Why I Had to Slow Down to Save My Career — Lee McFarland on Resilience, Vulnerability, and Building Community

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Lee McFarland, a former British Army paratrooper and private security contractor turned iGaming industry executive.

Lee shares his journey from military life to the corporate world, opening up about his struggles with PTSD, alcohol, and the ongoing process of self-awareness and recovery.

The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning into civilian life, the value of authenticity in leadership, and the role of community initiatives like Behind the Gloves in fostering connection and wellbeing.

Guest Bio

Lee McFarland is a seasoned iGaming professional with a unique journey from elite military service to senior leadership in the global gaming industry.

He's built high-performing teams and delivered complex projects across North America, bringing a distinctive perspective shaped by his military background.

As founder of Praxis Point, Lee helps operators navigate market entry, product due diligence, and platform optimisation.

He's also the driving force for Behind The Gloves, a wellness and boxing community within iGaming that's reshaping what authentic leadership looks like in the industry.

Whether he's launching a new casino, evaluating PAM platforms, or running a 6am boxing session at a conference, Lee brings energy, empathy, and execution to everything he does.

Key Topics Discussed

00:00 – From paratrooper to private security
04:55 – The challenges of transitioning to civilian and corporate environments
08:00 – Facing early career rejections and building resilience
10:30 – The power of authentic networking and relationship-building
14:30 – Therapy, EMDR, and understanding PTSD
17:00 – Overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability, and reframing perceptions
20:45 – The impact of alcohol culture in the military and beyond
24:50 – Behind the Gloves and building community through boxing
30:00 – Recognising burnout and the courage to slow down
35:45 – Learning to say no and set boundaries in business and life
38:00 – The importance of having anchors and a strong support network

Memorable Quotes

"We all get knocked down, how we get back and how we proceed is what defines us."
"What? There's other people like me? "
"If I can help one person, then it’s worth doing."
"Sometimes you have to slow down to get the right things done."

Important Links
Connect with Lee McFarland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igaming-consultant/

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/