Dual founder Daniel Brooks (BetComply, Ridentify) shares how calm, mentor-first leadership drives growth under pressure. He talks about how to trust your team, handle cashflow shocks, pivot with purpose, and “breathe through” crises. A must-listen for iGaming founders and execs who want to scale fast without losing focus, trust, or composure.

CEO Emma Blaylock (Pretty Technical) joins Leo Judkins to unpack vulnerable leadership in iGaming: how to build a safe-to-fail culture, admit gaps fast and learn quicker. We cover hiring to your weaknesses, staying calm under data-driven scrutiny, handling cashflow shocks and raising the bar as a female tech leader.

Strive Gaming CEO Max Meltzer on what it really takes to make it as a founder: having the guts to fail, putting health and family first, and evolving from operator to strategist. He shares lessons from fundraising, boards and hiring, plus personal practices, coaching and journalling letters to his daughter, that keep him grounded.

Alex Henderson, VP of Compliance at Midnite, reveals why "compliance" is the worst job title in iGaming. From costly million-dollar mistakes to building teams of 30+, learn practical leadership lessons about trust, innovation, and recovery from failure. Real insights for leaders navigating regulated industries and complex business decisions.

Huw Thomas, founder of Brandstage and co-founder of Recovery in Gaming, shares his journey from billion-pound exits to battling addiction and finding 11 years of sobriety. He shares how surrender, resilience, and daily reflection shape true leadership in iGaming.

Justin Anastasi, CEO of VentureMax Group, shares how authenticity, perseverance, and a focus on solutions shaped his journey from call centres to C-suite level. Discover why thriving leaders value time, challenge norms, and back the underdog.

Former paratrooper Lee McFarland shares his raw journey from military to iGaming executive. Battling PTSD, corporate shock ("I thought everyone was my friend"), and burnout. Lee reveals how slowing down, embracing vulnerability, and building community through boxing saved his career.

Arturs Zagurilo (CCO, Gamma Stack) discusses his banking-to-iGaming journey, overcoming imposter syndrome, and authentic leadership. He emphasises vulnerability, mental health, and supportive work environments. Key takeaway: "The biggest strength you can have is to allow yourself to be yourself."

Leo interviews Antti Koivula, a leading iGaming lawyer who transitioned from a successful decade-long career as a professional sports bettor. Antti shares insights on his demanding betting career, the analytical mindset that drove his success, and his strategic decision to pursue law specialising in Finnish gambling regulation. A fascinating look at career transitions, work-life balance, and following passion over profit.

Relax Gaming CPO Shelley Hannah shares her 25-year journey from software programmer to iGaming executive. She discusses overcoming perfectionism, battling imposter syndrome, leading through industry chaos, and recovering from a life-changing accident.

In this episode, Grainne Hurst shares how she overcame a career setback after maternity leave and found strength through resilience, authenticity, and peer support. An open look at leadership, real balance, and the power of community in the fast-paced Gaming industry.

Fintan shares his journey from Paddy Power marketing stunts to scaling and exiting BonusFinder to Gambling.com Group. He opens up about the brutal realities of affiliate marketing, navigating burnout, and the complex emotions behind exits that people rarely discuss.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leo sits down with several standout members of the iGaming Leader Mastermind to share their deeply personal journeys of transformation. From burnout and overwhelm to sustainable high performance, these stories reveal the real impact of removing the mask and prioritising wellbeing in the world of leadership.

Vladimir shares how adaptability, integrity, and fearless decision-making shaped his journey from government employee to multi-industry executive and respected leader in iGaming. The conversation explores personal resilience, navigating uncertainty, leading with impact, and the mindset shifts that separate founders who thrive from those who stall.

Mark shares his extraordinary journey from rising through the ranks in sports betting and gaming, to battling addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts—and ultimately rebuilding his life and career. The conversation explores the pressures of leadership in iGaming, the dangers of burnout and imposter syndrome, the stigma around mental health in male-dominated environments, and the importance of vulnerability, boundaries, and support systems.

