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 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/