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.

Important Links

• Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: Leo Judkins
• Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: Sign Up Here
• Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: Join Here

"Every single person has value to add. Even if you are at the very beginning of your career, even if you haven't started your career and you're still studying, you have value to add because you are a couple of steps ahead of someone else."

Episode Summary

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo interviews Marija Hammon, a dynamic marketing leader with a fascinating journey across industries. Marija shares her evolution from FMCG to iGaming, where she has reshaped corporate branding and led high-performing teams with empathy and vision. The conversation delves into the importance of adaptability, the art of leading with heart, and how building strong teams and brands go hand in hand.

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

Guest Bio

Marija Hammon is one of the most influential marketeers in betting and gaming and has helped bring innovative B2C thinking and creativity to the world of B2B. Her vision and originality are an inspiration not only to her colleagues but to others within the industry.

Marija joined Relax Gaming from Catena Media in 2019, having pivoted from the world of hair care and beauty. She has dual master’s degrees in Business Administration and Integrated Marketing from the University of Malta and San Diego State University.

Her career at Relax saw her start as Brand and Communications Manager. It was in this role that she quickly made her mark, helping re-build the brand and revamping Relax Gaming’s website. She later moved into the role of Product Marketing Manager before being promoted to Head of Marketing and then Marketing Director in January 2024.

Her marketing and PR campaigns have proven to be incredibly successful, and she has overseen the studio’s brand awareness push around its expansion into several newly regulated markets, helping grow its distribution reach in key areas such as North America.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 - Marija’s career journey: Transitioning from FMCG to iGaming and reshaping Relax Gaming’s brand.
06:20 - Overcoming challenges: Adapting to new environments, imposter syndrome, and learning from failure.
07:40 - Leading with heart: The value of empathy, mentorship, and empowering team members.
12:30 - The importance of personal branding: How LinkedIn can amplify influence and connect with industry leaders.
18:50 - Public speaking insights: Preparing for panels, managing nerves, and creating engaging dialogues.
26:18 - Balancing work and family: Time-blocking, desk time, and thriving as an expat parent with a demanding career.
31:00 - Advice for aspiring leaders: Staying consistent, embracing challenges, and inspiring others through action.

Key Takeaways

• Empower Your Team: Give your team full ownership of their responsibilities, stepping in only when truly needed. Avoid micromanaging to prevent becoming a bottleneck and foster independence.
• Recognise Your Value: Everyone has unique value to add, no matter where they are in their journey. Reframe self-doubt as “imposter moments” and focus on the strengths you bring.
• Build Your Personal Brand: Personal branding is crucial for leaders. Share your strengths and insights meaningfully, turning your unique abilities into resources that inspire and guide others.

Important Links

• Connect with Marija on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marijahammon/
• Connect with 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://igamingleader.com/

"If you can find someone who does the thing at least 80% as good as you, you should give it away." - Dmitry Belianin shares his philosophy on empowering the next generation of iGaming leaders.

Episode Summary

After 17 years in iGaming, Dmitry Belianin has had his most successful year yet, launching multiple ventures simultaneously. In this revealing conversation, he discusses his journey from competitive poker player to industry innovator, sharing insights on leadership evolution, delegation strategies, and the importance of long-term vision in iGaming. Dmitry also opens up about his personal transformation through health and wellness practices that have fuelled his professional success.

Guest Bio
Dmitry Belianin is an experienced industry operator with 17+ years working in various industry verticals. Most recently, he has become a serial entrepreneur and owns a private investment company, Belianin. Belianin is building an ecosystem of high-potential gaming companies, including Blask, the AI-data analytics platform. Dmitry is also passionate about personal development, always seeking new ways to grow mentally and physically. He is on a mission to inspire others to do the same by sharing publically what is working for him in business and life within his online content.

Key Topics

• 01:45 Early career: From poker player to affiliate marketer
• 10:43 Leadership evolution and the power of delegation
• 16:38 Building multiple ventures in 2024
• 24:33 Long-term vision vs short-term gains in iGaming
• 26:25 Personal wellness routines and their impact on performance
• 30:01 Career advice for emerging leaders

Notable Quotes

• "I'm here to stay in this industry. I'm here to build a legacy."
• "The best education you can get is by doing something."
• "Sleep is probably the number one doctor for you."

Important Links:

• Connect with Dmitry Belianin’s projects
  • https://15m.com
  • https://blask.com
• Connect with Dmitry Belianin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitrybelianin/
• Connect with Leo Jenkins 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://igamingleader.com/