With this episode, we are officially launching Professor Game's Free Community! I'd tell you all about it here, but it's better if you watch the video. I'll see you on the inside of our free community where you can find our renewed free gamification course, regular group calls, an awesome community and many more things to come. It is the best way to start building up your skills and network to create and upgrade your products, services, business or learning experiences through engagement, motivation and loyalty. Let's do this together! Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links Professor Game Community on Skool Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: bit.ly/freegamificationcourse-web The Objectives and Key Results framework can transform ambitious visions into measurable outcomes and inspire high performance. Learn about the critical shift from activity-based goals to outcome-based objectives and how gamification can enhance engagement and loyalty. Our guest: Sara Lobkovich, a seasoned strategy coach, shares her insights and real-world examples of leveraging these powerful tools to drive remarkable organizational progress. Join us on this insightful episode where we explore the intersection of OKRs and gamification. Sara Lobkovich is a strategy coach and huge goal nerd. In her work with status-quo challenging leaders and other workplace rebels, she helps people and companies set clear goals, stay focused, and build cultures where everyone can learn, grow, and achieve meaningful results. She works with organizations implementing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a collaborative goal methodology; and, with individuals seeking greater career fulfillment -- especially people who are introverted, neurodivergent, and/or don't come from a "traditional" business background. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: saralobkovich.com LinkedIn: Sara Lobkovich Instagram: @redcurrant_co Upcoming book: youareastrategist.com Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Peter Drucker! Recommended book: How To Measure Anything by Douglas Hubbard Other References: Measure What Matters by John Doerr The OKRs Field Book by Ben Lamorte Objectives and Key Results by Paul Niven & Ben Lamorte Strategic Operator's Power Half Hour by Sara Lobkovich Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: bit.ly/freegamificationcourse-web Have you wondered about the significance of respecting and refining every idea within a creative team? In this episode of the Professor Game Podcast, we explore successful gamification strategies and insights with Mike Rufail, a notable figure in the gaming and gamification industry. Understand the allure and functionality of gamification, which merges game design with non-gaming environments to boost interaction and dedication. Rufail shares hard-earned lessons from his extensive career, including the significance of respecting and refining every idea within a creative team. Drawing on practical examples and professional experiences, this episode offers listeners an in-depth understanding of implementing gamification to achieve business goals. Mike Rufail is the Chief Executive Officer of Tradeoff. In more than two decades as a leader in gaming, Rufail helped popularize global competitive esports and has previously served as a consultant on video game design, competition, and esports strategy for several major companies. Before joining Tradeoff, he served as chief gaming officer and co-owner of OpTic Gaming and chief executive officer of Envy Gaming, which he founded in 2007. Rufail is based in Dallas, Texas, and is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: tradeoff.com LinkedIn: Tradeoff Financial Corp Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Someone from Valve Software (creators of Steam) Recommended book: Not reading books but into what communities are saying! Favorite game: Diablo Series! Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: bit.ly/freegamificationcourse-web Games like Dungeons and Dragons can unexpectedly become a training ground for executive functioning skills, turning what many consider a challenge into a superpower for Reese. In this episode we delve into the unique relationship of ADHD and both board games and tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). The discussion features insights from Reese Zahner, exploring her journey to discover these cognitive benefits, we highlight how structured gameplay can offer more than just entertainment—it can be a therapeutic tool for managing ADHD. Reese is an avid board gamer and game master who is diagnosed with ADHD. While playing her first campaign of Dungeons and Dragons two years ago, she realized playing the game was passively working on her executive functioning skills and using her ADHD superpowers. She's excited about exploring the connection between ADHD and Tabletop roleplaying games. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: cleochilds.com Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Marcus Aurelius (Ancient Rome) Maybe AI? Recommended book: The Missing Thread by Daisy Dunn Favorite game: Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective by Dave Neale Games by Rita Orlov! Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: bit.ly/freegamificationcourse-web We discuss how to use gamification to help students overcome math anxiety. This is how Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, makes education engaging and effective through gamification. By incorporating engaging and playful elements, Elephant Learning enables students to expedite their math learning significantly. This episode highlights how gamified educational platforms can make challenging subjects more approachable, motivating, and less intimidating for students. Dr. Nagrath helps students overcome mathematics anxiety. Aditya is the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy which helps students learn years of mathematics over the course of a few months using their system just 10 minutes per day, 3 days per week. With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Nagrath has spent over 30 years in the industry as a software engineer, author, leader, speaker, and serial entrepreneur working on everything from atomic clocks to iOS and Android apps to Amazon’s Kindle Fire. As the Founder of Elephant Head Software, which won the prestigious JD Edwards Innovation Award in 2015, he has also done software projects for Pearson, Verizon, Telefonica, JD Edwards (Oracle), and other billion-dollar companies. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: elephantlearning.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adityanagrath Instagram @dradityanagrath Books: Treating Mathematics Anxiety Rethinking Math Learning Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Steve Jobs Recommended books: Influencer by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, David Maxfield and others Hooked by Nir Eyal Favorite game: Skyrim Series (The Elder Scrolls) Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Instagram TikTok YouTube Twitter Facebook Ask a question
If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: bit.ly/freegamificationcourse-web We discuss the significance of fostering high-performing teams and nurturing a positive studio culture. With over three decades of experience, Mark Sample shares his insights on what it takes to lead successful game development projects. Gain valuable perspectives from Mark's extensive experience in launching award-winning games across multiple platforms. Listen as he shares his approach to building strong, innovative teams and his philosophy on strategic leadership that drives creativity and excellence in game development. Mark Sample is a highly accomplished Game Development Executive with over 30 years of experience in the gaming industry. Throughout his career, he has launched multiple award-winning AAA and casual games, establishing himself as a leader in creative strategy, production, and studio management. With expertise spanning across console and mobile platforms, Mark has been instrumental in delivering over 30 credited titles, guiding teams to push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming. As a visionary in the industry, Mark has cultivated high-performing teams by fostering a positive, innovative studio culture. His strong communication skills, combined with his strategic leadership, have enabled him to build lasting relationships with stakeholders and strategic partners. Mark’s passion for developing great games and mentoring future leaders makes him a driving force in the evolving gaming landscape. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: sumo-digital.com LinkedIn: Mark Sample X/Twitter: @marksample Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Will Wright Recommended book: Old Role-Playing Books! Call of Cthulu, etc. You don't have to read game development books only! Read different things Favorite game: Souls games Marvel Snap Punch-Out Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: bit.ly/freegamificationcourse-web A unique perspective on how combining diverse fields can lead to innovative and socially impactful projects, shedding light on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing interactive media. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing user engagement through creative and collaborative approaches, whether in educational settings or business applications. Drew Davidson is a professor, producer and player of interactive media. His background spans the academic, industry and professional worlds and he is interested in stories and transformational experiences across texts, comics, games and other media. He explores the art, design, and science of making media that matters, working to expand our notions of what media are capable of doing, and what we are capable of doing with media. He is an expert in leading creative collaborations with interdisciplinary groups, orchestrating change, and building initiatives focused on making a positive social impact. He is a Teaching Professor at the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University and is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Play Story Press, an open community publishing consortium, and the Well Played series and journal. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Websites: waxebb.com playstorypress.org LinkedIn Drew Davidson Links to episode mentions: Proposed guests: Brenda Bakker Harger Jesse Schell Recommended book: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Favorite game: Sokoban Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
