The evolution of technology has always been seen as something positive; faster and more efficient tech turns people and companies’ lives easier. However, when we take technology as a component of our business, there are so many things happening simultaneously that it requires a lot of effort and resources to make sure we stay at the top of the game. To our guest, Chris Hana, this “catch up” game with technology is what most companies are struggling with right now. 

Chris Hana is the Founder and CEO of The Esports Observer (TEO). He is a Media Executive with vast experience in brand building, storytelling, and experiential marketing in the digital entertainment, esports, and pop-culture space. Almost 3 years ago, TEO was acquired by Sports Business Journal (SBJ). Chris saw it as an excellent opportunity to expand the audience and felt like a validation for the hard work creating and growing TEO. 

Today, in one of the most anticipated interviews of the year, Chris kindly shared his insights on brand and team building, the past, present, and future of esports, and the overwhelming pace of technology’s evolution. We discuss the lack of conversations about normalizing failure, mental health issues like burnout or stress. We also talked about Chris’ first steps in the industry when he created TEO, he shared some advice for future entrepreneurs, and more. 

Resources:

Visit The Esports Observer website: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Esports.aspx

You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herrhana/

or follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/herrhana

Full Episode Breakdown:

2:03 – Chris explains his role at The Esports Observer before the acquisition and what has changed since they are part of the Sports Business Journal. 

4:33 – Chris talks about what sensations he got from the acquisition. 

9:44 – Chris remembers how hard it was at the beginning for them at TEO to find the right voice to speak with their audience.

14:01 – The catch-up game with technology. Chris talks about what he considers one of the most challenging challenges companies face nowadays.

17:43 – Chris talks about the beginning of his journey at TEO. 

21:24 – Chris shares the things that keep him moving forward and how satisfying it is to know that people he admires read TEO every day.  

25:01 – Chris talks about the times they experienced a plateau at TEO and how they navigated them. 

28:14 – We don’t talk enough about failure. John and Chris reflect on the need to be more open with our failures, worries, and fears in the industry.

35:49 – Taking a step back and dominating the calendar, rather than being ruled by the calendar. John and Chris talk about the need to slow down sometimes. 

41:03 – Chris talks about the difficulties of being in Europe and unable to travel to work with colleagues from America.

44:04 – Chris shares some valuable advice on putting together great teams.