The iGaming Leader

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo Judkins sits down with Vladimir Malakchi, investor, advisor, former CCO of Evoplay and CEO of Xanada Investments. 

Vladimir shares how adaptability, integrity, and fearless decision-making shaped his journey from government employee to multi-industry executive and respected leader in iGaming. 

The conversation explores personal resilience, navigating uncertainty, leading with impact, and the mindset shifts that separate founders who thrive from those who stall — offering real, raw advice for executives, founders, and future leaders.

Guest Bio

Vladimir Malakchi is a strategic investor and business scaling expert with 10 years of experience. Over the past 5 years, he has mentored iGaming companies, guiding them to commercial success and top industry rankings.

Recognized as Speaker of the Year and Influencer of the Year, Vladimir is among LinkedIn's top voices in the industry. He has led companies to over 300 awards and nominations.

A respected judge and speaker at global gaming conferences, Vladimir launched Xanada Investments — an investment fund that supports promising iGaming projects, focusing on business scaling through financial backing and a community-driven approach for mutual success.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Introduction

03:00 – Betrayed by a friend helped by a stranger

08:00 – Couldn’t go back and face my mother

10:50 – Why adaptability is the most critical skill for founders

11:50 – Career pivots, mindset shifts, and making your own luck
17:00 – You need to start moving, moving, moving.
24:11  – Fear, risk, and the dangers of the comfort zone
30:50 – The mindset difference between serial founders and first-time entrepreneurs
34:55 – Perfectionism vs. speed: the silent killer of startups
38:50 – What I want to be remembered for

Memorable Quotes

"If you’re the smartest guy in the room, it’s time to change rooms."
 "Comfort is the most dangerous place to live. You’ll look back and realise you’ve lost 20 years."
 "People say yes because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. But if they won’t pay for your product, you’ve got nothing."
 "Founders don’t die from failure — they die from perfectionism and inaction."
 "I want to be remembered for helping people grow — not just in business, but in life."

Important Links

Connect with Vladimir Malakchi: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmalakchi/
https://xanada.fund

https://next.io/news/promoted/inside-the-xanada-pitch-contest-vladimir-malakchi-how-to-prepare-effectively/

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 episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Mark Schmidt, Managing Director at EveryMatrix and a seasoned iGaming professional with over 17 years of industry experience. 

Mark shares his extraordinary journey from rising through the ranks in sports betting and gaming, to battling addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts—and ultimately rebuilding his life and career.

The conversation explores the pressures of leadership in iGaming, the dangers of burnout and imposter syndrome, the stigma around mental health in male-dominated environments, and the importance of vulnerability, boundaries, and support systems. 

Mark offers raw honesty and empowering insights for anyone facing personal challenges while navigating high-performance careers.

Guest Bio

16 Year career in iGaming focusing exclusively on Africa. Mark has worked for the industry's leading B2B providers in senior roles with the likes of Sportradar and IMG. 

His career started off in B2C as the head of trading for Hollywood Bets where his love of horse racing began. 

He’s a dad to three girls and has been married for ten years to his amazing wife Derryn. 

He’s currently with EveryMartrix and is the Managing Director - Africa. 

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 - Introduction
02:50 - Mark’s early career at Hollywood Bets
07:09 - Struggles with mental health and alcohol in high-pressure roles
09:03 - Suicidal ideation and coming out of rock bottom
14:35 - Feeling alone and imposter syndrome
18:49 -  Dealing with social expectations in gaming
21:40 - Building a peer support network for others in the industry
25:59 - Generational shifts, asking for help, and creating change before it’s too late
28:44 - Just get help
33:15 - Advice for Gaming Leaders who feel the same way

Memorable Quotes

"Although I was there in body, I wasn’t there in mind."
 "The world’s changed a hell of a lot. There are so many different ways that you can get help now."
 "If I was able to get to a better point, anyone can do it."
 "Just get help. Even if it’s a friend. Don’t try to solve it in your own head."

Important Links

Connect with Mark Schmidt:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-schmidt-aa27398b/
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 episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Sasha Uman, Chief Commercial Officer at Playtech Live. 

Sasha shares her inspiring journey from finance associate to CCO at Playtech Live's division, revealing how bold moves, and supportive networks shaped her career. 

The conversation explores her path through the iGaming industry, the importance of asking for opportunities, overcoming imposter syndrome, managing remote teams, and maintaining work-life balance—offering actionable advice and relatable insights for aspiring leaders, especially women navigating male-dominated industries.

Guest Bio 

Sasha is an action-focused commercial executive with a proven track record in driving revenue growth and market expansion. 

With extensive experience in negotiating IP and software licensing agreements, as well as managing strategic contract renewals and re-negotiations, Sasha excels at navigating complex, high-impact projects to swift and effective resolutions. 