Sasha shares her inspiring journey from finance associate to CCO at Playtech Live, revealing how bold moves, and supportive networks shaped her career. The conversation explores her path through the iGaming industry, the importance of asking for opportunities, overcoming imposter syndrome, managing remote teams, and maintaining work-life balance.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Paris Smith, former CEO of Pinnacle and one of the most influential leaders in the iGaming industry. Paris shares her journey from sports betting to leading a powerhouse brand, highlighting the challenges, leadership lessons, and industry shifts she has navigated. The conversation explores high-performance culture, resilience in the face of public scrutiny, and the evolving dynamics of leadership in iGaming.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Helen Walton, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of G Games, an online casino studio. Helen shares how she went from working on household brands to co-founding a gaming business that supplies games to over 800 operators. The conversation explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of building strong business relationships, and the unconventional strategies that helped G Games stand out in the iGaming industry.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Simon Pilkington, former CEO of KaFe Rocks and experienced iGaming executive. Simon shares his transformative journey, from navigating imposter syndrome and career shifts to prioritising his health and well-being. They go deep into leadership challenges, personal growth, and the power of building a strong support system.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Britt Boeskov, an experienced executive in iGaming and digital transformation. Britt shares her journey from starting as a management trainee to becoming a C-level leader in a fast-paced and highly regulated industry. The conversation explores career progression, leadership challenges, the power of building strong professional relationships, and the impact of AI and personalisition in the gaming industry.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Elena, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in business transformation and leadership. Elena shares her journey from starting as a PA to leading billion-pound transformation projects in highly regulated industries. The conversation explores navigating career transitions, the importance of leadership adaptability, and how diverse perspectives shape high-performing teams.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Georgia Parry, Director of Key Accounts at Blueprint, to discuss her incredible career progression, overcoming adversity, and her leadership philosophy. Georgia shares how she went from an office administrator to a director in just seven years, the lessons she learned from a major health scare, balancing leadership with single parenthood, and how she built her confidence in a high-stakes industry.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Andrew Bulloss, Partner at Odgers Berndtson, to explore the evolution of leadership in the iGaming industry. Andrew shares his journey from sports recruitment to building one of the most influential executive search practices in betting and gaming. The conversation covers how leadership requirements have changed over the last decade, why curiosity is an underrated trait, and what it really takes to break into C-level positions.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Alex Pratt, Group Managing Director at Clarion Gaming, to discuss leadership in large-scale events, business resilience, and the mindset shifts needed to sustain long-term success. Alex shares his journey from sales to leading some of the most influential events in the iGaming industry, including ICE and iGaming Business.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Robert Lenzhofer, Co-Founder & CEO of Hölle Games, to discuss his 20-year journey in the gaming industry, from his early days at Bwin to leading his own tech-driven company. Robert opens up about the lessons he learned from burnout, the power of asynchronous work, and the importance of creating agile, efficient teams.

In this inspiring episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Roger Redfearn-Tyrzyk, VP at IDnow, to discuss his remarkable journey from his strenuous beginnings to becoming a prominent leader in the iGaming industry. Roger shares his unique insights about overcoming personal and professional challenges, developing accountability, and maintaining a growth mindset to achieve great success.

In this episode of the iGaming Leader podcast, Leo speaks with Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Next.io. Pierre shares his entrepreneurial journey, from founding a poker club in his teens to leading Next.io through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the evolution of Pierre's leadership style, the importance of building genuine connections, and his mission to foster a global iGaming community.

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of iGaming Leader, host Leo Judkins sits down with Pini Yakuel, founder and CEO of Optimove, to uncover the real cost of success in the world of entrepreneurship. From his early days as an ambitious young entrepreneur to building a company that now spans multiple markets, Pini shares raw insights on leadership, emotional resilience, delegation, and the relentless obsession required to succeed as a founder.

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo Judkins sits down with Lex Scott, a seasoned leader with a passion for authenticity and openness. Lex shares his personal journey of navigating mental health challenges, embracing vulnerability, and transitioning into fatherhood—all while redefining his leadership style. This candid conversation covers the importance of self-awareness, building meaningful connections, and creating a culture that values empathy and resilience.

In this powerful episode of The IGaming Leader, Leo Judkins sits down with Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply, who shares his deeply personal journey of transformation. At just 33, Mike suffered a mini-stroke that served as a wake-up call to re-evaluate his lifestyle, leadership approach, and boundaries. Mike discusses his fast rise in iGaming, the challenges of balancing family life with a high-pressure career, and the importance of empowering teams to excel.

Marija also provides practical insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing personal and professional growth, and using platforms like LinkedIn to amplify one's voice and influence in the industry. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with lessons on leadership, balance, and creating a lasting impact.

After 17 years in iGaming, Dmitry Belianin has had his most successful year yet, launching multiple ventures simultaneously. In this revealing conversation, he discusses his journey from competitive poker player to industry innovator, sharing insights on leadership evolution, delegation strategies, and the importance of long-term vision in iGaming.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rob Duthie, a veteran of the iGaming industry with over 20 years of experience. Currently serving as Managing Director at Entain, Rob shares his journey from Victor Chandler through various roles at Stan James to his current position. He offers a unique perspective on leadership, discussing how Entain has navigated recent challenges and transformed its business performance.

In this candid conversation, Petra Zackrisson shares her unconventional career path from McKinsey to diplomat to iGaming executive. Drawing on her extensive experience working across Europe, Africa, and South America, Petra discusses breaking barriers as a female leader in a male-dominated industry, the importance of authentic leadership, and practical steps for improving diversity in organisitions.

In this candid conversation, Rob Fell, former COO of NetEnt and White Hat Gaming, shares his journey from British Army officer to iGaming executive. Drawing on his extensive experience across major operators like Paddy Power, GVC (now Entain), and NetEnt, Rob discusses the challenges of leadership, the importance of authenticity, and how to navigate difficult decisions.

The iGaming Leader Podcast with Leo Judkins uncovers the human side of the iGaming industry's most successful leaders. Join us as we explore the untold stories, challenges, and triumphs of the executives shaping one of the world's most dynamic sectors.