"Keep a positive mindset in a crisis, stay focused on your goals – that's the path forward."
Vlad Belyanin Tweet
Welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview with Vlad Belyanin, the visionary co-founder and Chief Product Officer of True Gamers. In this insightful conversation, we delve into the dynamic journey of True Gamers, an international network of cybersport lounges, and its remarkable expansion under Vlad’s leadership.
From humble beginnings in Eastern Europe to establishing a formidable presence in the United Arab Emirates, Vlad shares the challenges and triumphs that have shaped True Gamers’ trajectory.
Discover how market research in Dubai led to strategic decisions, propelling the company’s growth in the burgeoning cybersports landscape. Vlad’s resilience and strategic acumen come to the forefront as he reflects on overcoming obstacles, navigating crises, and building a robust team.
Join us as we explore the mind behind True Gamers, gaining valuable insights into the gaming industry, leadership during challenging times, and the unwavering commitment to fostering a global community of gaming enthusiasts. This is an exclusive glimpse into the visionary world of Vlad Belyanin and the captivating journey of True Gamers.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Vlad Belyanin: Thank you for having me here! My name is Vlad Belyanin, and I am a co-founder and Chief Product Officer at True Gamers, an international network of cybersport loungers. This is my first significant project, which we launched with the team in 2019. Since then, we have expanded our reach, opening hundreds of clubs across Eastern Europe and establishing a presence in international markets.
In 2022, our team conducted extensive market research in Dubai to assess the potential of cybersports in the region. We were impressed by the UAE’s robust infrastructure and growing interest in cybersports, making it an ideal market for our expansion. We strategically expanded our operations into the UAE based on our comprehensive research.
This year, we have established a strong presence in the UAE and are actively contributing to the growth of cybersports infrastructure in the MENA region. We also secured a significant investment of $13.5 million to fuel our regional expansion.
We have opened five new clubs in Dubai’s most prestigious locations, including Dubai Mall, Damac Hills, International City Pavilion, Blue Waters Island, and Villanova. We are committed to expanding our footprint in Dubai by opening four additional clubs in the town’s prime locations shortly.
Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Vlad Belyanin: Upon establishing our business in Eastern Europe, we encountered several obstacles, including strict regulatory hurdles and supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite our small team, we wore multiple hats, handling sales, business, and management of our cybersport lounges simultaneously. Nevertheless, we set ambitious goals to become a market leader from the outset, which meant differentiating ourselves from competitors.
To achieve this, we proactively expanded our business network. In particular, we attracted sponsors by showcasing our unique value proposition and carefully selected business partners aligned with our vision. Despite the immense effort required, we found the process enjoyable, fostering camaraderie and a sense of shared purpose within our team.
This experience taught me that when a company faces problems, it impacts everyone involved. Therefore, business strategies and decisions should reflect the needs of the entire brand, not just the desires of an individual.
As a team, it is crucial to work together to find the best solution in any situation. As a result, we emerged from this challenge more substantially and resilient, with a renewed commitment to collaboration and a deep understanding of our target market.
How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Vlad Belyanin: Mistakes, I have realized, are not roadblocks but stepping stones on the path to progress. When I stumble, I take a moment to dissect the situation, identifying missteps and the lessons they hold.
I share these insights with my colleagues, fostering a collective learning environment where we all benefit from each other’s experiences. This approach has instilled in me a deep appreciation for thoroughness, attention to detail, and clear communication.
It has also helped me to become a more diligent and dependable employee. Consequently, I am a much more valuable asset to my company, armed with the knowledge and experience from embracing my mistakes.
How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Vlad Belyanin: Thank you for this crucial question! The discussion should include not only the founders but also the team they assemble. When hiring for a managerial position, we first consider the ability to establish processes from scratch.
We need individuals who are unafraid of uncertainty and can venture into the unknown. This is necessary as we do not have traditional departments or pre-set processes due to our work with dynamic products that require constant adjustment.
In other words, we need team members who can think creatively and propose new solutions beyond standard tasks. While an applicant’s experience is considered, their ability to create functional systems from nothing gives them a competitive edge.
Regardless of the job position, we always inquire about the candidate’s interest in the gaming industry. For instance, we often ask, “What is your favorite game, and what is your rating?” A person’s rating can provide insights into their level of involvement in gaming and the time they devote to it.