A strong leader and skilled negotiator, she currently leads high-performing teams that consistently exceed KPIs and business expectations.

Key Topics Discussed 

00:00 – Sasha’s career path: from finance to CCO at Playtech's Live Division

04:00 – Knocking on doors and asking for what you want

10:29 – Dealing with overthinking and building a strong support system

12:51 – Managing imposter syndrome and finding confidence through connection

18:42 – Balancing leadership and family life in the iGaming industry

23:14 – Overcoming challenges and defining leadership through adversity

26:26 – The value of authentic leadership and doing things your own way

32:30 – Delegation struggles and the long-term value of empowering others

36:20 – Advice for business development professionals looking to grow fast

Memorable Quotes

"I have to do it myself. No one will build your future for you."

"Overthinking turns into a vicious circle. It’s better not to go into it at all."

"You can achieve things in your own way. There’s no one path to success."

"Don’t just pitch the revenue share—understand the product deeply."

"People don’t always know what you’re capable of unless you show them."

Important Links

Connect with Sasha Uman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-uman-17722780/

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 episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Paris Smith, former CEO of Pinnacle and one of the most influential leaders in the iGaming industry. 

Paris shares her journey from sports betting to leading a powerhouse brand, highlighting the challenges, leadership lessons, and industry shifts she has navigated. 

The conversation explores high-performance culture, resilience in the face of public scrutiny, and the evolving dynamics of leadership in iGaming.

Paris shares what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.

Guest Bio

Paris Smith began her Hall of Fame gaming career in 1995 with WWTS. 

In 2006, she joined Pinnacle, helping transition the business toward Asian and European markets. 

She then restructured Pinnacle into a B2C bookmaking leader, pioneering initiatives like accepting the first esports bets in 2010. 

With unmatched industry expertise, Paris now serves as an advisor and consultant, leveraging her passion and experience to guide others through Life Winning and Defy the Odds.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Guest introduction
02:00 – Paris' early years in sports and how competition shaped her leadership
05:25 – Building a high-performance culture in iGaming
09:36 – Holding teams to higher standards
13:10 – Dealing with public scrutiny and pressure
20:53 – Industry resilience and the evolving role of leadership
24:00 – Market shifts post-COVID and the challenge of balancing costs and people
26:43 – Handling layoffs and company transitions
29:28 – The three types of professionals in iGaming
33:29 – The biggest untapped opportunities for operators today
37:04 – Responsible gaming: The need for incentives over penalties
39:24 – The key to success: Humility, adaptability, and believing in yourself

Memorable Quotes

"I love crunch time. Three seconds left, down by two—I want the ball. That's how I approach leadership."

 "You can’t thrive in iGaming if you’re not listening, learning, and evolving. Stagnation isn’t anoption in this industry."

 "Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about knowing you’ll push through them, no matter what."

Important Links

• Connect with Paris Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-smith-1719377/
• 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/

 Naive or ballsy? Building a company from scratch in an industry you don’t know with Helen Walton

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Helen Walton, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of G Games, an online casino studio. 

Helen shares how she went from working on household brands to co-founding a gaming business that supplies games to over 800 operators. 

The conversation explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of building strong business relationships, and the unconventional strategies that helped G Games stand out in the iGaming industry. 

Offering insights into leadership, resilience, and industry innovation, Helen provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and gaming professionals.

Guest Bio

Helen Walton is the Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of G Games. 

Over the last decade, she and her business partners have grown G Games from a bold idea into a global company, supplying games to over 800 operators. 

Helen has worked across multiple industries, from beauty and retail to logistics and gaming, helping build some of the most recognizable brands. 

A well-known speaker and writer in iGaming, she is also a member of the UKGC Industry Forum, advocating for responsible gaming and innovation in the sector.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – From consumer brands to iGaming

03:00 – How G Games started

05:38 – Early failures that shaped G Games

08:01 – Why networking is critical to success

09:14 – Standing out in iGaming

12:18 – Overcoming setbacks

20:11 – Building a strong company culture

23:57 – The power of autonomy, trust, and feedback

29:58 – Delegation and letting go

35:14 – Bringing fresh talent into iGaming

41:15 – Take ownership of your career and create your own opportunities

Memorable Quotes

"We started with no network, no industry experience—just a crazy idea and a lot of persistence."

"Failure is a great teacher. Every mistake we made helped shape the company we have today."

 "If you want to grow in your career, stop waiting for someone to tell you what to do—take ownership and make things happen."

Important Links

• Connect with Helen Walton: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-walton/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gforthegamers

• 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 episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Simon Pilkington, former CEO of KaFe Rocks and experienced iGaming executive. 

Simon shares his transformative journey, from navigating imposter syndrome and career shifts to prioritizing his health and well-being. 

