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 Bio
Daniel 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 Discussed
00:00 – Thoughtful leadership: mentor first, megaphone second
03:00 – From hands-on Ops to true COO
05:00 – Letting go the right way: trust, verify, then back your best people
09:00 – Culture design: speed, iteration, low bureaucracy, clear process
12:00 – Running two companies: vision, operators, repeatable model
16:00 – “Breathe through it”: journalling and calm thinking in a crisis
19:00 – Private GPTs, writing, and structured reflection as a coping system
22:00 – Proud moments: team growth, fast KPIs, shared wins
31:00 – Founders, focus, and plate-spinning: why this isn’t “the Daniel show”
35:00 – Mentors who challenge vision and expand ambition
40:00 – Disruption mindset: ask bigger questions, push for better
41:00 – Family, holidays, and work–life choices that reduce stress
42:00 – Final advice: hire great people, move fast, know when to stop
Memorable 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/signup
Join 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/emmablaylock
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pretty-technical
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 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 guest
05:00 – Early entrepreneurship
08:00 – Stigma vs strategy: going back to employement
11:00 – Health over financial milestones
16:00 – Making balance stick
17:30 – Community, sport, and boundaries
20:00 – Empathy, criticism and building thicker skin
22:30 – Coaching and journalling letters to his daughter
31:00 – Leaving Kambi and founding Strive
36:00 – Seed strategies
44:00 – Fundraising cycles, boards, and aligning investor expectations
53:00 – Only do the jobs only you can do
54:30 – 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/signup
Join 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:
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 role
04:00 – Shifting mindset: not every customer is a criminal
07:00 – Leadership by trust: enabling teams to take risks
10:00 – When quick decisions backfire and cost millions
14:00 – Customer experience in gambling: speed dating or lost forever
15:00 – Building a compliance team from 1 to 30+ people
17:00 – Hard leadership lessons: overwork, burnout, and compassion
28:00 – Losing respect publicly and how to recover trust
36:00 – When things go wrong and you're blamed unfairly
40:00 – Handling redundancies and supporting people afterwards
44:00 – 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
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 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 days
07:00 – Climbing the ladder: Betsson, NYX, OpenBet, and major exits
14:00 – Pressure, addiction, and the turning point in 2014
19:00 – The first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and life in recovery
27:00 – Boundaries, control, and tools to handle executive stress
33:00 – The daily inventory: a 3-minute practice that actually works
37:00 – 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
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 Intro
03:00 – Breaking rules and finding your own way
07:00 – Why Justin never focuses on problems
10:00 – Treating time as your most valuable currency
14:00 – The common thread across retail, HR, politics, and iGaming
16:30 – Leading with transparency during tough decisions
21:00 – Backing underdogs and seeing them succeed
23:30 – Why the person matters more than the pitch deck
26:00 – Speaking up on difficult issues in Malta and the industry
29:00 – Lessons learned from entering politics
34:00 – Balancing impatience and action in leadership
37:00 – Why growth and comfort never coexist
40:00 – 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 LinkedIn
Read more about his work:
Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn
Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: iGamingLeader.com/signup
Join 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 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 security
04:55 – The challenges of transitioning to civilian and corporate environments
08:00 – Facing early career rejections and building resilience
10:30 – The power of authentic networking and relationship-building
14:30 – Therapy, EMDR, and understanding PTSD
17:00 – Overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability, and reframing perceptions
20:45 – The impact of alcohol culture in the military and beyond
24:50 – Behind the Gloves and building community through boxing
30:00 – Recognising burnout and the courage to slow down
35:45 – Learning to say no and set boundaries in business and life
38:00 – 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 Links
Connect 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/signup
Join 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 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:
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/
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:
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:
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:
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 rise
04:30 – Handling the chaos: why iGaming is a different beast
06:30 – Perfectionism, ambition, and burnout
09:45 – Learning to let go and lead through trust
14:00 – Navigating imposter syndrome and leadership doubt
16:00 – The loneliness of director roles
19:00 – Why building team culture beats micromanaging
23:00 – There will be Fire
26:30 – Surviving a near-fatal car accident
33:00 – Mental health, relapse fear, and self-awareness
38:00 – Growth through discomfort and honest leadership
43:00 – Practical ways to balance health and ambition
47:00 – 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/
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 Welcome
00:40 — Overcoming Career Challenges
12:22 — Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions
20:05 — Balancing Work and Family Life
23:44 — The Importance of Networking and Support
26:43 — Current Role and Industry Insights
35:19 — Advice for Career Resilience
39:01 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts
MEMORABLE 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" / X
Post 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-LO8wK62bL6Rj53p2J9mMbqRKEc
Sun editorial on tax consulation:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323252184203055104
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, 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 outsiders
