H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here)

Episode 40 – H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast | Jesse Learmonth Before launching Betting Startups, Jesse Learmonth was navigating his own path through media, entrepreneurship, and the betting industry. This episode is a full rewind of that journey. We go back to the beginning. The early influences, the environments he was exposed to, and the moments that gradually pulled him toward startups, writing, and the betting space. This is not about where he is now. It’s about how he got there. In this episode: • Early interests and influences that shaped his thinking • First exposure to startups and the betting industry • The decision to start writing and building in public • Lessons learned from navigating uncertainty and risk • The key turning points that led to Betting Startups • What it takes to stay consistent and build something over time Jesse’s story is a reminder that opportunities tend to follow people who stay curious and keep showing up, even when the path isn’t clear yet. About H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Hosted by Trevis Waters, this podcast rewinds the full life journey of today’s top figures in sports, media, and betting. From childhood to present day, we focus on the real path, not just the outcome. Subscribe so you never miss an episode Like if this story resonated Comment your biggest takeaway

Episode 39 – H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast | Ken Crites Before becoming a familiar name at RotoWire, Ken Crites was simply navigating his own path, long before fantasy sports became what it is today. This episode is a full rewind of that journey. We go back to the beginning. The early stages, the environment he came up in, and the moments that gradually pulled him into the world of fantasy sports and content. This is not about where he is now. It’s about how he got there. In this episode: • Life before fantasy sports was mainstream • Early influences and interests that shaped his path • How he first got pulled into fantasy sports • The key decisions and turning points along the way • The ups and downs that don’t get talked about • What it takes to stay consistent long enough to build something lasting Ken’s story is a reminder that success in any industry is rarely immediate. It’s built over time through curiosity, consistency, and sticking with it before it’s obvious to anyone else. ⸻ About H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Hosted by Trevis Waters, this podcast rewinds the full life journey of today’s top figures in sports, media, and betting. From childhood to present day, we focus on the real path, not just the outcome. Subscribe so you never miss an episode Like if this story resonated Comment your biggest takeaway

Episode 38 – H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast | Marek Suchar Before building Oddin.gg, Marek Suchar was just a kid growing up in the Czech Republic, developing an early curiosity for gaming, competition, and problem-solving. This episode is a full rewind of that journey. We go back to the beginning. The early influences, the environments he grew up in, and the moments that slowly pulled him toward esports, data, and eventually the betting world. This is not about where he is today. It’s about how he got there. In this episode: • Growing up in the Czech Republic and early interests • First exposure to gaming, competition, and data • The path into esports before it was mainstream • Early career decisions that shaped his direction • The risks, pivots, and lessons along the way • How everything compounded into the creation of Oddin.gg Marek’s story is a reminder that careers are rarely linear. They’re built through curiosity, timing, and a willingness to follow what genuinely interests you before it’s obvious to everyone else. ⸻ About H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Hosted by Trevis Waters, this podcast rewinds the full life journey of today’s top figures in sports, media, and betting. From childhood to present day, we focus on the real path, not just the outcome. Subscribe so you never miss an episode Like if this story resonated Comment your biggest takeaway

Mark is building something that sits right at the intersection of sports, tech, and fan engagement. In this episode, we break down his journey into entrepreneurship and what it takes to build a product in a space that’s evolving as fast as sports betting, fantasy, and media are right now. This conversation goes beyond the product. It’s about vision, timing, and understanding where attention is going. We talk about: • The origin story behind Vokol • Building in a rapidly changing sports ecosystem • The role of community and engagement in modern sports platforms • Lessons learned from launching and scaling a startup • Where the future of sports interaction is heading What stood out to me is how intentional Mark has been about positioning Vokol in a space that’s still being defined. If you’re building in sports, tech, or anything community-driven, this is worth your time.

