Investor, and Board member in the digital and gaming industries for 28 years. After studying Industrial Design at Brunel University, he launched his own design agency in 1998, working through the dotcom boom and bust, developing the UK's first online trading platform, and even running a military database business. He later joined Lightmaker as Managing Director, scaling it into a global leader with clients like Manchester United, Sony, and Nintendo.After moving to London to lead the digital arm of ETV Media Group, Andy entered the iGaming sector, eventually building the world’s first B2B social gaming platform. Following the sale of that business to Mediatech, he served as their Managing Director in Spain, overseeing nearly a third of the country's online GGR. In 2015, Andy founded Rokker, acting as an incubator for ventures including Random Colour Animal, Skull Mountain, and Pretty Technical, where he continues to lead today.Key Topics Discussed00:00 - Patient strategy and the "fuck it, I'll figure it out" mindset03:00 - Launching a first agency and the transition to "proper" jobs05:00 - Walking away from an acquisition payday at Media Tech09:00 - Why Andy chose to bootstrap Rokker instead of raising VC12:00 - Running your own race: Refusing to judge success by others' achievements18:00 - Reverse engineering a 10-year life and financial plan21:00 - The "Mad Plan": Incubating four businesses by waiting for the right people27:00 - Capital deployment: Deciding which fire to put out first34:00 - Listening to accountants without letting spreadsheets kill growth41:00 - Undercapitalisation: The canary in the coal mine for business failure43:00 - Why it is expensive to be poor: Blood in the water and bad deals50:00 - Advice to 25-year-old Andy: Get into gaming earlier and back yourselfMemorable Quotes"Our success is directly proportional to the number of times you've said: fuck it, I'll figure it out.""Investing is easy if you have an infinite amount of time.""It's expensive to be poor. You get worse deals, you get worse rates, someone can see the blood in the water.""Run your own race... I'm comfortable in my own skin to run my own race.""When you know, you know. There is no amount of swinging for the boundaries... you just know it's done."Key TakeawaysPatience is a Competitive Advantage: By giving himself a 10-to-15-year horizon rather than a standard 3-year VC cycle, Andy was able to build value without the pressure of external shareholders.The "Expensive to be Poor" Trap: Running a business undercapitalised forces you to take bad projects and accept suboptimal deals because investors can "see the blood in the water".Don't Cut Costs to Growth: While accountants are essential for structure, cost-cutting your way to a growth target is often a "convenient memory loss" that ignores the initial investment required to hit those numbers.Success is Contextual: Most industry success is based on context and timing rather than purely personal ability; leaders must be honest enough to admit when luck played a role.Back Yourself to Run Again: The highest leverage a young leader has is the conviction to run their own race rather than helping someone else achieve their goals at the expense of their own conviction.Follow Andy Rogers:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyrogersprofile/www.rokker.co.ukwww.rokkerx.teamwww.prettytechnical.ioFollow Leo Judkins & iGaming LeaderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/subscribeJoin the Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/applyThis episode is sponsored by Sumsub, the leading identity verification provider for iGaming operators. Learn more at https://sumsub.com/blog/knowledge-hub/gambling/

In this episode of the iGaming Leader Podcast, Leo sits down with Kyle Wiltshire, the founder and CEO of TESTA. Kyle takes us on a journey from the high-octane "Wild West" days of Bodog in Manila to building a global, bootstrapped testing powerhouse from his base in Taipei.Kyle shares the "brutal" reality of scaling an operation from 50 to 1,200 people in a flash, the hard-learned lessons of dealing with technical partners who try to "hold products hostage," and why he believes the common corporate trope of "we are a family" is actually toxic for performance. He opens up about his philosophy of "making yourself non-essential" and why the most successful leaders are generalists who know exactly when to hand off the ball.GUEST BIOKyle WiltshireFounder & CEO, TESTAKyle Wiltshire is a technical-leader-turned-entrepreneur who specialised in DevOps and backend innovation long before they were buzzwords. After years of driving massive scalability for Asia-facing operators, he founded TESTA in 2023 to solve a persistent industry pain point: real-world, crowdsourced QA for the global iGaming sector. Based in Taipei, Kyle is a self-proclaimed "generalist" with an MBA who believes in building lean, profitable businesses in uncontested markets.Key topics discussed00:00 – Why a company is a sports team, not a family.02:00 – Moving to Manila: The "brutal" 12-hour time difference and the project that never ended.04:00 – The Bodog Days: Scaling from 50 to 1,200 people and the chaos of "two of everything."09:00 – The Partner Betrayal: How a startup partner tried to hold code hostage for equity.14:00 – The Ethics of Equity: Why Kyle is now "freewheeling" no more with cap tables.16:00 – The Bootstrap Constraint: Why saying "no" to VC money made TESTA a more scientific business.23:00 – Finding the "Blue Ocean": Why Kyle chose crowdsourced testing over the "Red Ocean" of slot studios.26:00 – The Squeaky Wheel: Why coaching low performers is a drain on the high performers.31:00 – Parroting vs. Execution: The challenge of "yes-men" in diverse global cultures.36:00 – The Art of the Handoff: How to get over yourself and let the team run the booth.43:00 – The Vince McMahon Lesson: Railroaded ambition and disrupting regional territories.Key takeawaysThe Sports Team vs. Family Model: A family is unconditional; a company is mission-based. Viewing your team as a high-performance sports unit allows for the "ruthless" but necessary decisions required to protect the organisation's goals.Make Yourself Non-Essential: The ultimate goal of a founder is to be "off the critical path." If a business requires you to be the subject matter expert in every room, you haven't built a company—you've built a job.The "Mom Test" for Software: You can have all the data in the world, but you will always learn more by watching a real person use your product in their own environment. Data tells you what is happening; stories tell you why.Bootstrap for Clarity: Outside capital often forces a "race to the top" that ignores product-market fit. Spending "money that would have been in your pocket" forces a more disciplined, scientific approach to growth.Stop Fixing People: In leadership, you cannot solve people like a technical challenge. Spending excessive time coaching a low performer isn't just a waste of your time—it’s an insult to your high performers who are actually carrying the weight.Memorable quotes"A company is not a family. Let's be honest, we're trying to accomplish this thing... It’s not, we're all just here to hug each other and sing Kumbaya.""How would you ever get promoted if they absolutely need you to do the thing that you do? The goal is to make yourself not essential.""If you are clever enough to build another slot company in 2026, good on you... I like the uncontested space.""You have to learn to fire people when it’s not working because it’s actually this weird superpower that brings the whole group together."Connect with Kyle Wiltshire:https://www.testa.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kwiltshire/https://next.io/podcasts/next-io-podcast/kyle-wiltshire-the-truth-about-doing-business-in-southeast-asia/Follow Leo Judkins & iGaming LeaderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/ Newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/subscribe Join the Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/apply

