CMO Weekly

In this episode of CMA Weekly, we sit down with Sebastien Borget, co-founder and COO of The Sandbox, one of the most influential Web3-powered virtual worlds redefining how we think about gaming, digital art, and ownership in the metaverse.Sébastien shares his journey from mining Bitcoin in 2017 to pioneering blockchain-based gaming with The Sandbox, a platform that now boasts over 6 million users and partnerships with iconic brands and artists, including Snoop Dogg. He discusses how The Sandbox empowers creators to build, own, and monetize their digital experiences and how it's onboarding millions into Web3—without overwhelming them with the complexities of crypto.We explore Sebastien’s leadership philosophy, how he cultivates a global team, and his mission to bridge the gap between digital and physical art through his Paris-based venture, adverse.digital. Plus, he offers insights into the evolving landscape of NFTs, meme coins, real-world asset tokenization, and why gaming remains the biggest driver of crypto adoption.Whether you’re crypto-curious or already deep in Web3, this episode is packed with visionary thinking, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the metaverse’s leading architects.

Topics covered:

- Sebastien’s first encounter with Bitcoin and CryptoKitties

- How The Sandbox became a metaverse phenomenon

- Onboarding new users to Web3 through culture and entertainment

- The future of NFTs, gaming, and digital art

- Leadership in a decentralized, global company

- Predictions for crypto’s evolution in the next 5 years

- Advice Sebastien would give his 21-year-old self

In this episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Miguel Martins, Director of Marketing Operations at Easy Crypto, New Zealand’s leading crypto exchange. From scaling teams across continents to driving 300% organic growth, Miguel has been instrumental in taking Easy Crypto from a startup with no social media presence to a global player in digital finance.

Miguel shares his unconventional entry into the crypto world—over beers at a beach in Bali—and how that serendipitous moment launched his career in Web3. He dives into the challenges of marketing a product that most people didn’t understand in 2018, navigating evolving regulations, and why building trust and educating users became the cornerstone of their success.

We explore:

• How Easy Crypto carved out 50% of the New Zealand market by surviving where others failed

• The “gray zone” era of crypto marketing, when anything went—and how that changed

• Why being hands-on as a leader helped Miguel scale global teams and operations

• The pros and cons of working in Web3, and advice for young marketers entering the space

• Miguel’s vision for the future—from entrepreneurship to achieving financial freedom, and why he doesn’t plan to stop hustling anytime soon

Plus, we wrap up with a rapid-fire round covering worst advice, best local eats in Indonesia, and the one person Miguel would love to have dinner with.

Whether you’re a marketer, founder, or crypto-curious listener, this episode delivers an unfiltered look at the hustle, strategy, and adaptability it takes to thrive in the fast-paced world of digital finance.

In this episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Josh Gier, Chief Marketing Officer at Coliseum, a groundbreaking force in the Web3 gaming industry. Josh shares his remarkable journey from a lifelong passion for gaming to becoming a leader in growth marketing and brand strategy at the intersection of gaming and decentralized technology. With a history of scaling multi-million user communities and spearheading "community-as-a-service" models, Josh brings a unique perspective on how to drive engagement and build vibrant digital ecosystems.

Josh recounts his early exposure to Web3, tracing his curiosity back to Bitcoin’s inception and the Ethereum boom of 2015, which fueled his belief in the democratization of finance and technology. This episode delves into the core of Coliseum’s mission—a gaming ecosystem that serves millions of gamers, both Web2 and Web3, while championing fair play by actively eliminating bots and cheaters. Josh highlights how Coliseum’s community-first approach fosters trust, fun, and authentic engagement, making it more than just a platform—it’s a movement against inauthentic gameplay.

Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of onboarding gamers into new paradigms like Web3, Coliseum’s strategic use of tournaments and eSports events to drive adoption, and how they sidestep complex tech jargon to focus on what gamers love most: great games and a safe, enjoyable experience. Josh also reveals Coliseum’s $2 million fund dedicated to supporting emerging Web3 games, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to advancing the gaming industry as a whole.

In a candid rapid-fire Q&A, Josh opens up about his favorite games, his admiration for figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, and his humorous take on the worst advice he’s ever given and received—both involving crypto. Whether you're a marketer, gamer, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers an engaging look into the future of gaming, the power of community, and the human side of Web3 innovation.

In this episode of CMA Weekly, we welcome Kyle Wachtel, CMO at BetHog, a rising player in the crypto gaming and sports betting space. Kyle shares his fascinating career journey from a biology major with dreams of working in sports to becoming a leading marketing executive in the gaming industry. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Kyle helped scale major players like FanDuel and BetMGM, building strategic partnerships and fostering startup culture along the way.

Kyle reflects on the early days at FanDuel when the company had only 30-40 employees and discusses how that experience shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. He emphasizes the importance of timing, mentorship, and adaptability, and reveals how his transition to BetMGM allowed him to build a partnerships team from the ground up, even within the framework of a large joint venture backed by MGM Resorts and Entain.

