# Why I Had to Slow Down to Save My Career — Lee McFarland on Resilience, Vulnerability, and Building Community

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-igaming-leader-7100266/why-i-had-to-slow-down-to-save-my-career-lee-mcfarland-on-resilience-vulnerability-and-building-community
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-igaming-leader-7100266/why-i-had-to-slow-down-to-save-my-career-lee-mcfarland-on-resilience-vulnerability-and-building-community.md
Podcast: [The iGaming Leader](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-igaming-leader-7100266)
Published: 2025-08-13T03:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/687ffe03
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/687ffe03/e302a661.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-igaming-leader-7100266/episodes/why-i-had-to-slow-down-to-save-my-career-lee-mcfarland-on-resilience-vulnerability-and-building-community
Duration seconds: 2385

## Resource

In this episode of iGaming Leader, Leo sits down with Lee McFarland, a former British Army paratrooper and private security contractor turned iGaming industry executive. Lee shares his journey from military life to the corporate world, opening up about his struggles with PTSD, alcohol, and the ongoing process of self-awareness and recovery. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning into civilian life, the value of authenticity in leadership, and the role of community initiatives like Behind the Gloves in fostering connection and wellbeing. Guest Bio Lee McFarland is a seasoned iGaming professional with a unique journey from elite military service to senior leadership in the global gaming industry. He's built high-performing teams and delivered complex projects across North America, bringing a distinctive perspective shaped by his military background. As founder of Praxis Point, Lee helps operators navigate market entry, product due diligence, and platform optimisation. He's also the driving force for Behind The Gloves, a wellness and boxing community within iGaming that's reshaping what authentic leadership looks like in the industry. Whether he's launching a new casino, evaluating PAM platforms, or running a 6am boxing session at a conference, Lee brings energy, empathy, and execution to everything he does. Key Topics Discussed 00:00 – From paratrooper to private security 04:55 – The challenges of transitioning to civilian and corporate environments 08:00 – Facing early career rejections and building resilience 10:30 – The power of authentic networking and relationship-building 14:30 – Therapy, EMDR, and understanding PTSD 17:00 – Overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability, and reframing perceptions 20:45 – The impact of alcohol culture in the military a…

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