I have to be honest—it's not every day that you get to sit down with someone you admire, someone who inspires you, someone you look up to. Today’s guest is truly the definition of the word GOAT in the gaming industry. I’m talking about none other than Shawn Layden, the former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment and Chairman of PlayStation Worldwide Studios.

With a career spanning over three decades, Shawn has been instrumental in shaping the gaming industry as we know it. From leading groundbreaking projects at PlayStation to redefining how games are marketed and developed, his contributions are nothing short of legendary.

In this conversation, Shawn takes us behind the scenes of his incredible journey. He shares insights into managing international game development teams, the challenges of transitioning from corporate life to independent ventures, and his passion for mentorship through initiatives like Girls Make Games.

We also dive into the future of gaming where Shawn offers his thoughts on live service models, emerging markets like the Middle East, and why innovation often requires obsoleting your own products. He challenges common misconceptions about productivity and highlights how clarity of purpose can outweigh hours worked.

This is more than a conversation about gaming—it’s a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and finding purpose in what you do. Shawn Layden’s story is one of resilience, vision, and staying true to your values in an ever-evolving industry.

Please join me in welcoming someone I deeply admire and respect—Shawn Layden.

In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Heinfart, a visionary entrepreneur who’s left his mark on renewable energy and fintech, from pioneering solar innovations to launching the Trading Hive, the world’s first blockchain-based Forex prop trading firm. Thomas has chaired Solar Hero, co-founded the Venus City initiative to combat climate challenges, and earned the Energy Globe Award for his groundbreaking work.

We explore his remarkable journey - from door-to-door sales in Canada to developing a cryogenic power plant - unpacking his shift from sustainable tech to revolutionizing trading with transparency and trust. Thomas shares his failures, triumphs, and the relentless drive behind his mission to empower humanity through innovation. From floating solar panels to smart contracts, he reveals how he’s tackling climate change and scams in the trading industry with equal passion.

Thomas's and FundedHive socials:

⁠Official Website⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Thomas Heinfart⁠

TrandingHive Instagram: ⁠funded.hive⁠

In this episode, I had the honor of chatting with Tracy Greenan, a serial fashion-tech entrepreneur, founder of A.U.R.A. and Game Changing Style, and a visionary in the fusion of gaming and fashion. Based in New York City, Tracy has spent over three decades redefining industries—from launching a 1990s clothing empire to pioneering phygital jewelry and now carving a bold path in the gaming skins revolution.

We dove into her journey from small-town roots to shaping the future of digital style, her fearless leaps into Web3 and gaming innovation, and the real struggles of thriving as a female founder. Tracy also dropped inspiring gems on turning obstacles into opportunities, mentoring emerging talent, and empowering underserved communities through her non-profit, Gamers Over Guns.

Whether you’re a creator, gamer, or fascinated by where fashion meets tech, this episode is loaded with raw insights, behind-the-scenes grit, and Tracy’s unstoppable drive to leave a lasting mark.

Tracy's socials:

Website: https://www.tracygreenan.com/

LinkedIn: Tracy Greenan

Game Changing Style: https://www.gamechangingstyle.com

Get in touch:⁠⁠

LinkedIn: Arman Mamyan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

X: @⁠primarchdev⁠⁠

⁠Instagram: ⁠@armamyan⁠n⁠⁠

Email: ⁠⁠⁠armanmamyan@peoplebehindindustry.com⁠