If you're struggling to keep people engaged and loyal in your product or business, check out my FREE gamification course to learn how to do just that: bit.ly/freegamificationcourse-web Learn how storytelling, achievement recognition and immediate feedback can turn passive content consumption into an active, engaging learning experience. It's a fascinating conversation about the journey of integrating gamification into online education. Our guest, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares insights into how his latest venture, Experiencify, has revolutionized the way students learn by employing a gamification-first approach. If you're struggling with student engagement in your courses, this episode is a must-listen. Murray's a serial entrepreneur with a single, simple focus in life. He loves building software platforms that make life easier for course creators, business owners, educators, trainers & coaches -- basically, anyone who sells their expertise or needs their learners to engage and learn. Right now he's obsessed with fixing online education using gamification. Online education is an industry that's seeing HUGE growth right now, and at the same time, it's the only industry with a 97% student failure rate. His latest project is called Xperiencify – the world's only gamification-FIRST online course platform, which is solving the problem using gamification, psychology, and ideas borrowed from Silicon Valley. His team of gamification advisors has worked with companies you may have heard of like Google, Tesla, Verizon, Porsche, LEGO and many more household names. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: xperiencify.com LinkedIn: Murray Gray Facebook: Murray Gray X/Twitter: @iammurraygray Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Marisa Murgatroyd Recommended book: Actionable Gamification by Yu-kai Chou Favorite game: Quake in the early days with LAN parties! Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
Can games like "Red Dead Redemption 2" help overcome stereotypes around subjects like history, making them more immersive and relatable? In this episode, we delve deep into the transformative role of video games in education. Our guest, an expert in integrating existing video games elements into learning environments, shares how gamification can make education more engaging and effective. Tore Olsson is an associate professor of history at the University of Tennessee, where he teaches and researches American history after the Civil War. He is the author of the new book Red Dead's History: A Video Game, an Obsession, and America's Violent Past (Macmillan / St. Martin's Press, August 2024), which uses the fictional content of the Red Dead Redemption games to explore real dilemmas of violence in American history. He's a long-time gamer and believer that games can help teach us big things. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: history.utk.edu/person/olsson-tore/ Instagram: @reddeadhistory TikTok: @reddeadshistory Facebook: Tore Olsson X/Twitter: @ToreCarlOlsson Book: Red Dead's History Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Jason Schreier Recommended book: How To Hide an Empire by Daniel Immerwahr Favorite game: The Witcher III Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
From the eccentric problem-solving approach of the TV series "House, M.D.," to the essential role of team dynamics, we elucidate how these principles translate into the mechanics of creating engaging and effective gamified solutions. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of gamification and discover how an unexpected source of inspiration offers profound insights into the art and science of gamifying experiences. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Links to episode mentions: House M.D. Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
Behavioral Science Meets Learning Design. We feature a deep dive into the role of behavioral science in creating effective learning interventions. Our conversation sheds light on how principles from behavioral science can be employed to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. By focusing on learner behavior and the contexts in which they operate, we discuss how to craft learning experiences that lead to meaningful and lasting change. Our guest, a seasoned learning strategy consultant, shares practical examples and methodologies to ensure that learning is not just informative but also transformative. This is a must-listen for educators and instructional designers seeking to enhance their impact. Julie Dirksen is the author of the books Design For How People Learn and Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change. She is a learning strategy consultant with a focus on incorporating behavioral science into learning interventions. Her MS degree is in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. She’s been an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and is a Learning Guild Guildmaster. She is happiest when she gets to learn something new, and you can find her at usablelearning.com. Rob is a host and consultant at Professor Game as well as an expert, international speaker and advocate for the use of gamification and games-based solutions, especially in education and learning. He's also a professor and workshop facilitator for the topics of the podcast and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP) for top higher education institutions that include EFMD, IE Business School and EBS among others in Europe, America and Asia. Guest Links and Info Website: usablelearning.com Julie on LinkedIn Julie's Group on Facebook Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Dan Meyer Recommended book: Badass: Making Users Awesome by Kathy Sierra Favorite game: Gorogoa Plants vs. Zombies Behavioral Design Wheel Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
