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
02:00 - Founding a poker club at 17
07:00 - How intense focus has shaped building Next.io.
13:00 - The Birth of Next.io
15:00 - Adapting during Covid with free thought leadership content
19:00 - Navigating financial challenge. Fostering loyalty and trust in the team.
24:00 - Public Speaking and Overcoming Fears
35:00 - Building Genuine Connections
42:00 - Vision for the Future
Important Links
Connect with Pierre Lindh: www.linkedin.com/in/pierrelindh/
Learn more about Next.io: next.io/
Follow Leo Judkins on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leo-judkins/
Subscribe to the iGaming Leader newsletter: www.igamingleader.com/signup
Join the iGaming Leader Mastermind: www.igamingleader.com/