"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 Fell

Episode Summary

In 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 Bio

Rob 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 Discussed

00:00:00 - Introduction and early career misconceptions
00:01:34 - Dealing with imposter syndrome in leadership
00:03:13 - Career progression and key attributes for success
00:06:48 - Surprising leadership lessons and the importance of patience
00:11:42 - Qualities valued in leadership and team development
00:17:48 - Navigating difficult decisions and redundancies
00:25:32 - Personal growth and maintaining work-life balance
00:32:19 - Leadership philosophy and mission command approach
00:40:01 - Advice to younger self: embracing the learning curve

Key Takeaways

Leadership success comes from continuous learning and authenticity rather than trying to be a "perfect" leader
Building autonomous teams requires trust and allowing people to make decisions
Personal wellbeing and mental clarity are crucial for effective leadership
Early and transparent communication is essential during challenging times
Mission command principles can create more effective and autonomous teams

Important 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/signup
Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://igamingleader.com/