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From Police Raids to Transforming iGaming Events: Pierre Lindh’s Remarkable iGaming Leadership Story
In this episode of the iGaming Leader podcast, Leo speaks with Pierre Lindh, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Next.io. Pierre shares his entrepreneurial journey, from founding a poker club in his teens to leading Next.io through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores the evolution of Pierre’s leadership style, the importance of building genuine connections, and his mission to foster a global iGaming community.
The discussion highlights lessons in resilience, adaptability, and authenticity, offering inspiration and practical advice for leaders and entrepreneurs navigating a rapidly evolving industry.
Guest Bio
Today we're joined by Pierre, a pioneering force in the online gambling and gaming industry. His remarkable journey began during the early days of online poker, where his passion for the industry first took root. In 2006, Pierre took on an influential role with the Swedish Poker Federation, championing the cause for poker legalisation in Sweden. His expertise then led him to leadership positions at major online gambling platforms like Betsafe and Betsson Group, where he mastered the art of high-end hospitality events.
Drawing on his rich industry experience, Pierre co-founded Ambassadör Events in 2013, which has since orchestrated over 600 successful events and created some of Europe's most celebrated festival brands. But he didn't stop there. In 2019, Pierre embarked on his most ambitious venture yet, co-founding NEXT.io, which has quickly become the beating heart of the iGaming community. Under his guidance, NEXT.io has evolved into a powerhouse, hosting major conferences across Europe and North America, while running the industry's leading trade media news portal and podcast covering online gambling and sports betting.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome and Introduction: Pierre shares his roots in poker and his entry into the iGaming industry.
02:00 – The story of founding a poker club at 17 and the lessons learned from navigating challenges with law enforcement and media attention.
07:00 – How Pierre’s intense focus has shaped his ventures, from poker to building Next.io.
13:00 – The Birth of Next.io: The journey from organizing events for others to founding a platform focused on creating meaningful iGaming experiences.
15:00 – Adapting During COVID-19: How Next.io reinvented itself during the pandemic by offering free thought leadership content, reshaping the way iGaming professionals connect.
19:00 – Insights into navigating financial challenges during the pandemic and fostering loyalty and trust within the team.
24:00 – Public Speaking and Overcoming Fears: Pierre’s personal journey to overcome his fear of public speaking, culminating in hosting Next.io’s inaugural event.
35:00 – Building Genuine Connections: Why relationships are at the heart of success in iGaming and the importance of creating authentic communities.
42:00 – Vision for the Future: Pierre’s mission to build the world’s most connected iGaming community and foster collaboration across the industry.
Important Links
Connect with Pierre Lindh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierrelindh/
Learn more about Next.io: https://next.io/
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/
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The Real Cost of Success as a Founder with Pini Yakuel
In this episode of the iGaming Leader podcast, Leo sits down with Pini Yakuel, Founder & CEO of Optimove, to explore the emotional and operational challenges of being a founder.
Pini shares some powerful insights into balancing obsession with sustainability, overcoming leadership hurdles, and managing the evolving relationship between a founder and their growing team.
From managing offsite tensions to parenting lessons applied to leadership, this episode is filled with reflections and brilliant advice for leaders at any stage of their journey.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the real costs—and rewards—of building a successful company.Key Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome and Introduction01:00 – The Origins of Optimove. Pini shares his entrepreneurial journey, from childhood dreams of running his own business to the founding of Optimove.08:00 – Balancing hands-on leadership with empowering teams while avoiding becoming the bottleneck in a fast-growing company.12:00 – Pini shares insights on managing executive meetings, fostering transparency, and avoiding unproductive tensions.17:00 – Building a culture where team members feel ownership and stay long-term, while also coping with the emotional impact of departures.22:00 – Why obsession is essential in the early stages of entrepreneurship, and how balance becomes crucial as the company matures.28:00 – How a budgeting strategy with his kids translated into a leadership lesson about delegation and autonomy.32:00 – Pini shares his most important lessons on leadership, self-awareness, and continuous improvement.3 Main Takeaways
1. Obsession Fuels Success but Needs Balance
While it is essential in the early days of building a company, sustainable success requires evolving into a more balanced leader who knows when to step back and trust the team.