04:30 – From Paddy Power stunts to Seal Team Six: Fintan’s first break
09:45 – What drives competitiveness and staying power in iGaming
14:10 – The zero-to-one obsession: entrepreneurship vs. comfort zones
18:40 – Building BonusFinder: from near burnout to acquisition
25:00 – The truth behind exits: exhaustion, timing, and what people don’t see
30:15 – Adapting after the sale: investing time vs. investing money
35:10 – Rediscovering purpose and mentoring new founders
38:00 – What “Big 2025 Energy” really means
41:30 – Fatherhood, legacy, and designing your best years intentionally
MEMORABLE QUOTES:
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 Bio
Nakeeta 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 Discussed
00:00 – When "We're a family" culture becomes toxic
02:54 – Building a confident, empowered, global team
06:20 – The cost of career growth: imposter syndrome and overwork
10:08 – The risks of not setting boundaries from the beginning
14:05 – The most important thing you can do for yourself
17:04 – Redefining relationships after stepping into leadership
20:00 – Coping with isolation at the top
23:00 – Sacrifices behind the scenes
27:43 – The power and traps of servant leadership
38:00 – Finding identity beyond the job title
46:15 Launching StratEdge agency and rediscovering purpose
Memorable 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 Links
Episode Summary
In 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 Creators
MEMORABLE 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:
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, 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 BetBlocker
Key Topics Discussed:
00:00 Welcome to the iGaming Leader Podcast
01:20 John Wright's Journey into iGaming
05:59 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Challenges
10:57 The Role of Therapy and Personal Growth
16:31 Balancing Patience and Agility in Business
21:07 The Painful Decision to Relaunch
25:05 Business Partnerships
31:22 The Highs and Lows of Pitching to Investors
36:01 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
MEMORABLE 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 :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alwayslookright/
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/affiliate-bi-7063965031784148992/
https://open.spotify.com/show/0nTNXugQTY4Ww8JiSULeiu?si=a5654594f03041a3
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/
https://www.igamingleader.com/signup
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 Bio
Daniel 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 Discussed
00:00 – How adoption trauma impacts business performance
07:00 – Breaking imposter syndrome through introspection
14:00 – Daniel’s first panic attack in front of a client
18:00 – The purpose of Oliver’s Wish Boxing Event
22:00 – Re-evaluating life after burnout and loss
27:00 – Managing emotional triggers and boundaries
32:00 – How not to bully yourself
Memorable 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 Links
Connect with Daniel Beard
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbeard/
Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins
Subscribe to the iGaming Leader Newsletter: igamingleader.com/signup
Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: igamingleader.com
In this episode of iGaming Leader, 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.
The conversation explores burnout, work-life balance, imposter syndrome, stress, resilience, leadership growth, and personal recovery — offering inspiration and actionable insights for ambitious iGaming professionals ready to lead without losing themselves in the process.
Our Guests
Rob Fell is CEO at RiskCherry, known for his physical transformation and renewed mental clarity. He now leads with structure, focus, and purpose.
Fintan Costello is a veteran founder and advisor in the industry. After facing burnout, he rebuilt a better approach to business and life.
Julia Weygandt is the Group CCO at CallsU and a committee member at Global Gaming Women. Once overwhelmed by work, she found clarity, boundaries, and a powerful support system.
Carl Hallam is Co-Founder of Vega Gibraltar. Once mentally and physically exhausted, he’s now living with presence, peace, and professional purpose.
Lex Scott is VP of Gaming at ITV Studios. From near breakdown to emotional recovery, Lex shares how he rediscovered balance and inner peace.
Richard Marquis is a Director at Flutter/Sky Gaming. After losing his mother, he redefined his approach to time and work, creating sustainable habits and intentional living.
Arturs Zagurilo is a CCO who overcame imposter syndrome and scepticism about coaching. Through the Mastermind, he became more productive and genuinely happy.
James Murray is Director of Business Development at Playnetic. From burnout and hopelessness to reclaiming control and confidence, his story highlights the power of asking for help.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 – Rob Fell on building clarity and overcoming burnout through structure
03:00 – Fintan Costello on regaining 30 hours/week and making millions through mindset shifts
06:00 – Julia Weygandt on feeling consumed by work and finding community and balance
08:00 – Carl Hallam on recovering from emotional strain and becoming a better leader
11:00 – Lex Scott on near-collapse and finally finding inner peace
13:00 – Richard Marquis on the loss of his mother and building habits to honour her legacy
16:00 – Arturs Zagurilo on overcoming imposter syndrome and discovering the value of community
19:00 – James Murray on escaping burnout, asking for help, and reclaiming his joy and energy
Memorable Quotes
"I was done. I was working long days, working weekends… but I knew it wasn’t sustainable." – Fintan Costello
"Everyone on my birthday list was from work… that was the moment I realised something had to change." – Julia Weygandt
"I’m physically 10 years younger but mentally 20 years older." – Carl Hallam
"For the first time… I feel peace. I thought it was something that was beyond me." – Lex Scott
"You are in control of your own happiness." – James Murray
"What I’m most proud of is the feeling of habits forming — and knowing they’ll last." – Richard Marquis
"At first, I thought this was all BS. But now I know — it works. I’m more productive and more happy." – Arturs Zagurilo
Important Links
Connect with Leo Judkins: 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 Judkins sits down with Vladimir Malakchi, investor, advisor, former CCO of Evoplay and CEO of Xanada Investments.
