In this episode of The Talent Game, I speak with Vanessa Mullin, VP of Sales & Marketing at Scenario, about her journey from travel to tech, the evolving role of AI in gaming, and the challenges of balancing parenthood with a fast-paced career. We explore the shifting cultural landscape in the gaming industry, the importance of diversity in hiring, and the contrast between working at startups and big tech companies. Vanessa shares her insights on sales strategies, the introversion-extroversion spectrum in sales, and the power of storytelling in interviews.

Key Takeaways:

• AI & Diversity in Gaming – AI is becoming a widely accepted tool in game development, and diverse teams drive innovation and better decision-making.
• Sales & Hiring Strategies – Selling to developers requires a thoughtful, non-extroverted approach, and hiring for "culture fit" can sometimes limit diversity and fresh perspectives.
• Startups vs. Big Tech – Startups offer more flexibility and trust, allowing for greater experimentation, while big tech companies often have more rigid structures.

In this episode of The Talent Game podcast I chat with Charlie Ruck, Head of Games at True Search, about his transition from finance to gaming, the nuances of executive search in the industry and the vital role passion and culture play in leadership. We explore how building strong relationships, understanding corporate goals and fostering creativity are key to successful hires in the competitive gaming landscape.

Takeaways

• Passion & Culture Matter: Hiring leaders from outside gaming requires a strong cultural fit and genuine passion for the industry—traits that often outweigh traditional experience.
• Executive Search Nuances: Executive searches in gaming are relationship-driven, averaging 120 days to close and require balancing creativity with corporate objectives.
• The Power of Connection: Gaming isn’t just about products; it's about people and the lasting connections they create, both in-game and within teams.

In this episode of The Talent Game podcast, I sit down with Liat Barer, Chief Product Officer at Odeeo, to explore her journey through the ad tech and gaming industries. They discuss the rapid evolution of mobile gaming, the challenges of hiring in high-growth startups and the contrasting dynamics between corporate and startup cultures. Liat shares valuable insights on what makes an effective hiring process, the importance of understanding team dynamics and the key qualities to look for in candidates. The conversation emphasises adaptability, continuous learning and how real-world experience shapes both product leadership and talent strategy.

Takeaways

• Hiring for more than skills – The best hires aren’t just technically strong; they fit the culture, adapt quickly and bring problem-solving abilities.
• Corporate vs. Startup Mindset – Corporates require patience and structure, while startups demand agility, resilience and a willingness to fail fast.
• The power of real-life examples – Asking candidates for real-world stories reveals deeper insights into their strengths and thinking process.
• Stakeholder management is key – Great product leaders balance the needs of diverse teams, from engineering to business.
• Continuous learning wins – Both hiring and leadership are ever-evolving skills that require adaptability and growth.