A Spark Of Awareness

In our fast-paced world driven by algorithms and constant stimuli, the journey of self-mastery is an often overlooked yet crucial path. This episode distills the key learnings from the insightful teachings of Sophie Vo, conscious leadership coach, on how to let go and embark on a journey of self-awareness. We explore the signals that reveal shadows in leadership, offer options to practice self-awareness, and provide actionable insights to guide you toward mastering yourself, and ultimately, your endeavors.Conscious leadership begins from within. The path to self-mastery is not through external validation but through internal reflection and understanding. By engaging in deep inner work, you are invited to peel back layers that are not inherently ours and connect to our true selves.What are the signals of shadows in your leadership?🔸 Emotional Fluctuations: If your emotional state is heavily influenced by the performance of your business, it may indicate over-identification or attachment to external outcomes. Reflect on whether your self-worth is entangled with the success of your business.🔸 Self-Sabotage Behaviors: Recognizing patterns where you might intentionally or unintentionally undermine your progress can signal underlying beliefs or fears that need addressing.🔸 Lack of Center / Integrity anchor: Feeling ungrounded and swayed by external validations may suggest a need for a more profound self-connection. What are the parts that any successful entrepreneur should master?🔹Boundary Mastery: Reflect on what is genuinely yours versus what has been externally influenced. Journal daily on the origins of your beliefs and whether they serve your true self.🔹Energy Mastery: Observe your energy levels and what activities or thoughts either deplete or replenish them. Create a routine that prioritizes regenerative practices.🔹Self-Talk: Monitor your inner dialogue. How you think, how you talk to yourself, shapes your reality and actions. Are you caught in negative thoughts spirals where you sabotage yourself?🔹 Self-Knowledge: Be your own historian. Understanding your background will reveal why certain patterns persist and highlight what truly resonates with you. So you can make decision with speed and sharp clarity.Mastering the inner self equates to mastering the outer world. Self-awareness, when practiced diligently, serves as the foundation for effective leadership. By confronting shadows, refining self-talk, and embracing our energy, you can move closer to a more aligned and purposeful existence. Your business is just the mirror of you. Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly reflection.Next Monday, I am teaching the 3 mindset shifts required 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 6-𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥, in a 90-min FREE masterclass:🗓️ Monday May 4, Online, 18:00 CET / 9:00 PST / 12:00 EST️For women who are ready to build a business with purpose, with a new playbook. Limited to 15 spots. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Welcome to a Spark of Awareness, a weekly 15-minute reflection for leaders to reclaim inner authority in a world shaped by algorithms and constant stimulation.Setting boundaries is a recurring theme in Sophie Vo’s coaching sessions, reflecting a widespread challenge many leaders face. While the concept of boundaries is broadly understood, the application is often lacking. A boundary, in its simplest form, is a clear “yes-no” delineation, a determination of what we allow into our lives and what we keep out. Healthy boundaries are crucial to defining our relationships, shaping our professional life, and managing our energyThis episode focuses on boundaries as the foundation of self-mastery: a clear yes/no that determines what comes into your life and what doesn’t: shaping relationships, money, work, time, energy, thoughts, and space. Sophie explores how default yeses leak energy and put you on other people’s agendas, and why practicing “no” can mean disappointment, lost invitations, or changing connections (sharing her own boundaries around alcohol and certain networking environments). The episode invites listeners to curate inputs—news, conversations, environments—and offers a 28-day practice: write boundaries across life areas, track where they’re honored or broken, and iterate daily. 01:39 Why Boundaries Matter03:35 Yes No Clarity05:26 The Cost of Saying No07:51 Energy Relationship Space11:16 My Boundary Rules14:09 28-Day Boundary Practice: Start Now15:30 Closing Meditation18:55 Wrap Up and Next Series on the 6 Human NeedsThanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly reflection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Welcome to a Spark of Awareness, a weekly 15-minute reflection for leaders to reclaim inner authority in a world shaped by algorithms and constant stimulation.Sophie Vo closes her series on emotions in leadership by naming what’s often missing in business settings: love, expressed as the courage of the heart. We mean by that self-love, and compassion, not boundaryless attachment. Sophie explains that when love isn’t given space, fear, mistrust, and control take over, and leadership becomes rigid and less human. Through the example of a key team member leaving, she contrasts ego-driven reactions (betrayal, blame, guilt) with a compassionate approach that centers the other person’s needs, keeps the situation factual, and protects the leader’s nervous system from rumination. She shares how choosing compassion in her own departures and client work freed energy for what’s next. A daily practice is offered at the end of the episode, to cultivate love from within with morning meditation, gratitude, prayer, movement, or music. Follow this practice for 28 days to bring your human-centered leadership to the next level.01:39 Emotions Series Recap02:55 Why Love Matters04:02 Defining Healthy Love05:32 Compassion When People Leave07:54 Protect Your Nervous System09:11 Personal Lessons and Letting Go11:48 Daily Rituals to Cultivate Love14:26 28-Day Love Leadership Activation15:32 Heart Centered Meditation18:42 Next Series Human NeedsThanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Welcome to ’s Spark of Awareness, a weekly 15-minute reflection for leaders to reclaim inner authority in a world shaped by algorithms and constant stimulation.Recording from Coppet on the Switzerland–France border while finishing training in energetic healing and family system constellation, Sophie Vo reflects on a two-and-a-half-year transformation from gaming executive (Head of Studio at Voodoo, GM at PlayStation) to leadership and transformative Coach. After two abrupt corporate cutbacks and dismissals, Sophie took a break to pursue self-mastery and sat with plant medicine (Yagé) in Colombia, which deepened her understanding of human nature, distraction, and the roots of conflict, which helped her reconnect with her Vietnamese ancestral and shamanic roots. Returning recently to sit again with the medicine in the jungle, she feels she has closed a chapter of recalibrating career and relationships, leaving games to prioritize nature and connection. With the space cleared, Sophie is now expanding a bigger, scarier decade-long vision: building a sanctuary in nature for healing, education, and community. She explains plant medicine as a way to face truth, release stuck emotions, and integrate change through ongoing group support, and previews upcoming episodes on emotions (love) and human needs.01:00 Self Mastery Focus02:54 Career Peak to Wake Up Call05:01 Life breakthrough Plant Medicine Retreat06:45 Colombia Insights and Roots10:09 Closing An Old Chapter11:19 Dreaming a Nature Sanctuary13:11 Why Plant Medicine17:05 Integration and Sisterhood19:42 Building the Nature Temple VisionThanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Welcome to ’s Spark of Awareness, a weekly 15-minute reflection for leaders to reclaim inner authority in a world shaped by algorithms and constant stimulation.In this episode on fear, as the most dominant emotion at work and the polar opposite of love, Sophie Vo explores how fear is amplified by news, media, and marketing and how unexamined fear drives high-stakes decisions, damages teams and products, and fuels stress and burnout. Sophie distinguishes fear from intuition: fear is urgent, immediate, and often felt as bodily contraction (chest, lungs, belly), while intuition is quieter and still present over time. She shares personal examples of fear around scaling her coaching business and pursuing a long-term vision to build a nature-based school of consciousness, emphasizing breaking “big monster” fears into first steps. We close this episode with coaching practices of fear-setting journaling (map, prevent/mitigate, test what’s true) and closes with a grounding breath meditation, previewing a next episode on love.01:39 Why Fear Runs Work04:54 Fear Versus Intuition06:21 Feel Fear in Body07:48 Fear as Growth Compass08:40 Scaling Vision Example10:44 Nature School Vision12:00 Fear Setting Practice13:00 Closing Meditation15:38 Next Episode Love16:26 Final Reflection InviteThanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Welcome to ’s Spark of Awareness, a weekly 15-minute reflection for leaders to reclaim inner authority in a world shaped by algorithms and constant stimulation.In this episode on suppressed emotions at work, Sophie Vo focuses on Sadness as the process of something that used to be and is no more, an inevitable companion to transformation, endings, and rebirth in teams, projects, and leadership identities.Unprocessed grief creates organizational inconsistency, broken trust, cultural erosion, and a backlog of sadness that can turn into anger and toxic behavior in team cultures.Sophie shares her own grieving in shifting from tech executive work to deeper transformative and somatic leadership spaces, including letting go of misaligned clients and identities, tolerating the void that follows, and making space for what is aligned. Practices include noticing sadness in the body (heart contraction), tracing what’s being released, allowing tears, asking what must be closed, and creating gratitude-based closing rituals such as burning paper, starting a new journal page, followed by a short heart-centered breathing meditation.01:39 Why Sadness Matters at Work02:46 Defining Sadness and Loss03:44 Workplace Change and Grief05:03 When Grief Turns Toxic06:34 Personal Grieving Story11:16 Making Space for the New12:19 Somatic Signs and Awareness13:34 Inner Child and Abandonment15:00 Reflection Questions and Letting Go16:11 Rituals for Closure and Gratitude18:33 Closing Meditation and FarewellThanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Welcome to Sophie Vo’s Spark of Awareness, a weekly 15-minute reflection for leaders to reclaim inner authority in a world shaped by algorithms and constant stimulation. Continuing her series on unconscious emotions at work, Sophie examines shame and guilt as a sneaky, damaging force that breaks trust when hidden: in women it often shows up as self-blame, harsh inner critique, idea-killing, and over-apologizing.In men it often appears as burying wrongdoing, blaming others, and over-justifying harmful actions. Sophie traces shame to an unconscious belief of being unlovable and unsafe, shares her own shame around immigration, difference, and womanhood, and offers repair through self-forgiveness, compassionate self-talk, and clean apology: “I am sorry.”without justification.We close each episode with grounding meditation and will tackle next week’s emotion: sadness.02:10 What Shame Looks Like03:02 Women and Self Shame04:22 Men and Hidden Shame05:37 Root Beliefs and Fear06:28 Shame Breaks Trust08:48 My Personal Shame Story10:14 Repair Through Forgiveness13:26 Apology That Heals15:52 Resources and Practices16:50 Grounding and ClosingAdditional Resources:* Non-Violent Communication Framework (by Marshall Rosenberg)Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Welcome to Sophie Vo’s Spark of Awareness, a weekly 15-minute reflection for leaders to reclaim inner authority in a world shaped by algorithms and constant stimulation. We begin a special series on emotions in leadership—often discouraged publicly yet present in private—because self-awareness supports integrity, nervous system regulation, and healthier workplaces. This episode focuses on Anger, commonly labeled as negative or violent, and reframes it as life force and a boundary-setting compass. Suppressed anger can surface as passive-aggression, conflict, burnout, or chronic tension and symptoms, and may be passed through transgenerational patterns. Sophie shares her own experience of suppressing anger in a disciplined Vietnamese upbringing and learning to release it somatically. She offers practical steps to let anger move through you: locate anger in the body, acknowledge the boundary crossed, release safely (movement, gym, screaming), then assert boundaries calmly.01:39 Why Emotions Matter at Work03:03 The Emotion Spectrum Series04:18 Anger Misunderstood05:28 Suppressed Anger at Work06:39 How Emotions Live in Body07:17 Anger as Boundary Signal08:36 Personal Anger Story11:01 Release Then Assert Boundaries12:29 Anger Bucket and Blowups13:30 Four Step Anger Practice14:45 Resources and Regulation15:24 Guided Body Check In17:03 Closing and Next Episode💡Additional Resources:* When The Body Says No (by Gabor Maté)* Heal Your Trauma & Finally Break Free (by Gabor Maté)Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Shame often hides in the parts of ourselves we try the hardest to avoid.Judgment.Self-criticism.The quiet inner voice telling us we are not enough.But what if the practice isn’t to fight those parts…What if the practice is to meet them with love?In this live session from the ORIN Fire Gathering, Sophie Vo shares a simple yet powerful mirror practice: learning to speak to ourselves with compassion instead of judgment.A small shift — but one that can change how we relate to every part of who we are.Try the practice:“I love every part of myself.I accept them.I integrate them.I forgive myself.”Notice where resistance appears.Because often, the part of us we try to hide the most…is the part asking to be loved.