Gamers Change Lives

In this episode, host Tom Leonard interviews Elena Lobova, co-founder of GDBay, about her personal perspective on the game development industry in Ukraine and her experiences with the ongoing war in the country. They discuss the benefits of gaming for children, the role of accelerators and incubators in the gaming industry, and the importance of networking and attending events. Elena also shares i...

In this episode, host Tom Leonard introduces the theme of Accelerating esports Success and interviews Sho Sato, CEO of LUDiMUS, a game consulting company. They discuss Sho's background in game development and the services LUDiMUS provides. They also explore the popularity of mobile gaming in Japan and the differences between incubators and accelerators. Sho shares insights on finding the right pro...

In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Joshua Nelson, the founder and CEO of Emotional Ideas and the creator of Battle Racing. They discuss the journey of building Battle Racing, a patented sports and entertainment technology that combines gaming and real motor sports. Joshua shares his entrepreneurial story and the importance of resilience in overcoming ob...

In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard and Executive Producer Reginald Nsowah interview Sarah Rauchwerger, founder of TechLab Innovation Center, about the role of incubators and accelerators in the startup ecosystem. They discuss the different types of programs available, how to find and apply to them, and the benefits of participating in such programs. Sarah emphasiz...

In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Jason Krauss, founder of Prepare for VC. They discuss the different types of organizations that entrepreneurs can tap into, such as communities, incubators, accelerators, and crowdfunding platforms. They also explore the role of universities in the startup world and the challenges and opportunities for female entrepren...

Introduction to Incubators and Accelerators In Season 4 of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast titled “Accelerating Esports Success” we are talking to people around the world, telling the stories of how entrepreneurs can tap into the resources provided by accelerators, incubators, and other platforms to hone their business skills. The goal of our conversations is to provide inspiration to esports entr...

Today we are speaking with three returning guests on our first LinkedIn Live Event: Soufiane EL FILALI from Morocco, Brad Kirby from South Africa, and Ronny Lusigi from Kenya. Tom Leonard kicks off the LinkedIn Live session of "Gamers Change Lives", exploring the transformative potential of gaming worldwide. Our conversation covers insights from guests Soufiane El-Fidali of the Royal Moroccan Fede...

Today we are speaking with Patricia Ryan Madson, a Professor Emerita from Stanford University, and author of the book: "IMPROV WISDOM: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up". "The Gamers Change Lives Podcast" Episode with Tom Leonard & Patricia Ryan Madsen: Special Guest: Patricia Ryan Madsen, author of "Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up" and Stanford Professor Emerita, brings her improv insigh...

Today we are speaking with Matt Abrahams, Lecturer at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business specializing in Strategic Communication. He hosts the popular podcast “ Think Fast Talk Smart ”. He is also the author of a new book called “ Think Faster Talk Smarter ”. In this episode of "Gamers Change Lives," host Tom Leonard is joined by communication expert Matt Abrahams from Stanford Un...

Today we are speaking with Robert Gax, Creative Lead, APAC & India at Ampverse in Singapore. Summary of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast Episode: Esports 101 with Robert Gax Robert Gax, a seasoned creative director, now drives the vision for Ampverse, the premier gaming ecosystem in Asia. Based in Singapore, he balances his professional world of gaming with family life, raising a toddler alongs...

Today’s guest is Justin Jacobson, Esq., an entertainment, esports, and video game attorney from New York City. We take a dive deep into the world of esports, its legal intricacies, and the business side of gaming. Key points: Justin's professional journey: From growing up on Long Island, navigating the worlds of education in D.C., to returning to New York for law school. The motivation behind Just...

Today’s guest is Amila Pathirana. He is the Co-Founder and CEO at GamerTech™ and Founder at The Gaming Insider. Key Points: Esports in Sri Lanka: Amila overviews the esports scene, its decade-long presence, and the challenges faced. Amila's Gaming Origins: From Amila's first Gameboy to his involvement in gaming sponsorships and foundational games like Quake. An introduction to GamerTech™, focusing...

Today we are speaking with Fernando Pereira. He is the President at GROW UP / CEO at XTEND3D / Founder at GIRLGAMER Festival. In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard interviews Fernando Pereira, an event organizer and advisor in the gaming and cryptocurrency industries. They discuss event organizing, community building, and the significance of the Girl Gamer Festival i...