Bob has been one of the driving forces behind bringing the fantasy football industry together in real life. What started as a passion for fantasy sports turned into building one of the most recognized events in the space, connecting creators, companies, and fans from all over the country. This episode is a deep dive into how an idea turns into an industry staple. We talk about: • How the Fantasy Football Expo was built from scratch • The early days of the fantasy football community • What it takes to grow an event year after year • The importance of relationships in this industry • Where fantasy sports and sports betting continue to overlap Bob’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to reinvent an industry to make an impact. You just need to bring people together in the right way. If you’re in fantasy sports, sports betting, or building anything community-driven, this one will hit.

Most people see the final score. Malcolm Lemmons sees the deal behind it. In Episode 35 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), Trevis sits down with Malcolm Lemmons — former professional basketball player, 2x author, LinkedIn Top Voice in Sports Business, and founder of Vetted Sports, one of the most respected intelligence platforms at the intersection of sports, technology, and investing. We go all the way back — from his early love of the game, to playing pro ball in Japan and the G-League, to the moment he started looking beyond the court and asking bigger questions about the business of sports, money, and what athletes do after the game ends. Malcolm's story isn't just about reinvention — it's about paying attention while everyone else was still playing. He was building something long before most people thought to look up from the scoreboard. In this episode: -Growing up and developing the mindset of a competitor -Playing professional basketball in Japan and the G-League — and what life overseas teaches you about yourself -The shift from athlete to entrepreneur — when it clicked and why -Writing Lessons from the Game and Impact Beyond the Game — what inspired both books -How Vetted Sports was born and what gap it fills in the market -Building a media and research platform from scratch with no VC backing -Becoming a LinkedIn Top 1% voice and what consistency in content creation actually looks like -Where sports investment is headed — franchise valuations, sports tech, fan engagement, and the global capital pouring into the asset class -Advice for athletes who want to build something after the uniform comes off Connect with Malcolm: vettedsports.com LinkedIn: Malcolm Lemmons Subscribe so you never miss an episode of H.I.G.H. Like if Malcolm's transition story resonated with you. Drop a comment — what's the most underrated sports investment opportunity right now? H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) traces the full life journey of today's top operators, founders, athletes, and industry builders — from the first spark of curiosity all the way to where they stand in 2026.

She cheered on the sidelines for the Atlanta Falcons. She reported for CNN and FOX. And somewhere along the way, her favorite uncle taught her how to bet — and changed the trajectory of her career forever. In Episode 34 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), Trevis sits down with Erica Renee Davis — journalist, sports host, actress, sports betting analyst, and one of the most versatile voices at the intersection of media and gambling. We trace her full journey from growing up a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan, to cheering in the NFL, to navigating one of the most competitive media markets in the world in Los Angeles, to becoming the on-air face of FOX Bet Super 6 and a trusted voice for FOX Sports, CNN, HLN, NASCAR Digital Media, and beyond. This is a story about following curiosity, owning your lane, and what it looks like to build a brand in sports media as a Black woman — without waiting for someone to hand you a seat at the table. In this episode: -Growing up in Georgia and the early love of sports -Being a UGA Journalism & Political Science grad — and what school actually taught her -Cheering for the Atlanta Falcons as an NFL cheerleader -Making the leap to Los Angeles and breaking into TV and entertainment -Working with FOX, CNN, HLN, NASCAR, and TEGNA -How her uncle introduced her to sports betting — and why it stuck -Becoming the face of FOX Bet Super 6 and the FOX Sports Gambling Team -Her "Pocket Change Picks" philosophy and responsible betting ethos -What women actually want from sports betting media -Advice for anyone trying to break into sports media from scratch Connect with Erica: ericareneedavis.com Instagram: @ericareneed Subscribe so you never miss an episode of H.I.G.H. Like if Erica's story resonated with you. Drop a comment — are you a Pocket Change Picks bettor? H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) rewinds the tape on the full life journey of today's top sports, media, and betting industry figures — from childhood all the way to now.

