Starting a business is exciting—but it's also one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make.

In this special episode of iGaming Daily, Charlie Horner is joined by Leo Judkins, founder of iGaming Leader, to discuss what life is really like as a founder.

From leaving a secure salary to managing burnout, making high-pressure decisions, raising investment and building a support network, Leo shares the lessons he's learned from building his own business and mentoring founders across the iGaming industry.

In this episode:

✅ Why starting a business is far lonelier than most people expect
✅ The biggest mistake founders make before launching
✅ Why customers—not compliments—validate your idea
✅ How to test a business before quitting your job
✅ Why every founder needs advisors around them
✅ Burnout, stress and protecting your energy
✅ The difference between one-way and revolving-door decisions
✅ Should founders raise investment—or stay bootstrapped?
✅ Why you "trade your crown for a fuel tank" when taking investment
✅ How successful founders stay motivated during difficult periods
✅ Why celebrating your wins matters more than you think

Leo also explains why surrounding yourself with experienced founders can dramatically improve your chances of success, and why transparency, speed and learning from others are often more valuable than trying to have all the answers yourself.

Whether you're building an iGaming business, launching a startup or simply thinking about entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who's lived it.

iGaming Daily is supported by Optimove, the creator of Positionless Marketing and the number one player engagement solution for sports betting and iGaming operators.

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