In the world of gaming, few leaders embody adaptability and intentional growth like Matt Wilson, President and CEO of Light & Wonder. His journey from a curious Australian university student to the head of a global gaming powerhouse is filled with lessons about risk-taking, resilience, and the importance of building strong teams.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights from their discussion on the Betting on Success podcast. View the complete podcast on PodBean, Apple Podcast, Spotify or YouTube.
From Curiosity to Career
Matt’s entry into the industry wasn’t exactly traditional. As a college student in Australia, he worked at a pub where slot machines — or “pokies” — fascinated him. That curiosity sparked his career path, eventually landing him a role at Aristocrat. What began as collecting beer glasses and observing player behavior turned into a lifelong passion for gaming innovation.
Chasing Growth Around the World
One of Matt’s recurring themes is the importance of being where the growth is. That philosophy took him from Australia to Macau during its casino boom in the mid-2000s, then later to the U.S. Each move came with risk — new cultures, new responsibilities, even a 50% pay cut at one point —but each decision positioned him closer to his ultimate goal: becoming a CEO.
He credits a mentor for helping him think strategically about his career path. Rather than “randomly driving” from opportunity to opportunity, Matt learned to program his “career GPS.” That meant making deliberate choices, even when they weren’t the easiest or most comfortable.
The Sacrifices Behind the Success
Matt is quick to acknowledge that his career has been a family effort. He and his wife, Susanna, left their families in Australia to pursue opportunities abroad. That sacrifice became especially real during the pandemic, when travel restrictions meant missing meaningful moments back home. For Matt, it reinforced an important truth: success comes with trade-offs, and family support is essential to navigating them.
Leading with Growth and Humility
At the heart of Matt’s leadership philosophy is a growth mindset. He believes standing still means falling behind, and that leaders must constantly put themselves in situations where they feel challenged — even uncomfortable. “Imposter syndrome is real,” he admits, but leaning into those moments accelerates learning and builds resilience.
Equally important is keeping ego in check. At Light &Wonder, he emphasizes giving credit rather than taking it, building a culture where collaboration thrives. His proudest achievement isn’t just strategy shifts or bold rebrands — it’s the team of over 100 leaders who chose to follow him to a new company, united by a shared vision.
Building a Legacy of Teams, Not Titles
When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Matt doesn’t hesitate: by the strength of the team he leaves behind. For him, true leadership isn’t about being indispensable. It’s about creating a culture and structure that continues to succeed long after you’ve moved on.
Key Takeaways from Matt Wilson’s Journey
Matt Wilson’s story is more than a CEO’s career path. It’s a reminder that success in business — and life — is built on curiosity, intentional choices, resilience in the face of sacrifice, and above all, the strength of the people you surround yourself with.
Watch the complete episode, visit PodBean, Apple Podcast, Spotify or YouTube.
The Betting On Success Podcast, sponsored by Las Vegas-based companies Marker Trax and Koin Payments, features conversations with gaming industry leaders while exploring the future of cashless gaming technology.
