The iGaming Leader

Leo Judkins - Coach for iGaming Leaders
  • 0,0 (0)
  • JOHTAMINEN
  • VIIKOITTAIN

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. Each week, we dive deep into conversations with C-suite leaders, founders, and directors from global betting firms and innovative startups. Our guests share their authentic journey to the top, revealing pivotal career moments, leadership philosophies, and personal strategies for sustainable success in this high-pressure industry. More than just another business podcast, we focus on the crucial intersection of wellbeing and high performance. Discover how industry leaders maintain peak performance while managing stress, work-life integration, and team dynamics in an industry that never sleeps. Whether you're an aspiring leader, current executive, or passionate about the iGaming sector, each 30-minute episode delivers actionable insights to help you thrive in this fast-paced environment. Subscribe now to join a community of high-achieving iGaming professionals committed to making this industry not just successful, but sustainable for its leaders.

  1. What it really takes to make it as a founder

    8.10.

    What it really takes to make it as a founder

    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 Bio Max 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 Discussed 00:00 – 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 be Memorable 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 Links Connect with Max Meltzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmeltzer1 www.strivegaming.com https://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/

    56 min
  2. What compliance is NOT

    24.9.

    What compliance is NOT

    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 & FOLLOW Alex 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!

    50 min
  3. Addiction in iGaming: A CCO’s Road to Recovery

    10.9.

    Addiction in iGaming: A CCO’s Road to Recovery

    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 Bio Huw 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 Discussed 00:00 – 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 impact Memorable 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 Links Connect with Huw Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huwowenthomas/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/recovery-in-gaming https://www.brandstage.com/ Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/ Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: iGamingLeader.com/signup Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: iGamingLeader.com

    41 min
  4. Why I Never Focus on Problems as a CEO — Justin Anastasi

    27.8.

    Why I Never Focus on Problems as a CEO — Justin Anastasi

    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/signup In 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 Guest Justin 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 Topics 00:00 – 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 LinkedIn Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: iGamingLeader.com/signup Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: iGamingLeader.com

    43 min
  5. Why I Had to Slow Down to Save My Career — Lee McFarland on Resilience, Vulnerability, and Building Community

    13.8.

    Why I Had to Slow Down to Save My Career — Lee McFarland on Resilience, Vulnerability, and Building Community

    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 Bio Lee 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 Discussed 00:00 – 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 network Memorable 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/

    40 min
  6. Why High Performers Burn Out (But Don’t Quit)

    29.7.

    Why High Performers Burn Out (But Don’t Quit)

    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 Banking 04:24 Transition to iGaming 09:42 Work Ethic and Mindset: All or Nothing 16:48 The Journey of Self-Acceptance 21:35 Continuous Improvement and Building Support Systems 29:50 Leadership and Team Dynamics 40:07 The Value of Vulnerability in Business 48:02 Reflecting on Career Advice MEMORABLE 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_US 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/

    49 min
  7. Leaving the Game: Reinventing My Career at 36

    22.7.

    Leaving the Game: Reinventing My Career at 36

    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/

    39 min
  8. From Coder to CPO: Shelley Hannah’s unique journey to success in iGaming

    15.7.

    From Coder to CPO: Shelley Hannah’s unique journey to success in iGaming

    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 Bio Shelley 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 Discussed 00:00 – 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 struggling Powerful 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 Links Connect 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/

    50 min
Näytä kaikki (38)

Tietoja

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. Each week, we dive deep into conversations with C-suite leaders, founders, and directors from global betting firms and innovative startups. Our guests share their authentic journey to the top, revealing pivotal career moments, leadership philosophies, and personal strategies for sustainable success in this high-pressure industry. More than just another business podcast, we focus on the crucial intersection of wellbeing and high performance. Discover how industry leaders maintain peak performance while managing stress, work-life integration, and team dynamics in an industry that never sleeps. Whether you're an aspiring leader, current executive, or passionate about the iGaming sector, each 30-minute episode delivers actionable insights to help you thrive in this fast-paced environment. Subscribe now to join a community of high-achieving iGaming professionals committed to making this industry not just successful, but sustainable for its leaders.

Tiedot

  • Tekijä
    Leo Judkins - Coach for iGaming Leaders
  • Julkaisuvuodet
    2024 - 2025
  • Jaksot
    38
  • Luokitus
    Lapsille sopiva
  • Copyright
    © 2024 iGamingLeader.com
  • Ohjelman sivusto
    The iGaming Leader
  • Tarjoaja