"Bring your whole self to work"

In this episode of the Talent Game Podcast, we hear from Sam Ebelthite, Global Commercial Director for Super Faction, about her career in the video game industry and her insights on talent and culture. Sam shares her journey from working in consumer goods to joining Electronic Arts (EA) and eventually moving into leadership positions. She emphasizes the importance of culture in creating high-performance teams and highlights the qualities of top talent, including energy, self-belief, and a willingness to say yes to opportunities. Sam also discusses the impact of remote work on relationships and the need to set people up for success.

Takeaways

• The video game industry is known for its friendly and collaborative culture, where networking and building relationships are highly valued.
• Top talent in the industry possesses qualities such as energy, self-belief, and a willingness to say yes to opportunities.
• Creating a positive culture involves fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, where individuals can bring their whole selves to work.
• Remote work has both advantages and disadvantages, including the loss of deep connections but the gain of increased quantity and global reach of relationships.
• Setting people up for success is crucial in nurturing talent, whether it involves providing training, diverse experiences, or creating a supportive environment.