When I declared my choice to exit a fantastic position at Betting Jobs in 2019 to enter Push Gaming, I faced confused expressions. For the majority, the choice seemed illogical. Why would I depart a secure job with excellent compensation to investigate an entirely unfamiliar sector of the industry where I had no background?
I comprehended the gaming sector through a hiring lens. I had achieved considerable success, constructed a stable career, and developed a robust web of connections. However, the vendor side? That was completely unknown ground. Additionally, I was leaving my director role and accepting a substantial salary reduction.
But for me, this was simply another instance of what I had consistently performed: trusted my own judgment. I have never been someone to avoid a fresh challenge, and I wholeheartedly believed, maybe optimistically from some perspectives, that I would ultimately thrive.
A path to the summit
Similar to many iGaming experts, I entered the sector by accident. To be truthful, hardly any of us mature fantasizing about dealing with digital slot machines and sports wagering systems. I departed Ireland in 2010 after being employed by a staffing firm named Manpower and moved to Betting Jobs, one of the leading two specialized iGaming recruitment firms.
I devoted nine highly prosperous years there, progressing upward and reaching top management. I was lucky to collaborate with some remarkable chief executives and sector specialists early in my professional journey, many of whom influenced my current self. I established a solid name, obtained a decent income, and oversaw significant clients.
All my acquaintances, both work-related and personal, were amazed that I would abandon a protected, prominent position to begin nearly anew on the vendor side at Push Gaming. I understood the hiring aspect of the firm thoroughly, but the vendor side was an entirely different entity.
I was extremely inexperienced regarding the role’s demands. I assumed it would involve settling on terms, finalizing the agreement, and moving on. I had no understanding of what integration meant, and I was unaware that I would need to compete intensely for placement with each launch and that there would be such immense pressure.
Yet, if I possessed any certainty, it was that I would resolve it. As I have accomplished repeatedly over my professional life, I trusted my ability to succeed. I was keen to acquire knowledge, and if I have gained any insight, it is that the craving to learn constitutes fifty percent of the struggle.
Posing foolish inquiries
A primary takeaway from these transitions is that the instant you release the urge to amaze everyone is the point when actual learning starts. Your pride can be a significant obstacle to achievement, and I have observed individuals fail not due to lack of skill, but because they are excessively arrogant to acknowledge ignorance.
During my tenure at Push Gaming, I observed the firm experience substantial expansion. We evolved from approximately 45 employees with a fresh internal system and zero established integrations to nearly 300 staff with 80 direct integrations. We obtained hundreds of alliances in the legal market and ultimately saw the organization purchased.
Accomplishing this was quite distinct, yet I attribute some of it to a capability few wish to discuss: lacking fear to ask foolish questions.
This is a competency I would urge all to cultivate: inquiring without pride. Whether you are a newcomer to the sector or an experienced professional, questioning and learning are vital for advancement. When I entered Games Inc as Managing Director/CEO last year, the Chief Technology Officer frequently described technical matters to me, and I needed to halt them and request precise clarification.
An encouraging sector
From my perspective, individuals who are truly worth learning from will never criticize you for lacking knowledge, but they will criticize you for committing avoidable errors because you were too proud to request assistance.
Another crucial insight I have gained over my years across different tiers in the field is that the belief that all senior-level individuals are extremely competitive is untrue. Certainly, the sector is rivalrous, but it is also cooperative, and those in leadership constantly seek additional knowledge. I have obtained assistance and guidance from many colleagues, yet that support materialized only because I was courageous enough to solicit it.
I also converse with several of my rivals frequently, and we exchange support and aid one another. The field is brimming with exceptionally gifted individuals, and the sole obstacle to reaching them, in most cases, is oneself.
Vital teachings
If you are fresh to the sector or an individual in the midst of your professional journey seeking some guidance, then here is my recommendation: never be the most intelligent individual in the space, and if you happen to be, exit that space promptly.
Similarly, never fear making yourself superfluous. Withholding your abilities or insights will not advantage you at all – distribute your experiences and advantage your group. If you become unnecessary at one organization, you will almost certainly be required elsewhere.
Lastly, stay inquisitive and enjoy yourself. The iGaming field is populated with outstanding individuals, and it is a domain that fosters curiosity and risk-taking. Never hesitate to ask someone for a definition and demonstrate authentic interest in the sector. I will constantly desire to collaborate with those who exhibit real interest and enthusiasm – that cannot be simulated.
And remember to savor it. The field has granted me remarkable chances. I get to journey to wonderful functions, converse with fantastic individuals, and share laughs. Not many sectors provide such benefits, so welcome it.