From A Stroke to Sustainable High Performance - Mike de Graaff's Wake Up Call at 33

Episode Summary

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.

This conversation offers invaluable lessons on the dangers of burnout, the power of delegation, and the necessity of protecting boundaries for sustainable leadership. Whether you’re a leader seeking balance or an aspiring professional aiming to build a high-performing team, Mike’s story will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable insights.

Guest Bio

Born in the Netherlands, Mike de Graaff is a seasoned compliance consultant with a deep commitment to shaping regulatory landscapes. A devoted father of three, Mike brings a unique blend of Dutch precision and an exceptional work ethic to the realm of licensing and compliance.

With a formidable track record, Mike has earned a stellar reputation in the Netherlands for his expertise in compliance consulting. His significant contributions include establishing a substantial share of granted licences within the country and successfully guiding numerous operators into new markets. As a compliance consultant, Mike is not only well-versed in the intricacies of regulatory frameworks but also possesses the strategic foresight to navigate the complexities of licensing with finesse.

Known for his trustworthiness and honesty, Mike approaches each project as if it were his own, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to achieving optimal results. His journey in compliance consulting is a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence, making him a respected figure in the field and a go-to expert for businesses navigating the intricate landscape of regulatory compliance.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 - Mike’s rapid progression in the iGaming Industry

02:15 - Mike’s rapid rise in iGaming: Lessons from starting in customer service to becoming a compliance leader

10:45 - The turning point: Suffering a stroke and reassessing priorities

15:00 - Building boundaries: How strict schedules and delegation transformed Mike’s work and health

19:20 - Avoiding burnout: Warning signs, reflections, and lifestyle changes

22:45 - Leadership lessons: Why duplicating yourself is the wrong approach

28:15 - Leveraging neurodiversity: How Mike uses ADHD as a strength in compliance and leadership

33:50 - Advice for leaders: Building high-performing teams and managing sustainable success

Key Takeaways

1. Set and Protect Boundaries for Balance
   Finding balance is not just about setting boundaries but actively protecting them. In high-pressure industries like iGaming, it’s common to compromise health and wellbeing by shifting those boundaries. As Mike’s story shows, working within constraints is crucial to prevent burnout and safeguard long-term performance.
2. Seek External Help When Needed
   When overwhelmed and unable to see a way forward, it’s vital to seek external support. Whether it’s a peer, coach, or colleague, having someone else help identify where you’re stuck can lead to improved productivity, time management, and leadership. As Mike shared, you can’t read the label from inside your own bottle.
3. Empower Your Team, Don’t Duplicate Yourself
   Instead of trying to replicate yourself, build a diverse team with varied strengths. Delegating full responsibility to your team members allows them to excel, reduces bottlenecks, and ultimately enhances business performance. As Mike highlighted, stepping back and trusting your team can lead to better outcomes than doing it all yourself.

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