Is gamification about balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivations? Roman is here to tell us that it is not. Our conversation delves into the principles of intrinsic motivation, emphasizing autonomy, mastery, and purpose, and contrasts them with the short-lived benefits of extrinsic rewards. Discover how thoughtful gamification design can lead to sustainable employee engagement and long-term behavior change. Roman Rackwitz is an internationally renowned pioneer in the field of gamification and intrinsic experience design. Recognized as one of the top 10 experts worldwide, Rackwitz develops, communicates and advises government institutions and commercial enterprises worldwide with the 'Non-skinnerian Gamification' school of thought. He is also regularly invited as an expert in media such as TV, radio and print. In addition to the consulting company Engaginglab and the software Tabi, Rackwitz also founded gamification.design, a contact point for all professionals interested in the topic to receive further training and certification. In 2022, he founded CBO Media, a publisher that focuses purely on topics related to behavioral economics in order to bring this knowledge to companies in a practical way. Links to episode mentions: Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke Roman's LinkedIn button Roman's LinkedIn Lets's do stuff together! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
Discover how playfulness, not just work, holds the key to creativity, resilience, and a more fulfilling life. In this engaging conversation, Rob Alvarez, founder of Professor Game, interviews Chris Marshall, a behavioral scientist and futurist who explores the power of playfulness as a pathway to human flourishing. Chris shares how his own experience with burnout led him to the transformative potential of playfulness, breaking down the essential pillars of curiosity, creativity, and connectedness. He offers practical insights into how individuals and organizations can cultivate a playful mindset, not by adding new skills, but by reconnecting with their natural, childlike curiosity and creativity. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal life or revitalize your workplace culture, Chris's advice provides a fresh perspective on how embracing uncertainty and letting go of rigid expectations can unlock a world of possibilities. Chris Marshall is a Behavioural Scientist and Futurist whose specialist niche lies in helping individuals, teams and organizations to thrive in times of challenge, setback and disruption. He is also the founder of The Playfulness Institute, a not-for-profit organization that promotes research and strategies to build creative, engaged, dynamic organizations through playfulness as culture. Beyond this, Chris holds a vast amount of experience from a number of industries and what he labels 'obsessions'. He is a TEDx speaker on playfulness and burnout, the author of the book Decoding Change, and is currently writing his next book: The Playful Advantage. Guest Links and Info Websites: playfulnessinstitute.org chrismarshall.uk Chris on LinkedIn Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Hanna Kinsella Recommended book: Elastic Do Stuff with Professor Game Subscribe to Professor Game E-mail Newsletter LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram Ask a question
Discover how to skyrocket engagement by 7,000% with innovative gamification techniques! In this conversation, Bernardo Letayf and Rob Alvarez dive into the complexities and rewards of creating meaningful, long-term engagement through gamification. They discuss the launch of Tabi, a cutting-edge platform that redefines player progression by focusing on mastery rather than rewards, and highlight how effective gamification, while challenging, yields extraordinary results. Bernardo develops game-like solutions through their software on a mission to transform education. With over 12 years of gamification experience and over 25 years in web and UX design/development, international speaking and consulting, Bernardo has created a platform that makes learning engaging and exciting for students of all ages and backgrounds. Guest Links and Info Website for Tabi: Tabi.one Bernardo on LinkedIn Roman on LinkedIn Do stuff with Professor Game! Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
Skyrocketing businesses with a game? In this exciting episode of the Professor Game podcast, we dive deep into the mind of elite business consultant and gamification enthusiast Sean Delaney, who shares how he helps businesses go "further, faster, funner" with innovative strategies. Sean reveals his journey from Fortune 500 consulting to empowering entrepreneurs, detailing his unique process for creating impactful, game-based business solutions. Whether discussing a challenging early experience or a major success with a Fortune 50 company, Sean offers invaluable insights into making business both enjoyable and transformative. Sean Delaney is an elite business consultant, speaker, podcaster, and coach. He has worked with clients from the Fortune 500® to solopreneurs, solving some of the biggest to some of the most pervasive problems every business faces. Whether it is as a Fractional COO, the co-host of his Podcast ·The Ether,· or as the ·Disruptor in Chief· in his ·anti-mastermind mastermind,· his focus with Whadif is to disrupt current business thinking to transform businesses of any size into joyful and thriving impact generators. Before turning his attention to helping entrepreneurs, Sean·s client list included MetLife, Nike, Uber, Johnson & Johnson, AIG, and Jet Blue (among others). He has taken that experience and now helps entrepreneurs massively accelerate their business·s growth with his unique, holistic business model system, the HARMONIOUS Business Architecture TM. With his unique blend of knowledge, experience, and humor, he has helped businesses of every size strengthen their operations, innovate for the future, and scale ·Further, Faster, Funner.