What does it take to go from dealing cards on a cruise ship to building a company, raising €7M, selling it to the #1 sports betting brand in America, and writing a 650-page memoir about the journey? Karolina Pelc has lived it. In this episode of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), Trevis sits down with Karolina Pelc — former VP of FanDuel, founder of BeyondPlay, author of HerPlay, investor, and one of the most compelling voices in global gaming and tech. We go all the way back — her early years, her first spark of curiosity, what drew her into the world of gaming, and how a girl from Poland navigated an international career across some of the biggest brands in the industry including Betsson Group, LeoVegas (MGM), William Hill, and eventually the build and sale of her own company in one of the fastest exits the iGaming space has ever seen. This one isn't just a business story. It's a story about trusting your gut before you have the data to back it up, making space for luck, and what it really means to reinvent yourself — not once, but over and over again. In this episode: -Growing up and the earliest seeds of entrepreneurial thinking -How she found her way into the gaming industry from an unlikely starting point -Building a career across Europe's biggest gaming brands -The leap from operator to founder — why she started BeyondPlay -Raising €7M+ and what investors actually look for -Selling BeyondPlay to FanDuel in 2024 — the inside story -Life post-acquisition as VP at the #1 platform in the U.S. -Why she wrote HerPlay and what she wants founders (especially women) to take from it -Her framework on resilience, reinvention, and building confidence from scratch Pre-order HerPlay here: https://linktr.ee/herplayKP?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=abf09a52-fec9-432c-8f23-2fa444c12841 Connect with Karolina: Book & Platform: herplay.com Instagram: @storiesbypelc Subscribe so you never miss an episode of H.I.G.H. — new guests, full timelines, real stories. Like if Karolina's journey resonated with you. Drop a comment — what part of her story hit hardest? H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) is a podcast that rewinds the tape — tracing the full life journey of today's top operators, founders, and industry builders. From childhood curiosity to career-defining moments, we tell the whole story.

He was hanging out with the founders of The Pirate Bay as a teenager. He started his first company selling a TV info system to schools that "didn't work that well." And in 2008 — right in the middle of a financial crisis he didn't even know was happening because he was too busy staring at a Linux screen — he co-founded Internet Vikings. In Episode 32 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), Trevis sits down with Rickard Vikström — CEO and co-founder of Internet Vikings, the fastest-growing iGaming and sports betting hosting provider in the United States, now licensed across 25 states. We go all the way back to a 10-year-old kid in Stockholm who became obsessed with computers, through his teenage years deep in Swedish hacker culture, to building a bootstrap company for 15 years before finally taking outside funding to crack the U.S. market — and pulling it off. This is a story about what happens when a self-described tech geek refuses to stop building, even when he has no idea what he's doing. Especially then. In this episode: -Growing up in Sweden and falling in love with computers at age 10 -Being part of the early Swedish hacker culture — and rubbing shoulders with The Pirate Bay founders -His first entrepreneurial swings — from teddy bear travel sites to school TV systems -Getting his first real hosting job at 20 and learning from a mentor who ran one of Europe's largest hosting companies -How a phone call with childhood friend Victor Jerlin led to Internet Vikings in 2008 -Bootstrapping for 15 years with zero outside funding -Co-founding and selling IT-security company Stay Secure to Nasdaq-listed J2 Global in 2014 -The decision to enter the U.S. iGaming market in 2020 — and why it was the scariest and best bet he ever made -600% growth in three years, 25 states, and what's next -Being named European CEO of the Year in Hosting and Gaming's Emerging Leaders 40 Under 40 Connect with Rickard: internetvikings.com LinkedIn: Rickard Vikström Subscribe so you never miss an episode of H.I.G.H. Like if Rickard's story resonated with you. Drop a comment — did you know the infrastructure behind your favorite sportsbook was this interesting? H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) traces the full life journey of today's top operators, founders, and industry builders — from the first spark of curiosity all the way to where they stand in 2026.