2. Transparency Builds Stronger Teams
Open and emotionally intelligent communication, especially during critical team discussions, prevents misunderstandings and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration.
3. Leadership Lessons from Parenting
Empowering team members with autonomy—similar to giving children responsibility—leads to greater accountability, smarter decision-making, and reduced friction.About the Guest
Our guest today is Pini Yakuel, a visionary entrepreneur who's revolutionising how brands connect with their customers. As the Co-founder and CEO of Optimove, Pini has transformed a two-person startup in 2009 into a global powerhouse in retention marketing. Under his leadership, Optimove pioneered the concept of Customer-led Marketing, flipping the traditional marketing playbook on its head by putting customers - not campaigns or products - at the centre of every decision. This innovative approach has proven remarkably successful, helping hundreds of leading consumer brands boost their customer lifetime value by an average of 33%. Pini brings a unique analytical perspective to marketing, backed by his Master's degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Tel Aviv University.
Important Links
Connect with Pini Yakuel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piniyakuelFollow 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/ -
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Episode Summary
In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo Judkins sits down with Lex Scott, a seasoned leader with a passion for authenticity and openness. Lex shares his personal journey of navigating mental health challenges, embracing vulnerability, and transitioning into fatherhood—all while redefining his leadership style. This candid conversation covers the importance of self-awareness, building meaningful connections, and creating a culture that values empathy and resilience.
Whether you’re a leader striving for authenticity or someone looking to balance personal and professional growth, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.
Guest Bio
Lex Scott is a distinguished commercial leader in the gambling and casual gaming sectors, with extensive expertise in signing, managing, and launching globally successful IP licensing partnerships.
As Vice-President of Gaming & Gambling at ITV Studios, Lex oversees the strategic development of interactive entertainment initiatives in these verticals, managing iconic brands such as Hell’s Kitchen, Love Island, The Voice, The Chase, and Schitt’s Creek.
His career includes leadership roles with globally recognised media groups like Endemol Shine, Banijay, and Peanuts, where he has represented beloved franchises such as Peaky Blinders, Deal or No Deal, MasterChef, Black Mirror, and Mr. Bean.
A proud father and stepfather, Lex draws many parallels between the challenges of parenting and business leadership. A passionate advocate for mental health, he is an active fundraiser for causes like Movember, often taking on physical challenges to raise awareness and support men's health initiatives.
0:00 - Welcome and the importance of authenticity2:00 - The cost of inauthenticity: Lex’s journey to reconcile his true self with his professional persona5:30 - Lessons from fatherhood: How becoming a parent reshaped Lex’s approach to leadership10:15 - Building vulnerability: Why authenticity and openness are essential for high-performing teams15:40 - Making tough decisions: How Lex embraced impermanence and walked away from a C-level role22:30 - Creating a culture of resilience: Embracing mistakes and learning from failures
Key Topics Discussed
Authenticity is a Superpower
3 Main Takeaways
Leaders who embrace vulnerability and show their true selves foster trust and connection, creating stronger teams and a more fulfilling work environment.Impermanence Leads to Growth
Embracing change and letting go of what no longer serves you—whether habits, roles, or relationships—can open doors to new opportunities and personal development.Balance is Key
Success comes from balancing urgency with long-term vision and prioritizing mental health and self-reflection. This approach leads to sustainable leadership and resilience.
Connect with Lex Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexscott89/Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/
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From A Stroke to Sustainable High Performance - Mike de Graaff's Wake Up Call at 33
Episode Summary
In this powerful episode of The IGaming Leader , Leo Judkins sits down with Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply, who shares his deeply personal journey of transformation.
At just 33, Mike suffered a mini-stroke that served as a wake-up call to re-evaluate his lifestyle, leadership approach, and boundaries. Mike discusses his fast rise in iGaming, the challenges of balancing family life with a high-pressure career, and the importance of empowering teams to excel.
This conversation offers invaluable lessons on the dangers of burnout, the power of delegation, and the necessity of protecting boundaries for sustainable leadership. Whether you’re a leader seeking balance or an aspiring professional aiming to build a high-performing team, Mike’s story will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable insights.
Guest Bio
Born in the Netherlands, Mike de Graaff is a seasoned compliance consultant with a deep commitment to shaping regulatory landscapes. A devoted father of three, Mike brings a unique blend of Dutch precision and an exceptional work ethic to the realm of licensing and compliance.