· Guest Links and Info Website https://whadif.com Sean on LinkedIn Sean on Facebook Whadif's YouTube Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Wei Houng Recommended book: The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman Favorite game: Red Dead Redemption 2 (and the kind) Battleship There are many ways to get in touch with Professor Game: Subscribe to Professor Game E-mail Newsletter LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram Ask a question
After an early childhood attempt at coding Pac-Man when it came out, and failing, CEO Yaakov Sash of Novospir now unveils a groundbreaking new genre of massively multiplayer social puzzle games. With extensive experience in digital asset technology from his tenure at Credit Suisse, Sash is now set on transforming the gaming industry. Novospir's debut game, Stack the Pixels, exemplifies his vision of integrating secure, fair, and engaging gameplay with unique digital and non-digital currencies. Yaakov shares insights into the daily challenges of leading a global team, the importance of playtesting, and how player feedback shapes the development of innovative gaming experiences. Sash emphasizes the value of persistence and adaptation in creating fun and competitive games that bring families together. Yaakov Sash is the CEO of Novospir, an innovative gaming ecosystem that introduces a groundbreaking new genre of massively multiplayer social puzzle games. With extensive experience in digital asset technology from his tenure at Credit Suisse, where he led Digital Assets Markets, Yaakov is now focused on transforming the gaming industry. Novospir's debut game, Stack the Pixels, exemplifies his vision of integrating secure, fair, and engaging gameplay with unique digital and non-digital game currency. Guest Links and Info Website stackthepixels.com Novospir on LinkedIn On Instagram as @StackThePixels Stack the Pixels on Facebook On X/Twitter as @stackthepixels Links to episode mentions: Proposed guest: Someone from LucasArts Games Recommended book: Reality +: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy by David Chalmers Mother of Learning by Nobody 103 Favorite game: Tetris There are many ways to get in touch with Professor Game: Get started in Gamification for FREE! LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube Ask a question
Dr. Mfon Akpan is an assistant professor of accounting at Methodist University. He has a passion for emerging technologies and is an expert in virtual reality technology. He researches new technologies and educational methods to offer students a current, effective, and relative teaching experience. This is not his first rodeo on the Professor Game Podcast! Find his first interview on Episode 243.
Raghu is a serial entrepreneur and has been obsessed with the financial markets since the age of 16. After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he started his first company in 2006 - RK Trading Partnership - a proprietary trading company which actively traded the forex markets. He was able to turn $10k into more than $2M over a span of two years using low-latency, news trading strategies. Using the profits, he moved to India in 2008 · along with two other co-founders · and setup RKSV Securities, a retail stock brokerage, which eventually rebranded into Upstox. RKSV was also a proprietary trading firm and actively traded India·s stock markets, and Raghu led the prop desk division. After Upstox raised its Series A, the prop desk was shut down, and Raghu transitioned into a traditional co-founder role. In 2019, he stepped down from the Board of Upstox and left all operational duties, but remains Upstox·s largest individual shareholder. He took a long sabbatical, moved back to the US, and started thinking about his next venture. He wanted to create a new, bolder company, which could massively disrupt the financial markets at a larger scale than a typical stock brokerage. In 2020, he incorporated TradingLeagues, a disruptive, gamified offering for the financial markets. The goal behind TradingLeagues is to massively increase awareness and engagement with the financial markets at a global level by leveraging gamification. TradingLeagues launched globally in Dec 2023 and amassed more than 100k users. In his free time, he loves playing chess, being involved with his two young boys, and finding ways to keep his mind sharp.
Elmir is an eLearning Specialist at Catolica Lisbon Business School and a PhD Student at the University of Porto with five years of experience in higher education and corporate training and a proven track record of working with over 15 companies and universities. He creates gamified and action-oriented learning products that promote easy interaction and boost user engagement.
Matthew ·Dr. Matt· Zakreski, PsyD is a high-energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken hundreds of times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids. Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University·s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective.