A Winning Formula: Know Your Team, Know Your Business

I started my career working in politics and then moved into gaming a decade ago. While that may seem like an odd shift at first glance, both industries are evolving and full of the type of challenges I like to tackle.

“Making the decision” is the most important thing I do as a leader. Every day, I make decisions that impact my team as well as the business.

I like to think of the compliance function as the “spine of the operation.” We’re responsible for understanding the complex regulatory parameters within which the business operates and then effectively communicating those parameters to the business in a way that helps manage risk while fostering creativity and competitiveness. In other words, our compliance team provides the guardrails for company decision-making.

Two of BetMGM’s core values are “Respect the Game” and “Know the Odds.” We live by our code of ethics and conduct business with transparency. We also make decisions with data, not guesswork or luck. Every decision is another chance to achieve success.

BetMGM is an industry leader but still rather new as a company. The industry is also new. Therefore, everything is fluid and evolving, and we can’t always rely on past experiences when decision-making. At the same time, indecision can be problematic in our fast-paced environment – our teams need to move quickly. Thoughtful decision-making that takes into account potential consequences and risks is imperative.

To be successful, we rely on our team’s diverse perspectives when analyzing a situation or issue. Every member of our team brings something different to the table that helps us consider all angles and possibilities. My job as a leader is to listen to those around me and piece those perspectives together to guide us towards the best decision.

Creating an environment where team members are comfortable raising concerns and sharing different perspectives requires trust. Building trust starts at the human-to-human level. Every member of our team is an individual with a different background and skillset. Learning to work with each teammate as an individual has proven successful for me. It means investing the time to get to know teammates personally, and establishing a relationship where they know I am invested in their present and future success.

When you take the time to get to know your team and understand their different skills, you can guide them to lean into their strengths and grow. At BetMGM, team members grow when the company grows – and we’re growing quickly! There’s a lot of opportunity to make a real impact on the business while also accelerating your career. Career mobility and personal ambition are welcomed here. This environment has attracted top notch talent with a growth mindset, and this enables us to make the best decisions that drive our success!