On this week’s How I Got Here (H.I.G.H.) Podcast, I sit down with Catie Di Stefano of Vegas Kings, one of the most respected creative and digital agencies in the global gaming industry. Catie shares her journey from discovering her passion for digital storytelling to leading high-impact creative work for some of the biggest brands in iGaming and sports. Her story is full of clarity, resilience, and lessons on growth — both personally and professionally. We dig into: How Vegas Kings built its reputation over two decades What makes great creative actually work in gaming and sports Leadership lessons learned in a fast-moving, high-pressure industry The mindset required to thrive in creative strategy today

This week on the How I Got Here (H.I.G.H.) Podcast, I sit down with Stacie Stern, one of the most respected and impactful leaders at Underdog and a major force in shaping the modern fantasy sports landscape. Stacie’s journey is all about leadership, authenticity, and elevating an entire industry through smart strategy and strong relationships. From driving growth at one of the fastest-growing companies in fantasy sports to championing community and innovation, her story is packed with insight and inspiration. We get into: The evolution of Underdog and its role in reshaping fantasy sports How Stacie built her career through purpose, adaptability, and influence Lessons on leadership, team building, and long-term thinking The future of fantasy, sports gaming, and fan engagement

On this week’s How I Got Here (H.I.G.H.) Podcast, I sit down with Irakli Davarashvili, founder of Promofy, to unpack an incredible journey of creativity, innovation, and relentless problem-solving. Marcuss has carved out a powerful niche by helping brands and creators scale their presence through smarter content distribution and automated promo systems. His story is a masterclass in building modern tools for a modern creator economy. We dive into: How Promofy was built from idea to execution The challenges of building tech for creators and brands Lessons on growth, product iteration, and customer feedback loops Where AI, automation, and creator tools are heading next If you’re a builder, creator, or entrepreneur navigating today’s digital landscape, this episode is packed with insights you’ll want to take notes on.

Episode 28 • H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast • Ben Truman Join us for Episode 28 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), where your host sits down with special guest Ben Truman to unpack his journey from early beginnings to where he is today. In this inspiring and candid conversation, Ben shares the lessons, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped his path. We talk about: • How Ben first got started and what motivated him • The biggest obstacles he faced and how he overcame them • Key breakthroughs that accelerated his growth • Insight for creators, founders, and anyone building something meaningful • Practical takeaways you can use on your own journey Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or just someone chasing your goals, this episode gives you a front-row seat into the mindset and hustle behind Ben’s success. Subscribe to H.I.G.H. for weekly episodes Follow us on social for updates, bonus content, and community conversations

Episode 27 – H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast – Clinton Cutajar In Episode 27 of the H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast we sit down with tech visionary and iGaming innovator Clinton Cutajar, exploring the journey that shaped him into a leader at the intersection of technology, digital marketing and online gaming. Clinton shares how he transformed early challenges into opportunities, what it takes to thrive in high-growth tech environments, and the lessons that have defined his path from developer to strategic executive. With deep experience leading technology and operations functions for international companies and founding successful digital ventures, Clinton dives into the mindset, resilience and vision required to build a meaningful career in tech and affiliate marketing. Listeners will get candid insights into leadership, innovation, and the real stories behind the milestones that got him to where he is today.

Episode 26 – H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast | Will Tighe In Episode 26 of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), I sit down with Will Tighe for a real conversation about his journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and the lessons learned along the way. This podcast is all about the story behind the success. Not the highlight reel, but the grind, the decisions, the setbacks, and the mindset shifts that ultimately led to where someone is today. Will opens up about how he got started, what nearly derailed him, and what he’s learned that others can apply to their own journey. If you’re building something, chasing a goal, or figuring out your next move, this episode is packed with perspective and honest insight. In this episode, we cover: • Will’s early path and defining moments • Challenges faced behind the scenes • Lessons learned through experience, not theory • What “success” really looks like once you’re in it About H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here): Hosted by Trevis Waters, H.I.G.H. is a long-form podcast focused on real journeys. Founders, creators, and leaders share how they actually got here — the wins, the losses, and everything in between. Subscribe for weekly episodes Like & comment with your biggest takeaway Share this with someone who needs to hear it

