In this episode of The Talent Game I interview John Wright, Vice President of Mobile Games at Kwalee. We dive into John’s unique career journey from accounting to gaming, the challenges and opportunities of launching mobile games and the critical role of culture in workplace success. John shares his thoughts on the value of persistence, passion and mentorship in career growth, while advocating for a culture of action, trust and hiring for potential rather than credentials. Our conversation offers actionable advice for navigating career transitions, building strong teams and thriving in the dynamic gaming industry.

Takeaways

• Persistence and Passion Drive Success – Pursuing what you love and staying determined can lead to career fulfillment, even in challenging transitions.
• Culture and Trust are Essential – Aligning teams toward shared goals, managing by outcomes, and fostering a supportive environment are critical to startup success.
• Hire for Potential, Not Credentials – Work ethic, determination, and a genuine passion for gaming often outweigh formal qualifications in building high-performing teams.
• Mentorship Fuels Growth – Support from mentors can play a transformative role in navigating career transitions and achieving long-term success.
• A Culture of Action Creates Momentum – Encouraging teams to focus on getting things done while leading by example fosters productivity and builds trust.