In this episode of the iGaming Leader Podcast, Leo sits down with Ian Freeman, a commercial powerhouse who has navigated the high-stakes world of Kambi, IGT, and Inspired Entertainment. Ian pulls back the curtain on the "Bait and Switch" of executive leadership, the moments when the glossy job description meets the grim reality of a business in crisis.Ian reflects on the formative trauma of losing his father at 20 and how carrying a family legacy forged a "survive and thrive" mentality that defined his career. He shares the brutal honesty of walking into his first board meeting at a new firm only to realise the company was on the verge of insolvency, and how he learned, through painful trial and error, that coming in "too hot" can sometimes fuel the fire rather than put it out.Key topics discussed00:00 – The First Board Meeting: Realising there wasn't "another page" to the numbers.03:00 – Formative Crisis: Losing a father at 45 and taking over the family legacy at 20.07:00 – Breaking Down: The moment Ian realised he was living his father's life, not his own.08:00 – Fishing with Ted Baker: Lessons in entrepreneurship from the riverbank.10:00 – The "Moxie" Days: Learning the John McMahon sales toolkit.13:00 – The Scandinavian Consensus: What iGaming can learn from Kambi’s leadership culture.19:00 – Walking into Insolvency: How to lead when everyone's "hair is on fire."24:00 – The Danger of "Coming in Hot": Why speed isn't always the answer in a turnaround.28:00 – The Fear of Failure: Admitting when you need help in the C-Suite.33:00 – The B2B Sin: Why failing to deliver technology is "killing" your customers' businesses.40:00 – Living for Two: How Ian carries his father's legacy into the next 20 years of iGaming.GUEST BIOIan Freeman, former CCO & CRO (Kambi, IGT, Inspired Entertainment), is a veteran commercial leader with over 20 years of experience across Europe, North America, and LatAm. From driving Kambi’s landmark IPO to navigating the complex regulatory waters of Brazil for Inspired, Ian has seen the industry from every angle. Beyond the boardroom, Ian is a devoted father in a blended family and a passionate fly fisherman who finds his clarity in the silence of nature.Follow Ian Freeman on Linkedin:  www.linkedin.com/in/free-manFollow Leo Judkins & iGaming LeaderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/ Newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/subscribe Join the Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/apply

In this episode of the iGaming Leader Podcast, Leo sits down with Elen Barber, who went from affiliate manager to CMO at Kindred in just nine years, to explore what it really takes to lead through the industry's toughest challenges.Elen shares the brutal reality of her first weeks as CMO: facing a £100 million fine, Swedish re-regulation, plummeting share price, and multiple rounds of restructuring that forced her to make impossible decisions about people she'd worked alongside for years. She reveals how she kept 550 people motivated while simultaneously having to cut headcount, and why the loneliness at the top hit harder than she expected.About Elen BarberElen Barber has been working in the gaming industry for over 20 years and has witnessed its evolution from the wild west days to today's highly regulated landscape. She's held CMO roles at Super Group and Kindred Group, managing teams across multiple countries and dealing with everything from new market launches to regulatory curveballs. Based in London, she's passionate about how this industry continues to reinvent itself.Key Topics Discussed00:00 - Elen Barbers iGaming Journey03:00 - Creating your own opportunities: you can't wait for your manager08:00 - Why the higher you go, the lonelier it gets (and how to handle it)14:00 - Wearing different hats: the two-chair technique for managing emotions18:00 - Building trust: having your team's back and showing your true nature22:00 - The worst crisis in company history hits in week one as CMO26:00 - Managing multiple restructures while keeping people motivated34:00 - Life after Kindred: why career breaks aren't always roses36:00 - The pressure of being a perfect parent, perfect exec, perfect everything41:00 - Quick fire Q&A: leadership advice, mistakes, and legacyMemorable Quotes"It is too easy to make money in our industry comparing to any other industries. The margins are much higher. So we are spoiled for this. It doesn't drive innovation.""You also create opportunities, you don't wait for the opportunities to be created for you. You can't rely completely on your manager to get you through your career.""And it is scary for the leader to understand and accept that suddenly you know significantly less than people within your team.""I've been working all my life, and I didn't know how to relax, I missed that mental stimulation. ""You really have to try to take emotions out of the business decisions because these things do not work together."Connect with Elen BarberLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elen-barber/Follow Leo Judkins & iGaming LeaderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/ Newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/subscribe Join the Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/apply

