Are You Leading an Ambulance Team or Building a Guardrail?
February 27th, 2025

Most leaders unintentionally build "ambulances" reacting to problems like burnout, disengagement, and poor performance only after they happen. But what if you could build a guardrail at the top of the cliff instead. Preventing these issues before they arise? In this session, I'll introduce the 5X Performance Triangle, a research-backed framework that helps leaders create high-performing, sustainable teams by aligning context, culture, systems, leadership, and people. Through real-life case studies and interactive reflection exercises, you'll learn how to move from firefighting to proactive leadership, and build a culture that thrives.

Anton Rademan
Agile Coach
A former agile coach at Pikpok, Anton is passionate about helping people and teams unlock their full potential by fostering strong cultures, resilient leadership, and meaningful collaboration. As the Founder of GrowthLab, he specializes in high-performance teams, leadership development, and driving purposeful change. With experience across tech, gaming, fintech, and enterprise transformation, Anton blends insight-driven coaching with practical strategies to help individuals and organizations thrive. His work focuses on building trust, enhancing teamwork, and enabling people to lead with clarity and confidence. Above all, Anton is driven by a deep care for people and a commitment to adding value, ensuring every interaction helps others grow, connect, and make a real impact.



Risk, Reward & Revolution: Charting Your Course in Game Creation

In this talk, games veteran Ted DiNola (Founder & CEO, Stella Maris Games Corporation) will present concepts and frameworks to help developers think critically about their position within the games field, and how to use that knowledge to move with intention to create a resilient games practice with sustainable approaches that reinforce their goals in line with their motivations.

Ted DiNola
Games Technical & Design Expert, Consultant
Ted is a leader with over 15 years working in games and as a consultant for a wide range of businesses. He has worked in many environments, from large traditional studios, to small indies, and has a broad range of experience as an individual contributor, team leader, studio head, and advisor. He currently leverage his experience as CEO of the Stella Maris Games Corporation, helping drive positive outcomes for businesses and individuals in the games, technology, and entertainment sectors. He was on of the keynote speakers at NZGDC2025.