01 · Watch the episode
The full conversation
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02 · The guest
Richard Dennys
Two-time CEO; former CEO, Game Lounge
I am a two-time CEO who has spent the last decade building, acquiring, and scaling digital businesses in performance marketing and iGaming. Most recently I led Game Lounge, where we bought and sold assets including an eight figure exit on Betting.com. I have just left to build something independently through Free Spirit Partners, focused on acquiring digital businesses at the point where AI is reshaping the fundamentals.
Follow Richard on LinkedIn →03 · Inside this episode
Moments worth queuing up
In his own words
“Business doesn't have feelings, right? It's just not your friend.”
“Delaying hard calls is never kindness, it's just deferred pain, and usually that pain escalates.”
“If you're gonna complain, complain upwards. Don't complain downwards.”
“It just meant that when the wind blew strong, we went fast.”
04 · Key takeaways
What to actually take from this one
Operate in Horizon Two
CEOs must leave Horizon One to their operators; a leader's value is in Horizon Two, manoeuvring toward the future.
The Strategically Boring Leader
Successful turnarounds focus on the Home Zone to drive efficiencies rather than chasing shiny objects.
Dispassionate Hard Calls
Management debt, deferring hard conversations, inevitably increases the ultimate cost to the organisation.
The Punch Up Philosophy
Always invest in the relationship with your line manager and the one above them. Build a Brand,
Not a Funnel
The only durable moat is a trusted brand that users seek out directly.
This episode is sponsored by
Sumsub
The leading identity verification provider for iGaming operators.