#17 Shawn Layden - Playstation Odyssey, Leadership and Innovation

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.