From Burnout to Unstoppable Entrepreneurship: Lessons in Leadership and forging your own path with Robert Lenzhofer

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Robert Lenzhofer, Co-Founder & CEO of Hölle Games, to discuss his 20-year journey in the gaming industry, from his early days at Bwin to leading his own tech-driven company. Robert opens up about the lessons he learned from burnout, the power of asynchronous work, and the importance of creating agile, efficient teams.

This conversation is packed with insights for leaders seeking to improve organizational flow, reduce workflow waste, and build sustainable businesses while maintaining personal well-being.

Guest Bio

Robert has been involved in free-to-play and real-money gaming for 20 years. Starting with Bwin in Vienna in 2001, Robert was instrumental in the early stages of product development of the sports betting and casino products, specifically being responsible for the launch of Bwin Casino and Bwin Poker.

Robert moved to Berlin in 2010 and headed the Product Development of Crowdpark, an Earlybird and Target-Partners funded venture in the area of social betting. Later, Robert co-founded Crowdbet, taking prediction market technology into the real-money sports betting market.

In 2015, Robert co-founded Glück Games, a real-money lottery game supplier for private and state lottery companies. In 2018, Glück Games merged with Gamevy, a London-based supplier of Instant Win games. Today, the company is called g.games and has multi-year contracts with the state lotteries of Italy, Norway, Turkey, Latvia, Denmark, Morocco, etc.

Today, Robert is the Co-Founder & CEO Hölle Games, an ISO 27001 certified 'Made in Germany' video slots company that also has a Remote Gaming Server (RGS) business-vertical called hinterzimmer.io.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Robert transition into the gaming industry.
04:20 – Questions about the industry's impact.
07:00 – The Tanker vs. Speedboat Metaphor
10:00 – The Impact of Burnout
15:38 – Lessons from Large Organizations
19:45 – Applying Lean Thinking in iGaming
24:00 – The Power of Asynchronous Work
29:30 – Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Memorable Quotes

1. “The organization should be like a brain, retaining knowledge and learning from its experiences.”
2. “Burnout isn’t about working too many hours—it’s about feeling out of control.”
3. “You learn the most when you lose. Winning hardly teaches you anything.”

Important Links
Connect with Robert Lenzhofer:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlenzhofer/
• https://www.xn--hlle-5qa.games/
• https://www.hinterzimmer.io/

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 inspiring episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Roger Redfearn-Tyrzyk, VP at IDnow, to discuss his remarkable journey from his strenuous beginnings to becoming a prominent leader in the iGaming industry.

Roger shares his unique insights about overcoming personal and professional challenges, developing accountability, and maintaining a growth mindset to achieve great success.

We delve deep into the lessons Roger has learned about leadership, the importance of team spirit, and the transformative power of taking ownership for your own actions. You will gain valuable advice on balancing ambition with personal well-being, celebrating team success, and embracing the journey of self-improvement.

Guest Bio

Roger Redfearn-Tyrzyk is a 32-year-old visionary leader and the Vice President Gaming at IDnow, now 8 years in the iGaming industry.. With a career that began in sales, Roger has rapidly ascended to leadership roles and became the youngest VP in the company at 29.

A huge sports fan with football, American football, basketball, Formula 1 and baseball being by far his favourites.

In his own words: making mistakes is the only way to get better, owning and being accountable for your own actions is the only way to become and stay successful.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Roger’s Journey to VP at IDnow
07:49 – Lessons from Humble Beginnings
13:00 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
12:00 – Celebrating Team Success
17:18 – The Weight-Loss Journey
24:00 – Tremendous Benefits Beyond the Scale
27:48 – Learning From Mistakes
31:10 – The Power of Accountability
36:20 – Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Memorable Quotes

1. “Success as a team is worth ten times more than individual success. It’s about celebrating together.”
2. “Mistakes are there to teach us. Own them, learn from them, and move forward.”
3. “Happiness is found in the journey, not the destination. The process is where growth happens.”
   
