As someone who's navigated a winding path through various industries before landing in gaming, I understand the feeling of being an 'imposter' all too well. My journey from a B+ high school student to sneaking into Riot Games in 2016 from outside the gaming industry has taught me valuable lessons about success, self-worth, and the unique value of diverse experiences. Today, I want to share these insights and help you embrace your own unconventional path in the gaming world.

The Myth of the Perfect Path: Redefining Success in Gaming

The gaming industry, perhaps more than any other, thrives on innovation, creativity, and fresh perspectives. Yet, many of us fall into the trap of believing there's a 'right' way to enter and succeed in this field. My experience proves otherwise.

During my time at Riot Games and throughout my career in gaming, I've seen firsthand how traditional metrics of success often fall short in our industry. While grades and conventional career trajectories can be important, they're not the only path to success. In fact, the gaming industry often benefits greatly from 'outsiders' who bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences.

Consider my own journey:

• Sneaking into an ISP in 1995
• Sneaking into Deloitte in 1997
• Sneaking into Lockheed Martin in 2003
• Sneaking into advertising in 2007
• And finally, sneaking into Riot Games in 2016

Each of these steps, which at the time felt like 'sneaking in', actually represented valuable experiences that contributed to my ultimate success in gaming. The problem-solving skills I developed at the ISP, the business acumen from Deloitte, the project management expertise from Lockheed Martin, and the creative thinking from advertising - all of these seemingly unrelated experiences came together to make me a unique and valuable asset in the gaming industry.

This diversity of experience is increasingly valued in gaming. As our industry continues to evolve and expand, we need professionals who can bring insights from other fields, who can think outside the box, and who can approach problems from new angles.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in a Rapidly Evolving Field

Feeling like an imposter is particularly common in the gaming industry, where technology and trends evolve at breakneck speed. It's easy to feel like you're always playing catch-up, especially if you've entered the field from a non-traditional background.

During my early days at Riot Games, I often felt like I was 'sneaking into successes I thought I didn't deserve'. This imposter syndrome can be paralyzing, making you doubt your abilities and hesitate to take on new challenges or share your ideas.

But here's what I've learned: Your successes aren't flukes; they're earned. Every time I 'snuck in' somewhere, I was actually bringing valuable skills and perspectives that were recognized and valued by others, even if I couldn't see it myself at the time.

To overcome imposter syndrome:

1. Recognize your unique value: Your diverse experiences are an asset, not a liability.
2. Embrace continuous learning: The gaming industry is always evolving, and everyone is learning all the time.
3. Seek mentorship and peer support: Connect with others in the industry to gain perspective and validation.
4. Celebrate your wins: Keep a record of your achievements to remind yourself of your capabilities.

Leveraging Your Unique Journey for Career Success

Once you start seeing your unconventional path as an asset rather than a liability, you can begin to leverage it for career success in the gaming industry. Here's how:

1. Identify your unique selling points: What skills or perspectives do you bring from your previous experiences that others in gaming might not have?
2. Connect the dots: Show how your diverse experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the gaming industry. For example, my experience in advertising helped me understand player engagement and marketing in ways that purely technical backgrounds might not.
3. Be confident in your story: Own your journey. Your unconventional path is what makes you stand out in a sea of similar resumes.
4. Seek out roles that value diverse experiences: Many gaming companies are actively looking for people with varied backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives.
5. Continue to diversify your skills: The gaming industry values adaptability. Keep learning and adding to your skill set.

Remember, you're not fooling anyone because there's nothing to hide. You're good at what you do, and your unique journey is a big part of what makes you valuable to the gaming industry.

Throughout my career, from those early days of 'sneaking in' to my current role as a leader in the gaming industry, I've learned that our perceived weaknesses often turn out to be our greatest strengths. The gaming industry needs innovators, out-of-the-box thinkers, and people with diverse experiences to drive it forward.

So, are you ready to stop playing it small? Are you prepared to embrace your unconventional path and use it as a springboard for success in the gaming industry? Your time to thrive is now. Let's talk about how you can leverage your unique journey to make your mark in this exciting, ever-evolving field.

Remember, in the world of gaming, the most interesting and innovative solutions often come from unexpected places. Your unconventional path might just be the key to unlocking the next big innovation in our industry. Embrace it, own it, and let it propel you to new heights in your gaming career.