Women in iGaming Interview Series
DivaJackpot.com's Women in iGaming Interview Series celebrates women shaping the gambling and online casino industry, from affiliates to executives.
In the Current Series: Meet Denitsa Hadzhiivanova, Head of Affiliates at Blockbuster Partners
Diva Jackpot spotlights leaders such as Denitsa Hadzhiivanova, Head of Affiliates at Blockbuster Partners, sharing journeys from entry-level roles to top positions amid evolving trends in regulations, tech, and partnerships.
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Starting from scratch as a customer service agent over a decade ago, fresh from her International Relations degree with stellar English skills, Hadzhiivanova climbed the ladder through grit, rapid learning, and an unshakeable positive attitude. After a rigorous multi-stage interview, she transitioned to affiliate management, defying the "man's world" stereotype by proving that qualities like empathy, adaptability, and honest human connection trump gender every time. Now steering Blockbuster Partners' affiliate team, she champions "leaders eat last" philosophy, fosters long-term partnerships, and inspires with her mantra which is attitude is key. From Excel-crunching realities to scaling casino brands amid evolving regulations, Hadzhiivanova's story spotlights women thriving in gambling. Join us as she shares career wisdom, industry trends, and advice for bold newcomers.
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DivaJackpot.com places a strong spotlight on women in the gambling and iGaming industry, especially those who built careers when female representation was almost non-existent. Can you share with our readers your experience in your first role in the gaming industry, including your initial hire, the extensive interview process, and what it was like to enter the casino and affiliate environments at that time?
I have been part of the igaming world for more than a decade now and I am actually glad to say that I have started from scratch as a regular CS [customer service] agent. I managed to become an affiliate manager through an extensive interview with several stages and I remember how happy I was when I was selected from a pool of candidates. I do not think I actually realized that igaming was, and maybe still is, claimed to be more of a “man’s world” in some sense. To be completely honest, gender should never be considered a disadvantage and this goes both ways, I underline. What matters are the qualities of a person. Of course there are certain aspects that only male respectively female energy can bring and this is to be celebrated.What initially sparked your interest in iGaming, and how did you join the industry? How did you work your way from the very bottom of the corporate ladder to becoming Head of Affiliates at Blockbuster Partners? Which skills were detrimental to your successful career development?
This was not a dream job of mine. It was a practical career choice for a girl who had very good English as a graduate in International relations – this is the simple reality. And almost 15 years later – here we are. Some of the things that helped me were and still are my ability to learn fast, my positive attitude towards people and , really, any situation, and the fact that I am not afraid to ask a question or admit when I am wrong.Was there a defining moment that truly shaped your career goals and leadership path in the iGaming industry and, in particular, in your current role as Head of Affiliates at Blockbuster Partners?
I can definitely say that joining Blockbuster Partners came at a point in my life when I was ready for a change and for a challenge such as to lead a team. I am more than grateful for the opportunity and very happy every day for the wonderful people I work with.Добави файлове
Did you have a mentor or a senior professional who guided you through your career development in the industry? Based on your experience, what career advice would you give to young professionals, especially women, who want to succeed in igaming?
I love people in general and I tend to have the ability to be inspired daily, not only from those more experienced than me but from practically anybody who displays strength of character, kindness or something positive in attitude. Throughout my professional path I have had the blessing of meeting and working with spectacular leaders with bright minds and great character. I am particularly blessed now, at Blockbuster Partners, to work with cordial, intelligent and very inspiring people.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced while working in senior roles across online casino brands, affiliate programs, and iGaming operations, and how did those challenges shape you as a leader?
In my view the best leader is one who shows understanding towards the people, along with understanding of what is really important and valuable for the company. “Leaders eat last” – this quote from Simon Sinek beautifully explains my philosophy on leadership.Is there a specific casino project, brand launch, affiliate strategy, or operational experience that taught you the most about scaling online casinos and building long-term partnerships?
Attitude is key. In this digital world of ours, displaying honest human attitude can go a long way.From your perspective, what are the most important skills for success in upper management roles within the iGaming and online casino industry, particularly for Heads of Affiliates, casino executives, and brand owners?
I still have a lot to learn but I can humbly share that in my opinion the ability to put yourself in others’ shoes is a very valuable skill to develop.What do you think people outside the gambling and online casino industry often misunderstand about iGaming, affiliate marketing, and responsible casino operations?
Most people think it is all fun and games all the time; when in reality our day-to-day job has do with a lot of numbers and excel sheets. It is an exciting world but you need to do your homework first.Senior roles in iGaming are demanding. How do you balance professional responsibilities with personal life while maintaining long-term success?
In all honesty, sometimes I fail to be everywhere 100% percent but I think accepting that this is normal should be the goal. Balancing is always hard and we all have bad days but when you love your job it definitely helps.What practical advice would you give to someone just starting a career in online gambling, casino operations, or affiliate marketing today?
Take your chances, explore, learn and be brave. This is a world of many opportunities, and it definitely is for those who are open-minded and quick to adapt.Добави файлове
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