With a formidable track record, Mike has earned a stellar reputation in the Netherlands for his expertise in compliance consulting. His significant contributions include establishing a substantial share of granted licences within the country and successfully guiding numerous operators into new markets. As a compliance consultant, Mike is not only well-versed in the intricacies of regulatory frameworks but also possesses the strategic foresight to navigate the complexities of licensing with finesse.
Known for his trustworthiness and honesty, Mike approaches each project as if it were his own, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to achieving optimal results. His journey in compliance consulting is a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence, making him a respected figure in the field and a go-to expert for businesses navigating the intricate landscape of regulatory compliance.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 - Mike’s rapid progression in the iGaming Industry
02:15 - Mike’s rapid rise in iGaming: Lessons from starting in customer service to becoming a compliance leader10:45 - The turning point: Suffering a stroke and reassessing priorities
15:00 - Building boundaries: How strict schedules and delegation transformed Mike’s work and health19:20 - Avoiding burnout: Warning signs, reflections, and lifestyle changes
22:45 - Leadership lessons: Why duplicating yourself is the wrong approach
28:15 - Leveraging neurodiversity: How Mike uses ADHD as a strength in compliance and leadership
33:50 - Advice for leaders: Building high-performing teams and managing sustainable success
Set and Protect Boundaries for Balance
Key Takeaways
Finding balance is not just about setting boundaries but actively protecting them. In high-pressure industries like iGaming, it’s common to compromise health and wellbeing by shifting those boundaries. As Mike’s story shows, working within constraints is crucial to prevent burnout and safeguard long-term performance.Seek External Help When Needed
When overwhelmed and unable to see a way forward, it’s vital to seek external support. Whether it’s a peer, coach, or colleague, having someone else help identify where you’re stuck can lead to improved productivity, time management, and leadership. As Mike shared, you can’t read the label from inside your own bottle.Empower Your Team, Don’t Duplicate Yourself
Instead of trying to replicate yourself, build a diverse team with varied strengths. Delegating full responsibility to your team members allows them to excel, reduces bottlenecks, and ultimately enhances business performance. As Mike highlighted, stepping back and trusting your team can lead to better outcomes than doing it all yourself.Important Links
Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: Leo JudkinsSubscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: Sign Up HereJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: Join Here -
"Every single person has value to add. Even if you are at the very beginning of your career, even if you haven't started your career and you're still studying, you have value to add because you are a couple of steps ahead of someone else."
Episode SummaryIn this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo interviews Marija Hammon, a dynamic marketing leader with a fascinating journey across industries. Marija shares her evolution from FMCG to iGaming, where she has reshaped corporate branding and led high-performing teams with empathy and vision. The conversation delves into the importance of adaptability, the art of leading with heart, and how building strong teams and brands go hand in hand.
Marija also provides practical insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing personal and professional growth, and using platforms like LinkedIn to amplify one’s voice and influence in the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with lessons on leadership, balance, and creating a lasting impact.
Guest Bio
Marija Hammon is one of the most influential marketeers in betting and gaming and has helped bring innovative B2C thinking and creativity to the world of B2B. Her vision and originality are an inspiration not only to her colleagues but to others within the industry.
Marija joined Relax Gaming from Catena Media in 2019, having pivoted from the world of hair care and beauty. She has dual master’s degrees in Business Administration and Integrated Marketing from the University of Malta and San Diego State University.
Her career at Relax saw her start as Brand and Communications Manager. It was in this role that she quickly made her mark, helping re-build the brand and revamping Relax Gaming’s website. She later moved into the role of Product Marketing Manager before being promoted to Head of Marketing and then Marketing Director in January 2024.
Her marketing and PR campaigns have proven to be incredibly successful, and she has overseen the studio’s brand awareness push around its expansion into several newly regulated markets, helping grow its distribution reach in key areas such as North America.
Key Topics Discussed
00:00 - Marija’s career journey: Transitioning from FMCG to iGaming and reshaping Relax Gaming’s brand.
