The iGaming Leader

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/

In this episode of the iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Fintan Costello, former MD at BonusFinder and current Non-Executive Director at Gambling.com Group. Fintan shares the remarkable journey from launching daring stunts at Paddy Power to scaling an affiliate business through grit, creativity, and relentless execution. The conversation explores entrepreneurship inside and outside the corporate world, leadership lessons from marketing war zones, the truth about exits and earnouts, and what it really means to pursue “Big 2025 Energy.” A must-listen for iGaming professionals seeking resilience, strategic vision, and human depth.GUEST BIO:17 years in the gambling industry but really a marketing nerd at heart. Fintan worked at some of the giants including PaddyPower, PokerStars and Google. Exited Bonusfinder to Gambling.com group where he currently serves as a Non-Executive Director. In his spare time he likes to run really long distances.Key Topics Discussed:00:00 – The iGaming marketing arms race and civilian outsiders04:30 – From Paddy Power stunts to Seal Team Six: Fintan’s first break09:45 – What drives competitiveness and staying power in iGaming14:10 – The zero-to-one obsession: entrepreneurship vs. comfort zones18:40 – Building BonusFinder: from near burnout to acquisition25:00 – The truth behind exits: exhaustion, timing, and what people don’t see30:15 – Adapting after the sale: investing time vs. investing money35:10 – Rediscovering purpose and mentoring new founders38:00 – What “Big 2025 Energy” really means41:30 – Fatherhood, legacy, and designing your best years intentionallyMEMORABLE QUOTES:"Being an affiliate is probably one of the most brutal jobs out there because eat what you kill." "It's like taking a tank to a knife fight. That's what it's like when you’ve done marketing in gambling and move outside the industry.""If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.""I was more excited about my son making the Mario Kart Benelux finals than selling a company.""Parenting is role modelling. If I want him to be the best version of himself, I need to be the best version of myself."IMPORTANT LINKS:Follow with Fintan Costello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintancostello/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, host Leo Judkins sits down with Nakeeta Janse van Rensburg, former Group CEO of the MEGA Group, co-founder of StratEdge Group, and UK ambassador for Women in Gaming Africa. Nakeeta shares her extraordinary journey through 17 years in iGaming leadership, culminating in her transition to entrepreneurship. The conversation explores leadership, burnout, servant leadership, emotional intelligence, and cultural challenges in corporate environments, offering powerful insights and hard-earned advice for executives navigating rapid growth, health challenges, and the personal cost of high performance in the gaming industry.Guest BioNakeeta has been in the iGaming industry for over 17 years. With her roots in VIP, CRM and customer retention she has worked in almost every department in the B2C and B2B space.After 6 years of running the Ellipse Entertainment/MEGA Group she recently exited and has now co-founded StratEdge Group Inc which offers consulting services for new market entry worldwide, helping businesses navigate the entry without the unnecessary financial burn.Nakeeta serves as the UK Ambassador for women in iGaming Africa and pioneered the 3 pillars of leadership to build strong teams of leaders serving each other.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – When "We're a family" culture becomes toxic02:54 – Building a confident, empowered, global team06:20 – The cost of career growth: imposter syndrome and overwork10:08 – The risks of not setting boundaries from the beginning14:05 – The most important thing you can do for yourself17:04 – Redefining relationships after stepping into leadership20:00 – Coping with isolation at the top23:00 – Sacrifices behind the scenes27:43 – The power and traps of servant leadership38:00 – Finding identity beyond the job title46:15 Launching StratEdge agency and rediscovering purposeMemorable Quotes"Some businesses actually do expect the team to die for the business — and will even use that language.""You have made work non-negotiable, and everything else is negotiable.""Servant leadership isn’t about doing what everyone says — it’s about being courageous for the whole.""I was the job. I wasn't even so much my title — I was the company.""Fear is just a trigger warning system. How you deal with fear is a completely different thing."Important LinksFollow Nakeeta Janse van Rensburg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakeeta-janse-van-rensburg-mbm-063173195Follow  Women in iGaming in Africa on LInkedIn to learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-gaming-africa-orgFollow 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/

