In the latest in a series of conversations together, iGaming Leader founder Leo Judkins joined iGaming Daily host Charlie Horner to discuss leadership, the echo chamber that so many C-suite executives find themselves in, and his upcoming Leadership Hot Seat workshop in Cascais. 

On the workshop, which is set to take place on Monday 28th 2026, Judkins explains that the session was not his idea. SBC founder Rasmus Sojmark saw the weekly online sessions Judkins runs for mastermind members and asked him to bring the format to SBC Leaders Summit. 

The mechanics are simple. Attendees are split into tables of four or five, rebalanced as in a poker tournament. Each person has two minutes to present a live challenge, followed by eight minutes of feedback before the tables rotate. 

The timer, Judkins says, “is there to stop people from hiding.”

Judkins contrasts the format with conference panels, which typically send delegates home with a long to-do list. A hot seat, he says, produces a decision that “goes into your calendar” rather than a notebook. 

His advice for attendees is to go narrow and deep rather than wide and shallow. Bring one specific problem, explain why it matters and say what you have already tried.

Asked by Horner whether leaders are more willing to discuss their struggles today than they used to be, Judkins was unconvinced. 

Rather than being more open, Judkins suggests, “people are kind of sick of the alternative,” pointing to an artificial intelligence-era culture of showing off, noisy WhatsApp groups and networking events that are really sales opportunities in disguise.

Looking ahead, Judkins points to curiosity as the number one trait that will separate the strongest leaders. Citing Partner and Head of Global Gaming Practice at Odgers, Andrew Bulloss’ view of what boards look for in a CEO, he says it means looking outward as well as inward. 

That, he adds, is exactly what the Leadership Hot Seat is designed to encourage.

Watch the full episode here.