Gonzalo Navarro - Senior Business Development Manager at Betby
Gonzalo Navarro – Senior Business Development Manager, Betby
The hustle and bustle of international events are familiar grounds for Gonzalo Navarro. Trade shows like ICE, SBC, and SIGMA are not just professional meeting points, but also stages where a career path is fortified—a path that, while seemingly leading him through the iGaming world, also reveals somewhat unexpected roots. One only needs to look back at his journey to find him analyzing contracts and processing files in the Judiciary, a legal and administrative foundation that, although distant from the vibrant current ecosystem, provided him with a rigorous perspective. Today, as Senior Business Development Manager at Betby, Gonzalo is dedicated to helping operators grow, building bridges and strategic alliances. Highly complex negotiations and managing relationships with providers and platforms are part of his daily routine. But beyond commercial objectives and regional expansion in LATAM, in this installment of "Más que un Juego," we aim to discover the person behind the executive, his vision, and what drives him forward.
The Origin
Where were you born?
I was born in the city of Buenos Aires.
If you could walk today through the neighborhood where you grew up as a child, what would you remember?
I recall it with great joy. I was lucky to grow up in a healthy, safe environment full of good memories.
If you could turn back time to those years, what would you like to be doing?
I'd like to go back to my childhood, play with my friends, spend time with my family, and enjoy the peace and carefree nature I had as a child. These are memories that I value greatly and that still make me smile.
What part of that child is still present in your life today?
I still retain my curiosity, my desire to learn new things, and my enthusiasm for facing new challenges. I also try to maintain the ability to enjoy small moments and value the people around me.
What did that child dream of doing for a living when they grew up?
As a kid, I didn't have a defined profession in mind, but I always dreamed of having a job that would allow me to grow, constantly learn, and enjoy what I did without losing my freedom. Over time, I understood that this was more important to me than a specific position.
Professional Journey
What was your first paid job?
Helping organize an event by carrying boxes and arranging furniture.
What was your first job in the betting/gambling industry?
Vibe
What do you enjoy most about this industry?
What I enjoy most is that it's a very dynamic industry, where new technologies, products, and strategies constantly emerge, meaning you can't stay still. I am motivated to work in an environment that evolves quickly, demands creativity, adaptation, and where there are always opportunities to learn and innovate.
What trends will shape the future of betting over the next 5 years?
I believe we'll see greater personalization thanks to technologies, AI, and data analysis; an increasingly strong integration between betting, entertainment, and gamification; and greater regulation focused on responsible gaming. I also think that the mobile experience and segmentation will be key for the industry.
What concerns you most about problem gambling?
What worries me most is the impact it can have on people and their families when it's not detected in time. I believe the industry has a responsibility to continue strengthening responsible gaming tools, promoting education, prevention, and early detection to offer a safe and sustainable entertainment experience.
If you had to choose one boss who shaped your professional journey, who would it be?
Federico Saini
What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
The best advice I received was to never stop learning and not be afraid to ask questions. In an industry that changes so rapidly, curiosity and adaptability are as important as experience.
If you had to sum up your leadership philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
People always come first; results come when the team works with trust and a clear objective.
What do you value most in a job, beyond salary?
I value a work environment with trust, respect, and collaboration. It's also important for me to have challenges that allow me to keep learning, grow professionally, and feel that my work has a positive impact on the team and the company.
If you hadn't worked in this industry, what other profession would you have liked to pursue?
Agronomy and working in the field.
Quick-Fire
A book you'd recommend?
Verity
A movie that stayed with you?
The Pursuit of Happyness
A favorite meal?
Asado
Wine or beer?
Beer
A place in the world to live?
Argentina
A dream still on your list?
Go to a World Cup
A hobby or passion outside of work?
Play tennis
Someone you admire?
Lionel Messi
Working from the office or from home?
Hybrid. 3x2, I think, is the perfect balance
A beach day or a day in the countryside?
Countryside
Employee or entrepreneur?
Entrepreneur. I'm enthusiastic about the idea of creating something of my own someday, even though today I really enjoy continuing to learn and grow professionally
Are leaders made or born?
I believe leaders are made. Experience, continuous learning, and how they treat people are what truly build a good leader
Family & Friends
If your parents had to describe you without mentioning your job title or achievements, what would they say about you?
I think they would say I am a responsible, persevering, and trustworthy person. That I always try to do my best, that I value my family and friends very much, and that when I set a goal, I don't stop until I achieve it
How would your friends describe you?
I think they would describe me as someone they can count on, who likes to laugh, share time, and will always be there for them. One of those friends who is always there when you need them and enjoys everything
Who is the person who still dares to tell you "you're wrong" when everyone else says yes?
Luckily, I am surrounded by very trustworthy people. Both my girlfriend and my family and friends feel free to tell me when they think I'm wrong. I really value that honesty
How much has your family influenced you being where you are today?
Very much so. My family has always been a fundamental support in my life. They taught me values, gave me the tools, and always gave me the confidence to make my own decisions, knowing they would be there to support me. Without that support, I surely wouldn't be where I am today
Who is someone, far away or no longer physically here, that you'd like to hug? What would you say to them?
Luckily, there isn't one particular person I feel is missing today. If I had to choose, I would take the opportunity to hug one of my grandparents and thank them for everything they did for our family
Successes and Failures
What would you say to your younger self who was struggling or close to giving up at some point?
To never stop trying
What was the toughest decision you made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
I think that, in general, the most difficult decisions were stepping out of my comfort zone to take on new challenges and responsibilities. Each change involved learning a lot in a short time and adapting to new situations. Over time, I understood that professional growth often comes with a certain discomfort and that it's worth facing those challenges
What has been your greatest achievement, and what did it mean to you?
My greatest achievement has been building a career in an industry I am passionate about. Having come this far confirmed to me that perseverance and the desire to learn eventually open up opportunities. It's a source of pride, but also a motivation to continue growing
The Legacy
Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Surely with family and children
How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as a good person, someone they could trust, who was always willing to help
If you had to give someone a life lesson, what would it be?
To never stop learning and not be afraid to search. Many of the best opportunities appear when one dares to do things that initially generate uncertainty. And, above all, to enjoy the journey, because growth is also in the process, not just the goal
What question have you never been asked in an interview that you'd like to answer?
.
Which industry colleague would you like to see answering this interview?
Daniel Magariños