✍️ Journaling prompts: * Which parts of myself feel hardest to love right now? * Where do I still hold shame? * What would acceptance look like in my thoughts, words, and actions today? * What might integration mean for this part of me?Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode of Spark of Awareness, Sophie Vo Vo explores energy as the primary currency behind execution, leadership, and business growth—more foundational than money or time. She shares how she sees low energy as a core challenge in her coaching clients, often showing up as feeling frozen, overthinking, and lacking movement, and connects this to the idea of leading from an “empty cup.” Sophie frames energy in a grounded way: the felt presence someone carries that creates warmth, trust, inspiration, and momentum. She invites listeners to assess their “cup” of energy each morning and redesign routines to support it—especially the night before (going to bed earlier, reducing late screens, using blue-light glasses after 8pm). She emphasizes protecting the first part of the day from emails/messages and creating a non-negotiable morning ritual tailored to what energizes you (silence, breakfast, movement, meditation, reading). Sophie shares her own 30-minute routine: music, singing, tea, lemon and coconut oil, connecting with her cat Lio, light movement/dancing, and a short grounding meditation before starting work. She also highlights that energy is shaped by exchanges with others, encouraging listeners to check how they feel after meetings—energized or drained—and to adjust boundaries, frequency, and timing of interactions (especially triggering conversations). She cautions against relying on stimulants like excessive caffeine or drugs to sustain performance, suggesting instead a restructuring of days and weeks around what nurtures energy. Finally, she explains how her business is built on energy through consistency, discipline, clarity, warmth, and regulated presence—allowing her to convert clients without overselling. The episode ends with a short guided grounding meditation focused on breathing, body sensation, and gentle movement to integrate the topic.00:00 Energy Is the New Currency (Not Money or Time)01:12 What “Energy” Really Means: Presence, Trust & Vibe01:54 Why Most People Get Stuck: Empty Cup, Self‑Sabotage & Frozen Action03:06 Morning Energy Audit: How You Wake Up Sets the Whole Day03:55 Build a Non‑Negotiable Routine: Sleep, Screens & Starting Right05:21 My 30‑Minute Morning Ritual (Music, Movement, Meditation)07:41 Social Energy: Who Drains You vs. Who Fuels You09:29 Protect Your Energy with Boundaries & Strategic Scheduling10:21 Stop Relying on Stimulants—Restructure Your Week Around What Nourishes You11:46 How My Business Runs on Energy: Calm Presence Over Hustle13:50 Grounding Meditation to Integrate the Episode17:02 Closing: Keep Working on Your Energy FlowThanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

Recording from Eagle River, Wisconsin closing the first US ORIN Retreat co-led with Devon Wyland, Sophie Vo Vo reflects on feminine–masculine polarity in leadership and why this theme is triggering, at the moment.Sophie describes masculine leadership as structure, boundaries, control (and when imbalanced, dominance, aggression, and competition) and feminine leadership as flow, intuition, and emotional attunement—qualities she says are often missing at workplaces. She notes many women leaders have learned to lead through masculine models, which can be exhausting and can hide feminine power, while in business operations many women lean too far into unstructured feminine flow when building a business requires masculine structure, method, discipline, and strong boundaries. This podcast reflection invites both women and men to develop missing parts of their polarity: women reconnecting to feminine presence without shame or stereotypes, and men cultivating empathy, listening, and emotional presence rather than outsourcing emotional labor to women. Sophie shares her personal journey of being raised in a performance-driven, competitive, controlling environment, feeling uncomfortable in women’s spaces, and later reconnecting to her feminine side to lead and build her work from authenticity, truth, and soul alignment rather than performance. The episode closes with reflection prompts to identify where listeners are overdeveloped (masculine force/control or feminine lack of structure), suggestions to rebalance through learning structure or practicing softness and imperfection, and a short grounding meditation focused on breath, sensory awareness, and a held inhale. 00:00 Welcome to A Spark of Awareness (Why inner authority matters)02:44 Feminine & Masculine in leadership: Why this theme triggers us05:02 Redefining the feminine leadership: Presence, authenticity, and trust07:15 The reversal for women: Masculine presence, feminine business ops09:22 My personal journey: From performance to feminine reconnection11:23 Practical reflection: Diagnose your polarity + rebalance practices13:06 Guided grounding meditation (breath + senses)15:05 Closing: Next retreats, integration prompt, and how to connectRecommended Books on Feminine Leadership 🌹* Women who run with the wolves (by Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estés)* Muse: The Magnetism of Women Who Stop Abandoning Themselves (by Dr Amanda Hanson)Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode of ‘A Spark of Awareness,’ Sophie Vo Vo delves into the concept of the Drama Triangle, also known as the Triangle of Karpman. She outlines its three roles: rescuer, victim, and persecutor, and explains how these roles manifest in various relationship dynamics including business, co-founding partners, client relationships, and romantic partnerships. Sophie emphasizes the importance of recognizing which role one is playing to break free from the cycle of conflict. She shares personal experiences and techniques for how to stop the drama, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and personal responsibility. The episode also provides actionable steps for regulating oneself and moving from being in a reactive mode to a more proactive, creator mindset. 00:44 Understanding the Drama Triangle Roles07:01 Real-Life Examples of the Drama Triangle07:06 Personal Journey and Insights10:26 Breaking Free from the Drama Triangle13:11 Practical Steps to Avoid Drama14:56 Grounding and Closing MeditationOther resources: * Triangle of Karpman: READ* Book Attached (by Amir Levine, Rachel S. F. Heller)Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, Sophie Vo dives into the fifth self-sabotage pattern, known as the 'survivor syndrome,' where leaders prefer to do tasks alone and rarely ask for help. We revisit the previous patterns like shutting down intuition, people-pleasing, leading from fear, and having an empty cup. Sophie shares her personal story of growing up in an immigrant family where she had to take on responsibilities at a young age. This pattern, born from early experiences of mistrust and betrayal, impacts professional and personal life. She suggests examining the origins of this distrust and encourages small experiments towards trusting others to break this self-sabotage cycle. Trust cannot develop by thinking alone; it has to be practiced. The episode concludes with grounding meditation and journaling exercises to help listeners reflect and reprogram behaviors to stop sabotaging themselves.Extra resources recommended:* It Didn’t Start With You (by Marc Wolynn)* Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents (Lindsy Gibson)* Life is a Game. You don’t like your life? Rewrite it: READ HEREEnjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, Sophie Vo Vo discusses the fourth self-sabotage pattern for leaders: having an 'empty cup,' and being depleted of energy. Many leaders operate in survival mode without realizing it, manifesting through signs like excessive fatigue, skipping breaks, poor sleep quality, and using free time for rest only, due to exhaustion. And then repeat the cycle. Burnout is around the corner…The role of a leader's energy is critical in the overall performance of their team and business. Sophie shares her personal experience of reprioritizing all daily tasks to focus on high-impact activities only and introduces an 'energy audit' coaching exercise to help leaders identify what drains and replenishes their energy, and rearrange their habits to optimize for energy, rather than time.Additional resources:* Energy in, Energy out Self-assessment: Download Here* Atomic Habits (by James Clear)Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this weekly reflection of ‘A Spark of Awareness,’ Sophie Vo presents the third self-sabotage pattern in leadership: fear-based decision-making. Drawing from her own experience and the hundreds of founders she has worked with, Sophie outlines how fear influences leaders’ decisions, leading to detrimental outcomes for teams and organizations, and eventually business growth.You will get actionable insights on recognizing fear-driven behaviors, differentiating rational and irrational fears, and how to bring them to light so they have less power over you.This reflection is a reminder of the importance of making decisions from a place of integrity rather than fear, advocating for conscious leadership. Listeners are encouraged to slow down, connect with their bodies, and reflect on their fears to lead more effectively.Reflection points:* Recognizing Fear in Decision Making* Evolutionary Perspective on Fear And Why Most Of Our Fears Are Not Real* Good vs. Bad Fears* Managing Fear: Techniques and Coaching Exercises* Transgenerational Fears and Their Origins* Closing Meditation and Reflection Extra resources recommended:* Fear Settings Journaling (by Tim Ferriss): * It Didn’t Start With You (by Marc Wollyn)Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness.. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode of 'A Spark of Awareness,' the focus is on the second self-sabotage pattern: being a people pleaser. Sophie Vo, explores how people pleasing manifests in various behaviors such as avoiding conflicts, difficult conversations, struggling to say no, or over-explaining your boundaries. Through personal anecdotes, she highlights the cultural and psychological origins of people pleasing and its detrimental effects on both personal and professional relationships. Sophie offers actionable advice on how to recognize these patterns and practice setting boundaries by delaying responses and learning to say no. Leaders are encouraged to practice these skills and reflect on their experiences, with more on self-sabotage patterns promised in future episodes.Extra resources recommended:* Boundaries (by Henry Cloud)* Boundary Boss (by Terry Cole)* Attached (by Amir Levine), to understand more the origins of your people pleasing patterns.Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this coaching reflection episode of ‘A Spark of Awareness,’ we dive deep into the vital role Intuition plays in creative leadership. In a world saturated with technology and external validation, it's easy to lose touch with our inner authority and self-mastery. This first episode highlights the #1 self-sabotage pattern: ignoring intuition. Many leaders today operate solely from the mind which is 20% of their full potential, by disregarding the body's inherent wisdom. The episode offers practical steps to reconnect with intuition through creative practices and daily self-awareness exercises. Every episode closes with a short guided meditation designed to help listeners connect with their breath and bodies, creating space for intuitive feelings to surface.Additional resources:* The Pathless Path* The Creative Act: A Way Of Being (by Rick Rubin)Enjoy this Self-Awareness practice 👁️Thanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly dose of consciousness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

