Rise and Play Podcast

In this episode, we reconnect with gaming industry veteran Steve Cuss to discuss his journey from traditional to liberated leadership, starting The GamePlan Consultancy and publishing his first book, Liberated Leadership. Steve shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of fostering a more inclusive and authentic workplace, exploring the significance of authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence for creative leaders.Steve emphasises the importance of self-awareness for leaders and the opportunities for self-transformation through retreats and personal inner work. We delve into the significance of creating psychological safety, balancing control with autonomy, and aligning personal and organisational values to find a deeper purpose in leadership.01:46 Steve Cuss’s Journey Over the Past Year04:05 Challenges and Insights in Leadership Training09:34 The Evolution of Leadership in the Gaming Industry10:51 The Concept of Liberated Leadership15:12 Personal Growth and Authenticity in Leadership26:45 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership27:40 The Importance of Deliberate Pauses29:09 Creating Psychological Safety30:10 The Need for Feedback in Leadership31:39 Integrating Values and Purpose38:22 Challenges in Leadership and Gender Differences43:20 The Business Case for Emotional Intelligence48:21 Practical Steps for LeadersThis conversation is a follow-up to a discussion we had with Steve a year ago, introducing the concept of Liberated Leadership, and its genesis. You can listen to that episode here:You can buy the book “Liberated Leadership” here: https://amzn.eu/d/6lHxbAW Thanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, host Sophie Vo interviews Eric Tan, a highly experienced executive with 17 years in the entertainment and music industries. Eric shares his journey from being a business executive to embracing his role as a creative executive, his experiences and struggles in the gaming and music industries, and his insights on the importance of music partnerships in gaming. They discuss Eric's career highlights, including his roles at Riot Games, Sony Music, and his own company, Fifth Journey Limited. Eric also shares his vision for the future of music in games and offers advice for entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.Interested in exploring a music partnership? Reach out to Eric here: https://calendly.com/erictanhk/call-with-eric 01:34 Introducing Eric Tan: A Music and Gaming Executive03:55 Eric's Journey into Music and Gaming05:38 The Evolution of Music in Games07:41 Music Marketing Strategies in Gaming10:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Music Partnerships20:04 Reflecting on Fifth Journey Limited24:21 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward31:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode hosted by Nina Kim, we delve into the leadership journey of Amy Graves, an experienced marketing strategy specialist who has led social media marketing for game studios such as Natural Motion, Epic Games, the Irregular Corporation and Square Enix. Amy discusses her transition from film to games, her journey from a behind-the-scenes role to taking on significant leadership responsibilities, the lessons she learnt on taking new roles, and her career transitions. Amy shares powerful stories on how she has built a culture of constructive feedback in her teams, adapted leadership styles across different cultures, and embraced leading with effective empathy.01:41 Meet the Guest: Amy Graves02:34 Amy's Journey from Film to Games08:06 Challenges and Learnings in Leadership15:05 Adapting Leadership Styles28:41 The Importance of Feedback39:58 Values and Future Aspirations43:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

⭐️ Exclusive partnership promotion: Get DevGAMM tickets 15% off with the promo code: devgamm15 ⭐️In this episode, Sophie welcomes Maria Chyrvona, the CEO of DevGAMM, to discuss the evolution of the gaming conference since its inception in Ukraine in 2008. They dive into the personal and professional experiences that shaped DevGAMM, including navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Maria shares insights into the organization of events, their business model, and the unique values that make DevGAMM's events feel like a community and personalized experience. Don’t miss out on the upcoming DevGAMM Lisbon event on November 14-15, notable speakers including John Romero, and an exciting indie developer contest with cash prizes of $100,000! For more info, check the DevGAMM Awards 2024 info and how to submit your game.00:37 Guest Introduction: Maria from DevGAMM01:49 The Origins of DevGAMM07:59 Challenges and Resilience During the War In Ukraine17:26 Business Model and Event Organization24:42 Creating a Unique And Personalized Event Experience37:28 Upcoming DevGAMM Lisbon Event in November and Indie Game Awards Prize. Get event tickets 15% off with the promo code: devgamm15 44:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts⭐️ Exclusive partnership promotion: Get DevGAMM tickets 15% off with the promo code: devgamm15 ⭐️Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com