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/

"Instead of running away from challenges every day, I actually run towards them because within that challenge is actually very, very likely I'm going to find a lot of engagement and happiness and fulfillment." - Rob Duthie

Episode Summary
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rob Duthie, a veteran of the iGaming industry with over 20 years of experience. Currently serving as Managing Director at Entain, Rob shares his journey from Victor Chandler (now BV Group) through various roles at Stan James (now Kindred) to his current position. He offers a unique perspective on leadership, discussing how Entain has navigated recent challenges and transformed its business performance. Rob provides valuable insights into managing teams during periods of significant change and the importance of authentic leadership.

Guest Bio
Rob Duthie is the Managing Director at Entain, one of the world's largest sports betting and gaming groups. With over two decades in the iGaming industry, Rob started his career at Victor Chandler in 2003, initially joining for a maternity cover role in payroll. His journey has taken him through various leadership positions at prominent companies including Stan James and William Hill, where he played key roles in implementing regulatory changes and driving business transformation. Rob is known for his thoughtful approach to leadership and his ability to navigate complex organisational changes while maintaining team engagement.

Key Topics Discussed
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 - Rob's journey into iGaming and the industry's evolution
00:06:34 - Embracing change and finding fulfillment in challenges
00:12:40 - The balance between performance targets and team behavior
00:24:20 - Deep thinking and leadership style
00:26:40 - Managing work-life balance and morning routines
00:30:40 - Leadership values and team management
00:34:20 - Career progression and knowing when to move on

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity in leadership is crucial - understand and embrace your leadership style while being transparent about how you operate
• The importance of embracing change rather than resisting it, especially in the fast-paced iGaming industry
• Success comes from looking for challenges and finding fulfillment in overcoming them rather than avoiding difficult situations
• Clear morning routines and dedicated thinking time are essential for maintaining high performance in leadership roles

Important Links:

• Connect with Rob Duthie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-duthie-8107969/
• 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://www.igamingleader.com/

Episode Summary

In this episode, host Leo Judkins interviews Petra Zackrisson about her fascinating journey from management consulting to diplomat to iGaming executive. Petra shares her experiences as a female leader in a male-dominated industry and offers practical advice on driving diversity, building trust with teams, and balancing short-term goals with long-term vision.

Guest Bio

Petra Zackrisson is a passionate, driven leader with extensive experience in online gaming, international business development, and strategy. She started her career at McKinsey before becoming one of the youngest trade commissioners as a diplomat. In 2013, Petra transitioned into iGaming, working in executive roles at Betsson and Kaizen Gaming. She served as SVP of Growth at Better Collective and board member at Casumo. Petra is an advocate for diversity and incremental change towards building more diversified, healthy businesses.

Key Topics

• 2:15 - Petra's unconventional career path from McKinsey to diplomat to iGaming
• 7:30 - Challenges and learnings from working across different countries and cultures
• 12:02 - Driving innovation by hiring outside talent and enabling "cross-pollination"
• 16:11 - Practical steps leaders can take to improve gender diversity in their organizations
• 24:18 - Navigating the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry
• 30:02 - How to create a culture of trust, psychological safety and high performance
• 36:10 - Balancing short-term goals and long-term vision in iGaming
• 39:25 - Petra's mentors and the leadership traits she admires and mirrors
• 42:37 - Advice for young professionals: Be kind to yourself and interview your future manager

Memorable Quotes

"I want to hang in there because I think it's very important for other young women to see that it's possible. It's possible to go all the way to the top and it's possible to do that with family and with children too."

"Diversified teams are financially sound. If you are a consumer service company, it's important that your teams reflect your target audience. Today, most companies ignore 50% of the population because they are very male-oriented."

"Trust is key. It's important to tell people what they are good at, what their strengths are. I'm asking my team for help and that showcases that they can actually tell me things and give me feedback."

Important Links:

• Connect with Petra Zackrisson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-zackrisson-b75a892/
• 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/

"We're all figuring out stuff as we go. There is no real jump between here and here. It's just that someone maybe got there a little bit before and thinks in a slightly different way." - Rob Fell

Episode Summary

In this candid conversation, Rob Fell, former COO of NetEnt and White Hat Gaming, shares his journey from British Army officer to iGaming executive. Drawing on his extensive experience across major operators like Paddy Power, GVC (now Entain), and NetEnt, Rob discusses the challenges of leadership, the importance of authenticity, and how to navigate difficult decisions. He offers valuable insights on building autonomous teams, dealing with imposter syndrome, and maintaining personal wellbeing while leading through challenging times.

Guest Bio

Rob Fell is a highly accomplished iGaming executive with extensive experience in C-Level, Director & VP roles across Product & Operations in FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and NASDAQ Stockholm listed companies. His career spans from British Army officer to leadership positions at major gaming companies including NetEnt, White Hat Gaming, GVC Group, and Paddy Power. Rob is known for his expertise in post-M&A operational transformation and building high-performing product teams.

Key Topics Discussed

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and early career misconceptions
• 00:01:34 - Dealing with imposter syndrome in leadership
• 00:03:13 - Career progression and key attributes for success
• 00:06:48 - Surprising leadership lessons and the importance of patience
• 00:11:42 - Qualities valued in leadership and team development
• 00:17:48 - Navigating difficult decisions and redundancies
• 00:25:32 - Personal growth and maintaining work-life balance
• 00:32:19 - Leadership philosophy and mission command approach
• 00:40:01 - Advice to younger self: embracing the learning curve

Key Takeaways

• Leadership success comes from continuous learning and authenticity rather than trying to be a "perfect" leader
• Building autonomous teams requires trust and allowing people to make decisions
• Personal wellbeing and mental clarity are crucial for effective leadership
• Early and transparent communication is essential during challenging times
• Mission command principles can create more effective and autonomous teams

Important Links:

• Connect with Rob Fell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfell/
• 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/

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.