 Dear listeners, I am evolving The Rise and Play Podcast. Time has come.Over the past four years, your support, feedback, and presence have meant very much to me and through this work, we’ve explored the leadership lessons of more than 150 founders, CEOs and leaders in the gaming industry, and the podcast reflected the journey.I was living myself as a gaming executive and leader, learning alongside my peers, and now I am evolving, and so is this podcast. Last year, if you have followed my journey, I fully crossed a threshold in my own life and identity, and I stepped away from the role and the structure of gaming leadership and into my full path as an entrepreneur and conscious leadership guide where I support leaders as we cross their own threshold from confinement, old scripts, duty identity into self-mastery, freedom, and truth.From this work. I have also founded ORIN, a sisterhood of conscious women leaders who are crossing the threshold and are doing this in group and in beautiful awareness. And I also now accompany many CEOs and leaders in one-on-one through that deep transformation. So the podcast will now become a reflection of this path and of the evolution I am witnessing in the leaders I work with.To reflect this transition, the podcast is shifting into a new format. And let me be clear here. I wanna respect your time and mine and offer something that is meaningful, grounded, and truly valuable of this time. There’s already so much content competing for our attention. And I don’t wanna add more noise, distraction, or information to consumer.And instead, this podcast will become a practice, a weekly discipline. A pause, a moment to step back, reconnect, and ask yourself the right questions. The same questions I work , with the founders and leaders I coach. And each episode will be between 10 and 15 minutes, what I call a “human prompt”, where I share what is alive in my work with leaders, the patterns I’m observing, because they are repeating over and over again across hundreds of leaders I’ve worked with.In the end, it is about being human and its human patterns, and you will get the wisdom that emerges from real journey of transformation. Maybe you are in yourself and need support, so this content will not be preplanned. And it’s definitely not an AI prompt. It is a human to human conversation and drawn from everything that I’m learning with my clients and with my own experience as an entrepreneur.It’s an invitation to cross your own bridge. From a legacy expectation, maybe a legacy of company or your story to more agency and your inner freedom and truth. And the first series I will open next week is about self-sabotage, patterns in leadership. The patterns I’ve identified across more than 200 leaders I’ve worked with. It’s so funny because they appear again and again, and I thought it is time that I actually reveal them because it’s going to make my work easier as we can start from the same basis, and you can also benefit from them without having to go through this yourself, which will help develop your self-awareness, which is the first step of transformation.So the first pattern. We will explore in my first episode is a disconnection from intuition because many leaders are externalizing the wisdom, living primarily in the intellectual mind and losing more and more of a connection to their inner voice. I hear every week. I would say even every day, people who are outsourcing the authority to chat GPT, they can’t even think for themselves.They don’t even know how to listen to themselves. And they’re, I would say, letting that muscle die by outsourcing it more and more to a machine or to others. And when intuition is discarded, distrusted businesses and the leaders as one with in them become flat. And we see businesses that are built from trends comparison.Imitation instead of authenticity. Conviction, something that is true and original. And this is what is going to emerge in an era where everything is mostly likely produced by an ai.And in this era, people will not seek for more information, but they will seek for what is real. They’ll seek truth. So in each episode, I will share concrete experiences from my work with clients from my own journey and other reflections and practices you can use to transform your patterns at your own pace into self-mastery.The main thing I’m asking from you is discipline. You don’t need more knowledge. You need commitment and discipline, and that’s the work I do in my coaching. This is my invitation. So if you feel you’re standing at the edge of a threshold, something needs to change. You are entering a new chapter of your life, asking yourself whether the way you are living, leading, and spending your time still true to you.The space is for you and you are not alone. If you here to continue to consume content, , without accountability, this podcast is evolving to a place that, it’s not going to be aligned. It is for leaders who are willing to do the work. This is my 15-minute coaching practice for free if you really wanna do the work, but maybe are not in a place yet to work with a coach.So I’m very excited to introduce this new evolution, this next chapter of this podcast. This is: A Spark of Awareness.I look forward to being with you there. See you next week. SophieThanks for tuning in to a Spark of Awareness. Subscribe for free to receive your weekly reflection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this new coaching episode host Sophie Vo and co-host Maria Gillies are tackling the “Fear of Becoming You,” uncovering the profound themes surrounding leadership, self-awareness, and personal transformation. These themes have resonated particularly for women leaders navigating the complexities of authenticity and growth.Changing: The Paradoxes of GrowthIn our discussion, we delved into the paradoxical nature of personal growth. Many leaders express a desire to rise and transform while simultaneously fearing what that transformation might entail. The fear of “becoming someone you do not want to be” often mirrors a deeper apprehension of losing integral parts of oneself in the pursuit of growth.Identify When You Are Sabotaging YourselfChange starts with awareness.Recognizing where you feel stuck or conflicted—such as the fear of becoming your own Villain—can unveil deeper self-limiting beliefs. Trust that acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them.Recalibrate Relationships: In and Out As you grow, you may need to reassess your relationships, including the one you have with yourself. Growth often requires reevaluation and sometimes letting go of connections that no longer serve your true self.This requires courage, and is part of the process of change.Practice Daily Self-AwarenessTrue self-awareness involves daily practices of introspection. Writing down and honoring your boundaries can guard your authenticity and prevent self-abandonment. 3 Signs You Are Not AlignedLeadership isn’t merely about external success; it’s about fulfilling your role while staying true to yourself. When shadows loom in leadership, signals manifest physically and emotionally, disrupting our well-being. Watch out for these:* Physical Symptoms: Stress or burnout symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, and physical exhaustion suggest misalignment in your path and priorities.* Emotional Up and Downs: Feelings of loneliness or disconnection, even when surrounded by people, are strong indicators that introspective work is needed.* Constant Misalignments: Recurring conflicts or dissatisfaction in professional and personal settings often highlight deep-seated issues begging for resolution.✍️ Coaching ToolsFor leaders seeking to address these shadows, fostering a conscious, self-aware mindset is crucial. Here are some practical options:* Daily Journaling: Spend time each day reflecting on your thoughts and feelings. Focus on areas that are out of alignment and use journaling to explore their roots.* Boundary Setting: Identify what is yours, what is not yours? Establish boundaries that protect your time and energy. Practice saying no.* Weekly Calibration: Regularly pause to assess your emotional state and recent interactions. Are they nourishing or depleting? Consciously decide who and what fills your environment. Change it.* Journey with a group: Join communities or circles where you can share experiences and gain diverse perspectives. These spaces offer opportunities for learning, healing, and collective growth.Don’t be afraid to explore those uncomfortable questions: “What am I afraid of losing in the process of becoming who I truly want to be?” “When did I last ignore my instincts, and what was the outcome?”“What relationships in my life truly support my growth, and which ones do I maintain out of fear?”Remember that personal growth is not linear. On December 20th, I’ll host online a free masterclass to go deeper on the themes to realign your life and purpose, overcoming the fears of becoming You.Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In today’s fast-paced world, leadership is undergoing a transformative journey. The old paradigm of leading through control and authority is being replaced by a conscious, heart-centered approach that values authenticity, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.In this new episode, Sophie Vo Vo and Marko Kecmann, business partner in games for 11 years, explore the essence of this evolution, uncovering key insights and practical steps leaders can take to embark on their own inner work journey.Leadership Coaching WisdomThe Power of Letting GoA recurring theme in leadership evolution is recognizing the need to let go of control. Leaders often try to micromanage and dictate every aspect of their team’s operations. However, true leadership lies in empowering others and trusting them to bring their skills to fruition.Instead of dictating terms, embrace the idea that leadership means guiding, influencing, and inspiring others to achieve common goals.Active ListeningOne of the most undervalued yet crucial skills in leadership is active listening. It involves listening not to respond, but to truly understand and empathize with others’ perspectives. Practicing active listening opens up channels for deeper communication, enabling leaders to connect with their teams on a more authentic level.Be a Life StudentLeadership is not about having all the answers, but about constantly learning and growing. Adopting a mindset of continual education and curiosity allows leaders to remain adaptable and open to new ideas.As Sophie mentioned, even at the age of 50 or 60, remain a student to effectively lead evolving teams.3 Signs You Have Shadows in Your Leadership#1 Defensiveness to FeedbackIf you find yourself defending every critique instead of embracing it, it might signal underlying shadows. Such reactions often stem from insecurity or an inflated ego, masking deeper issues that require attention.#2 A Constant Need for ControlOver-managing and a reluctance to delegate can be indicators of internal shadows driven by fear of failure or losing authority. Observe if this need springs from an authentic place or is clouded by past experiences and perceptions.