In this episode of the iGaming Leader Podcast, Leo sits down with veteran executive David McDowell, co-founder of FSB Technology and an early pioneer in the B2B platform space, to unpack the brutal reality of the 30-year entrepreneurial journey.David shares the truth about leadership burnout (it's the weight of the decisions, not the hours), the biggest mistake CEOs make when scaling (waiting too long to remove a talented but toxic employee), and the devastating cost of losing your vision. He offers a raw, cathartic reflection on the final chapters of FSB: being named Platform of the Year, only to have the momentum killed by a lack of capital investment demanded by a board focused on short-term liquidity. This is a crucial lesson in battling the "noise to the vision" and the indispensable wisdom only gained by staying in the game long enough to get the wins.About David McDowellDavid started his career as an engineer in Michigan and moved to London to do an MBA in 1993. He launched his first business, a two-sided marketplace using college students to teach adults how to use the internet, in 1995. He has since spent 25 years in the gambling industry.He co-founded GameAccount (now GAN), an early skill games provider that pivoted to B2B casino games and platform provider before its IPO in 2013.He co-founded and was CEO for 15 years of FSB Technology, a B2B sports betting platform that was sold to PE in 2019 and on to EveryMatrix in 2024.He currently works as an independent consultant with various gambling-related businesses and serves as an Entrepreneur Mentor in Residence at London Business School.Key Topics Discussed00:00 - The entrepreneurial philosophy04:00 - Building the first venture (SOS) in 199506:15 - Transitioning to CEO: becoming the external face of the organisation07:45 - It often feels like everything that you do is a mistake10:00 - Managing burnout: the importance of compartmentalising and health16:30 - Careful who your investors are19:20 - The fundraising Goldilocks problem: minimising dilution while maximising runway24:30 - Why customer-led features are often an absolute waste of time31:00 - Knowing in your gut someone is wrong for the organisation37:00 - Communicating your vision clearly39:00 - Isolation in leadership47:00 - What would I do differently going backMemorable Quotes"The entrepreneurial journey is just staying in the game long enough so that you can get the wins.""All of those are almost noise to the vision. You still have to kind of make sure that you're building your own vision...""My biggest mistake is waiting too long [to remove a cultural mismatch] because I thought we need... we can't afford the disruption right now."Connect with David McDowellLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcdowell-547209?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BomU134VSR%2B2eskLlRqTFHQ%3D%3DFollow Leo Judkins & iGaming LeaderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/subscribeJoin the Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/apply

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with William J. Pascrell III, “BP3”. He is a partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group and a driving force behind the legalisation of sports betting and online gaming in the United States.BP3 shares the unseen cost of bold bets: losing every major client when he onboarded PokerStars to help bring iGaming to America, the two-year sprint that followed, and the resilience forged long before politics from a 45-day coma with spinal meningitis to the daily discipline learned from his father. This is a conversation about courage, people, and choosing to be a happy warrior rather than an angry gladiator.About BP3Bill Pascrell III is a veteran strategist and lobbyist who helped lead New Jersey’s iGaming framework and the decade-long campaign that culminated in PASPA’s repeal in 2018. He advises governments and gaming companies across the US and internationally on policy, compliance and market access.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – Scars, setbacks and the “small gladiator” mindset03:30 – “Architect of American sports betting” and what it really means08:00 – Growing up without privilege and learning to outwork everyone14:00 – Spinal meningitis as a teenager20:00 – Lessons from his father on example, integrity and service23:30 – The King David Hotel story and resourcefulness under pressure28:30 – Grief, legacy and the Pascrell Public Service Institute34:00 – Onboarding PokerStars, losing every client and starting again39:00 – NFL opposition, real-world pressure and personal risk40:00 – Happy warrior versus angry gladiator43:00 – People before everythingMemorable Quotes“I have the scars and the bruises to show I was a small gladiator in this fight.”“Give me 10% of 40 million and I’ll get this done in two years. And we did.”“I could have treated my adversaries more as a happy warrior than as an angry gladiator.”“Titles come and go. What matters is how we treat each other.”Connect with Bill Pascrell IIILinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billpascrell/X: https://x.com/BillPascrell3rdINSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/pascrell3rd/Follow Leo Judkins & iGaming LeaderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/subscribeJoin the Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/applyLearn more about BP3BP3 on Boston 25 Newshttps://www.boston25news.com/news/local/25-investigates-sports-betting-could-raise-odds-problem-gambling-ma/PSOWJETP6ZA4VAX24VQZFCQURI/The Philadelphia Inquirer: Entain Foundation U.S. Educates Athletes on Sports Bettinghttps://www.inquirer.com/sports/nfl-ncaa-betting-education-entain-foundation-amani-toomer-20230727.html#loadedBP3 for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania's Casinos Must Protect Problem Gamblershttps://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2022/11/28/racinos-betters-gambling-addiction/stories/202211280003Forbes: How New Jersey Will Double Down on Gambling if Casinos Come to New York Cityhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/willyakowicz/2022/10/14/how-new-jersey-will-double-down-on-gambling-if-casinos-come-to-new-york-city/BP3: From NJ.com: NJ Sports Bettors Need More Protectionhttps://www.nj.com/opinion/2024/04/nj-sports-bettors-need-more-protection-opinion.htmlGame Masters 2025: TOP 100 Most Influential Figures in the U.S. iGaming IndustryGame Masters 2025: TOP 100 Most Influential Figures in the U.S. iGaming Industry - USiGamingHUBSen. Addabbo: Legalize iGaming First, Then ‘I Want To Create’ Sweeps RegulationAddabbo: Legalize iGaming, Then 'I Want To Create' Sweeps RegulationCasinos, online play fuel strong July in NJCasinos, online play fuel strong July in NJ - NJBIZBP3: From IMGL Magazine– The Importance of Geolocation in the Online Gaming IndustryIMGL Magazine June 2025 Internet gaming, sports wagering pace February DGE report (updated)Internet gaming, sports wagering pace February DGE report (updated) - NJBIZBill Pascrell: US Election day warm up:https://next.io/podcasts/next-io-podcast/bill-pascrell-us-election-day-warm-up/?utm_campaign=Daily%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--thGRArZ3dvBERn9NoBY4lv0g8vB2vmx1uDcV5DecKSq-IXpITjwZ5BQ8Y2K1E1L1FtsB5UODaJ190VR9ISatxI2aSTCq25FCypCtUlLfYVSSP-xc&_hsmi=97835674&utm_content=97835674&utm_source=hs_email

