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have an inner leader , the part of us that encourages , motivates and pushes us to be brave . The inner critic wants to keep us small and safe , whispering that it ’ s better not to try than to risk looking foolish .
In contrast , the inner leader urges us to take chances , to be seen and heard , and to step into our full potential . Daring to suck means choosing to listen to that inner leader , even when the inner critic is the loudest voice in the room .
Growth mindset
The dare to suck mentality is rooted in a growth mindset . Instead of fixating on being perfect , it emphasises the importance of effort , learning and improving . When you celebrate effort over outcome , you create a safe space for experimentation and discovery . This is especially crucial in our industry , where rapid technological advances and changing regulations demand constant adaptation and innovation .
Stagnation and success
In the high-stakes world of igaming , the courage to be imperfect can make the difference between stagnation and success . A notable example is DraftKings ’ acquisition of SBTech , which was part of a bold move to become a publicly traded company through a reverse merger with Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp . At the time , the acquisition was fraught with risks , including potential legal challenges and operational integration issues . However , by embracing the dare to suck mindset , DraftKings positioned itself as a leader in the sports betting market , leveraging SBTech ’ s technology to enhance its sportsbook offerings and expand its market share rapidly .
Another example is MGM Resorts ’ acquisition of LeoVegas in 2022 . LeoVegas , known for its innovative mobile gaming platform , dared to expand aggressively into new markets despite the challenges of regulatory landscapes and competition . By joining forces with MGM , LeoVegas leveraged the resources and brand strength of a global leader to continue its growth trajectory . This acquisition highlights the importance of being willing to take calculated risks to achieve greater heights .
Evolution Gaming ’ s acquisition of Galaxy Gaming exemplifies how companies in igaming dare to take bold steps to consolidate their market positions . Despite potential integration challenges and the high costs involved , Evolution recognised the long-term value of expanding its US presence and adding Galaxy ’ s table game technologies to its portfolio . By not shying away from the risks , Evolution bolstered its strategic position and continued to lead with innovation .
The role of courage
For entrepreneurs , artists and anyone pursuing a creative path , the gap between vision and skill can be intimidating . You might have a clear idea of what you want to achieve , but the reality of your current skills can make that vision seem out of reach .
This gap often stops people from moving forward as they ’ re afraid that their work won ’ t measure up to their own high standards . But the saying I was taught is about crossing that bridge despite the fear , knowing that
The inner critic wants to keep us small and safe , whispering that it ’ s better not to try than to risk looking foolish
every attempt brings you closer to your goal . It ’ s about valuing the courage to create over the desire for immediate perfection .
The gladiator mindset
The word gladiator is commonly used as a metaphor , the idea being that those who are actually in the arena , fighting the battles , are the ones who deserve the most respect : it ’ s easy to critique from the sidelines , but it takes real courage to step into the ring .
In life , the arena can be anything from launching a new gaming feature to entering a new market . The key is to focus on your own journey and not let the fear of judgment keep you from taking action . Remember , the bravest people are those who are willing to try , even if they might fail .
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