Nurturing Brilliance: Tech Innovation through People-First Leadership

A Conversation with CTO Keith Cassar

Leading our technological evolution is Keith Cassar. Having managed large-scale data systems serving 300 million daily active users at King (the company behind Candy Crush), Keith initially joined Game Lounge as Head of Data and eventually took on the role of Chief Data & Analytics Officer. Through these roles, he built our data department from the ground up, expanding it from one member to a team of fifteen specialists. Now, as Chief Technology Officer, he oversees a broader technology landscape including cybersecurity, TechOps, infrastructure, software development, and AI integration.

But what truly sets Keith‘s leadership approach apart isn’t his technical expertise or industry experience – it’s his commitment to fostering an environment where talent can thrive. Under his guidance, Game Lounge has become a place where innovation isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected; where career growth is actively supported and cultivated.

In this conversation, Keith shares his insights on building and leading tech teams that are driving industry changes while creating a healthy, people-first environment. 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to make a meaningful impact or an emerging talent ready to accelerate your growth, his perspective offers a glimpse into how Game Lounge is redefining what’s possible in iGaming tech.

Q: What qualities do you find essential for leading a tech team that thrives on innovation and collaboration?

KC: Leading an innovative tech team requires adaptability to navigate the fast-changing technology landscape. My experience in data and analytics has taught me the importance of making evidence-based decisions, which fosters trust and transparency. Strong communication and empathy help build connections within the team, while providing a clear vision inspires creativity and collaboration. I focus on empowering team members to take ownership of their work, fostering an environment where innovation flourishes.

Q: In a diverse tech team, how do you ensure each member feels valued and has a voice, regardless of background or expertise?

KC: In a diverse tech team, I ensure every member feels valued and has a voice by creating an environment where trust and collaboration can thrive. I believe that for a team to truly excel, it must progress through the phases of Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing (developed by Bruce Tuckman). These stages help team members understand each other, build stronger connections, and align their efforts for the collective good. Without experiencing these phases, teams often struggle to collaborate effectively or reach their full potential.

I foster a culture of open communication and regular feedback, providing space for team members to share their ideas, perspectives, and concerns. Celebrating achievements—whether individual or collective—further reinforces the value of every contribution and strengthens the team’s sense of unity and purpose.

Q: How do you manage diverse perspectives from different team members and how do these influence the development and implementation of new technology initiatives or innovations at Game Lounge?

KC: To manage diverse perspectives, I create opportunities for open dialogue and structured discussions. My experience has shown that using data to back decisions helps remove personal biases and keeps discussions objective. I encourage testing and experimentation, such as piloting multiple ideas, to evaluate the best approaches. Bringing different perspectives together often leads to more innovative solutions, and I strive to integrate these insights into strategic decisions and implementations.

Q: What techniques do you use to keep team members motivated and focused during challenging projects or tight deadlines, especially when managing projects that span AI, cybersecurity, and software development?

KC: I believe the Agile toolkit is invaluable for keeping team members motivated during challenging projects or tight deadlines. A skilled Agile coach, who not only understands the methodologies but also brings a human touch, plays a critical role in fostering an environment where the team can learn, collaborate, and support one another. This human aspect helps the team open up and address challenges collectively.

Regular progress updates help maintain focus and provide clarity on how each individual’s contributions align with the overall objective. Recognising effort and celebrating milestones—big or small—helps to boost morale and reinforce a sense of achievement. I also prioritise making time to listen to team members’ concerns and addressing them directly, ensuring they feel supported and aligned, even in high-pressure situations. This balance of structure, recognition, and empathy keeps the team motivated and productive.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges tech leaders face when managing a team with varied roles, from developers and data scientists to engineers working on infrastructure and TechOps?

KC: One of the biggest challenges tech leaders face when managing a team with varied roles is creating a shared vision that connects and inspires every team member, regardless of their specific expertise. A clear, well-articulated vision acts as a unifying framework, giving everyone—developers, data scientists, infrastructure engineers, and TechOps professionals—a common purpose while allowing them to interpret their role within it based on their responsibilities. This ensures that the team moves forward cohesively while leveraging their unique perspectives and strengths.