#3 Avoidance of VulnerabilityAn unwillingness to show vulnerability can prevent authentic connections with your team. Shadows often manifest in maintaining a façade of perfection or invulnerability, hindering growth and mutual trust.Where Can You Start To Practice Self-Awareness?Journaling and ReflectionSet aside time for regular journaling to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Writing can illuminate patterns and provide clarity on personal challenges and areas for growth.Seek Feedback and CoachingInvite feedback from peers and consider engaging with a coach to gain external perspectives and guidance. A coach can help identify blind spots and support you in navigating personal and professional challenges.Mindfulness and Somatic PracticesEngage in mindfulness exercises and somatic practices to become attuned to your inner experiences. Techniques such as meditation, breathwork, or guided visualization can aid in reducing stress and promoting emotional regulation.Join Leadership Circles or RetreatsParticipating in leadership-focused workshops or retreats offers a supportive environment to explore self-awareness. Engaging with others who are on a similar journey fosters learning and peer support.ConclusionLeadership is no longer about wielding power over others; it is about fostering a space where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. Embracing inner work through self-awareness, vulnerability, and continuous learning is vital for modern leaders.By acknowledging and releasing the shadows that hinder our potential, we pave the way for a more compassionate and connected leadership landscape.Join Sophie and Marko in embracing this revolution in leadership—a journey that starts from within 💛✨Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this new episode of Rise and Play, host Sophie Vo introduces a new podcast format that reflects her journey in leadership, coaching, and transforming her business to creating the ORIN retreats. She explores the theme of ‘letting go’, examining the need to release relationships, jobs, and identities that no longer serve us.Joined by co-host Maria Gillies, they discuss the challenges and emotional experiences involved in letting go, including professional setbacks and personal growth. The conversation dives deep into overcoming shame, embracing vulnerability, and the importance of reconnecting with the body through various somatic practices.The episode concludes with practical advice on facing the storms of life head-on, maintaining integrity, and seeking communal support during transformative times.Sophie’s Key HighlightsThe Cycle of Death and Rebirth: Make It A RitualSophie observes that as the seasons change, “the summer is gone,” inviting us to introspect and recognize what needs to be released. She speaks about how approaching winter serves as a perfect metaphor for retreating inward and examining what we need to let go of.She encourages redefining our relationship with endings by embracing them as opportunities for new beginnings. Sophie explains, “Our cells are dying every day. We are in a permanent cycle of death and life.”The Body Always KnowsReflecting on her most difficult moments in her career, Sophie mentions feeling “frozen” in moments of realization, acknowledging that her body was responding to situations that required change. She states, “I knew deep down that no job should make you feel this way,” highlighting the body’s role in signaling the need for transformation.“I knew deep down that no job should ever make me feel this way,”Why Leaders Don’t Do the Inner Work?Sophie underlines that leaders often avoid confronting failure due to shame and guilt, projecting these feelings onto others instead. She asserts that recognizing and sitting with these emotions is crucial, saying, “It takes courage to face it, to listen to it, and also act on it.”The Moment When “You Know”Sophie shares how she realized it was time to leave a company when asked to make decisions that conflicted with her integrity. She describes a pivotal moment:“I promised to myself. Never again.”Sophie talks about letting go of certain friendships and relationships that are no longer aligned, taking different paths. “Some friendship died unfortunately, but they had to as part of constant recalibration and realignment.”She discusses the evolution of her work with ORIN, expressing a newfound openness to leading retreats for men after initially focusing on women. “I didn’t choose to do it, but listened to the signals I received and followed my intuition”.A dozen of conscious men already stepped forward with ORIN, to dive deeper in their journey of self-inquiry and redefine what a modern man and leader should be. To walk the talk.How Do You Know When To Let Go?Reading The Signals to Let GoThe journey of letting go begins with recognizing the signals. Life often whispers to us before it shouts. For Sophie, the signals were often visceral—a body shock here, a deep feeling of paralysis there.These were signs that something wasn’t aligned in her life. Emotional cues, such as a persistent sense of unease or dissatisfaction, are also indicative. Listening to our bodies and emotions is crucial in identifying when to let go.Taking A Step Back, RetreatOnce the signals are acknowledged, the next step is evaluation. This involves reflecting on whether the current path aligns with our true selves.Sophie shares the importance of contemplative practices like journaling. Spending time alone, in nature, retreats, can offer clarity. It’s also beneficial to engage in conversations with trusted individuals who can provide objective perspectives (i.e. mastermind, coaching, therapy, sharing circles).Practices for Grieving and Moving OnLetting go is as much about embracing new beginnings as it is about grieving past endings. Sophie emphasizes the importance of rituals in this transition.Writing letters of forgiveness, burning them to symbolize closure, and creating a safe space to process emotions like grief and pain are integral practices. The goal is to acknowledge emotions without being consumed by them.✍️ Coaching and Journaling Practices* Mindful Reflection: Set aside time regularly to reflect on your life’s alignment. Use mindfulness practices to connect with your inner self.* Body Awareness: Engage in activities that reconnect you with your body, such as dancing, yoga, or meditation. These practices help in recognizing physical signals of discontent.* Community Support: Surround yourself with a community that understands the value of growth and transformation like circles and mastermind. Engage in conversations that challenge and inspire.* Rituals of Release: Develop personal rituals to denote the end of cycles. Whether through writing, art, or nature retreats, find ways to symbolize closure and welcome new beginnings.ConclusionLetting go is an art, a continuous journey of self-assessment and courageous decisions. It requires us to challenge our comfort zones, embrace discomfort, and trust in the natural cycles of life.As Sophie and Maria beautifully illustrates, when we let go, we create space for abundance and opportunities to enter our lives. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey; support, guidance, and collective wisdom are just a reach away.Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this raw episode of Rise and Play, we welcome back Ioana Hreninciuc, co-founder of Runware and former CPO at Huuuge Games and Homa Games. Ioana has held some of the biggest leadership roles in gaming and tech, and today she reflects openly on the founder journey, the highs and lows of VC-backed startups, and the importance of choosing yourself before burnout chooses you."It wasn’t luck — it was luck with a lot of homework. Ten years of work led to that one call from Andreessen. But the real lesson is: you can build a company without losing yourself in the process. And if you feel you are — choose yourself first."From building side projects that went viral, to receiving that life-changing call from Andreessen Horowitz, to stepping away from her own company at the height of its momentum, Ioana shares the raw truths behind the glossy founder narrative.💡 Key Learnings* Founding ≠ Career LadderBecoming a founder is not the next rung up from being an executive. It’s a fundamentally different path that demands resilience, risk tolerance, and constant rejection management.* The Co-Founder FactorHaving a co-founder is not just about skills but also psychological support and surviving the rollercoaster.* Resilience in FundraisingExpect 20–30 rejections for every yes. Fundraising is harder than dating apps, and persistence matters more than early luck.* Choosing Yourself Over BurnoutIoana describes reaching anhedonia (a flat emotional state linked to depression). Her decision to step back after fundraising was about survival, not weakness. And the company continued without her.* Boundaries Create SustainabilityHigh performers often put identity and well-being aside to succeed. Ioana highlights the importance of setting boundaries early to avoid collapse later.* The Power of Support CirclesPrograms like ORIN, and networks of executives who share openly, can provide validation, reflection, and perspective that family or friends may not fully grasp.* Diversity Lifts EveryoneMixed teams across gender, race, and background, create healthier, more empathetic, and higher-performing environments for all, not just underrepresented groups.Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, host @Sophie Vo sits down with Claire Rozain, a leader in the gaming and tech space, community builder, and entrepreneur. Together they reflect on Claire’s unconventional career journey, her bold move into solopreneurship, and the lessons she has learned about resilience, freedom, and building meaningful communities.Claire shares her perspective on navigating layoffs, redefining success beyond corporate life, and creating ventures that address real gaps in the market—from gaming communities to women-led festivals and Femtech initiatives. The discussion is deeply personal, exploring how life experiences, including moments of trauma, can shape one’s courage to live authentically and take risks.Listeners will come away with powerful reminders about trust, self-belief, and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people who empower you to build the life you truly want.“Unemployment is not an end—it’s an opportunity to evolve.”Leadership Learnings💡 Leading With Courage* Facing mortality builds clarity: A near-death experience pushed Claire to live boldly, take risks, and reject fear of failure.* Employment ≠ identity: Layoffs, while painful, can be reframed as opportunities for reinvention and growth.* Corporate limits: Promotions and career ladders often cap personal growth. Entrepreneurship opens new paths, but also requires resilience.💡 Entrepreneurship & Solopreneurship* Gap spotting as strategy: Every venture Claire started—from communities to femtech—began with identifying unmet needs.* Solo founder ≠ working alone: Building partnerships and communities is essential, even without co-founders.* Bootstrapping > dependency: Funding freedom can matter more than chasing investors and exits.💡 Building Communities* Authenticity is power: Claire’s success stems from being unapologetically herself, even in male-dominated spaces.* Community > scale: True connection and diversity create lasting impact, not vanity metrics.* Support networks matter: Behind every strong leader is a circle of peers, mentors, and allies.💡 Life & Business Alignment* Design life around values: Entrepreneurship is not just about money, but about crafting a lifestyle aligned with authenticity, ethics, and joy.* Emotions are a GPS: Feelings are a guide, not a weakness, when making business and life decisions.* Equality requires awareness: Recognizing historical and structural inequities is key to building more inclusive futures.Resources & Links* 📕 Rise and Play – Coaching, workshops, and resources for conscious leadership* 🔗 Follow Claire Rozain on LinkedInThanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, Sophie Vo sits down with indie game developer and studio Filipina co-founder Danni Ann Taylor to explore the realities of starting and running a game studio—while raising a family—without outside funding.Dani shares her journey from early gaming passion to launching Yang Yang Mobile with her husband in the Philippines, building a reputation for high-quality visual novels like The Letter, and developing their latest title, High Time.From risky leaps of faith to strategic pivots, Danni discusses the balance between creative vision and business realities, the challenges of working with your life partner, and how to grow a team without losing the joy of making games.She also opens up about her unconventional daily schedule , the role of her support system, and how she handles founder guilt while raising three children.Key LearningsStarting Before 30 & Bootstrapping* Danni and her husband started their studio shortly after she gave birth, believing it was better to “fail early” than wait until later in life.* Bootstrapped the business using life savings, layoff packages, and small family loans—no investors, to keep creative freedom.Finding Success By Pivoting To What You Love* Initially aimed for hyper-casual mobile games but shifted to visual novels after realizing mobile required heavy UA spending.* Created The Letter and used Kickstarter to secure funding, leveraging her own passion and understanding of the VN audience.Indie Studios Success: Standing Out in a Niche* Elevated the standard for indie visual novels: full English voice acting, animated backgrounds, branching storylines that impact the journey—not just the ending.* Added minigames and interactivity to make titles more engaging for streamers and viewers.Sustainable Growth vs Scale* Grew from a 7-person team to around 20—deliberately staying small to balance creative work and manageable leadership.* Avoided scaling too fast after seeing the strain of expansion.Balancing Family & Business* Relies on family and trusted help for childcare and household management.* Embraces a night-owl schedule with split work blocks to balance deep focus time, family moments, and personal space.Top Quality Is The Best Marketing* Focus on making a “really darn good game” so fans and streamers want to share it.