Episode 25: Peter Schoenke — From Fantasy Sports Pioneer to Industry Leader In this episode of the H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast, host Trevis Waters sits down with Peter Schoenke, co-founder and President of RotoWire — one of the most influential companies in fantasy sports and sports technology. Peter shares his journey from the early days of fantasy sports to building a data-driven business that has become a go-to resource for players, media companies, and major platforms. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of growing a fantasy sports business, how the industry has evolved, and what it takes to innovate in a competitive, fast-moving space. Whether you’re a fantasy sports enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or curious about the intersection of technology and sports, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. What We Cover Peter’s beginnings in fantasy sports and founding RotoWire How fantasy sports data and analytics have shaped today’s sports landscape Lessons learned scaling a niche startup into a trusted industry leader Real talk on innovation, resilience, and staying ahead of trends Follow Peter Schoenke: Twitter: @PeterSchoenke TGFBI Subscribe for more episodes of H.I.G.H. where we explore the stories behind the people shaping sports, tech, and culture. #Podcast #HIGHPodcast #PeterSchoenke #RotoWire #FantasySports #Entrepreneurship

On this episode of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) we sit down with endurance athlete, ultrarunner, and trailblazer Adam Small. Adam shares the powerful story of how he found his passion for pushing limits, the challenges he faced along the way, and what it truly takes to persevere when life throws its toughest obstacles at you. From early starts to life-shaping moments, Adam breaks down the mindset, habits, and experiences that shaped his journey into the athlete and person he is today. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves where you are now is just one chapter in the story of who you’re becoming. Subscribe for more stories from changemakers and high achievers If you’re inspired by this episode please like and share

In Episode 23 of the H.I.G.H. Podcast, host Trevis Waters sits down with Toby Bucsescu, co-founder and CEO of Blitz:Draft, to break down his journey as a startup founder in the fantasy sports and sports tech space. Toby shares how he went from idea to execution, the challenges of building a fantasy sports platform in a crowded market, and what it really takes to launch, scale, and lead a fast-growing tech company. This episode dives deep into entrepreneurship, product development, fundraising lessons, and the mindset required to win long term. If you are interested in startups, fantasy sports, sports betting adjacent tech, or founder stories, this episode delivers real insights with zero fluff. Topics covered in this episode: • How Toby Bucsescu got started in entrepreneurship • Building Blitz:Draft and differentiating in fantasy sports • Startup challenges and early mistakes founders should avoid • Leadership, decision making, and scaling a tech platform • Advice for aspiring founders and operators H.I.G.H. stands for How I Got Here, a podcast focused on honest conversations with builders, founders, and high performers about the paths that shaped their success. ⸻ Watch, like, and subscribe for weekly founder stories and real conversations about business, betting, sports, and personal growth. Follow the show: H.I.G.H. Podcast with Trevis Waters

Episode 22 - H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast - Alim Charaniya

H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast — Episode 21 Guest: Scott Hoyt Welcome back to the H.I.G.H. Podcast — where we explore the journeys, struggles, and breakthroughs that shape who we become. In Episode 21, I sit down with longtime betting and analytics veteran Scott Hoyt. Scott shares his personal story: how he got started, what shaped his approach to sports betting and analytics, and the mindset that keeps him grinding even when the odds aren’t favorable. Whether you’re new to betting or an experienced bettor, this episode is packed with insights on discipline, risk management, and building mental resilience. Scott breaks down what it really takes to succeed long-term, both at the sportsbooks and in life. What you’ll get out of this episode: Scott’s origin story and what led him to pursue betting and analytics The thinking behind his betting philosophy and how he approaches risk Lessons on mindset, discipline, and long-term decision-making Why consistency — not luck — wins over time If you like this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — and hit the so you don’t miss future guest episodes. Follow along for more deep conversations about betting, business, and building the version of yourself who wins.