   

Important Links

• Connect with Roger Redfearn-Tyrzyk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerredfearntyrzyk
• 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/

From Police Raids to Transforming iGaming Events: Pierre Lindh’s Remarkable iGaming Leadership Story

In this episode of the iGaming Leader podcast, Leo speaks with Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Next.io. Pierre shares his entrepreneurial journey, from founding a poker club in his teens to leading Next.io through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the evolution of Pierre’s leadership style, the importance of building genuine connections, and his mission to foster a global iGaming community.

The discussion highlights lessons in resilience, adaptability, and authenticity, offering inspiration and practical advice for leaders and entrepreneurs navigating a rapidly evolving industry.

Guest Bio

Today we're joined by Pierre, a pioneering force in the online gambling and gaming industry. His remarkable journey began during the early days of online poker, where his passion for the industry first took root. In 2006, Pierre took on an influential role with the Swedish Poker Federation, championing the cause for poker legalisation in Sweden. His expertise then led him to leadership positions at major online gambling platforms like Betsafe and Betsson Group, where he mastered the art of high-end hospitality events.

Drawing on his rich industry experience, Pierre co-founded Ambassadör Events in 2013, which has since orchestrated over 600 successful events and created some of Europe's most celebrated festival brands. But he didn't stop there. In 2019, Pierre embarked on his most ambitious venture yet, co-founding NEXT.io, which has quickly become the beating heart of the iGaming community. Under his guidance, NEXT.io has evolved into a powerhouse, hosting major conferences across Europe and North America, while running the industry's leading trade media news portal and podcast covering online gambling and sports betting.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction: Pierre shares his roots in poker and his entry into the iGaming industry.

02:00 – The story of founding a poker club at 17 and the lessons learned from navigating challenges with law enforcement and media attention.

07:00 – How Pierre’s intense focus has shaped his ventures, from poker to building Next.io.

13:00 – The Birth of Next.io: The journey from organizing events for others to founding a platform focused on creating meaningful iGaming experiences.

15:00 – Adapting During COVID-19: How Next.io reinvented itself during the pandemic by offering free thought leadership content, reshaping the way iGaming professionals connect.

19:00 – Insights into navigating financial challenges during the pandemic and fostering loyalty and trust within the team.

24:00 – Public Speaking and Overcoming Fears: Pierre’s personal journey to overcome his fear of public speaking, culminating in hosting Next.io’s inaugural event.

35:00 – Building Genuine Connections: Why relationships are at the heart of success in iGaming and the importance of creating authentic communities.

42:00 – Vision for the Future: Pierre’s mission to build the world’s most connected iGaming community and foster collaboration across the industry.

Important Links

Connect with Pierre Lindh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrelindh/

Learn more about Next.io: https://next.io/

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/

The Real Cost of Success as a Founder with Pini Yakuel

In this episode of the iGaming Leader podcast, Leo sits down with Pini Yakuel, Founder & CEO of Optimove, to explore the emotional and operational challenges of being a founder.

Pini shares some powerful insights into balancing obsession with sustainability, overcoming leadership hurdles, and managing the evolving relationship between a founder and their growing team.

From managing offsite tensions to parenting lessons applied to leadership, this episode is filled with reflections and brilliant advice for leaders at any stage of their journey.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the real costs—and rewards—of building a successful company.

Key Topics Discussed

• 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction
• 01:00 – The Origins of Optimove. Pini shares his entrepreneurial journey, from childhood dreams of running his own business to the founding of Optimove.
• 08:00 – Balancing hands-on leadership with empowering teams while avoiding becoming the bottleneck in a fast-growing company.
• 12:00 – Pini shares insights on managing executive meetings, fostering transparency, and avoiding unproductive tensions.
• 17:00 – Building a culture where team members feel ownership and stay long-term, while also coping with the emotional impact of departures.
• 22:00 – Why obsession is essential in the early stages of entrepreneurship, and how balance becomes crucial as the company matures.
• 28:00 – How a budgeting strategy with his kids translated into a leadership lesson about delegation and autonomy.
• 32:00 – Pini shares his most important lessons on leadership, self-awareness, and continuous improvement.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Obsession Fuels Success but Needs Balance

While it is essential in the early days of building a company, sustainable success requires evolving into a more balanced leader who knows when to step back and trust the team.

