iGaming Leadership: The Emotional Cost |Ep. 768

iGaming Leadership: The Emotional Cost |Ep. 768

From iGaming Daily by SBC Media

May 7, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 768

About this episode

The episode discusses the emotional and mental challenges faced by leaders in the iGaming industry.

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, Editor of iGaming Expert and Host Joe Streeter is joined by Leo Judkins, Founder of iGaming Leaders, and Tom Galanis, CEO of TAG Media, as the trio discuss the mental health challenges, strategic pressures, and emotional weight behind making high-stakes decisions in the fast-paced iGaming industry. Tune in to today's episode to find out: The emotional toll of leadership: Leo Judkins recounts the "existential" difficulty of resigning from a stable career to start his own business and the heavy personal cost of managing large-scale redundancies. Balancing data and gut instinct: Tom Galanis explains why data is rarely 100% conclusive and how leaders must rely on "guttural instinct" and pattern recognition to execute tough choices. The importance of strategic "stepping back": Why "shower thoughts" and physical activities like walking a dog are essential tools to combat the constant firefighting of the iGaming event cycle. Managing "Imposter Syndrome" and authenticity: How embracing vulnerability and being the same person in the boardroom as you are at the bar can lead to better leadership outcomes. Navigating market volatility: Insights into…

People in this episode

Host: Joe Streeter

Guests: Leo Judkins, Tom Galanis

Topics covered

  • mental health challenges
  • leadership
  • high-stakes decisions
  • market volatility
  • strategic pressures
  • Imposter Syndrome

Keywords

  • leadership
  • mental health
  • iGaming
  • decision making
  • market volatility
  • Imposter Syndrome

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: iGaming Leaders, TAG Media, Optimove

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