In this episode of The Talent Game, I speak with Vanessa Mullin, VP of Sales & Marketing at Scenario, about her journey from travel to tech, the evolving role of AI in gaming, and the challenges of balancing parenthood with a fast-paced career. We explore the shifting cultural landscape in the gaming industry, the importance of diversity in hiring, and the contrast between working at startups and big tech companies. Vanessa shares her insights on sales strategies, the introversion-extroversion spectrum in sales, and the power of storytelling in interviews.

Key Takeaways:

• AI & Diversity in Gaming – AI is becoming a widely accepted tool in game development, and diverse teams drive innovation and better decision-making.
• Sales & Hiring Strategies – Selling to developers requires a thoughtful, non-extroverted approach, and hiring for "culture fit" can sometimes limit diversity and fresh perspectives.
• Startups vs. Big Tech – Startups offer more flexibility and trust, allowing for greater experimentation, while big tech companies often have more rigid structures.