* Built a small but loyal fanbase who amplify launches and sustain visibility.Links & Resources* Yang Yang Mobile Website* Wishlist High Time on Steam: Steam Page Link* Rise and Play Leadership coachingThanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this heartfelt conversation recorded in a relaxed setting in Berlin, Sophie Vo is joined by Maria Gillies, Product Director at Pixion Games, for an intimate exploration of career pivots, leadership rooted in values, and returning to one's authentic self.Maria shares her unique journey from working in the fishing industry to becoming a leader in mobile free-to-play games. With openness and depth, she discusses the personal and professional transformations she's undergone through the Rise and Play coaching program ORIN, including moving back to Portugal, rediscovering joy, and reshaping her leadership style."I didn't want to be on the hamster wheel anymore—I just wanted to make great games with great people."Sophie and Maria explore themes of alignment, creative leadership, feminine power in tech, and the importance of building humane studios and communities.💡 Key Learnings & Takeaways* Purposeful Career Planning: Maria’s entry into games wasn’t accidental—it was a deliberate, 10-year plan that involved leveraging transferable skills and continuously learning outside of work.* The Cost of Success: Chasing career milestones can cause disconnection from one's values. Realigning with personal principles often requires pausing, reflecting, and sometimes rewriting the “playbook.”* Creating Joyful Workspaces: A creative industry like gaming thrives when workplaces are safe, joyful, and aligned. Maria emphasizes that fun is essential not only in the games we create but in how we make them.* Leadership Rooted in Humanity: Rather than copying leadership styles, Maria champions being guided by your morals and heart. Vulnerability and reflection are essential to lead well.* The Power of Coaching & Community: Through the ORIN mastermind, Maria found clarity, balance, and deep friendships. Investing in personal growth led to professional transformation—and vice versa.* Remote Work and Returning Home: Maria’s move back to Portugal wasn’t just geographic—it represented a personal full circle, reclaiming joy, language, and creative inspiration.🌐 Resources & Mentions* PlaytestCloud — Podcast sponsor and a powerful player research tool for game developers.* Rise and Play — Leadership coaching, resources, and the ORIN mastermind program.* Pixion Games — Studio behind Fableborn, where Maria leads product and creative direction.🙌 Connect with Us* Maria Gillies: LinkedIn* Sophie Vo: LinkedIn | riseandplay.ioThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this heartfelt episode, host Sophie Vo sits down with Luna Javier — the first female game developer in the Philippines and a true pioneer with over 20 years of experience.Luna shares her extraordinary journey from an aspiring filmmaker to game writer, designer, and eventually co-founder of Altitude Games. She opens up about the challenges of burnout, the unexpected leap into entrepreneurship, and how she helped shape the Filipino game development industry from the ground up.Luna also discusses the evolving role of women in games, the importance of mentorship and inclusivity, and the emotional transitions that come with founding, scaling, and eventually selling a studio."I didn't want to be an entrepreneur — I just wanted to design games with friends."In her recent chapter, Luna explores life beyond her long-time leadership role thanks to coaching and attending ORIN program, embracing teaching, mentoring, and new creative opportunities, all while rediscovering her true self.Sophie and Luna reflect on the power of community, coaching, and the courage it takes to continually reinvent oneself.Key Topics Discussed:* Luna’s unexpected start in gaming from filmmaking to game writing* Laumching the first Filipino game development company, Anino Games* The birth of the Philippines game industry and the "Anino alumni" phenomenon* Shifting from creative IPs to work-for-hire to survive as a studio* The emotional rollercoaster of founding and exiting Altitude Games* Lessons on leadership, culture, and team care during acquisitions* The rise of women in games in the Philippines and Asia* Luna’s transition to teaching, mentoring, and designing her next chapter* The importance of coaching, mentorship, and asking for help* Embracing freedom and self-discovery after leaving a long-held identityLearn more about ORIN women leadership programConnect with Luna on LinkedinThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this powerful episode, host Sophie Vo sits down with Susan Cummings — co-founder of 2K Games, Tiny Rebel Games, and now 10Six Games — to explore her 25+ year journey through the gaming industry. From signing legendary IPs like Bioshock and Borderlands to founding and evolving multiple studios, Susan shares unfiltered insights on intuition-driven leadership, building (and rebuilding) companies, and the courage to start again after failure.This is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and navigating the business side of game development.🎮 Key Highlights* Founding 2K Games & Legendary IPsSusan talks about co-founding 2K Games, the origin stories behind signing Bioshock and Borderlands, and the importance of trusting instincts over rigid P&L analysis.* The Role of IntuitionShe emphasizes how gut instinct, developed over years of experience, led to taking big risks that paid off — like acquiring the Civilization IP and signing Bioshock when no one else would.* Tiny Rebel Games Journey (first venture)Suzanne reflects on building Tiny Rebel with her husband, starting as a lifestyle business and evolving into a venture-backed studio, including their work on Doctor Who and AR projects like Wallace & Gromit.* Scaling Challenges & Lessons LearnedCandid lessons about growing too fast after raising a $7M seed round, and how scaling quickly can undermine agility and creative freedom.* New Lessons: The Power of Small Teams & Indie SpiritHer renewed belief in small, senior, highly aligned teams — what she describes as a "rock band" model — and how it fosters creativity and faster iteration.* Personal Resilience & Founding 10Six GamesAfter closing Tiny Rebel, Susan shares the emotional and practical challenges of transitioning, grieving, and finding the energy to build again with 10-6 Games.* Working with a Life PartnerHonest reflections on co-founding multiple companies with her husband, the unique dynamics of mixing work and family life, and how they divide creative and business roles.* New Ventures & Generative AIInsights into how Suzanne is now leveraging generative AI and building a new roguelike game experience with 10-6 Games.💡Leadership Insights✅ Trust your instincts, even when the data says otherwise.Original IP often requires leaps of faith✅ Validate early and often.✅ Small, senior teams can stay agile, avoid heavy process overhead, and iterate faster.✅ Scaling too fast can be a trap.Hiring quickly to match a large funding round can lead to misalignment and risk when market conditions change.✅ Leadership means making hard calls.As a founder, you must be willing to take responsibility for big decisions, even when unsure.✅ Founding with a partner requires strong boundaries and deep trust.📣 1 spot lef for our next ORIN cohortYou and a highly-curated mastermind of 9 exceptional women will be guided by our team through a 6-month coaching journey of inner growth, healing, regenerative energy, group empowerment and transformation.Are you ready for ORIN? We have 1 spot left.Contact [email protected] for inquiry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

7 factors of success for game studiosDownload the full report, share with your team: DOWNLOAD REPORTGrab your FREE TRIAL with our partner PlaytestCloud: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this episode, Sophie Vo sits down with Kanessa Muluneh, an Ethiopian-born serial entrepreneur, Web3 educator, and the creator of Rise of Fearless — Africa’s first blockchain-enabled mobile battle royale game. From humble beginnings as a refugee in the Netherlands to raising $10M in under 10 days through social media, Kanessa shares her transformative leadership journey, her mission to reframe Africa’s global image, and how she leveraged storytelling, blockchain, and gaming to empower African youth.💡 Key Learnings:* Selling a Startup at 22: Though she earned a medical degree, Kanessa discovered her true path in solving real-world problems through business—starting with a telehealth platform she sold for €1M at age 22.* Serial Entrepreneurial Growth: Kanessa went on to build and exit multiple ventures. Her approach: identify a big problem, validate a solution, test with real users, and execute relentlessly.* Building in Africa Means Building With Africa: Kanessa’s strategic use of TikTok helped her circumvent traditional gatekeeping by generating visibility and credibility with the public—and eventually, investors.* NFTs and Blockchain in Action: By launching an NFT collection and accepting crypto, Kanessa created a groundbreaking way for Ethiopians in rural areas to transact online, bypassing broken financial systems.* Rise of Fearless – A New Gaming Paradigm:* A mobile battle royale game inspired by African history (notably, the Battle of Adwa).* Designed to instill pride, knowledge, and a new narrative of African strength and unity.* Built for mobile to maximize access, and powered by blockchain to enable ownership and decentralized engagement.* The Big Africa Gaming Vision: Kanessa plans to build a platform for other African creators to launch games. She sees this as the starting point of a movement beyond just a company.🔗 Resources & Links:* 🎮 Rise of Fearless Game Website* 💌 Connect with Kanessa📣 Calling Women Leaders Ready For TransformationYou have ticked all the career boxes, you’ve achieved the power and status you’ve wanted and still… you feel something is missing. Are you sure you want to continue the next 20 years of your life this way: exhausted, unfulfilled, uninspired.You are not alone. But you’ve never found the right way to solve it. You and a highly-curated mastermind of 9 exceptional women will be guided by our team through a 6-month coaching journey of inner growth, healing, regenerative energy, group empowerment and transformation. Are you ready for ORIN? We have 3 spots left.Contact [email protected] for inquiry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this leadership-centric episode, host Sophie Vo welcomes Zoë Curnoe — a seasoned production and operations leader turned leadership coach — for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of a 22-year career in the gaming industry, including co-founding Timbre Games and leadership roles at Coalition Studios, Riot Games, EA, and Pandemic Studio.From early days navigating creative chaos, to leading major game launches, to founding a studio and eventually pivoting to coaching, Zoë opens up about what it takes to truly lead in times of complexity, change, and uncertainty.“People want to be led by someone real — not someone who pretends to have it all figured out.”Together, Sophie and Zoë explore the evolution of leadership, the human cost of performance culture, and the emotional labor of building and sustaining creative teams.Whether you’re an executive, a founder, or just navigating your next career step, this conversation offers insights, hope, and a call for more compassionate leadership.💡 Leadership Takeaways:* Factions and Blame Culture: Teams often fall into “us vs. them” mentalities under pressure. Zoë identifies this as a persistent leadership issue that undermines collaboration and ownership.* The Mask of Performance: Leaders often hide struggles behind a facade of control. True leadership requires vulnerability — being able to say “I’m struggling, and I need help.”* Coaching as a Lifeline: Coaching isn't just for top executives. It helps untangle the mental and emotional knots of leadership and offers a mirror for self-awareness and growth.* Authentic Leadership: The path to sustainable leadership lies in being true to your values — not performing a version of leadership based on outdated norms or external expectations.* Studio Founder Lessons: Zoë shares her own learning from Timbre Games, where even with the best intentions, she didn’t always create the safety she aimed for. A humbling reminder that even founders need reflection and repair.* Career Transition & Midlife Shift at 50: Zoë candidly discusses her transition into coaching at age 50, managing menopause, and redefining success on her own terms with her new venture, Lumina Leadership.* Emotional Wellbeing at Work: Fast-paced industries like gaming often neglect the emotional realities of workers. This episode underscores the importance of integrating heart and body into professional life.Zoë Curnoe is the founder of Lumina Leadership and now supports leaders through coaching and consulting, with a mission to make the industry more human, inclusive, and resilient. Connect with Zoë.This episode is brought to you by PlaytestCloud — your partner in delivering fast, reliable, and actionable player research.Thanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.📣 Calling Women Leaders Ready For TransformationYou have ticked all the career boxes, you’ve achieved the power and status you’ve wanted and still… you feel something is missing. Are you sure you want to continue the next 20 years of your life this way: exhausted, unfulfilled, uninspired.You are not alone. But you’ve never found the right way to solve it.We make that time and space for you, with a powerful sisterhood.You and a highly-curated mastermind of 9 exceptional women will be guided by our team through a 6-month coaching journey of inner growth, healing, regenerative energy, group empowerment and transformation.Are you ready for ORIN? Find out by answering our preliminary self-reflection questionnaire. We will reach out soon. We have 2 spots left. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

