From Coder to CPO: Shelley Hannah’s unique journey to success in iGaming

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Shelley Hannah, CPO at Relax Gaming.

Shelley shares her inspiring 25-year journey from software programming to executive leadership in iGaming.

She opens up about battling perfectionism, navigating self-doubt, leading through rapid industry change, and recovering from a life-altering car accident.

The conversation explores leadership resilience, mental health in high-pressure roles, and the power of empathy in building high-performing teams.

Guest Bio

Shelley Hannah started her career in 1999 as a software programmer, working in the air traffic industry and insurance.

In 2013 she moved to the iGaming industry and, since then, has been working with partner programs, aggregation business, product innovation, operations and commercial.

For nearly 7 years she has been part of the growth journey at Relax Gaming.

Her career in product and software development has been instrumental in Relax Gaming's success and reputation as a leading B2B supplier.

Shelley is currently on the move to a new role, to be announced very soon.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – From coder to CPO: Shelley’s non-linear rise
04:30 – Handling the chaos: why iGaming is a different beast
06:30 – Perfectionism, ambition, and burnout
09:45 – Learning to let go and lead through trust
14:00 – Navigating imposter syndrome and leadership doubt
16:00 – The loneliness of director roles
19:00 – Why building team culture beats micromanaging
23:00 – There will be Fire
26:30 – Surviving a near-fatal car accident
33:00 – Mental health, relapse fear, and self-awareness
38:00 – Growth through discomfort and honest leadership
43:00 – Practical ways to balance health and ambition
47:00 – A message to anyone who's quietly struggling

Powerful Quotes

"We all have different skills. If we were all the same, we'd be like robots."
"You don’t need to know everything to take the role. You just need the skills to figure it out."
"Your to-do list will never be done. Prioritise what really matters."

"Leadership is about helping others succeed"

"Nobody expects you to work 15 hours a day. That pressure comes from you."

Important Links

Connect with Shelley Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyhannah/

Follow 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://www.igamingleader.com/