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Jovana Popovic Canaki, CEO of iGP and one of the few female leaders in the B2B iGaming space. Jovana opens up about the emotional highs and lows of leadership, the hidden pressure of being “the strong one,” and the journey from intimidation and self-doubt to authentic, grounded leadership.The conversation explores losing her belongings abroad and what it taught her about vulnerability, balancing work with family roles, early-career imposter feelings, learning to lead without wearing a “manager mask,” and the reality of being a woman advancing through a male-dominated industry.Guest BioJovana Popović Čanaki, known to most as Jovi, is the CEO of iGP, an iGaming platform, aggregator, and lottery provider. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, she’s helped shape some of its most recognizable brands from Aspire Global to ORYX Gaming. Today she leads iGP’s evolution from a single-platform provider into a trusted, full-suite partner for operators worldwide.But what really defines Jovi is her belief that growth comes from people first. She’s known for leading with empathy, authenticity, and a strong sense of purpose, building teams where creativity, accountability, and trust go hand in hand.At iGP, she continues to champion the company’s Be Purple mindset, a reminder to stay bold, curious, and human, guiding both her team and partners to build gaming experiences that inspire connection and progress.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – The loneliness and emotional swings of leadership03:00 – Losing everything in a hotel lobby: vulnerability and perspective07:00 – The myth of work–life balance as a CEO, parent and expat15:00 – How her early years shaped her leadership style20:00 – Doubt, intimidation, and learning to “push through”32:00 – Wearing a “manager mask” and the cost of inauthenticity40:00 – Women in leadership: the progress, challenges and realities50:00 – Her advice to her younger self: stop doubtingMemorable Quotes“Do what you believe in.”“Why are you so afraid to show who you are? What’s the worst that can happen?” “If you don’t have a little stage fright, you don’t care enough.”Connect with Jovihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jovanapopovic/https://igamingbusiness.com/strategy/management/jovana-popovic-canaki-igp-leadership/https://g3newswire.com/igp-a-transformative-year/www.igpgaming.comFollow Leo Judkins & iGaming LeaderLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/subscribeJoin the Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/apply

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Daniel Brooks, dual founder and hands-on CEO of BetComply and Ridentify. Daniel shares how a thoughtful, mentor-first approach lets him scale two companies at once, trust strong operators, and stay composed when cashflow shocks or client pull-outs hit. He explains how journalling, walking meetings, and “breathing through” crises turn panic into analytical problem-solving and innovation.The conversation explores people-first leadership, letting go without losing control, choosing and backing the right operators, making brave pivots without losing your core, and building a personal resilience system that keeps you calm under pressure. Practical insights for founders, COOs, and execs across iGaming.Guest BioDaniel Brookes is an experienced business strategist and leader in the iGaming and technology sectors, currently serving as CEO of both BetComply and Rdentify. Known for his expertise in regulatory compliance, operations, and innovative AI-driven player protection solutions, Daniel has been instrumental in scaling businesses and driving growth in complex, regulated markets.He is recognised for his hands-on leadership style, strategic vision, and commitment to fostering collaborative, trust-first company cultures. Daniel’s work focuses on helping operators navigate the challenges of compliance while promoting responsible gaming and customer protection.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – Thoughtful leadership: mentor first, megaphone second03:00 – From hands-on Ops to true COO05:00 – Letting go the right way: trust, verify, then back your best people09:00 – Culture design: speed, iteration, low bureaucracy, clear process12:00 – Running two companies: vision, operators, repeatable model16:00 – “Breathe through it”: journalling and calm thinking in a crisis19:00 – Private GPTs, writing, and structured reflection as a coping system22:00 – Proud moments: team growth, fast KPIs, shared wins31:00 – Founders, focus, and plate-spinning: why this isn’t “the Daniel show”35:00 – Mentors who challenge vision and expand ambition40:00 – Disruption mindset: ask bigger questions, push for better41:00 – Family, holidays, and work–life choices that reduce stress42:00 – Final advice: hire great people, move fast, know when to stopMemorable Quotes“Lead from the top, not in the weeds. Trust the team to deliver.” “The only way through it is to breathe through it.” “Ask better questions: how do we disrupt and make this the best it can be?” “Don’t let anybody tell you to follow your dream if everything is saying no. Use those noes to realign.”Connect with Daniel: https://betcomply.com/https://rdentify.com/https://www.rdentifyconnect.com/https://thoughteconomics.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-brookes-367b5b14/Follow Leo on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: igamingleader.com