7 factors of success for game studiosDownload the full report, share with your team: DOWNLOAD REPORTGrab your FREE TRIAL with our partner PlaytestCloud: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this special episode focused on community building, host Sophie Vo sits down with Julianne Becker, co-founder of Coconat — a workation retreat and co-living space in Brandenburg, Germany. Far from a typical tech leader, Julianne shares her remarkable journey from NGO work in Vietnam to launching an award-winning rural innovation hub that fosters creativity, collaboration, and community for creative and game founders.In this episode, we cover:* The realities of transitioning careers into entrepreneurship* The challenges of building a coliving space and thriving ecosystem from scratch* Insights on funding, bootstrapping, and grassroots marketing* How to create meaningful community integration in rural areas* Balancing family life while building a values-led business* The power of diverse, inclusive residencies, especially the acclaimed Rabbit Indie Game Residency (application deadline: June 15). Rabbit Residency is a standout initiative offering indie game developers a month-long retreat to collaborate, innovate, and connect globally — with a focus on diversity and inclusion.* Exciting developments, including Coconat's new role as a Brandenburg Startup Accelerator to support game devs, mobility innovators, and more through funded residencies.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in creative leadership, rural innovation, the future of work, or indie game development.💡 Key Takeaways:* Start before you're ready: Juliane emphasized the importance of talking about your idea early, even before it's fully developed, to shape it through feedback and co-creation.* Community-first entrepreneurship: Coconat was built not only for digital nomads but also with and for the local community — from hosting local events to supporting regional development initiatives.* Bootstrapped & bold: Juliane and her partner self-funded the venture through loans and creative incentives (like early volunteer vouchers), showcasing that you don’t need VC money to start strong.* Resilience over perfection: From internet infrastructure setbacks to bureaucratic hurdles, they adapted constantly without losing sight of their values.* Integrating work and family: Coconut was literally built alongside Juliane’s children — a real-world case of family-integrated entrepreneurship.🔗 Resources & Links:* 🐇 Apply for The Rabbit Indie Game Residency (Deadline: June 15th, 2025): https://coconat-space.com/the-rabbit-games-residency-2025-call-for-applications/* 🏡 Learn more about Coconat: https://coconat-space.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

7 factors of success for game studiosDownload the full report, share with your team: DOWNLOAD REPORTGrab your FREE TRIAL with our partner PlaytestCloud: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this episode Tiffany Keller welcomes Julia Zhan, CPO of Series Entertainment, and Burcu Hakguder, the CRO of Layer AI who celebrates their recent close of their seed round for over $6M. Burcu Hakguder started Layer after half a decade at Unity Technologies spearheading new business development initiatives that contributed to the company’s successful IPO. Today Layer AI is embraced by top studios like Zynga, SciPlay, Huuuge Games, and over 200 others to revolutionize game production powered by inferences across many models optimized for 2D, 3D assets and video generation.Julia Zhan is Chief Platform Officer at Series Entertainment, a company revolutionizing game creation through generative stories & worlds after raising over $35M and acquiring Pixelberry and Netflix as a distribution partner. Previously, she managed League of Legends production and operations for China and helped pioneer Valorant at Riot Games. After that, Julia led the game vertical & developer success at Snap, empowering 3P developers to build hyper-social gaming experiences.We break down the AI x Games market today from the founder perspective- how they successfully raised and delivered on investor and customer expectations despite taking very different sides of the AI platform and gaming market. Julia and Burcu share their methodology for finding their “unique selling position” in the market and how that has shaped their advice to game makers looking to integrate AI tools. We discuss a bit of 4D chess on the future of gaming AI platforms and how both large and small companies will need to adapt to remain competitive. For every studio facing a build vs buy question with AI, Julia and Burcu break down how game makers can draw from their USP to define their next steps in harnessing AI. Expect some spicy while incredibly thoughtful takes that reveal how many ways there are to succeed as a game studio armed with the right AI workflows.Try Layer AI today to 5x your game content creation productivityPlay Series Entertainment’s new game, Single’s Inferno, on Netflix Games today to see what Rho, their AI engine, and their acquisition Pixelberry can do together🇪🇸 Barcelona. June 2 — Not your Princess, Just my Own Hero: Innovating for Women in Mobile GamingJoin us for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the impact and innovation of women in mobile gaming. Speakers are from Gamehouse, Scopely, Rise & Play, Funcraft, Appsflyer & Appcharge!​Stick around — the evening wraps up with a lively party to continue the conversation and connections.Welcome - Claire Rozain, Founder Rzain Society This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this heartfelt and deeply inspiring episode, Sophie Vo sits down with Subina Kiani, founder of the global recruitment company Eleven Eleven, to unpack the story behind building a people-first business from the ground up — starting from personal rock bottom.Subina shares her journey of rebuilding her life as a single mother, finding meaning in synchronicities like Eleven Eleven, and challenging the transactional nature of traditional recruitment.We cover in this episode:* 🌱 The power of starting from where you are — no grand plan needed* 🧭 Leading with intuition, alignment, and authenticity in a tech-driven world* 💼 Why recruitment is not just about jobs, but about identity, dreams, and human connection* 💡 The myth of work-life balance and how to intentionally design a fulfilling life* 🤖 How AI is shifting leadership and recruitment — and why emotional intelligence is the futureWhether you're navigating a career pivot, launching a purpose-led business, or rethinking leadership in the age of AI, this episode will give you the courage to trust your gut and just start.💡 Leadership Takeaways:* Breakdowns can lead to breakthroughs — especially when aligned with purpose.* Recruitment isn’t about transactions; it’s about transformation.* Emotional intelligence and human connection are rising in value in an AI-heavy future.* Real leadership starts with self-trust and the courage to be visible.* Building a life that aligns with your values is not only possible — it’s necessary.Eleven Eleven is a global recruitment firm trusted by 40+ gaming and tech studios. With over 15 years of experience, Subina is redefining recruitment through intuition, bringing humanity back to hiring. Learn more here: https://eleven-eleven.io/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

7 factors of success for game studiosDownload the full report, share with your team: DOWNLOAD REPORTGrab your FREE TRIAL with our partner PlaytestCloud: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseThanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.In this episode, Sophie Vo welcomes Jen MacLean, former Xbox executive and now founder of Dragon Snack Games. Jen shares her personal and professional journey—from leaving a corporate role to founding her own studio—with deep reflections on purpose, family, and alignment. They dive into building a value-driven studio, the importance of intentional team culture, early-stage prototyping, and engaging a player community early in development. Jen discusses Dragon Snack's mission to create collaborative, player-driven experiences for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, while emphasizing the power of belonging and connection through games. A conversation packed with wisdom for founders, leaders, and anyone seeking to build meaningful, human-centered companies.Topics Discussed:* Why Jen left a high-powered job at Xbox to start her own studio.* The personal wake-up call: how family conversations revealed deeper misalignments.* Asking two critical questions: What’s the worst that can happen? and What’s holding you back?* Building Dragon Snack Games with intention: starting with values and principles, not just product ideas.* The importance of co-founder alignment, clear roles, and trust from the beginning.* Why Dragon Snack targets Gen Z/Alpha and focuses on social, collaborative game experiences: "We’re building a neighborhood, not a metaverse."* Early prototyping and the belief in bringing players into the process far earlier than traditional models.* Fundraising challenges and staying true to the company’s vision and community-first approach.* Designing for emotional needs: belonging, validation, and impact through gameplay.* The future of Dragon Snack Games and how listeners can follow or get involved.Resources Mentioned:* Book: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (discussed around digital validation and Gen Z behaviors)* Learn more on Dragon Snack Games : dragonsnacksgames.com💫 WOMEN LEADERSHIP CIRCLE: LEADING WITH YOUR INTUITIONI am hosting a free intimate online circle for women leaders who are interested in learning more about ORIN and the magical spaces I create: a space where you don’t have to perform, to feel safe in a group, to ‘be’, and discover who you are beneath the mask when you give yourself permission to. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

What are the 7 key differences of successful studios leveraging player insights?Insight #4 Successful studios nailed their player profilesInsight #7 Successful studios playtest their competitor’s games… 💡Download the full insights and share with your game teams: DOWNLOAD REPORTIf you are not doing Player Research yet, you are taking risks every day shooting in the dark. Act now and grab your FREE TRIAL with our partner PlaytestCloud: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this new episode, host Sophie Vo Vo speaks with Kimber Dall, SVP of People at SciPlay, a global mobile games leader. With a decade of experience scaling the company from 100 to over 1,000 employees across five countries (Israel, Ukraine, US, India…), Kimber shares hard-won wisdom about building culture, navigating global and geo-political crises, and supporting people-first leadership at scale. We cover in this episode:* Evolving a startup into a global company of 1,000+ employees while preserving its heart* The non-negotiable in performance management—and how to scale them* Hiring leaders who live your values, not just talk them* Supporting employees during geo-political conflicts—with empathy and action* Preventing burnout in 24/7 live games with practical tools and transparency* Managing across generations—and why Gen Z requires new leadership muscleWhether you're a founder, people leader, or game industry veteran, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you scale culture, invest in your people, and lead from the heart with clarity and structure.Thanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this episode, host Sophie Vo Vo and Odile Limpach cover entrepreneurship in the gaming industry. Odile shares her journey from being a managing director at Ubisoft to co-founding SpielFabrique, a video game catalyst company. She discusses how after 16 years in the gaming industry, particularly at Ubisoft where she helped grow the company from 500 to over 10,000 employees, she decided to start her own venture. Odile emphasizes the importance of having financial stability, a strong network, and the right personality to handle uncertainty when starting a business.The discussion delves into SpielFabrique evolution over 10 years, growing to a team of seven people and running several programs including EVA (European Video Games Accelerator) which receives around 100 applications from 15 European countries annually. Odile highlights their expansion into Africa and cross-industry initiatives involving books, cinema, and music in gaming.A significant portion focuses on the challenges faced by indie game developers, particularly the balance between creativity and business acumen. Odile stresses the importance of early business planning and understanding one's purpose in starting a game company.Learn more about SpielFrabique’s programs for indie developers: https://spielfabrique.eu/Thunderfox/Thanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive updates and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this episode, host Sophie Vo welcomes Brett Nowak, founder and CEO of Liquid and Grit, a leading product research and consultancy firm specializing in mobile gaming. Brett shares his entrepreneurial journey, leadership philosophies, and insights on building a sustainable, independent business. He discusses his motivations for bootstrapping his company, the importance of autonomy, and how he built a unique company culture by questioning traditional business norms.What we cover in this episode:💡Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:* Identify what you want from your business (e.g., financial independence, control, creative freedom).