They go deep into leadership challenges, personal growth, and the power of building a strong support system. 

Simon shares some valuable insights and practical advice for leaders striving to balance career success with personal fulfillment.

Guest Bio

Simon Pilkington is a seasoned iGaming executive with a background in leadership, strategy, and business transformation. 

17+ years in the iGaming industry, spanning operator, media and data companies, affiliate companies, and his own businesses. 

Not a 'straight forward' career path, but one that led to CEO leadership with KaFe Rocks. Currently running Wander, a specialist and unique recruitment business, alongside a start-up and bootstrapped affiliate company called Best Betting Media.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Taking over as CEO: The challenges of stepping into leadership
05:42 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt
09:58 – Balancing career, family, and well-being during the pandemic
11:36 – Transforming health: From burnout to peak performance
17:08 – The power of delegation and trusting your team
22:11 – Lessons from leadership: Building the right company culture
26:25 – Getting out of your own head
34:28 – Simon’s charity work: From boxing to running 180 miles for a cause

Memorable Quotes

"I was doing everything for everyone—except myself. When I finally prioritized my well-being, everything else improved."
 "You don’t get rid of imposter syndrome—you learn to manage it and use it to your advantage."
 "Leadership isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people and trusting them."

Important Links

• Connect with Simon Pilkington: 
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonpilkington
  • https://www.wearewander.co.uk
• Support Simon’s charity run: https://www.justgiving.com/page/olivers-army-6-ultras 

• 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 episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Britt Boeskov, an experienced executive in iGaming and digital transformation. 

Britt shares her journey from starting as a management trainee to becoming a C-level leader in a fast-paced and highly regulated industry. The conversation explores career progression, leadership challenges, the power of building strong professional relationships, and the impact of AI and personalization in the gaming industry. Offering valuable insights, Britt provides actionable advice for professionals looking to step up in their careers and lead with confidence.

Guest Bio

With 20 years of experience in the i-gaming industry, Britt is a board member and advisor who specialises in strategy, customer experience, and digital transformation. 

After a long C-level run with Kindred Group, she now serves on the boards of Better Collective, Mindway AI, GAMING1 Group, MAG Interactive and Racecourse Media Group; and provides tailored support through 4see Advice.

Key Topics Discussed

02:00 – Britt’s journey to C-level executive

04:40 – Transitioning to an established industry leader
07:00 – Stepping into leadership: Taking ownership and leading with confidence
09:50 – Sometimes you just have to take the corner office
11:20 – You don’t have to do it all yourself
16:00 – The importance of delegation and trusting your team
21:20 – Finding purpose in leadership and the role of responsible gaming
24:50 – The evolution of player engagement and the role of AI in gaming
29:30 – Britt’s advice for leveling up your career

Memorable Quotes

"You don't get the corner office. You take the corner office."
"High performers balance humility and curiosity with ambition and persistence."
"The one lasting thing you build in this industry is your relationships—hold on to them."

Important Links

Connect with Britt: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittboeskov/
• https://4see.dk/4see-methods/

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 episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Elena, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in business transformation and leadership. 

Elena shares her journey from starting as a PA to leading billion-pound transformation projects in highly regulated industries. 

The conversation explores navigating career transitions, the importance of leadership adaptability, and how diverse perspectives shape high-performing teams. 

Elena provides actionable advice for leaders looking to progress into executive roles and lead with confidence.

Guest Bio

Elena Chambers is the Group Chief Transformation and Corporate Development Officer at Allwyn, bringing over 20 years of global experience in strategic planning and business transformation. Her journey from starting as a PA in Moscow to leading billion-pound transformations showcases her ability to drive innovation across industries. 

Prior to Allwyn, she served as COO at 888holdings where she led the William Hill post-merger integration, and spent 12 years at British American Tobacco leading a £1.2bn global transformation program. A graduate of both Columbia and London Business School, Elena brings a unique perspective shaped by her cross-cultural experience, with a leadership approach that emphasizes curiosity, authenticity, and building diverse teams to drive organizational change.

Key Topics Discussed

02:00 – Elena’s career journey: From PA to leading transformation projects

03:50 – Breaking into the iGaming industry and taking on executive roles

07:20 – Managing international teams and adapting to different leadership cultures

11:50 – Leveraging strengths as a woman in a male-dominated industry

20:30 – The importance of delegation and letting go to grow as a leader

25:30 – Handling imposter syndrome and embracing continuous learning

29:00 – Lessons from the tobacco industry: Anticipating regulatory changes in gaming

32:20 – The future of national lotteries and the role of technology in transformation

Memorable Quotes

"If you try to mimic your male colleagues' behavior, that's not going to get you anywhere—be yourself and use your unique strengths."