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Emma Blaylock, CEO of Pretty Technical and a tech leader who helped launch Kindle UK and drove early streaming at Sony. Emma shares how vulnerable leadership creates safe-to-fail teams that learn fast, stay calm under scrutiny, and execute with focus. The conversation explores helping your team feel safe-to-fail, hiring to your weaknesses, data-driven decision making, handling cashflow shocks, and female leadership in male-dominated rooms—offering practical insights for founders, product leaders, and execs across iGaming. Guest Bio Emma is an experienced business strategist and technology commercialist, having practised formal management consultancy at Deloitte and strategic investments, acquisitions and cross-group business development at Sony’s Corporate Development and M&A group in the U.S.  After Sony, Emma joined Amazon and delivered strategic initiatives to launch and grow Kindle in the UK and other European markets. Emma holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Nottingham and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management in Chicago. Key Topics Discussed 00:00 – Admit gaps: building a safe-to-fail culture 03:00 – Tech throughline: impact, innovation, disruption 05:00 – Bezos-level detail: data-driven calm under pressure 08:00 – Disrupting UK market with Kindle 10:00 – From imposter feelings to confident leadership 14:00 – Modelling vulnerability and psychological safety 22:00 – From Amazon to start-up: risk, family, flexibility 27:00 – Fundraising, COVID, and making hard calls 31:00 – When a big client can’t pay: cashflow and redundancies 39:00 – Raise-the-bar hiring: fill your weaknesses Memorable Quotes “No one's going to remember everything at the top of their head and have the answers for everything, that's not realistic.” “It's okay to be vulnerable around that, right? And honest around that. And then, as a team, you grow.” “That imposter syndrome we all talk about, I think it's always there, but you, you become more confident in what you can do and confident in where your weaknesses are.” “It's about having a culture that embraces failure, but then quickly learns from it.” Connect with Emma Blaylock:https://prettytechnical.io/linkedin.com/in/emmablaylockhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/pretty-technicalFollow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Max Meltzer, founder, CEO and investor, to unpack the real mindset and habits behind building in our industry.Max charts his path from early entrepreneurship to a strategic “reset” back into employment, then leaving a top commercial role to found Strive Gaming. He shares why founders must have the guts to fail, how prioritising health and family sharpens decisions, and what it looks like to evolve from operator to strategist as the company scales.The conversation gets practical on fundraising, boards, hiring, and handling criticism without losing empathy, plus a powerful journalling practice that keeps him grounded as a leader and dad.Guest BioMax Meltzer is an entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and CEO of Strive Gaming, a B2B Player Account Management business that serves North America. Customers include PointsBet, Golden Nugget (DraftKings), Four Winds Casino, Genting and beyond. Shareholders include Betsson, OpenBet, Knutsson and more. He is also a Venture Partner of Astralis Capital, who count PrizePicks among others in their portfolio. Max’s previous roles include CCO at Kambi and founding other businesses such as Simply Sport Management, a sports management agency launched in 2012 that still operates today.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – Welcoming our guest05:00 – Early entrepreneurship08:00 – Stigma vs strategy: going back to employement11:00 – Health over financial milestones16:00 – Making balance stick17:30 – Community, sport, and boundaries20:00 – Empathy, criticism and building thicker skin22:30 – Coaching and journalling letters to his daughter31:00 – Leaving Kambi and founding Strive36:00 – Seed strategies44:00 – Fundraising cycles, boards, and aligning investor expectations53:00 – Only do the jobs only you can do54:30 – Legacy and values: the father and leader Max wants to beMemorable Quotes“To be a success as a founder, you have to have the guts to fail. If you don’t have the guts to fail, really you shouldn’t do it.”“No one actually cares enough about you personally. Only you care about you to that extent… Do feel like, ‘what’s everyone going to think?’ No one’s actually thinking anything.”“Don’t prioritise financial milestones ahead of everything else. You’re a better business person when you prioritise your health and personal wellbeing.”“Whatever happens, prioritise family. Put your values first—your boundaries are your foundation and support.”Important LinksConnect with Max Meltzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmeltzer1www.strivegaming.comhttps://www.egr.global/intel/insight/strive-founders-journey-executing-on-strategy-and-the-evolving-ways-of-raising-capital/Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/

