Martina Åkerlund
CEO
Please provide a brief background about yourself:
I’m the CEO of a B2B tech company, operating within the gaming industry. Previous 20 years of experience in various senior positions within the banking industry, such as CMO, Head of Regulatory Reporting and Head of Project Management Office.
How would you describe your day-to-day role?
One day is never the same as the other when you are building a scale-up, which is something I truly enjoy. But I turn my focus right now to sales and communication for the company to continue scaling.
What led you to choose a career in this field?
After 20 years in the banking industry, I felt it was time for a change. There are a lot of similarities between the industries (banking and gaming). It’s all about data, transactions, user experience and it’s, mostly, regulated. Gaming is though under rapid development which is great and fun to be part of.
What convinced you to apply for your current role?
I got in touch with the founders of the company through one of the investors that I know. I was impressed about what they had already created with the company and wanted to be part of the exciting journey going forward.
What’s the most exciting part of your role?
That I get to work with extremely talented people in an exciting industry that is maturing right now. I’m also passionate about inspiring other women to see the possibilities within the male dominated gaming industry.
What’s the most challenging part of your role?
Prioritising the right things when there are so many exciting things you can do! This is always a challenge, for me personally but also for the company. Focusing on the right things is the key to success being a scale-up.
How is working where you are now different from previous roles you’ve had?
As I previously worked within a traditional and slow-moving industry, as banking and finance is, with large organisations with lots of hierarchy and long decision processes - the difference is big. Now I’m part of a fast-moving hi tech scale up where our success is based on our speed and ability to deliver cutting edge tech. As CEO, I of course also have the possibility to be part of the strategy forward in a different way.
What is your greatest accomplishment since starting out?
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
I love to cook; I’m a yoga instructor and I love spending time with friends and family.
If you could describe your day in three words, what would they be?
Joyful, focused, and balanced.
What’s the best piece of advice you would offer to future Women in Tech?
I love the quote by Richard Branson: “If someone offers you an amazing possibility and you don’t know how to do it – say yes and learn how to do it later. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with amazing people who support you, our biggest challenges are normally in our own heads.
