The podcast features Kim Nordström, a gaming industry veteran from Paradox Interactive and King, and the author of 'Up, Down, Up', a book about the life cycle phases of gaming startups. We delve into Kim's analytical approach exploring startup successes and failures, identifying key patterns across companies. Over two years of research, Kim interviewed over a hundred gaming founders, CEOs, and leaders. Relevant topics ranging from the necessity of creative tension and disciplined decision-making in leadership, the four critical phases of development for startup companies as compared to a human life cycle, and the importance of knowing one's purpose in their role as founders or CEOs, and at the different growth and decline phases. Many practical and philosophical insights from the book are highlighted. 02:00 The Author's Gaming and Entrepreneurial Journey 05:28 The Process of Writing the Book 06:31 The Value of the Book 07:04 The Process of Interviewing Companies 08:43 The Structure and Purpose of the Book 14:48 The Importance of Discipline in Success 25:47 The Role of a CEO in a Gaming Company 29:47 Solutions and Challenges in Leadership 30:40 The Role of a CEO and the Importance of Support 33:40 The Struggles of Leadership and the Need for Self-Care 36:04 The Dynamics of Co-Founders and Team Composition 38:32 The Importance of Conflict and Challenge in Team Building 51:12 The Role of a CEO in Different Phases of a Company 54:48 Understanding Your Purpose As a CEO or Founder Get your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/UP-DOWN-companies-succeed-others-ebook/dp/B0CR4D417V 💌 Don't forget to subscribe to Rise and Play for further news: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.riseandplay.io/blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ If you enjoyed today's episode make sure to rate it on Spotify, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or simply share it with a friend.