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,...
Naive or ballsy? Building a company from scratch in an industry you don’t know with Helen Walton
Naive or ballsy? Building a company from scratch in an industry you don’t know with Helen WaltonIn 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. Offering insights into leadership, resilience, and industry innovation, Helen provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and gaming professionals.Guest BioHelen Walton is the Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of G Games. Over the last decade, she and her business partners have grown G Games from a bold idea into a global company, supplying games to over 800 operators. Helen has worked across multiple industries, from beauty and retail to logistics and gaming, helping build some of the most recognizable brands. A well-known speaker and writer in iGaming, she is also a member of the UKGC Industry Forum, advocating for responsible gaming and innovation in the sector.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – From consumer brands to iGaming03:00 – How G Games started05:38 – Early failures that shaped G Games08:01 – Why networking is critical to success09:14 – Standing out in iGaming12:18 – Overcoming setbacks20:11 – Building a strong company culture23:57 – The power of autonomy, trust, and feedback29:58 – Delegation and letting go35:14 – Bringing fresh talent into iGaming41:15 – Take ownership of your career and create your own opportunitiesMemorable Quotes"We started with no network, no industry experience—just a crazy idea and a lot of persistence.""Failure is a great teacher. Every mistake we made helped shape the company we have today." "If you want to grow in your career, stop waiting for someone to tell you what to do—take ownership and make things happen."Important LinksConnect with Helen Walton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-walton/https://www.linkedin.com/company/gforthegamersFollow 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/
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45:17
Drowning the voices of Imposter Syndrome with Simon Pilkington
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 prioritizing his health and well-being. They go deep into leadership challenges, personal growth, and the power of building a strong support system. Simon shares some valuable insights and practical advice for leaders striving to balance career success with personal fulfillment.Guest BioSimon Pilkington is a seasoned iGaming executive with a background in leadership, strategy, and business transformation. 17+ years in the iGaming industry, spanning operator, media and data companies, affiliate companies, and his own businesses. Not a 'straight forward' career path, but one that led to CEO leadership with KaFe Rocks. Currently running Wander, a specialist and unique recruitment business, alongside a start-up and bootstrapped affiliate company called Best Betting Media.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – Taking over as CEO: The challenges of stepping into leadership05:42 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt09:58 – Balancing career, family, and well-being during the pandemic11:36 – Transforming health: From burnout to peak performance17:08 – The power of delegation and trusting your team22:11 – Lessons from leadership: Building the right company culture26:25 – Getting out of your own head34:28 – Simon’s charity work: From boxing to running 180 miles for a causeMemorable Quotes"I was doing everything for everyone—except myself. When I finally prioritized my well-being, everything else improved." "You don’t get rid of imposter syndrome—you learn to manage it and use it to your advantage." "Leadership isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people and trusting them."Important LinksConnect with Simon Pilkington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpilkingtonhttps://www.wearewander.co.ukSupport Simon’s charity run: https://www.justgiving.com/page/olivers-army-6-ultras 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/
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44:06
You don’t get the corner office…You TAKE it: Britt’s Leadership Journey in iGaming
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 personalization in the gaming industry. Offering valuable insights, Britt provides actionable advice for professionals looking to step up in their careers and lead with confidence.Guest BioWith 20 years of experience in the i-gaming industry, Britt is a board member and advisor who specialises in strategy, customer experience, and digital transformation. After a long C-level run with Kindred Group, she now serves on the boards of Better Collective, Mindway AI, GAMING1 Group, MAG Interactive and Racecourse Media Group; and provides tailored support through 4see Advice.Key Topics Discussed02:00 – Britt’s journey to C-level executive04:40 – Transitioning to an established industry leader07:00 – Stepping into leadership: Taking ownership and leading with confidence09:50 – Sometimes you just have to take the corner office11:20 – You don’t have to do it all yourself16:00 – The importance of delegation and trusting your team21:20 – Finding purpose in leadership and the role of responsible gaming24:50 – The evolution of player engagement and the role of AI in gaming29:30 – Britt’s advice for leveling up your careerMemorable Quotes"You don't get the corner office. You take the corner office.""High performers balance humility and curiosity with ambition and persistence.""The one lasting thing you build in this industry is your relationships—hold on to them."Important LinksConnect with Britt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittboeskov/https://4see.dk/4see-methods/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/
