The Here's Waldo Podcast

Kieran Donovan is the CEO and co-founder of k-ID, the first-of-its-kind global compliance engine designed to make online safety and privacy seamless for kids, teens, game developers, and parents alike. With a decade of experience at the forefront of data protection and online safety, Kieran has advised major online platforms and been named Privacy Lawyer of the Year multiple times. In this episode, he shares his journey from leading privacy lawyer to entrepreneur, the challenges game developers face in creating engaging yet compliant experiences, and how AI is transforming the landscape of child safety online. Whether you're a game developer, parent, or simply curious about the future of online safety, be sure to tune in to this week's episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast!

Asaf Gazit is the co-founder and CEO of Ludeo, a groundbreaking platform that's reshaping the way players engage with video games. Founded alongside his brother, Ludeo was built with a bold vision: to remove the friction in gaming and make discovering and jumping into new games as seamless as scrolling through TikTok. Drawing on their lifelong passion for gaming and a deep understanding of industry challenges, they transformed a simple elevator pitch into one of the most exciting drivers of growth in the gaming industry. Tune in to discover how Ludeo is transforming gameplay highlights into playable moments. Players can jump straight into iconic scenes without the hassle of downloads or installs- just pure, frictionless play. Their goal? To become the "Playable YouTube" for games, bridging the gap between content consumption and interaction.

Zoe Curnoe is the founder and executive coach at Lumina Leadership, a boutique executive coaching and training firm. With over 20 years of leadership experience at companies like Electronic Arts, Riot Games, The Coalition (an Xbox studio), and co-founding Timbre Games, Zoe specializes in helping leaders navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change. In this episode, Zoe shares lessons learned from burnout while leading Gears of War 4 at The Coalition and how coaching helped her build self-awareness. She discusses current leadership trends in high-pressure environments, the importance of feedback, and staying aligned with company values. Tune in for advice on finding the right coach, leading with empathy, and managing crises while staying true to your values.

Vishal Punwani is the CEO and co-founder of SoWork, the world's first generative AI-enhanced virtual workplace platform. Founded at Harvard's Innovation Labs, SoWork transforms team productivity and collaboration by seamlessly integrating work tools, social spaces, and gamification. As businesses adapt to hybrid and remote-first environments, Vishal discusses how SoWork bridges the gap between traditional office settings and the evolving needs of modern workforces. In addition to his leadership role at SoWork, Vishal is a medical doctor, Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, and a mentor at Oxford, MIT, and Hollywood startups. He has also worked at the World Health Organization and was one of Khan Academy's highest-rated teaching fellows in health and medicine. Tune in to learn how SoWork is revolutionizing remote work dynamics by reducing costs, boosting productivity, and enhancing workplace culture with exciting new features, such as in-app gaming and immersive team-building experiences!

David Vogelpohl is the Chief Marketing Officer at FastSpring, a platform enabling direct-to-consumer (D2C) monetization for video games and digital products. With over two decades of experience in digital strategy and e-commerce, David offers valuable insights into creating meaningful player relationships, navigating platform regulations, and building sustainable revenue models in the gaming industry. In this episode, David discusses driving growth through direct player engagement and crafting a successful D2C strategy. He covers balancing value across platforms, discounts, and webshops while staying authentic to the player experience. Listeners will also hear his thoughts on app store openness, new regulations, and their impact on game publishers. Tune in for actionable insights on building a monetization strategy that resonates.

Nicola Mizon is the co-founder of VIZTA DGTL, a Berlin-based game studio on a mission to reshape the intersection of gaming, fashion, and commerce. She is passionate about creating engaging, inclusive experiences that redefine industry norms. In this episode, she discusses the evolution of fashion gaming, opportunities for brand collaborations, and the impact of user-generated content. She also shares insights into VIZTA DGTL's flagship platform, Kutur Runway, which aims to be the leading and largest digital fashion hub, and invites you to join the Alpha test.

Rich Vogel is an award-winning executive producer with over 25 years of experience in the gaming industry. Today, he is the founder and studio head of T-Minus Zero. Before this, Rich built and led three major studios—Sony Online Entertainment Austin, Bioware Austin, and Bethesda Game Studio Battle Cry—together generating an impressive $3 billion in revenue. He's also been a key player in running live operations for critically acclaimed MMORPGs like Meridian 59, Ultima Online, Star Wars Galaxies, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. In this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Rich takes us through the journey of founding T-Minus Zero and the experience of running a remote-first studio. He talks about the importance of building a strong company culture, shares his insights from live game operations, and explores how AI is transforming the future of game development. From overcoming the challenges of creating efficient content pipelines to understanding the vital role of community management in a game's success, Rich offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to thrive in the world of online games.

Daryl Ogden is the co-founder of Valued Cultures, a startup dedicated to building healthy, sustainable, and innovative cultures in the gaming industry. With over a decade of experience advising leaders from top Fortune 500 companies and iconic game studios, Daryl is an expert in aligning leadership, investing in talent, and navigating critical transitions—all while safeguarding a studio's unique identity. In this episode of the Here's Waldo Podcast, Daryl shares actionable insights and real-world examples on the role of intentional culture-building in driving creative and operational success. Topics include challenges faced by game studios, adapting to remote work dynamics, fostering cohesive teams, and the tangible impact of culture transformation on game development outcomes. 

Peter Nagy is a prominent figure in the video game industry and a pioneer in Central Europe and Slovakia's game development ecosystem. As the co-founder of Slovakia's oldest game development studio, Games Farm, Nagy brings over 20 years of experience in creating engaging, story-driven RPG games. He is also the founder of Grindstone, the country's first publishing company focused on business development and support for indie game developers. In addition to these roles, he founded Game Dev Košice, an international conference for game developers, and co-founded the Slovak Game Developers Association, initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and growth within the industry. Tune in to learn about Peter's remarkable journey from starting a game studio at 18 to expanding into publishing, the challenges of developing games in an underdeveloped Slovakian market, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the gaming sector.

In this episode, Lizzie Mintus interviews Kevin Johnson, Director of Development at Double Fine Productions (now part of Xbox Games Studios), about his journey through the game industry and his role in fostering the studio's collaborative and innovative culture. Kevin takes us behind the scenes of the making of Psychonauts 2, sharing how the team brought their vision to life while prioritizing mental health representation, accessibility, and deeply immersive storytelling. He also offers insights into the art of thriving within constraints, the power of proactive problem-solving, and what it takes to balance creative ambition with production demands—while emphasizing the importance of avoiding the crunch culture that often plagues the gaming industry.