In this episode of H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here), I sit down with Paris Smith, one of the most influential leaders in the global sports betting industry. As the longtime CEO of Pinnacle, Paris helped shape the modern sports wagering landscape — from pricing innovation to risk management, sharp-friendly markets, and building one of the most respected brands in the world. We dive into: Her journey into sports betting leadership Building and scaling a global sportsbook brand What separates great operators from the rest The future of betting, data, and customer experience Lessons from decades at the top of the industry What she’s working on now and where she sees the industry evolving next This episode is packed with insight, wisdom, and perspective from someone who has truly been there and changed the game. If you’re into sports betting, entrepreneurship, leadership, or the behind-the-scenes world of iGaming… this is a must-watch. — H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) A weekly podcast featuring unfiltered conversations with the people who shaped the sports betting world — founders, operators, creators, and innovators — and the stories behind their rise. — Watch the full episode now: https://youtu.be/Sb2PTjkWGrU Like the video Drop a comment Subscribe for more episodes every week #SportsBetting #ParisSmith #Pinnacle #Sportsbook #iGaming #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #HowIGotHere #PlayerPropsAI #TrevisWaters

This is an episode of the H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast hosted by Trevis Waters, featuring guest Jamie Garcia. The episode details Jamie Garcia's professional evolution, covering her journey from her childhood interests to her current role in the gaming industry. Key highlights from Jamie Garcia’s journey: Early Interests & College She initially wanted to be a marine biologist [01:47], an interest that changed after working in a pet store kennel. She pursued an interest in pharmacology [03:48] before deciding to switch her degree focus to electronic engineering [06:11] in 2006. Entry into the Gaming Industry Jamie fell into the gaming space in October 2010 while still in college, starting at WMS Gaming in a marketing logistics role that involved setting up trade shows [07:28]. She became a full-time employee of WMS in March 2012 [13:08]. Career Transitions Her initial role ended in July 2015 due to the Scientific Games acquisition of WMS [15:04]. She later returned to Scientific Games in November 2015 as a Program Manager [16:43]. In 2019, she shifted roles internally to a Quality Assurance/Software Engineer Testing role to learn the intricate, technical workings of slot machines [20:52]. She transitioned to GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) as an Account Executive in January 2022, moving her focus from land-based to online gaming certification and gaining a 100% customer-facing role [26:29]. Her current role at Continent 8 began in April 2024, where she works across the IT vertical, focusing on hosting and cybersecurity for the gaming industry [01:05]. Jamie also discusses the importance of her experience testing slot machines as one of the most critical "butterfly effects" that gave her a fundamental understanding of platforms in the industry [32:54]. The video is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg0n_wa1Zvg

Episode 18 - H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast - John Wright (Channel: PlayerProps ai - Learn How To Bet & Stop Losing) In this episode of the How I Got Here podcast, host Trevis Waters sits down with John Wright, the founder of Stats Drone, to trace his remarkable career journey through engineering, professional gambling, and the iGaming industry. John shares his story, which includes: Engineering Roots: His early passion for problem-solving, which led him to study Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in robotics and AI at the University of Toronto, where he helped build soccer-playing robots [02:17]. The Unexpected Pivot: The surprising shift straight out of university into the world of professional gambling and online casino bonus hunting in the early 2000s, where he was making up to $1,000 an hour through analytical strategy [21:34]. The iGaming Rollercoaster: His move to the operator side of the casino business as a VIP/Affiliate Manager and the subsequent pivot to becoming an iGaming affiliate himself in 2010, which he describes as a profitable but ultimately "mindless" and boring role [30:55], [33:41]. The "Butterfly Effect": The story of his 2015 houseboat trip, an intentional "unplugging" that led to the idea for Stats Drone, a software solution designed to solve the statistical and reporting problems faced by iGaming affiliates [46:25], [52:48]. Founding Stats Drone: The challenges of building his software company, including an initial unsuccessful launch, before finally finding product-market fit in 2021 and going all-in on his passion for problem-solving and engineering [49:13], [50:20]. John emphasizes the importance of following your passion over chasing money, and how finding the right challenge—in his case, building Stats Drone—reignited his drive to succeed.

