Rob Fell on Authentic Leadership and Thriving in the iGaming Industry

"We're all figuring out stuff as we go. There is no real jump between here and here. It's just that someone maybe got there a little bit before and thinks in a slightly different way." - Rob FellEpisode SummaryIn this candid conversation, Rob Fell, former COO of NetEnt and White Hat Gaming, shares his journey from British Army officer to iGaming executive. Drawing on his extensive experience across major operators like Paddy Power, GVC (now Entain), and NetEnt, Rob discusses the challenges of leadership, the importance of authenticity, and how to navigate difficult decisions. He offers valuable insights on building autonomous teams, dealing with imposter syndrome, and maintaining personal wellbeing while leading through challenging times.Guest BioRob Fell is a highly accomplished iGaming executive with extensive experience in C-Level, Director & VP roles across Product & Operations in FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and NASDAQ Stockholm listed companies. His career spans from British Army officer to leadership positions at major gaming companies including NetEnt, White Hat Gaming, GVC Group, and Paddy Power. Rob is known for his expertise in post-M&A operational transformation and building high-performing product teams.Key Topics Discussed00:00:00 - Introduction and early career misconceptions00:01:34 - Dealing with imposter syndrome in leadership00:03:13 - Career progression and key attributes for success00:06:48 - Surprising leadership lessons and the importance of patience00:11:42 - Qualities valued in leadership and team development00:17:48 - Navigating difficult decisions and redundancies00:25:32 - Personal growth and maintaining work-life balance00:32:19 - Leadership philosophy and mission command approach00:40:01 - Advice to younger self: embracing the learning curveKey TakeawaysLeadership success comes from continuous learning and authenticity rather than trying to be a "perfect" leaderBuilding autonomous teams requires trust and allowing people to make decisionsPersonal wellbeing and mental clarity are crucial for effective leadershipEarly and transparent communication is essential during challenging timesMission command principles can create more effective and autonomous teamsImportant Links:Connect with Rob Fell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfell/Connect with Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://igamingleader.com/

Om Podcasten

The iGaming Leader Podcast with Leo Judkins uncovers the human side of the iGaming industry's most successful leaders. Join us as we explore the untold stories, challenges, and triumphs of the executives shaping one of the world's most dynamic sectors. Each week, we dive deep into conversations with C-suite leaders, founders, and directors from global betting firms and innovative startups. Our guests share their authentic journey to the top, revealing pivotal career moments, leadership philosophies, and personal strategies for sustainable success in this high-pressure industry. More than just another business podcast, we focus on the crucial intersection of wellbeing and high performance. Discover how industry leaders maintain peak performance while managing stress, work-life integration, and team dynamics in an industry that never sleeps. Whether you're an aspiring leader, current executive, or passionate about the iGaming sector, each 30-minute episode delivers actionable insights to help you thrive in this fast-paced environment. Subscribe now to join a community of high-achieving iGaming professionals committed to making this industry not just successful, but sustainable for its leaders.