Communication silos and knowledge gaps are common barriers, so I actively encourage cross-training and collaboration to bridge these divides. Balancing resources across such diverse disciplines can also be a challenge, but focusing on clear prioritisation and shared goals helps maintain alignment. A culture of mutual respect is essential; by recognising and celebrating the unique contributions of each role, I ensure that everyone feels both valued and invested in achieving the shared vision.

Q: How do you approach professional development and upskilling within your team, especially with the fast pace of change in technology? What mentorship, training, or resource strategies would you recommend to keep a team skilled and engaged as the tech landscape evolves?

KC: For me, upskilling is essential in a fast-changing tech environment. I provide tailored learning opportunities through role-specific training, certifications, and mentorship programmes. Across Game Lounge, we’ve introduced “Finish Line Fridays,” where time is set aside during work hours for professional development. This ensures that learning is prioritised without sacrificing personal time.

When available, we use online tools that help create customised learning roadmaps for individuals, whether for soft skills or highly specialised technical skills. These tools also allow us to monitor progress, providing valuable insights into how effectively employees are developing. I use data to identify skill gaps across the team and align resources to address these areas.

Additionally, fostering a collaborative learning environment where team members can share their expertise with one another not only keeps the team engaged but also ensures we remain ahead of evolving industry trends. This approach builds a culture of continuous improvement and keeps the team motivated to grow alongside technological advancements.

Q: What role does collaboration between tech and non-tech teams play in Game Lounge’s success? How do you foster cross-departmental synergy to enable your team to work effectively with others and make a meaningful impact on the company’s strategic goals?

KC: Cross-departmental collaboration is critical to achieving Game Lounge’s strategic goals. I align tech initiatives with broader company objectives, ensuring that technology supports and enhances the work of non-tech teams. Embedding liaisons from tech into non-tech departments fosters a deeper understanding of challenges and opportunities, creating synergy and improving outcomes.

One effective approach is inviting non-tech stakeholders to “Show and Tell” sessions organised by tech teams. These sessions provide visibility into what is being developed and allow stakeholders to see how the work aligns with their needs. In the Data team, we’ve introduced the concept of Data Champions, where the data team empowers non-technical stakeholders to use BI tools effectively and collaborates with them to resolve specific problems. These initiatives not only enhance collaboration but also ensure that non-tech teams feel connected to and supported by the work being done in tech.

Q: With emerging technologies like AI and machine learning now integral to Game Lounge’s strategy, how do you ensure your team stays both innovative and aligned with the company’s goals in these areas?

KC: Keeping the team innovative while ensuring alignment with company goals requires a balance of strategic planning and creative freedom. I use roadmaps to tie technical projects to broader business objectives and encourage experimentation with emerging technologies. Regular updates from leadership help the team understand shifting priorities, while feedback loops with other departments ensure innovations remain relevant. My focus is on creating solutions that not only advance technology but also deliver measurable value to the company.

Q: How do you assess the impact of technology decisions on the company’s broader objectives, and what metrics do you consider most valuable for measuring success?

KC: I measure the impact of technology decisions using metrics like ROI, user satisfaction, system performance, and adoption rates. Data is at the core of my approach, allowing me to track progress and adjust strategies based on clear evidence. Regular reviews ensure that technology initiatives contribute to the company’s goals and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement. These metrics also help demonstrate the tangible benefits of innovation to stakeholders.

Q: What trends in technology and innovation are you most excited about, and how do you see these influencing the future of Game Lounge?

KC: I’m particularly excited by advancements in generative AI, privacy-enhancing technologies, and SaaS solutions, all of which are reshaping how businesses operate and engage with users. These innovations have the potential to significantly improve personalisation, efficiency, and security—key areas for enhancing customer experiences and optimising operations at Game Lounge.

In the realm of BI and visualisation, I’m especially impressed by AI tools that bridge the gap between lengthy textual explanations and clear, impactful visuals. Tools that can transform complex ideas into intuitive diagrams or charts make data more accessible and actionable, enabling quicker decision-making and stronger collaboration. These trends are poised to streamline workflows, improve communication, and help Game Lounge remain competitive in a fast-evolving tech landscape.