Most importantly, we value interest and passion for gaming. For example, our team includes an ICP administrator who aspires to be a tournament tech specialist. Despite having a well-paying job as a software engineer in an international company, he left it to pursue his passion in the gaming industry.
He already immersed himself in gaming for years and strongly desires to grow and develop. Our role here is to provide technical knowledge and experience to nurture his talent. He could become an exceptional specialist with passion in less than six months.
The team’s most valuable members are people who love their jobs and are driven to excel and grow in their fields. In essence, a resilient team is composed of individuals who are not only skilled and experienced but also possess a genuine passion for the gaming industry.
They are unafraid to take risks, embrace change, and continuously strive for improvement. You can set the foundation for success in the ever-evolving gaming world by cultivating these qualities.
How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Vlad Belyanin: I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding mistakes but embracing them as opportunities for growth. Instead of dwelling on my failures, I focus on learning from them and using them to improve my approach. This self-compassion has been crucial in helping me bounce back from setbacks and fuel my determination to succeed.
My family plays a central role in my resilience journey. Their unwavering support and belief in me provide a constant source of strength. I constantly think about their well-being and how my choices impact them.
This keeps me grounded and focused on what truly matters. My wife, in particular, has been my pillar of strength, offering unwavering encouragement and support through even the most challenging times.
My experiences have taught me that resilience is not a fixed trait; it’s a muscle that can be strengthened with practice. Through determination, hard work, and the unwavering support of loved ones, I’ve learned to navigate challenges with resilience and emerge stronger from each experience.
What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Vlad Belyanin: In the face of a crisis, it is crucial to maintain a positive outlook and focus on our ultimate goals. This helps me stay grounded and motivates me to lead by example. For instance, Anton, co-founder of True Gamers, exemplifies this approach by effectively integrating strategic planning.
On the other hand, I focus on fostering emotional connection and upliftment within the team. By dividing responsibilities within our team, we ensure that all aspects of our mindset and emotions are addressed.
While our methods may vary, our shared objective remains unwavering: to keep our team focused on the tasks and navigate challenges with resilience.
How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Vlad Belyanin: Trust is the cornerstone of my communication with my team during crises. I cultivate and maintain trust through open, honest, and transparent communication, ensuring that everyone feels heard and understood.
My team knows that I am always available to support them professionally and personally, and this trust allows us to work together effectively in the face of adversity.
We maintain a strong relationship built on mutual respect and shared values, which serve as a foundation for navigating any crisis that comes our way.
What advice would you give to other CEOs on building resilience in their organizations?
Vlad Belyanin: First, always be prepared for risks. Anticipate potential setbacks and develop contingency plans. However, keep in mind that even your backup plans may fail. Therefore, mental preparedness for unexpected challenges is crucial.
Secondly, learn to enjoy every aspect of the process. For me, the process is more satisfying than the results. Outcomes can be rewarding or disappointing, especially in a challenging and unpredictable environment.
However, your attitude towards the process is a personal choice. The more positively you perceive the work process, the more resilient you and your company will be.
How do you prepare your business for potential future crises?
Vlad Belyanin: Preparing a business for potential future crises is crucial for long-term success. By proactively identifying and assessing risks, companies can develop strategies to mitigate potential damage and ensure resilience in the face of challenges.
For example, when we hired a new employee who had previously been fired from another company, we carefully considered the potential risks of this decision. We questioned whether it was worth taking a chance on this individual and how his previous employer might react. To minimize the risks, we decided to sign a two-month contract with him, a trial period during which we could assess his performance,
While we cannot predict the future, we can take steps to prepare for potential crises. By proactively identifying and assessing risks, developing contingency plans, and communicating effectively, we can protect our business and ensure their continued success.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Vlad Belyanin: Throughout my years of leading teams in international business, I’ve discovered that nothing is truly insurmountable. Two years ago, my team and I believed organizing a tournament with a $3,000 prize pool at our clubs was impossible.
But with unwavering faith in our abilities, ourselves, and steadfast dedication, we shattered our initial expectations by organizing multiple tournaments with a combined prize pool of $300,000. Our “check” has grown a staggering 100-fold.
This remarkable transformation is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief, hard work, and unwavering perseverance.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Vlad Belyanin for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Vlad Belyanin or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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