When leaders have some hands-on experience, they're more likely to develop authentic connections with their teams and external collaborators. To Chris Smith, our guest today, who had spent more than 10 years working at virtually any position in the industry before becoming a CEO, experienced hands-on leaders are kind of a cheat code. 

Chris Smith is the Founder and CEO of Big Esports, an esports and gaming PR consultant firm. Chris has worked in every role in the gaming industry: top-level competitive player, commentator, tournament coordinator, PR and marketing representative, and consultant, to name a few. 

Every new position he got into, he felt that was the job of his life... until he discovered the next one. His passion for gaming and his voracity for learning led him to start his own company. Chris's diverse journey turned him into a leader who knows every corner of an industry that saw him grow and evolve for the last 12 years. 

In this episode, we have a fantastic conversation about leadership, the evolution of the gaming community, esports and gaming education, and some of the industry's future trends. Chris kindly shared bits of his background and the attitude and mindset that helped him grow and evolve in the gaming industry. We also discuss what can take someone to "the right room" to meet the right people and forge the beginning of a career in gaming. 

Visit the Big Esports website: https://www.bigesports.gg/

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithymayo/

or follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithymayo/

or Twitter: https://twitter.com/smithymayo

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