Why "compliance" might be the worst job title in iGaming — and what it should really be called instead.In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo chats with Alex Henderson, VP of Compliance at Midnite and co-host of Compliance Chronicles. From financial investigations at the UK National Crime Agency to scaling compliance teams across multiple markets, Alex reveals the hidden realities of leadership in regulated industries.What You'll Discover:Why shifting from "every customer is a criminal" changes everythingThe million-dollar mistake that taught Alex his biggest leadership lessonHow to build trust-based teams that can take calculated risksReal strategies for supporting teams without burning them outWhat to do when leadership decisions backfire publiclyWhy making mistakes is essential for growth (even expensive ones)This isn't your typical compliance conversation — it's raw, practical leadership advice for anyone managing teams in complex, regulated environments.🎧 IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 – Why "compliance" is the worst possible name for the role04:00 – Shifting mindset: not every customer is a criminal07:00 – Leadership by trust: enabling teams to take risks10:00 – When quick decisions backfire and cost millions14:00 – Customer experience in gambling: speed dating or lost forever15:00 – Building a compliance team from 1 to 30+ people17:00 – Hard leadership lessons: overwork, burnout, and compassion28:00 – Losing respect publicly and how to recover trust36:00 – When things go wrong and you're blamed unfairly40:00 – Handling redundancies and supporting people afterwards44:00 – What makes a "great leader" and the role of mistakes💡 KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE "The whole role of working in compliance is protection.""I'd rather go full-flat being innovative than follow mediocracy.""I cost the company a lot of money there… fantastic for compliance, but commercially a massive impact.""I was told early on: don't build relationships with your team because you'll have to fire them. I learned the hard way that's exactly what you should do.""I'll never stop making mistakes. They're the biggest lessons I've had in leadership."🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOWAlex Henderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanda-h-114911145/Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/ABOUT THE GUEST Alex Henderson brings extensive experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, and operational risk within the gambling sector. His career spans work with leading operators, law enforcement agencies, and advisory firms, giving him a unique perspective on both commercial and regulatory challenges. He co-hosts The Compliance Chronicles, a podcast helping peers navigate complex regulatory environments.SUBSCRIBE for more leadership insights from iGaming's top executives and innovators!

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Huw Thomas, founder of Brandstage and co-founder of the new Recovery in Gaming community. Huw shares his two-decade journey through the iGaming industry, including senior leadership roles and billion-pound exits, alongside the hidden personal battles that almost derailed his career.This conversation explores the pressures of executive life, the dangers of numbing stress with alcohol, the turning point that led to 11 years of sobriety, and why recovery conversations are vital for the future of the gaming sector. Huw also introduces Recovery in Gaming, a safe community space supporting professionals across the industry.Guest BioHuw Thomas is a brand strategist and leader in the global iGaming space. He runs Brandstage, a consultancy that partners with operators, startups, and scaleups across the UK, Europe, and the US to shape growth strategies through brand and communications.He is also co-founder of Recovery in Gaming, an industry-wide community for professionals seeking support with alcohol and drug recovery. With more than 20 years’ experience in gaming and a personal recovery journey of over a decade, Huw combines commercial expertise with a human-centred mission to build healthier leaders and organisations.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – Huw’s first step into iGaming and early industry days07:00 – Climbing the ladder: Betsson, NYX, OpenBet, and major exits14:00 – Pressure, addiction, and the turning point in 201419:00 – The first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and life in recovery27:00 – Boundaries, control, and tools to handle executive stress33:00 – The daily inventory: a 3-minute practice that actually works37:00 – Why Huw launched Recovery in Gaming and its future impactMemorable Quotes“When that moment of surrender came, there was this level of peace and serenity that flowed through my body. All the shame and lies were finally out in the open.”“If you’ve ever thought, even once, ‘Am I drinking too much?’ the answer is probably yes.”“I didn’t realise that the feeling of no shame and full acceptance was just one step away.”Important LinksConnect with Huw Thomas:https://www.linkedin.com/in/huwowenthomas/https://www.linkedin.com/company/recovery-in-gaminghttps://www.brandstage.com/Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: iGamingLeader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: iGamingLeader.com

Stay ahead of the industry. Join our newsletter for insights that will help you perform, grow, and lead at the highest level: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupIn this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Justin Anastasi, CEO of VentureMax Group and OverPWR. With a career spanning call centres, catwalks, politics, and the C-suite, Justin shares how authenticity, resilience, and a relentless focus on solutions have shaped his leadership journey.Justin’s perspective offers fresh insights for executives and leaders who want to thrive by being themselves, while driving growth and innovation in a demanding industry.Our GuestJustin Anastasi is a seasoned iGaming executive and entrepreneur with over a decade of leadership experience. As CEO of VentureMax Group, he leads a team of industry veterans investing in disruptive start-ups and building the future of iGaming. He is also Founder and CEO at OverPWR, a Malta-based angel investment venture.Justin’s track record in global business growth, HR, and leadership development reflects his commitment to people and innovation. His unique blend of authenticity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial drive has made him a standout figure in both the iGaming and technology sectors.Key Topics00:00 – Show Intro03:00 – Breaking rules and finding your own way07:00 – Why Justin never focuses on problems10:00 – Treating time as your most valuable currency14:00 – The common thread across retail, HR, politics, and iGaming16:30 – Leading with transparency during tough decisions21:00 – Backing underdogs and seeing them succeed23:30 – Why the person matters more than the pitch deck26:00 – Speaking up on difficult issues in Malta and the industry29:00 – Lessons learned from entering politics34:00 – Balancing impatience and action in leadership37:00 – Why growth and comfort never coexist40:00 – Advice for young, ambitious leaders“I’ve never really been burdened by the problem. I’m always thinking, how am I going to get it done?”“Time is a currency. I invest it — and I don’t like to lose”“You can’t make a CEO. Somewhere within them, they have that innate ability.”“The only thing you should be is happy.”Connect with Justin Anastasi on LinkedInRead more about his work:Ethical hiring practices in MaltaWhy ESG and stakeholder capitalism matterLife’s a Pitch: Making it countFollow Leo Judkins on LinkedInSubscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: iGamingLeader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: iGamingLeader.com