* Choose a business model that aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.* Validate your ideas by selling early and iterating based on feedback.* Avoid traditional constraints—design a business that works for your strengths and lifestyle.💰 Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital:* Brett prioritized full ownership and control over his company, choosing not to raise external funding.* By keeping initial costs low and maintaining a day job, he was able to test and validate his business before going full-time.📈 The Role of Discipline and Long-Term Vision:* Running a business successfully requires long-term commitment, persistence, and a willingness to push through discomfort.* Brett’s structured approach ensured steady growth without external dependencies.👥 Building a Non-Traditional Work Culture:* Liquid and Grit operates remotely with minimal meetings and a strong emphasis on autonomy and efficiency.* The hiring process is unconventional—focusing on skills-based assessments rather than traditional interviews.* The company structure reduces bureaucracy, allowing employees to focus on delivering high-quality work.💛 Mental Health and Work-Life Integration:* Brett emphasizes the importance of balancing business growth with personal well-being.* Having a psychiatrist for professional and personal guidance has been one of his most impactful decisions.More Resources:* Liquid and Grit* Connect with Brett Novak* Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (Recommended Book on Entrepreneurship) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this new episode host Sophie Vo sits down with Sigurlína (Lína) Ingvarsdóttir, a veteran of the gaming industry and founding partner at Behold Ventures. Lína shares her incredible journey from working on AAA franchises like Star Wars Battlefront and FIFA to transitioning into venture capital and founding Behold VC. She discusses the importance of resilience in game development, the evolving investment landscape in gaming, and what she looks for when funding early-stage game studios.This episode covers insights for game developers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to learn more about the intersection of creativity, business, and investment in games.Resilience and Passion Still Matter in Gaming Startups:* Investors are drawn to teams that demonstrate long-term commitment, adaptability, and passion, even when facing challenges like funding difficulties.The Role of Intuition vs. Data in Investments:* While investment decisions often involve commercial potential and market trends, a strong emotional connection to a project can also drive successful funding.The Nordic Region’s Game Development Strength:* The Nordic region continues to be a powerhouse for game innovation, producing both AAA and indie successes. Behold Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in this space.The Journey Transitioning from Game Operator to Investor:* Lina’s transition from game development to venture capital was fueled by her strategic mindset, experience in production, and desire to shape the industry’s future.💡 The Future of Gaming Investments:* Behold Ventures prioritizes multiplayer, social, and community-driven games over single-player experiences. They are cautious with VR and Web3 but remain open to groundbreaking innovations.VCs as Partners, Not Just Funders:* Founders should seek investors who bring more than just capital—mentorship, industry knowledge, and long-term support are key.Resources & Links:* Learn more about Behold Ventures: https://behold.vc/* Connect with Lína Ingvarsdóttir on Linkedin⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with fellow conscious leaders in the gaming industry! Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this episode, co-host Nina Kim interviews Alicia Fortier, lead game designer at SpryFox. Alicia discusses the differences between AAA and indie game development, the importance of having mentors, and fostering a supportive work environment. She emphasizes self-belief, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the crucial role of leaders in nurturing team dynamics. Alicia provides valuable advice on maintaining a sustainable career, finding motivation, and how understanding oneself can guide professional growth, whether you are growing to a leadership position or keep growing your leadership skills.02:42 Meet Alicia Fortier: Lead Game Designer03:24 Early Signs and University Days06:57 AAA vs Indie: Team Dynamics10:21 Mentorship and Personal Growth13:35 Advocating for a Healthy Work Environment18:50 Navigating Feedback and Community Support26:34 The Importance of Mentorship and Advocacy42:56 Finding Motivation and Leadership Values47:26 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL for our listeners here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseIn this episode, host Sophie Vo is joined by Bibbi Wikman, Head of Brand and Business at Aurora Punks and Founder of PlayCap, the first angel network for women in the gaming industry. Together, they dive into Bibbi's leadership journey, her motivations for creating PlayCap, and the unique opportunities the network provides to elevate women in the games industry as investors and game changers.What we cover in this episode:* The Journey to PlayCap: Bibbi shares her inspiration behind PlayCap, the challenges of launching a women-centered investment network, and the powerful response it received from industry leaders.* Why PlayCap Matters: Exploring the gaps PlayCap fills in the investment ecosystem, from creating a safe space for women to learn about investments to fostering a power network of experienced professionals.* Playcap Today: Insights into the network's rapid growth, the diversity of its members, and its collaborative approach to investments.* Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The importance of PlayCap's active knowledge-sharing sessions and its impact on both new and seasoned investors.* Future of PlayCap: Sneak peeks into the exciting possibilities for expanding Playcap’s influence in the industry.How PlayCap differs from traditional angel syndicates:* Investment is about more than capital; it’s about knowledge, collaboration, and fostering diversity.* PlayCap empowers women to confidently enter the investment space with support and resources tailored to their needs.* The gaming industry benefits from diverse voices in investment and on the cap table, shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future.Join the Movement 🔥: Interested in joining PlayCap or submitting your new venture or studio for investment? Visit PlayCap's website to apply or learn more.See why 80% of the top-grossing game studios rely on the Player Insights Platform™ to ensure a game's success (before it's even released).We are proud to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in 2025 and offer a FREE TRIAL here: https://start.playtestcloud.com/riseThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, host Sophie Vo Vo engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Allan Cudicio, an Italo Ghanaian game developer, about his journey of founding Twin Drums in 2019 and eventually closing it in 2024, as the studio behind The Wagadu Chronicles. Allan provides an intimate look at the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial venture, discussing the challenges of raising funds as an indie and innovative IP studio, the importance of diverse cultural representation in gaming, and the emotional toll of shutting down his company. We delve into the difficulties and learnings from innovating with a niche and culturally rich IP, and the broader implications for underrepresented founders in the gaming industry. The episode also highlights the essential role of mentors, the inevitability of failure as a part of growth, and the ongoing quest to bridge cultural stories with modern technology.Closing a studio marks the end of a business, but it doesn’t have to signify the end of the movement to bring more cultural representation into games. There is a growing demand among the gaming audience to discover such content and stories. If you’d like to explore this further, get in touch with Allan.01:40 Meet Allan Cudicio: From Berlin to Ghana02:01 The Birth of Twin Drums and Wagadu Chronicles03:42 Challenges and Learnings as an Entrepreneur12:46 The Importance of Representation in Gaming21:44 Building and Scaling a Remote Team24:38 Testing and Early Feedback25:08 Navigating Market Changes and Innovation Challenges27:17 Financial Struggles and Fundraising Hurdles28:32 The Emotional Toll of Shutting Down30:06 Reflecting on the Entrepreneurial Journey34:18 Embracing Failure and Looking Forward39:13 Cultural Heritage and Future Aspirations43:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for EntrepreneursWe are thrilled to be working with PlaytestCloud as our key partner in expanding Rise and Play’s impact in 2025! Greetings from Berlin from Sophie and Dana 👋 🇩🇪Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

We are back in 2025! In this episode, new host Tiffany Keller interviews Emily Yim, the co-founder and CEO of Superbloom, a studio dedicated to developing lifestyle games that empower women and have successfully launched their first home decor game, Venue. Her career spans 15 years across mobile gaming at Dots and Glu, where she helped scale hit games that resonate with millions worldwide. At Superbloom, Emily is driving a new wave of gaming experiences that blend creativity, connection, and inclusivity to redefine entertainment for women.Since coming on the podcast as one of our first guests two years ago, her mission as a first time founder uncovered some surprising revelations about motherhood mixing with executive management. She doles out lessons in leadership on the startup rollercoaster, straight from the startup playbook no one teaches you.Emily divulges her secret to remaining authentic in how she designs games for women, by women. Her studio is majority femme staffed, more than doubling the average for the industry despite not screening for women, just those equipped to best serve the female gaming market.Her go to market strategy approaches from a different angle, bridging the gap between digital and real world designer goods. While Roblox have changed the gaming landscape with their Shopify integration and creator economy, it remains tough for standalone mobile games to venture into white labelling or merchandise big ticket items such as furniture. Leveraging well known brands within your investors' network is fair game however, as she conveys the value of the Chainsmokers' collaboration to her launch of Venue.Download Venue today and put your home decor skills to the test at: https://www.venuegame.co/Get your 2025 guide to hybrid monetization strategy born from new research done by Tiffany with AdInMo in the Hybrid Monetization 2024 Trends Report and with Appsflyer in the 2024 State of App Monetization Report!Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.We are thrilled to announce PlaytestCloud as our key partner in expanding Rise and Play’s impact in 2025! Stay tuned for future events and insights ✨ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this new episode, host Sophie Vo interviews Nicola Mizon, co-founder of VIZTA DGTL, who dives into her journey from game design to becoming a startup founder in the gaming industry.Nicola shares insights on the challenges of raising pre-seed funding, the importance of adapting your pitch to your audience, and the significance of innovation in the fashion gaming space. She emphasizes the need for more female founders in the industry and encourages women to be brave and execute their ideas. Throughout the conversation, Nicola discusses the integration of fashion and gaming, the evolving market, and VIZTA DGTL ambitions for the future with Kutur Runway, the NextGen Fashion game.01:38 Introducing Nicola Vizon and Vizta Digital03:06 Nicola's Journey in the Gaming Industry05:42 The Inspiration Behind Fashion Games Leading To Kutur Runway16:47 Founding Vizta Digital and Overcoming Market Challenges24:17 Innovating in the Fashion Gaming Space26:30 Fundraising State and Future Plans40:24 Encouraging More Female Founders To Break Entrepreneurial Barriers42:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLearn more about Kutur Runway and join their BETA list here: https://www.kuturrunway.com/Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this new episode, Sophie Vo Vo interviews Ludovic Bodin, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and author of the book 'Atomic Scaling.' Ludovic shares his journey from starting his first tech company in France at age 20 to becoming an influential figure in the gaming industry and a successful investor. He emphasizes a shift from traditional blitzscaling to a model he calls Atomic Scaling, which focuses on keeping teams small, leveraging AI and automation, and maintaining a strong sense of community and user-centric approach. Ludovic also reflects on his personal motivations evolving from seeking entrepreneurial success (i.e. becoming a billionaire) to prioritizing freedom, impact, and supporting the rise of women in leadership roles. This intimate conversation offers insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of aligning with one's values, and a vision for a more inclusive and community-focused business world, instead of profit-focused.To learn more, order the book Atomic Scaling: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Scaling-Small-Create-Growth/dp/154454499501:36 Meet Ludovic Bodin: Serial Entrepreneur and Investor03:15 Ludovic's Early Entrepreneurial Journey06:54 Venturing Abroad and New Beginnings09:28 The Shift to Gaming and Building CMUNE15:42 Investment Journey and New Goals17:40 Redefining Success and Freedom19:46 The Concept of Atomic Scaling21:05 Writing the Book: Atomic Scaling22:38 Entrepreneurial Struggles and Advice23:28 Implementing the Supercell Model24:47 COVID-19 and Investment Strategies25:34 Writing Atomic Scaling27:52 Publishing Journey and Book Launch30:02 Key Concepts from Atomic Scaling33:13 Navigating Business with Atomic Scaling42:32 Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship46:54 Final Thoughts and Future VisionThanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, host Sophie Vo is joined by Derk, former CEO and co-founder of Paladin Studio, and co-host Tiffany Keller , a product leader with extensive experience in the gaming industry, to discuss the powerful impact of leadership retreats. They share personal stories and insights on the value of retreats, ranging from medicinal ceremonies in Colombia to silent meditation retreats in Peru, exploring different practices and their benefits. Whatever type of retreat resonates with you, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of taking intentional breaks to reconnect with oneself, manage stress, and foster personal growth. Accessible recommendations are provided for those new to the concept, including yoga, meditation, and breathwork.Tune in this special episode, which will broaden your perspectives on self-care and take a step back with retreats.01:21 Personal Experiences with Retreats04:01 The Impact of Retreats on Personal and Professional Life07:49 Defining and Understanding Retreats09:35 Triggers and Motivations for Intense Retreats16:55 The Process and Benefits of Medicinal Retreats29:36 Accessible Practices for Everyday Life30:21 Introduction to Self-Reflection Techniques30:45 Exploring Physical Activities for Stress Relief31:20 The Power of Ecstatic Dance32:21 Diverse Spiritual Practices35:05 Personal Meditation Practices35:58 The Importance of Retreats41:24 Challenges in the Gaming Industry49:35 The Value of Self-Awareness55:59 Conclusion and Future PlansThanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, we reconnect with gaming industry veteran Steve Cuss to discuss his journey from traditional to liberated leadership, starting The GamePlan Consultancy and publishing his first book, Liberated Leadership. Steve shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of fostering a more inclusive and authentic workplace, exploring the significance of authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence for creative leaders.Steve emphasises the importance of self-awareness for leaders and the opportunities for self-transformation through retreats and personal inner work. We delve into the significance of creating psychological safety, balancing control with autonomy, and aligning personal and organisational values to find a deeper purpose in leadership.01:46 Steve Cuss’s Journey Over the Past Year04:05 Challenges and Insights in Leadership Training09:34 The Evolution of Leadership in the Gaming Industry10:51 The Concept of Liberated Leadership15:12 Personal Growth and Authenticity in Leadership26:45 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership27:40 The Importance of Deliberate Pauses29:09 Creating Psychological Safety30:10 The Need for Feedback in Leadership31:39 Integrating Values and Purpose38:22 Challenges in Leadership and Gender Differences43:20 The Business Case for Emotional Intelligence48:21 Practical Steps for LeadersThis conversation is a follow-up to a discussion we had with Steve a year ago, introducing the concept of Liberated Leadership, and its genesis. You can listen to that episode here:You can buy the book “Liberated Leadership” here: https://amzn.eu/d/6lHxbAW Thanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode, host Sophie Vo interviews Eric Tan, a highly experienced executive with 17 years in the entertainment and music industries. Eric shares his journey from being a business executive to embracing his role as a creative executive, his experiences and struggles in the gaming and music industries, and his insights on the importance of music partnerships in gaming. They discuss Eric's career highlights, including his roles at Riot Games, Sony Music, and his own company, Fifth Journey Limited. Eric also shares his vision for the future of music in games and offers advice for entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.Interested in exploring a music partnership? Reach out to Eric here: https://calendly.com/erictanhk/call-with-eric 01:34 Introducing Eric Tan: A Music and Gaming Executive03:55 Eric's Journey into Music and Gaming05:38 The Evolution of Music in Games07:41 Music Marketing Strategies in Gaming10:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Music Partnerships20:04 Reflecting on Fifth Journey Limited24:21 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward31:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this episode hosted by Nina Kim, we delve into the leadership journey of Amy Graves, an experienced marketing strategy specialist who has led social media marketing for game studios such as Natural Motion, Epic Games, the Irregular Corporation and Square Enix. Amy discusses her transition from film to games, her journey from a behind-the-scenes role to taking on significant leadership responsibilities, the lessons she learnt on taking new roles, and her career transitions. Amy shares powerful stories on how she has built a culture of constructive feedback in her teams, adapted leadership styles across different cultures, and embraced leading with effective empathy.01:41 Meet the Guest: Amy Graves02:34 Amy's Journey from Film to Games08:06 Challenges and Learnings in Leadership15:05 Adapting Leadership Styles28:41 The Importance of Feedback39:58 Values and Future Aspirations43:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

⭐️ Exclusive partnership promotion: Get DevGAMM tickets 15% off with the promo code: devgamm15 ⭐️In this episode, Sophie welcomes Maria Chyrvona, the CEO of DevGAMM, to discuss the evolution of the gaming conference since its inception in Ukraine in 2008. They dive into the personal and professional experiences that shaped DevGAMM, including navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Maria shares insights into the organization of events, their business model, and the unique values that make DevGAMM's events feel like a community and personalized experience. Don’t miss out on the upcoming DevGAMM Lisbon event on November 14-15, notable speakers including John Romero, and an exciting indie developer contest with cash prizes of $100,000! For more info, check the DevGAMM Awards 2024 info and how to submit your game.00:37 Guest Introduction: Maria from DevGAMM01:49 The Origins of DevGAMM07:59 Challenges and Resilience During the War In Ukraine17:26 Business Model and Event Organization24:42 Creating a Unique And Personalized Event Experience37:28 Upcoming DevGAMM Lisbon Event in November and Indie Game Awards Prize. Get event tickets 15% off with the promo code: devgamm15 44:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts⭐️ Exclusive partnership promotion: Get DevGAMM tickets 15% off with the promo code: devgamm15 ⭐️Thanks for reading Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

What is the impact of coaching and what should you expect when you receive coaching?Some even ask: What is the ROI of coaching?In this special coaching episode, host Sophie Vo sits down with Hannah Mattil, the Senior Team Lead for Research Operations at PlaytestCloud. They reflect on Hannah’s personal and professional growth over six months of leadership coaching.Hannah shares her journey from initial skepticism about coaching to the valuable lessons and self-awareness she gained. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, receiving and acting on feedback, and setting clear goals. Hannah emphasizes how the coaching experience has helped her develop confidence, composure, and a deeper understanding of her strengths and weaknesses.This episode is a testament to the transformative power of coaching and its impact on leadership and personal development. Sophie Vo openly shares her unique approach and process to coaching, with her 16 years of leadership in games.For people considering coaching, this episode will highlight what to expect, and when is the right time to invest in yourself.Coaching is a process that needs full readiness from the coachee for the most optimal outcome.01:37 Special Episode: Hannah's Leadership Journey03:33 Hannah's Background and Entry into Gaming05:08 The Coaching Journey Begins10:33 Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence13:01 Reflecting on the Coaching Experience26:34 Applying Coaching Lessons in Real Life29:49 Final Thoughts and Advice on Coaching35:30 Conclusion and Call to Action⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ If you enjoyed today's episode make sure to rate it and leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com

In this new episode, we sit down with Charlotte Gailledreau, a French game studio founder, narrative RPG enthusiast, and ex-Game Lead at the Oh Bi Bi and Gumi studios. Charlotte shares the story of founding her game studio, Sunny Lab, in 2022 alongside her associate Hugo Sahuquet. They discuss their journey from mobile to console & PC gaming, the significance of storytelling in their projects, and the trials of fundraising and team building. Charlotte opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of being a first-time CEO, emphasizing resilience, community support, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life. The episode is a heartfelt exploration of the unspoken difficulties in the gaming industry in 2024 and offers valuable insights into the personal and professional aspects of leading a game studio.Be sure to check the upcoming launch of their new game The Witch’s Bakery 🥐 on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sunnylabgames/witch-bakery-paris-2d-adventure-rpg 01:45 Charlotte Gailledreau’s decade as a product leader in gaming02:47 Charlotte's Background and Sunny Lab04:16 Building Sunny Lab: Challenges and Wins20:43 The 2024 Rollercoaster Of the Fundraising Journey34:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs38:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🙋🏻‍♀️ Need A Coach? Book a call with me and let’s figure it out together!📆 🇩🇪 Don’t miss out on our networking event with Kolibri in Berlin on Sept 5thSpace is limited: Save your spot HERE!💡 Get more leadership resources on: riseandplay.io⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ If you enjoyed today's episode make sure to rate it and leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Thanks for listening to Rise and Play! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit riseandplay.substack.com