"One of the biggest skills for a leader is to build a team that complements each other, not one that mirrors each other."

"Start transforming from the inside while you still can—don’t wait until you’re forced to change."

Important Links

Connect with Elena: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenareznikorskaya/

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 episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Georgia Parry, Director of Key Accounts at Blueprint, to discuss her incredible career progression, overcoming adversity, and her leadership philosophy.

Georgia shares how she went from an office administrator to a director in just seven years, the lessons she learned from a major health scare, balancing leadership with single parenthood, and how she built her confidence in a high-stakes industry.

This conversation dives into personal resilience, leadership growth, and strategies for managing stakeholder relationships in gaming. 

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a working parent, or someone looking to build more confidence in your career, Georgia’s story is packed with valuable insights.

Guest Bio

Georgia Parry is the Director of Key Accounts UK at Blueprint Gaming, where she has been a key player for the past seven years, starting her journey as an Office Administrator before rapidly climbing the ranks. Prior to joining the gaming industry, she worked as a Sales Negotiator in real estate, but her passion for people and relationship-building naturally led her into commercial roles.

As an extroverted and highly social leader, Georgia thrives in roles that emphasize human connection. She firmly believes that people buy from people, not just products, and that hiring genuinely good individuals is the foundation of a successful business. While still learning the nuances of her leadership position, she embraces the journey and the challenges that come with it.

Outside of work, Georgia is a devoted mother to her 8-year-old son, Henry, her greatest motivation to succeed.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction
03:50 – The Science Teacher’s Prediction
05:50 – Pivotal Career Moments
08:00 – Navigating a Major Life Change
12:50 – Facing a Life-Threatening Health Scare
16:30 – The Power of Positivity and Resilience
19:30 – Leadership & Emotional Intelligence
26:00 – Building Relationships in iGaming
28:30 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
31:50 – Lessons from Great Leaders
34:20 – Advice to Her Younger Self

Memorable Quotes

📌 “I truly believe that if you understand what makes people happy at work, you’ll get the best out of them—without needing to be a strict leader.”
📌 “If you’re progressing in your career, imposter syndrome is natural. It means you’re in the right place.”
📌 “Life is short—don’t waste energy on negativity. Control what you can, and let go of the rest.”
📌 “If you ever don’t know the answer, just say, ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out.’ That’s how you build credibility.”

Important Links

• Connect with Georgia Parry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-parry-a86424159
• 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 episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Andrew Bulloss, Partner at Odgers Berndtson, to explore the evolution of leadership in the iGaming industry. Andrew shares his journey from sports recruitment to building one of the most influential executive search practices in betting and gaming.

The conversation covers how leadership requirements have changed over the last decade, why curiosity is an underrated trait, and what it really takes to break into C-level positions. Andrew also dives into how leaders can develop their self-awareness, overcome imposter syndrome, and position themselves for board-level roles.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, an experienced executive, or someone looking to make a meaningful career move, this episode is filled with actionable insights and hard-earned wisdom to help you grow.

Guest Bio

Andrew Bulloss is a Partner at Odgers Berndtson, where he runs the global gaming practice - all the board and leadership roles handled in igaming, betting and interactive entertainment internationally.

He also runs the broader entertainment division at Odgers - a team of around 20 people in London working with clients in media, sport, music and gaming.  Last year they handled over 90 senior appointments in 14 countries

His expertise in identifying high-impact leaders, understanding talent trends, and guiding executives into board-level positions has made him a trusted advisor to CEOs, investors, and leadership teams worldwide.

In his own words: I love my job. I meet some amazing people. Its a good reason to get out of bed in the morning.

He is a Dad of twins, mid-life crisis mountain biker and road biker. 

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction
03:00 – Building a Career in iGaming
06:00 – The Highs and Lows of Executive Search
09:30 – Finding Your Voice as a Leader
11:50 – The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership
14:30 – Lessons from Top CEOs
17:00 – The Most Underrated Leadership Trait: Curiosity
19:00 – Authenticity, Empathy, and Collaboration
22:30 – Inside vs. Outside Industry Hires
26:00 – How to Prepare for Board-Level Roles
30:00 – Breaking into C-Level Positions
34:00 – The Power of Personal Branding

Memorable Quotes

📌 “Imposter syndrome shows that you care. If you’re not at least a little nervous before a big meeting, do you even care about the outcome?”

📌 “I only do the things that only I can do.”

📌 “Curiosity is a leadership superpower. Great executives look beyond their industry for ideas and innovation.”

📌 “Being authentic and showing empathy, they’re the foundation of strong leadership.”

Important Links

• Connect with Andrew Bulloss: 
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bulloss-b495651/
  • https://www.odgersberndtson.com/
• 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/