Episode SummaryIn this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Frank op de Woerd, co-founder and CEO of CasinoNieuws.nl.Frank shares his journey from bluffing his way into poker journalism to becoming a respected media figure in the Dutch iGaming industry. He opens up about burnout, leadership, the emotional fallout of COVID, and why he walked away from high-status opportunities to start something he could truly believe in.The conversation explores his reflections on poker fame, rebuilding from scratch, setting editorial standards, and staying true to his values in a highly competitive industry.GUEST:Frank op de Woerd discovered poker while studying at Utrecht University in 2005. Though he never turned pro, his passion led him to a role at PokerNews.nl, eventually rising to Head of Content at PokerNews.com.With the Dutch gaming market on the verge of regulation, he co-founded CasinoNieuws.nl, which quickly became one of the largest affiliates in the Netherlands. Frank now serves as CEO of CasinoNieuws.nl, overseeing other leading platforms like OnlineCasinoGround.nl, BesteCasinoBonussen.nl, and GokkastenXL.nl, while also preparing to launch OnlineCasinoUSA.com.He also founded the Online Casino of the Year awards, the most prominent recognition for legal gambling sites in the Netherlands. Key Topics Discussed:00:00 - Welcome to the iGaming Leader Podcast 02:35 - Bluffing His Way into Poker Media 06:22 - Becoming the Face of Dutch Poker 10:04 - Hall of Fame Recognition & Industry Evolution 13:55 - Losing His Job During COVID 18:01 - Starting Over with CasinoNieuws.nl 21:46 - Launching with 1,000+ Articles and No Monetisation 25:40 - The Article That Changed Everything 30:10 - Building Trust and Editorial Integrity 36:08 - Balancing Leadership with Personal Values 41:00 - Advice for Founders and Industry CreatorsMEMORABLE QUOTES:“If you say yes to everything, you're basically saying no to yourself.” “It was terrifying—starting a media company without monetisation or a safety net.” “We didn’t want to be the biggest; we wanted to be the most credible.” “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame didn’t make me feel successful. Starting over did.” “Saying no became my survival skill.”IMPORTANT LINKS:Follow Frank op de Woerd’s work:https://www.casinonieuws.nlcasinozondercruks.nlcasinozondervergunning.nlonlinecasinovanhetjaar.nlFollow 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, Leo Judkins sits down with John Wright, co-founder of StatsDrone. John shares challenges and tough decisions he faced, almost going bankrupt and starting over with his business, finding his purpose, the role of therapy in his life, and the way he navigated through some professional and personal setbacks.The conversation explores his experiences with public speaking, social media engagement, and ultimately finding sustainable high performance.GUEST:John has been in iGaming for over 20 years as a professional gambler, affiliate manager, casino operator, affiliate and now as an affiliate analytics software builder. On top of being an affiliate coach, he is also on the Board of Trustees at BetBlockerKey Topics Discussed:00:00 Welcome to the iGaming Leader Podcast01:20 John Wright's Journey into iGaming05:59 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Challenges10:57 The Role of Therapy and Personal Growth16:31 Balancing Patience and Agility in Business21:07 The Painful Decision to Relaunch25:05 Business Partnerships31:22 The Highs and Lows of Pitching to Investors36:01 Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursMEMORABLE QUOTES:“All those previous 20 years they made me better at what I am today.”“You don't realize what we're locking inside ourselves…”“So when I look at people, I try to go a bit deeper and go, I know there's more pain and things that we don't see on the surface”“I believe if I don't do this work, someone else will but if I do this work, I also have an opportunity to do something positive about it”IMPORTANT LINKS:Contact John wright :Follow John Wright on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alwayslookright/Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/affiliate-bi-7063965031784148992/Affiliate BI podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/0nTNXugQTY4Ww8JiSULeiu?si=a5654594f03041a3Follow 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 Daniel Beard, Partner at Partis Capital and long-time advisor in the gaming industry. Daniel shares a raw and honest reflection on his journey—from adoption trauma and imposter syndrome to leading multimillion-pound deals and founding one of the most community-driven events in iGaming.The conversation explores leadership under pressure, emotional resilience, the real drivers behind burnout, and the surprising role sport, therapy, and charity have played in Daniel’s success. Guest BioDaniel Beard began his career 20 years ago in recruitment at Pentasia. He then transitioned into a commercial role at Openbet, where he played a key role in securing one of their largest clients, Betfair.Following that, Daniel joined Progressplay, a white-label solution provider, helping scale the business from 6 to 64 sites.He later moved to GSI, a casino middleware layer, which was eventually acquired by Push Gaming.Today, Daniel serves as a Partner at Partis Capital, a leading M&A advisory firm in the gaming industry, and is also an active investor across various businesses.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – How adoption trauma impacts business performance07:00 – Breaking imposter syndrome through introspection14:00 – Daniel’s first panic attack in front of a client18:00 – The purpose of Oliver’s Wish Boxing Event22:00 – Re-evaluating life after burnout and loss27:00 – Managing emotional triggers and boundaries32:00 – How not to bully yourselfMemorable Quotes“Before you've even brushed your teeth, you're already bullying yourself.” “Why are you in the room? Why do they believe in you?” “For me, it's all personal. It’s never just business.”Important LinksConnect with Daniel Beardhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbeard/https://oliverswish.org.uk/https://partissolutions.com/Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leo-judkinsSubscribe to the iGaming Leader Newsletter: igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: igamingleader.com