Welcome to Episode 17 of the H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast! I'm your host, Trevis Waters, and on this episode, we sit down with the wonderful Sue Schneider. Sue has a fascinating and diverse career journey that spans social work, publishing, and three decades in the iGaming and sports betting industries. In this episode, we discuss: Early Ambitions: Her initial passion for travel and wanting to be a flight attendant, followed by a brief interest in the medical field. A Life of Service: The 12 years she spent as the first Executive Director for Youth in Need in St. Charles, Missouri—a non-profit she helped build from the ground up to support runaway youth. The Pivot to Gaming: Her 10 years of freelance writing and editing that led to her first venture into the gaming world with a riverboat casino publication. Building a Global Empire: Founding River City Group in 1999 and creating an international portfolio of B2B iGaming events and publications (including Gigsy and EIG) before successfully selling the company to Clarion. Driving North American Growth: How she teamed up with SBC in 2018 to spearhead their expansion into the North American market following the Supreme Court's ruling on sports betting. Defying the Odds: Her newest venture as a co-founder of Defy the Odds, a launchpad dedicated to supporting innovation and providing a voice for startups and underrepresented groups in the industry. Sue’s career is a masterclass in adapting, building community, and maintaining a relentless focus on policy and systematic improvement. Tune in to hear how Sue Schneider got here! Connect with Sue Schneider & Defy the Odds: Defy the Odds Website: defytheodds.com You can also find Sue on LinkedIn! Podcast Details: Host: Trevis Waters Channel: PlayerProps ai - Learn How To Bet & Stop Losing New episodes every Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. Eastern Time.

In this episode, Zaire Williams shares his career journey from aspiring to be an architect to becoming the CEO and founder of Exclusive Media. He recounts his post-graduation experience and how an encounter at an NBA All-Star Weekend led to his first job as a creative director. This pivotal opportunity gave him the experience and confidence to eventually start his own successful company.

In this episode, Ryan Rubio, a Principal at ZeroLabs, shares his professional journey from his childhood fascination with buying and selling video games to his academic career in political science and business. He discusses his extensive experience in the hospitality and gaming industry, working with major companies like Universal Studios, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts. The conversation highlights how his diverse experiences ultimately led him to his current role at ZeroLabs, a startup accelerator focused on technology and innovation.

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Murray shares his unique career path, from his childhood passion for sports broadcasting and baseball to his current role as a chiropractor and founder of Fantasy Football Unlimited. He discusses how he merged his two passions by writing a book, The Commissioner's Playbook, and creating a podcast, both aimed at helping fantasy football commissioners improve their leagues. Dr. Murray provides advice on how to keep league members engaged and addresses common challenges like unpaid dues, emphasizing the importance of clear rules and fostering a sense of community to ensure the league's long-term success.

In this episode, Kelly Kehn shares her career path, beginning with her first job in horse racing and her transition into the iGaming industry. She discusses her experience working for an online sportsbook, her move to a supplier company in the UK, and her role in launching sportsbooks in different markets. Kelly also talks about the founding of her non-profit, the All-in Diversity Project, which aims to support women in leadership, and how her latest venture, Defy the Odds, is working to make entrepreneurship more inclusive within the iGaming, Fintech, and Sports Tech sectors.

In this episode, Matt Deutsch shares his journey from initially wanting to be a veterinarian to becoming a prominent figure in sports media. He recounts his early career in radio, starting with an internship at a community station where he learned every aspect of broadcasting, which eventually led him to his dream job at WFAN [04:47]. Matt then discusses his move to SiriusXM in 2005, where he played a key role in creating the successful SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio channel. He explains how he left his long-term position to co-found his own company, Better Sports Network, while also working as a sports manager at VSiN.

In this episode, Jim Coventry shares his story of how he went from dreaming of being a sports broadcaster to becoming a full-time fantasy sports expert. He discusses his educational background in philosophy and his 33-year career as a high school English teacher. Jim explains how his passion for football eventually led him to a part-time writing job and eventually a full-time position at Rotowire, allowing him to finally pursue his dream career [32:55]. He also shares a key piece of advice from his father that guided him to his current success.

In this episode of the "H.I.G.H. The How I Got Here Podcast," host Trevis Waters interviews Aaron Siegel-Eisman, who shares his journey from his time as a basketball player to his current role as a social media agency owner. He discusses the valuable lessons learned from his career path and his pivot into the world of digital marketing and social media.