The conversation dives deep into Kyle's latest venture, BetHog, a crypto-based gaming platform aiming to make waves in a rapidly evolving global market. Kyle explains the differences between crypto gaming and traditional sports betting, the opportunities in the crypto space, and how BetHog is leveraging streamers and content creators to reach new audiences.

The episode also touches on Kyle’s leadership philosophy, his excitement about continuous learning, and the startup mentality that drives BetHog’s small but agile team. On a personal note, Kyle shares the joy of becoming a new father and highlights how relationships—both personal and professional—have been central to his journey.

In this episode of CMA Weekly, we sit down with Marco Trucco, a seasoned marketing leader in the online gaming industry. With over 15 years of experience, Marco has played a pivotal role in the growth of some of the most well-known gaming brands, including PokerStars and GG Poker. As the CMO of the Immense Group (formerly Video Slots), he now oversees five leading brands across regulated European markets, navigating the complexities of marketing in a highly restricted industry.

Marco takes us through his fascinating journey—from stumbling into poker journalism to becoming a key figure in gaming marketing. He shares insights into the evolution of poker, the impact of regulation, and how consumer behavior has shifted over time. We dive deep into the challenges of marketing in the gaming space, from strict advertising regulations to the importance of player trust and engagement.

Marco also discusses innovative marketing strategies, including Open Fortune's unique sponsorship model, the role of branding in the casino sector, and the fine line between creativity and compliance. Plus, we get a glimpse into his personal passions—creative writing, fine wine, and how his marketing mindset influences his approach to life.

If you're interested in the intersection of marketing, technology, and consumer behavior, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Ivan Vučković, a seasoned marketing leader with over 18 years of experience in e-commerce, omnichannel sales, and digital advertising. As the Growth Director of one of the most innovative online iGaming providers, Ivan shares his insights on scaling brands, navigating a competitive market, and driving transformational change.From his early days in web hosting to his entrepreneurial ventures and successful business exits, Ivan's journey is packed with lessons on leadership, strategic marketing, and adapting to industry shifts. He dives deep into the challenges of growth marketing, balancing creativity with data, and the evolving role of leadership in fostering innovation.If you're a marketer looking to refine your approach to growth, a startup founder navigating scale, or simply curious about the future of the iGaming industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Plus, Ivan shares his thoughts on hiring top talent, the future of digital advertising, and the one thing he wishes he had known earlier in his career.Tune in for an engaging and insightful discussion that will leave you rethinking your growth strategies!

In this episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Camille Mercier, CEO of Spirit Mountain Casino, to explore her incredible journey from human resources to leading Oregon’s largest gaming and entertainment destination. With nearly three decades of experience in the casino and hospitality industry, Camille shares valuable insights into leadership, employee engagement, and strategic growth in a competitive market.

We dive into her unique leadership philosophy, emphasizing people-first management, guest experience, and corporate culture—and how her background in HR shaped her approach to running a multimillion-dollar business. Camille also discusses the challenges of increasing competition in the gaming industry, the future of tribal casinos, and how AI and technology are transforming player experiences and loyalty programs.

Plus, she opens up about being the first female CEO of Spirit Mountain Casino, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and what it takes to thrive as a leader in gaming and hospitality.

If you're interested in leadership, marketing, hospitality, or the future of gaming, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiring stories you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Dominik Beier, a dynamic leader who has made waves in fintech, sports marketing, and gaming. As the Chief Commercial Officer at Bitpanda, Dominik is at the forefront of a €3 billion trading platform, driving strategy and innovation in the fast-paced world of crypto and finance. But his journey doesn’t stop there—he has scaled businesses across multiple industries, from revolutionizing sports betting at Interwetten to co-founding Austria’s largest padel chain, Padelzone.

Join us as Dominik shares his insights on leadership, scaling businesses, and identifying emerging trends. We’ll dive into his early entrepreneurial days, his experiences shaping the future of sports sponsorships, and how he’s bringing a fresh approach to brand-building in fintech. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves an inspiring success story, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on innovation, strategy, and staying ahead in competitive industries.

Tune in for a conversation that’s as insightful as it is energizing! 🚀

In this episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with David Spribe, the visionary founder behind Spribe and the creator of the AI-powered gaming sensation, Aviator. From growing up in war-torn Georgia to leading transformative economic initiatives and ultimately revolutionizing the online gaming world, David shares his incredible journey. We dive into how Aviator reshaped the gaming landscape, his strategic partnerships—including a groundbreaking collaboration with the UFC—and his ambitious vision for the future. Plus, hear how a small-town scholarship led David to the U.S., forever changing his path. Get ready for a story of resilience, innovation, and sky-high success.

In this episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Boaz Brindt, the CMO of The Lotter, to explore the dynamic world of lottery marketing. Boaz shares his journey from aspiring economist to marketing leader, revealing the strategies behind customer acquisition, retention, and brand positioning in a highly competitive space. We discuss the evolution of the lottery industry, the challenges of expanding into the U.S. market, and the balance between brand and performance marketing. Plus, Boaz opens up about leadership, fatherhood, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Tune in for an insightful conversation on innovation, resilience, and marketing at scale.