2. Transparency Builds Stronger Teams

Open and emotionally intelligent communication, especially during critical team discussions, prevents misunderstandings and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration.

3. Leadership Lessons from Parenting

Empowering team members with autonomy—similar to giving children responsibility—leads to greater accountability, smarter decision-making, and reduced friction.

About the Guest

Our guest today is Pini Yakuel, a visionary entrepreneur who's revolutionising how brands connect with their customers. As the Co-founder and CEO of Optimove, Pini has transformed a two-person startup in 2009 into a global powerhouse in retention marketing. Under his leadership, Optimove pioneered the concept of Customer-led Marketing, flipping the traditional marketing playbook on its head by putting customers - not campaigns or products - at the centre of every decision. This innovative approach has proven remarkably successful, helping hundreds of leading consumer brands boost their customer lifetime value by an average of 33%. Pini brings a unique analytical perspective to marketing, backed by his Master's degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Tel Aviv University.

Important Links

• 
  Connect with Pini Yakuel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piniyakuel
• 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/

Episode Summary

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo Judkins sits down with Lex Scott, a seasoned leader with a passion for authenticity and openness. Lex shares his personal journey of navigating mental health challenges, embracing vulnerability, and transitioning into fatherhood—all while redefining his leadership style. This candid conversation covers the importance of self-awareness, building meaningful connections, and creating a culture that values empathy and resilience.

Whether you’re a leader striving for authenticity or someone looking to balance personal and professional growth, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.

Guest Bio

Lex Scott is a distinguished commercial leader in the gambling and casual gaming sectors, with extensive expertise in signing, managing, and launching globally successful IP licensing partnerships.

As Vice-President of Gaming & Gambling at ITV Studios, Lex oversees the strategic development of interactive entertainment initiatives in these verticals, managing iconic brands such as Hell’s Kitchen, Love Island, The Voice, The Chase, and Schitt’s Creek.

His career includes leadership roles with globally recognised media groups like Endemol Shine, Banijay, and Peanuts, where he has represented beloved franchises such as Peaky Blinders, Deal or No Deal, MasterChef, Black Mirror, and Mr. Bean.

A proud father and stepfather, Lex draws many parallels between the challenges of parenting and business leadership. A passionate advocate for mental health, he is an active fundraiser for causes like Movember, often taking on physical challenges to raise awareness and support men's health initiatives.

Key Topics Discussed

• 0:00 - Welcome and the importance of authenticity
• 2:00 - The cost of inauthenticity: Lex’s journey to reconcile his true self with his professional persona
• 5:30 - Lessons from fatherhood: How becoming a parent reshaped Lex’s approach to leadership
• 10:15 - Building vulnerability: Why authenticity and openness are essential for high-performing teams
• 15:40 - Making tough decisions: How Lex embraced impermanence and walked away from a C-level role
• 22:30 - Creating a culture of resilience: Embracing mistakes and learning from failures

3 Main Takeaways

1. Authenticity is a Superpower
   Leaders who embrace vulnerability and show their true selves foster trust and connection, creating stronger teams and a more fulfilling work environment.
2. Impermanence Leads to Growth
   Embracing change and letting go of what no longer serves you—whether habits, roles, or relationships—can open doors to new opportunities and personal development.
3. Balance is Key
   Success comes from balancing urgency with long-term vision and prioritizing mental health and self-reflection. This approach leads to sustainable leadership and resilience.

Important Links

• Connect with Lex Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexscott89/
• 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/

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/