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 — offering real, raw advice for executives, founders, and future leaders.
Guest Bio
Vladimir Malakchi is a strategic investor and business scaling expert with 10 years of experience. Over the past 5 years, he has mentored iGaming companies, guiding them to commercial success and top industry rankings.
Recognized as Speaker of the Year and Influencer of the Year, Vladimir is among LinkedIn's top voices in the industry. He has led companies to over 300 awards and nominations.
A respected judge and speaker at global gaming conferences, Vladimir launched Xanada Investments — an investment fund that supports promising iGaming projects, focusing on business scaling through financial backing and a community-driven approach for mutual success.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 – Introduction
03:00 – Betrayed by a friend helped by a stranger
08:00 – Couldn’t go back and face my mother
10:50 – Why adaptability is the most critical skill for founders
11:50 – Career pivots, mindset shifts, and making your own luck
17:00 – You need to start moving, moving, moving.
24:11 – Fear, risk, and the dangers of the comfort zone
30:50 – The mindset difference between serial founders and first-time entrepreneurs
34:55 – Perfectionism vs. speed: the silent killer of startups
38:50 – What I want to be remembered for
Memorable Quotes
"If you’re the smartest guy in the room, it’s time to change rooms."
"Comfort is the most dangerous place to live. You’ll look back and realise you’ve lost 20 years."
"People say yes because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. But if they won’t pay for your product, you’ve got nothing."
"Founders don’t die from failure — they die from perfectionism and inaction."
"I want to be remembered for helping people grow — not just in business, but in life."
Important Links
Connect with Vladimir Malakchi:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmalakchi/
https://xanada.fund
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 Mark Schmidt, Managing Director at EveryMatrix and a seasoned iGaming professional with over 17 years of industry experience.
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.
Mark offers raw honesty and empowering insights for anyone facing personal challenges while navigating high-performance careers.
Guest Bio
16 Year career in iGaming focusing exclusively on Africa. Mark has worked for the industry's leading B2B providers in senior roles with the likes of Sportradar and IMG.
His career started off in B2C as the head of trading for Hollywood Bets where his love of horse racing began.
He’s a dad to three girls and has been married for ten years to his amazing wife Derryn.
He’s currently with EveryMartrix and is the Managing Director - Africa.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 - Introduction
02:50 - Mark’s early career at Hollywood Bets
07:09 - Struggles with mental health and alcohol in high-pressure roles
09:03 - Suicidal ideation and coming out of rock bottom
14:35 - Feeling alone and imposter syndrome
18:49 - Dealing with social expectations in gaming
21:40 - Building a peer support network for others in the industry
25:59 - Generational shifts, asking for help, and creating change before it’s too late
28:44 - Just get help
33:15 - Advice for Gaming Leaders who feel the same way
Memorable Quotes
"Although I was there in body, I wasn’t there in mind."
"The world’s changed a hell of a lot. There are so many different ways that you can get help now."
"If I was able to get to a better point, anyone can do it."
"Just get help. Even if it’s a friend. Don’t try to solve it in your own head."
Important Links
Connect with Mark Schmidt:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-schmidt-aa27398b/
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 Sasha Uman, Chief Commercial Officer at Playtech Live.
Sasha shares her inspiring journey from finance associate to CCO at Playtech Live's division, 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—offering actionable advice and relatable insights for aspiring leaders, especially women navigating male-dominated industries.
Guest Bio
Sasha is an action-focused commercial executive with a proven track record in driving revenue growth and market expansion.
With extensive experience in negotiating IP and software licensing agreements, as well as managing strategic contract renewals and re-negotiations, Sasha excels at navigating complex, high-impact projects to swift and effective resolutions.
A strong leader and skilled negotiator, she currently leads high-performing teams that consistently exceed KPIs and business expectations.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 – Sasha’s career path: from finance to CCO at Playtech's Live Division
04:00 – Knocking on doors and asking for what you want
10:29 – Dealing with overthinking and building a strong support system
12:51 – Managing imposter syndrome and finding confidence through connection
18:42 – Balancing leadership and family life in the iGaming industry
23:14 – Overcoming challenges and defining leadership through adversity
26:26 – The value of authentic leadership and doing things your own way
32:30 – Delegation struggles and the long-term value of empowering others
36:20 – Advice for business development professionals looking to grow fast
Memorable Quotes
"I have to do it myself. No one will build your future for you."
"Overthinking turns into a vicious circle. It’s better not to go into it at all."
"You can achieve things in your own way. There’s no one path to success."
"Don’t just pitch the revenue share—understand the product deeply."
"People don’t always know what you’re capable of unless you show them."
Important Links
Connect with Sasha Uman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-uman-17722780/
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/