Here's how you can make the leap from mid-career professional to gaming industry leader.

To excel as a leader in the gaming industry, it’s crucial to develop a comprehensive skill set. This means staying updated on the latest trends in game design, understanding game monetization strategies, and mastering project management. Consider pursuing formal education or certifications in game development, business management, or leadership to bridge any knowledge gaps. Additionally, networking within the industry is invaluable, offering insights and opportunities to learn from current leaders. Building a diverse skill set and a robust professional network will position you for success in this dynamic field.

My experience in E sports, I was literally like an average player until I start practicing more, playing more in scrims making matches to make myself better in the field of E sports tournaments and participation, you need to make many difficult choices related to E sports which is considered as a curse. I’ll say in E sports waiting is not an option you need to either grow or you need to either quit. Increasing your morale in the game and making many good connections with the players and the E sports communities, You must be more disciplined than motivated to make a perfect move in gaming line, importance of playing scrims and in the local tournament is to basically get into the limelight of the big E sports organizations

Gamers gotta game, leaders gotta learn! Sharpen your skills on game design, monetization (without being a pay-to-win jerk!), and project management. Bonus points for leveling up with courses or hanging with industry pros! This way, you'll be a leader players respect, not just some random NPC.

The most important thing is to gain related experience in your niche, it's better to focus on one thing, like analytics, operations, coding, sound design rather than everything all at once, once you mastered your field you can learn the more and more fields within the gaming world, read a lot, sign up to newsletters and watch youtube tutorials, you can learn a lot about games by yourself.

Don't wait for a giant boss battle to show your skills. Look for chances to lead mini-projects or volunteer for cross-departmental stuff at work. Even in your current role, grab the reins and show you can manage a team. Bonus points for experience in different areas, like coding and marketing. A well-rounded leader is a gamer everyone respects!

Foresight is a superpower in the gaming world! To be a leader, gotta be a trend hunter. Keep your eye on the prize (VR, AI, how people play these days), so you can predict what's next and make your company the ultimate innovator. Stay informed, friend - industry news, websites, forums - be a knowledge sponge and lead the way!

As a professional aiming for leadership, remember: ethical leadership is super-important. In an industry facing scrutiny over crunch, diversity, and monetization, your values matter. Here are my personal ethical values: - Advocate for sustainable work practices. - Prioritize the well-being of your team over excessive overtime. - Champion diversity and inclusion, creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard. - Make ethical choices about game content and monetization models, always prioritizing player experience. Your integrity won't just earn respect, it'll build a positive company culture and influence the industry.