We interview Derk De Geus, co-CEO and Co-Founder of Paladin Studio to explore leadership lessons learned over two decades in the gaming industry. The episode covers the genesis of Paladin Studio, its transition from a service company to a game development studio, and how it navigated challenges and growth without external investment. Bootstrapping successfully a studio is a rare story we hear of these days! Derk shares insights on the importance of self-awareness, empathetic communication, and aligning one's core being with their professional roles. The discussion delves into the pitfalls of rapid scaling, the benefits of retreats for personal and leadership development, and the significance of creating a supportive and creative company culture. 01:37 The Genesis of Paladin Studio: A 20-Year Journey 03:50 Navigating the Early Days and the Shift to Entertainment Games 09:20 The Evolution of Leadership and Business Strategy 16:14 The CEO's Dilemma: Balancing Creativity and Business and Finding Balance 23:20 Embracing Creativity Beyond Work 24:11 The Synergy of Creative and Business Minds 26:13 The CEO Role Reimagined: Co-CEO for Creative Freedom 26:25 Navigating Operational and Strategic Challenges 28:33 The Transformative Power of Retreats 35:26 Leadership as a Journey of Self-Discovery 39:59 Cultivating a Culture of Shared Values 💌 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.