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32:18
Stand for yourself and believe in yourself — Leadership lessons from Elena Chambers
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. Elena provides actionable advice for leaders looking to progress into executive roles and lead with confidence.Guest BioElena Chambers is the Group Chief Transformation and Corporate Development Officer at Allwyn, bringing over 20 years of global experience in strategic planning and business transformation. Her journey from starting as a PA in Moscow to leading billion-pound transformations showcases her ability to drive innovation across industries. Prior to Allwyn, she served as COO at 888holdings where she led the William Hill post-merger integration, and spent 12 years at British American Tobacco leading a £1.2bn global transformation program. A graduate of both Columbia and London Business School, Elena brings a unique perspective shaped by her cross-cultural experience, with a leadership approach that emphasizes curiosity, authenticity, and building diverse teams to drive organizational change.Key Topics Discussed02:00 – Elena’s career journey: From PA to leading transformation projects03:50 – Breaking into the iGaming industry and taking on executive roles07:20 – Managing international teams and adapting to different leadership cultures11:50 – Leveraging strengths as a woman in a male-dominated industry20:30 – The importance of delegation and letting go to grow as a leader25:30 – Handling imposter syndrome and embracing continuous learning29:00 – Lessons from the tobacco industry: Anticipating regulatory changes in gaming32:20 – The future of national lotteries and the role of technology in transformationMemorable Quotes"If you try to mimic your male colleagues' behavior, that's not going to get you anywhere—be yourself and use your unique strengths.""One of the biggest skills for a leader is to build a team that complements each other, not one that mirrors each other.""Start transforming from the inside while you still can—don’t wait until you’re forced to change."Important LinksConnect with Elena: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenareznikorskaya/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/
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36:18
Resilience, Growth & Leadership in iGaming – Georgia Parry
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.This conversation dives into personal resilience, leadership growth, and strategies for managing stakeholder relationships in gaming. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a working parent, or someone looking to build more confidence in your career, Georgia’s story is packed with valuable insights.Guest BioGeorgia Parry is the Director of Key Accounts UK at Blueprint Gaming, where she has been a key player for the past seven years, starting her journey as an Office Administrator before rapidly climbing the ranks. Prior to joining the gaming industry, she worked as a Sales Negotiator in real estate, but her passion for people and relationship-building naturally led her into commercial roles.As an extroverted and highly social leader, Georgia thrives in roles that emphasize human connection. She firmly believes that people buy from people, not just products, and that hiring genuinely good individuals is the foundation of a successful business. While still learning the nuances of her leadership position, she embraces the journey and the challenges that come with it.Outside of work, Georgia is a devoted mother to her 8-year-old son, Henry, her greatest motivation to succeed.Key Topics Discussed00:00 – Welcome and Introduction03:50 – The Science Teacher’s Prediction05:50 – Pivotal Career Moments08:00 – Navigating a Major Life Change12:50 – Facing a Life-Threatening Health Scare16:30 – The Power of Positivity and Resilience19:30 – Leadership & Emotional Intelligence26:00 – Building Relationships in iGaming28:30 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome31:50 – Lessons from Great Leaders34:20 – Advice to Her Younger SelfMemorable Quotes📌 “I truly believe that if you understand what makes people happy at work, you’ll get the best out of them—without needing to be a strict leader.”📌 “If you’re progressing in your career, imposter syndrome is natural. It means you’re in the right place.”📌 “Life is short—don’t waste energy on negativity. Control what you can, and let go of the rest.”📌 “If you ever don’t know the answer, just say, ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out.’ That’s how you build credibility.”Important LinksConnect with Georgia Parry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-parry-a86424159Follow 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/
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.
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