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Lee McFarland, a former British Army paratrooper and private security contractor turned iGaming industry executive. Lee shares his journey from military life to the corporate world, opening up about his struggles with PTSD, alcohol, and the ongoing process of self-awareness and recovery.The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning into civilian life, the value of authenticity in leadership, and the role of community initiatives like Behind the Gloves in fostering connection and wellbeing.Guest BioLee McFarland is a seasoned iGaming professional with a unique journey from elite military service to senior leadership in the global gaming industry. He's built high-performing teams and delivered complex projects across North America, bringing a distinctive perspective shaped by his military background.As founder of Praxis Point, Lee helps operators navigate market entry, product due diligence, and platform optimisation. He's also the driving force for Behind The Gloves, a wellness and boxing community within iGaming that's reshaping what authentic leadership looks like in the industry.Whether he's launching a new casino, evaluating PAM platforms, or running a 6am boxing session at a conference, Lee brings energy, empathy, and execution to everything he does.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – From paratrooper to private security04:55 – The challenges of transitioning to civilian and corporate environments08:00 – Facing early career rejections and building resilience10:30 – The power of authentic networking and relationship-building14:30 – Therapy, EMDR, and understanding PTSD17:00 – Overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability, and reframing perceptions20:45 – The impact of alcohol culture in the military and beyond24:50 – Behind the Gloves and building community through boxing30:00 – Recognising burnout and the courage to slow down35:45 – Learning to say no and set boundaries in business and life38:00 – The importance of having anchors and a strong support networkMemorable Quotes"We all get knocked down, how we get back and how we proceed is what defines us." "What? There's other people like me? " "If I can help one person, then it’s worth doing." "Sometimes you have to slow down to get the right things done."Important LinksConnect with Lee McFarland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igaming-consultant/Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/

In this episode of iGaming leader, Leo sits down with Arturs Zagurilo, Chief Commercial Officer at Gamma Stack, who shares his inspiring journey from the banking sector to becoming a leader in the iGaming industry. He openly discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing his unique work ethic of putting in 150% effort, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership. Arturs emphasises fostering a supportive work environment, where people can thrive and grow. He also highlights the significance of mental health, patience, and adapting your leadership style to meet the needs of a dynamic industry. GUEST BIO:Arturs Zagurilo is a dynamic leader at the forefront of iGaming, serving as Chief Commercial Officer at GammaStack, growing the team from a single individual to over 10, and expanding the sales team to more than 20 and achieving an astounding 10x sales growth in its first year. Arturs has also pioneered new business directions, including custom game development on a revenue-share model with tier-1 and tier-2 operators, and the launch of both Turnkey and Sweepstake Turnkey offerings.KEY TOPICS:00:00 Arturs beginnings in Banking04:24 Transition to iGaming09:42 Work Ethic and Mindset: All or Nothing16:48 The Journey of Self-Acceptance21:35 Continuous Improvement and Building Support Systems29:50 Leadership and Team Dynamics40:07 The Value of Vulnerability in Business48:02 Reflecting on Career AdviceMEMORABLE QUOTES:“The biggest strength you can have is to allow yourself to be yourself”“If you make sure people feel good around you, you can definitely improve in your career"“Being genuinely open about your struggles helps others relate to you and fosters deeper connections”IMPORTANT LINKS:Connect with Arturs Zagurilo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturs-zagurilo-81a820134/?locale=en_USFollow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signup       Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Antti Koivula, iGaming lawyer at Legal Gaming Attorneys at Law, an expert on Finnish law and a former professional sports bettor. Antti discusses his transition from a demanding and very successful sports betting career to becoming a legal advisor and shares insights on managing extreme focus, the challenges of long working hours, and the life choices he made to optimise his performance and how his early ability to concentrate gave him an edge in sports betting and later in his law career. GUEST BIO: Antti Koivula is a Leading iGaming Lawyer at Legal Gaming Attorneys at Law, specializing in Finnish gambling law, licensing, compliance, and risk management, known as a high-stakes professional sports bettor with over a decade of experience including LLB and LLM degrees. Antti brings a rare combination of legal expertise and real-world industry insight. Before entering the legal field, he collaborated with elite betting syndicates, ran a successful tipster service, and consistently beat sharp bookmakers. Today, he advises a wide range of iGaming clients from operators and providers to PSPs and affiliates, and is recognized as a go-to expert on Finland’s gambling regulation. KEY TOPICS: 00:00 The Life of a Professional Sports Bettor 02:10 Introduction to the iGaming Leader Podcast 02:52 Antti Koivula Journey into Sports Betting 07:00 The Transition from Sports Betting to Law 08:44 Balancing Family and Career 17:03 The Analytical Approach to Career Decisions 27:32 Starting a New Career in Law 35:05 Final Thoughts and Advice MEMORABLE QUOTES: “Life is too short to waste on being unhappy”“I never considered sports betting as something to retire from”“I would prefer doing something I really like over getting paid better for something”“Knowing yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, knowing what you can do, that's the good starting point”“Success in any high-pressure career requires passion, without it, it's a recipe for disaster”IMPORTANT LINKS:Get in touch with Antti Koivula:https://www.linkedin.com/in/koivula-antti/https://legal-gaming.com/ A few of his latest articles:https://sigma.world/news/exclusive-finlands-new-gambling-rules-could-spark-chaos/https://igamingexpress.com/affiliates-affiliates-and-one-more-time-affiliates-why-finlands-proposed-ban-could-undermine-its-gambling-reform/https://igwire.com/exclusive-interview-with-antti-koivula/https://igamingbusiness.com/gaming/gaming-regulation/was-sweden-the-best-market-liberalisation-model-for-finland-to-follow/Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter:https://www.igamingleader.com/signup Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind:https://www.igamingleader.com/ 