Empower Your Team: Give your team full ownership of their responsibilities, stepping in only when truly needed. Avoid micromanaging to prevent becoming a bottleneck and foster independence.Recognise Your Value: Everyone has unique value to add, no matter where they are in their journey. Reframe self-doubt as “imposter moments” and focus on the strengths you bring.Build Your Personal Brand: Personal branding is crucial for leaders. Share your strengths and insights meaningfully, turning your unique abilities into resources that inspire and guide others.
06:20 - Overcoming challenges: Adapting to new environments, imposter syndrome, and learning from failure.
07:40 - Leading with heart: The value of empathy, mentorship, and empowering team members.
12:30 - The importance of personal branding: How LinkedIn can amplify influence and connect with industry leaders.
18:50 - Public speaking insights: Preparing for panels, managing nerves, and creating engaging dialogues.
26:18 - Balancing work and family: Time-blocking, desk time, and thriving as an expat parent with a demanding career.
31:00 - Advice for aspiring leaders: Staying consistent, embracing challenges, and inspiring others through action.
Key Takeaways
Connect with Marija on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marijahammon/Connect with Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://igamingleader.com/
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"If you can find someone who does the thing at least 80% as good as you, you should give it away." - Dmitry Belianin shares his philosophy on empowering the next generation of iGaming leaders.
Episode Summary
After 17 years in iGaming, Dmitry Belianin has had his most successful year yet, launching multiple ventures simultaneously. In this revealing conversation, he discusses his journey from competitive poker player to industry innovator, sharing insights on leadership evolution, delegation strategies, and the importance of long-term vision in iGaming. Dmitry also opens up about his personal transformation through health and wellness practices that have fuelled his professional success.
Guest Bio
Dmitry Belianin is an experienced industry operator with 17+ years working in various industry verticals. Most recently, he has become a serial entrepreneur and owns a private investment company, Belianin. Belianin is building an ecosystem of high-potential gaming companies, including Blask, the AI-data analytics platform. Dmitry is also passionate about personal development, always seeking new ways to grow mentally and physically. He is on a mission to inspire others to do the same by sharing publically what is working for him in business and life within his online content.Key Topics
01:45 Early career: From poker player to affiliate marketer10:43 Leadership evolution and the power of delegation16:38 Building multiple ventures in 202424:33 Long-term vision vs short-term gains in iGaming26:25 Personal wellness routines and their impact on performance30:01 Career advice for emerging leadersNotable Quotes
"I'm here to stay in this industry. I'm here to build a legacy.""The best education you can get is by doing something.""Sleep is probably the number one doctor for you."Important Links:
Connect with Dmitry Belianin’s projects https://15m.comhttps://blask.comConnect with Dmitry Belianin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitrybelianin/Connect with Leo Jenkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://igamingleader.com/ -
"Instead of running away from challenges every day, I actually run towards them because within that challenge is actually very, very likely I'm going to find a lot of engagement and happiness and fulfillment." - Rob Duthie
Episode Summary
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Rob Duthie, a veteran of the iGaming industry with over 20 years of experience. Currently serving as Managing Director at Entain, Rob shares his journey from Victor Chandler (now BV Group) through various roles at Stan James (now Kindred) to his current position. He offers a unique perspective on leadership, discussing how Entain has navigated recent challenges and transformed its business performance. Rob provides valuable insights into managing teams during periods of significant change and the importance of authentic leadership.Guest Bio
Rob Duthie is the Managing Director at Entain, one of the world's largest sports betting and gaming groups. With over two decades in the iGaming industry, Rob started his career at Victor Chandler in 2003, initially joining for a maternity cover role in payroll. His journey has taken him through various leadership positions at prominent companies including Stan James and William Hill, where he played key roles in implementing regulatory changes and driving business transformation. Rob is known for his thoughtful approach to leadership and his ability to navigate complex organisational changes while maintaining team engagement.Key Topics Discussed
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 - Rob's journey into iGaming and the industry's evolution
00:06:34 - Embracing change and finding fulfillment in challenges
00:12:40 - The balance between performance targets and team behavior
00:24:20 - Deep thinking and leadership style
00:26:40 - Managing work-life balance and morning routines
00:30:40 - Leadership values and team management
00:34:20 - Career progression and knowing when to move onKey Takeaways
Authenticity in leadership is crucial - understand and embrace your leadership style while being transparent about how you operateThe importance of embracing change rather than resisting it, especially in the fast-paced iGaming industrySuccess comes from looking for challenges and finding fulfillment in overcoming them rather than avoiding difficult situationsClear morning routines and dedicated thinking time are essential for maintaining high performance in leadership roles
Connect with Rob Duthie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-duthie-8107969/Connect with Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://www.igamingleader.com/
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Episode Summary
In this episode, host Leo Judkins interviews Petra Zackrisson about her fascinating journey from management consulting to diplomat to iGaming executive. Petra shares her experiences as a female leader in a male-dominated industry and offers practical advice on driving diversity, building trust with teams, and balancing short-term goals with long-term vision.
