#171: Walter Driver, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Scopely – Make your organization a learning machine
Jan 25, 2024
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Walter Driver, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Scopely, a leading gaming company, shares invaluable insights on fostering a learning culture in organizations. He discusses how this culture can greatly impact success and what young professionals often overlook. Driver highlights five keys to building curiosity and drive among teams, while offering tips on smart acquisitions. He also critically examines the pitfalls of a single founder's vision and emphasizes the necessity of stability in leadership. Plus, he shares a surprisingly controversial take on soup!
Creating a 'learning machine' culture is essential for innovation and resilience in rapidly changing markets.
Storytelling is a powerful leadership tool that aligns stakeholders with the organization's vision and fosters shared purpose.
Co-leadership enhances decision-making through diverse perspectives and emotional intelligence, promoting a more effective leadership dynamic.
Deep dives
Building a Learning Machine
A significant insight from the discussion highlights the concept of creating a 'learning machine' within an organization. This approach emphasizes developing a work environment where employees can quickly iterate on ideas and processes, assessing what is working and what is not. This culture of continuous learning allows for better adaptation and resilience in a rapidly changing market. Such an environment is crucial for fostering innovation and can significantly contribute to a company's long-term success.
Emphasizing Player Experience
The company's mission is centered around designing meaningful gaming experiences that resonate with players over extended periods. By focusing on social connections and the importance of play, Scopely aims to bring players together, fostering relationships above merely gameplay. This strategy is reflected in the diverse portfolio of games they offer, which includes titles such as Monopoly Go and Marvel Strike Force. Understanding the player experience as a key differentiator has been integral to Scopely's remarkable growth in the gaming sector.
Importance of Narrative and Storytelling
Storytelling emerges as a vital skill for leaders, especially in shaping the narrative of an organization. Walter emphasizes how effectively communicating a vision can inspire others to buy into that vision, even when concrete products are not yet available. This ability to weave a compelling story fosters collective conviction and encourages potential employees and partners to join the journey. A clear and engaging narrative can significantly enhance stakeholder engagement, driving a shared purpose throughout the company.
Creating a Collaborative Culture
Walter discusses the benefits of co-leadership, where he shares the role of co-CEO with Javier Ferreira. They believe that having two leaders allows for more robust decision-making through discussion and debate, addressing each other's blind spots. This collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and managing one's ego within an organization. By fostering an environment where different perspectives are valued, they aim to make more informed and effective leadership decisions.
Iterate to Greatness
The culture of Scopely revolves around the idea of 'iterate to greatness,' highlighting the importance of failing quickly and learning from those failures. This mindset was crucial during the development and launch of Monopoly Go, which faced multiple challenges before achieving significant success. Walter illustrates that true innovation often comes from navigating and iterating through the uncertainty of new ideas rather than sticking to established norms. This commitment to relentless iteration and learning enables the company to stay agile and competitive in the fast-paced gaming industry.
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