In this episode of the "How I Got Here Podcast," host Trevis Waters interviews Steven Kenway, the CEO of Rolling Insights. Steven shares his career journey, from his childhood dreams of becoming a professional hockey player and actor in Canada [01:15] To his transition into the world of technology. He discusses the valuable lessons he learned from both his early career pursuits, including the importance of staying humble and actively seeking opportunities [07:27]. Steven details his first startup venture with a friend, its initial failure, and how a successful pivot led to a profitable acquisition [13:14]. He then explains the inspiration behind his current company, Rolling Insights, and its product, Sportswise, which aims to democratize sports data for fans and businesses [19:07].

This video is an episode of the "H.I.G.H. The How I Got Here Podcast," hosted by Trevis Waters, with guest Gary Moloney. The episode details Gary's life story, including a near-death experience, his work in responsible gambling, and his journey through education and career. He shares how negative events led him to a better path and a new purpose.

Episode 7 - H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast - Kamini Manivannan

Episode 6 - H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast - Rod Vermilio

In this episode of "H.I.G.H. The How I Got Here Podcast," host Travis Waters interviews Nic Sulsky, the CEO of The Curling Group. Nic shares his personal journey, from aspiring professional baseball player to a successful entrepreneur in the world of fantasy sports and now, professional curling. Key topics and timestamps: Aspiring to be a professional athlete [01:31:07] Moving to Australia and realizing a new path [03:32:00] Transitioning to the entertainment industry [05:07:29] Creating his own kids' television show [07:54:83] Starting his first company, InGamer [10:33:43] A life-changing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis [12:35:89] Becoming CEO of The Curling Group [13:46:17] Launching the new mixed-gender Rock League in 2026 [14:48:07]

In this video, Trevis Waters and Matt McCuen discuss Matt's career journey in the sports betting industry. Here are the key takeaways from their conversation: Early Ambitions: Matt's interest in sports broadcasting began in eighth grade [00:23], despite having a speech impediment in his youth [01:05]. He pursued a communications degree with the goal of becoming a sports broadcaster or writer [01:05]. The DeadPres Brand: In 2018, he and his friends created the DeadPres brand on Twitter as a hobby [03:00], coinciding with the growing acceptance of sports betting. The COVID-19 Turning Point: The COVID-19 pandemic became a significant opportunity for the brand [07:49]. They gained a massive following by focusing on betting opportunities in smaller international leagues like the Korean Baseball Organization and table tennis [09:09]. Entering the Industry: Matt's first formal role was a freelance writing position for a sports media company [10:04], which quickly led to a full-time focus on his work in the industry [10:24]. Career Growth: He later became a senior betting analyst for Action Network [11:59] and emphasizes the importance of networking and creating unique, consistent content to stand out [12:47].

In this podcast episode, Mark Phillip, CEO of the advertising agency Are You Watching This?! and its gambling arm, Metabet, discusses his career journey and the inspiration behind his companies. Key topics from the interview include: Childhood Dreams: Mark's early aspiration to be a toll booth worker [01:19] and his path from wanting to be a math teacher to studying computer science [02:39]. Dropping Out of College: His decision to leave college in 1999 to pursue his goals in the workforce [03:09]. Founding Are You Watching This?!: The story of how he missed an exciting Jets game and realized the need for a service that could notify sports fans of thrilling moments in real-time [03:59]. He later quit his job in 2006 to fully focus on the company [29:17]. The Business Model: The use of patented "excitement analytics" technology to identify and predict exciting moments in sports games, acting as a "Red Zone channel for every sport" [30:51]. The Future: The company's goal to create a recommendation engine that goes beyond a fan's favorite team and uses "excitement analytics" to understand a person's unique "fan fingerprint" [36:50].

Episode 2 - H.I.G.H. (How I Got Here) Podcast - Rick Wolf

Wondered how CEO became to be CEO? This episode goes over life altering events that led to the creation of PlayerProps.ai