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Shelley Hannah, CPO at Relax Gaming. Shelley shares her inspiring 25-year journey from software programming to executive leadership in iGaming. She opens up about battling perfectionism, navigating self-doubt, leading through rapid industry change, and recovering from a life-altering car accident. The conversation explores leadership resilience, mental health in high-pressure roles, and the power of empathy in building high-performing teams.Guest BioShelley Hannah started her career in 1999 as a software programmer, working in the air traffic industry and insurance.In 2013 she moved to the iGaming industry and, since then, has been working with partner programs, aggregation business, product innovation, operations and commercial.  For nearly 7 years she has been part of the growth journey at Relax Gaming.  Her career in product and software development has been instrumental in Relax Gaming's success and reputation as a leading B2B supplier.Shelley is currently on the move to a new role, to be announced very soon. Key Topics Discussed00:00 – From coder to CPO: Shelley’s non-linear rise04:30 – Handling the chaos: why iGaming is a different beast06:30 – Perfectionism, ambition, and burnout09:45 – Learning to let go and lead through trust14:00 – Navigating imposter syndrome and leadership doubt16:00 – The loneliness of director roles19:00 – Why building team culture beats micromanaging23:00 – There will be Fire26:30 – Surviving a near-fatal car accident33:00 – Mental health, relapse fear, and self-awareness38:00 – Growth through discomfort and honest leadership43:00 – Practical ways to balance health and ambition47:00 – A message to anyone who's quietly strugglingPowerful Quotes"We all have different skills. If we were all the same, we'd be like robots." "You don’t need to know everything to take the role. You just need the skills to figure it out." "Your to-do list will never be done. Prioritise what really matters." "Leadership is about helping others succeed" "Nobody expects you to work 15 hours a day. That pressure comes from you."Important LinksConnect with Shelley Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyhannah/ Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signup       Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/

In this episode of the iGaming Leader Podcast, Leo sits down with Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, a distinguished professional in the gaming industry with over a decade of experience working with prominent organizations such as GVC, Labworks Coral, and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). Grainne shares her challenging yet brilliant career starting from her return from maternity leave into a period of immense professional upheaval and a subsequent promotion. She discusses her journey of resilience also feelings of 'mum guilt' and her approach to managing work-life balance with a supportive network, her unexpected path into lobbying, and her entry into the gaming industry.GUEST BIO:Grainne Hurst is the CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, bringing nearly a decade of leadership experience from global betting brand Entain, where she served as Group Corporate Affairs Director. In this role, she spearheaded government relations, led the company's successful rebrand from GVC to Entain, and developed the multi-award-winning safer gambling strategy “Changing for the Better.” With deep expertise in political communications, advocacy, and regulatory affairs. Grainne previously served as a special advisor to the UK government, and her appointment as BGC CEO came as part of a strategic leadership restructuring, with former CEO Michael Dugher transitioning to Chair. Currently serving as a board member of Global Gaming Women and leading the charity's international expansion across the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.KEY POINTS:00:00 — Introduction and Guest Welcome00:40 — Overcoming Career Challenges12:22 — Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions20:05 — Balancing Work and Family Life23:44 — The Importance of Networking and Support26:43 — Current Role and Industry Insights35:19 — Advice for Career Resilience39:01 — Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMEMORABLE QUOTES:“There's no such thing as a work-life balance.”“Continue to hold your head up high, continue to do your best work.”“You have to pick yourself back up, put on a brave face, move onward and upward.”“The biggest issue and challenges for me were actually surviving then repositioning myself each time.”“Being a straight player means sometimes being too direct, but it’s better than playing political games.”“Accept the principle, but let's work together on how we actually get there in practice.”IMPORTANT LINKS:Sun article by Harry Cole on tax consultation:https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34714856/rachel-reeves-horse-racing-tax-hike-betting/Appearance on Racing TV: Betting and Gaming Council on X:https://t.co/LxATuixICZ" / XPost on LI on black market: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/grainne-hurst-1a32821a_dont-underestimate-the-threat-from-the-gambling-activity-7317882477589528578-cUKc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAXsdK8B-LO8wK62bL6Rj53p2J9mMbqRKEcSun editorial on tax consulation:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323252184203055104Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter:https://www.igamingleader.com/signup       Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/