Donna “BasicTaq” Walters I am Tom Leonard, the host of the Gamers Change Lives Podcast where we talk about how esports can create jobs anywhere in the world. Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives. In Season 1 we talked about jobs. In Season 2 we talked about sponsorship and investment – ‘Follow the Money’. And now in Season 3 we are talking about how to build a business. Esports 101. Today’s guest...

Today’s guest is Nimish Raut, Global Head Esports : Partnerships & Special Projects at NODWIN Gaming in India. Our discussion included: Nimish highlights the importance of long-term thinking in the esports industry, emphasizing future growth and development over short-term gains. The conversation explores major sponsors in the Indian esports scene, the role of brand logos and associations as s...

Today’s guest is Today’s guest is Danielle Rourke, Chief Technology and Innovation Strategist at Dell Technologies. In the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard and Danielle Rourke, Chief Technology and Innovation Strategist for Higher Education at Dell Technologies, discuss the role of e-sports in education. They delve into the potential of e-sports to impart skills and provide a sense of...

Today’s guest is Today’s guest is Hendrikje Wagner, Founder HypeRate.io. Welcome to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast, where Tom Leonard explores the integration of health data in gaming with Hendrikje Wagner from Hype Rate. They discuss Hype Rate's integration with Unity and upcoming plans for Unreal Engine and Godot, emphasizing the positive impact of monitoring health during gameplay. The convers...

Today’s guest is Eliot J. Oreskovic. He is the Executive Co-Director of the United States Esports Association and an esports consultant. In this episode of The Gamers Change Lives Podcast, Tom Leonard interviews Elliot Oreskovic, the executive co-director of the United States Esports Association. Elliot shares his background in gaming and entrepreneurship, discussing his involvement in an esports...

Today’s guest is Jadesola Adedeji Co-Founder of STEM METS in Lagos, Nigeria, who prides herself on being a life-long learner. In this episode of "The Gamers Change Lives Podcast," Jadesola Adedeji, co-founder of STEM-METS, discusses her journey and the transformative impact of STEM education in Nigeria. Jadesola highlights the outdated education system she encountered upon returning to Nigeria and...

Today’s guest is Inka McAtee from Germany. She founded KnotHorn Studio where she works as CEO and Art Director for the independent company. Since October 2021, INKA has been the Project Lead of Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports Germany. In this podcast interview, we talk with Inka, who is an art director and CEO of a game development studio. We discuss the role of an art director in coordinating different...

Today’s guest is Shirley McPhaul from Puerto Rico. She is a speaker, researcher & educator in Web3 & Video Games. In this podcast conversation, host Tom Leonard speaks with Shirley McPhaul about the growth of the esports industry in Puerto Rico. Shirley discusses the historical and political context of Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States, as well as the efforts made by the Puerto Ric...

In this podcast conversation, Tom Leonard interviews Amir Satvat, the head of Global Startup Operations at AWS, covering topics related to e-sports, gaming, community building, and content creation on LinkedIn. Amir shares his passion for gaming, particularly the Legend of Zelda series, and discusses the role of business development (BD) in the gaming industry. He explains the importance of long-t...

Today’s guests are Nik Turner - consultant and lecturer in Esports & Education at Queen Mary’s College in the UK – and the founders of CTRL Esports: COO George Lewin, CMO Harry Lunn, CDO Ben Gregg, and CEO William Holman. In this podcast discussion, Nik Turner, a consultant and lecturer in Esports & Education, along with members of the CTRL Esports team, delve into various aspects of esports educa...

Today’s guest is Chris Tran, a SEA Esports and Gaming Expert with experience working at the top levels of one of the largest gaming esports organizations: RIOT Games. In this podcast conversation, Tom Leonard interviews Chris Tran, an expert in Southeast Asia esports and gaming. They delve into various topics, starting with Chris's background and his journey into the gaming industry. Chris shares...

Today’s guest is Marc Almanzor, Senior Manager of Gift Processing at MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES (MSF). Marc is the owner of Make Gaming About Fundraising. He is also a broadcaster on Twitch. TV. In this podcast conversation, Tom Leonard interviews Marc Almanzor, a fundraising expert, about the intersection of esports, charity, and nonprofits. They discuss the potential of the gaming community for ra...