Guest Bio
Petra Zackrisson is a passionate, driven leader with extensive experience in online gaming, international business development, and strategy. She started her career at McKinsey before becoming one of the youngest trade commissioners as a diplomat. In 2013, Petra transitioned into iGaming, working in executive roles at Betsson and Kaizen Gaming. She served as SVP of Growth at Better Collective and board member at Casumo. Petra is an advocate for diversity and incremental change towards building more diversified, healthy businesses.
2:15 - Petra's unconventional career path from McKinsey to diplomat to iGaming7:30 - Challenges and learnings from working across different countries and cultures12:02 - Driving innovation by hiring outside talent and enabling "cross-pollination"16:11 - Practical steps leaders can take to improve gender diversity in their organizations24:18 - Navigating the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry30:02 - How to create a culture of trust, psychological safety and high performance36:10 - Balancing short-term goals and long-term vision in iGaming39:25 - Petra's mentors and the leadership traits she admires and mirrors42:37 - Advice for young professionals: Be kind to yourself and interview your future manager
Key TopicsMemorable Quotes
"I want to hang in there because I think it's very important for other young women to see that it's possible. It's possible to go all the way to the top and it's possible to do that with family and with children too."
"Diversified teams are financially sound. If you are a consumer service company, it's important that your teams reflect your target audience. Today, most companies ignore 50% of the population because they are very male-oriented."
"Trust is key. It's important to tell people what they are good at, what their strengths are. I'm asking my team for help and that showcases that they can actually tell me things and give me feedback."
Important Links:
Connect with Petra Zackrisson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-zackrisson-b75a892/Connect with Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: https://www.igamingleader.com/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://igamingleader.com/ -
"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 BioRob 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.
00:00:00 - Introduction and early career misconceptions00:01:34 - Dealing with imposter syndrome in leadership00:03:13 - Career progression and key attributes for success00:06:48 - Surprising leadership lessons and the importance of patience00:11:42 - Qualities valued in leadership and team development00:17:48 - Navigating difficult decisions and redundancies00:25:32 - Personal growth and maintaining work-life balance00:32:19 - Leadership philosophy and mission command approach00:40:01 - Advice to younger self: embracing the learning curve
Key Topics DiscussedKey Takeaways
Leadership success comes from continuous learning and authenticity rather than trying to be a "perfect" leaderBuilding autonomous teams requires trust and allowing people to make decisionsPersonal wellbeing and mental clarity are crucial for effective leadershipEarly and transparent communication is essential during challenging timesMission command principles can create more effective and autonomous teamsImportant 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/signupJoin the iGaming Leader Mastermind: https://igamingleader.com/ -
The iGaming Leader Podcast with Leo Judkins uncovers the human side of the iGaming industry's most successful leaders. Join us as we explore the untold stories, challenges, and triumphs of the executives shaping one of the world's most dynamic sectors.
Each week, we dive deep into conversations with C-suite leaders, founders, and directors from global betting firms and innovative startups. Our guests share their authentic journey to the top, revealing pivotal career moments, leadership philosophies, and personal strategies for sustainable success in this high-pressure industry.
More than just another business podcast, we focus on the crucial intersection of wellbeing and high performance. Discover how industry leaders maintain peak performance while managing stress, work-life integration, and team dynamics in an industry that never sleeps.
Whether you're an aspiring leader, current executive, or passionate about the iGaming sector, each 30-minute episode delivers actionable insights to help you thrive in this fast-paced environment.
Subscribe now to join a community of high-achieving iGaming professionals committed to making this industry not just successful, but sustainable for its leaders.
