Ysrael Ampuero Cárdenas - Product Manager LATAM at Novomatic
Ysrael Ampuero Cárdenas – Product Manager LATAM, Novomatic
Little could have predicted, amid the legal texts and the pages of the journal he helped edit at the Facultad de Derecho of the Universidad Católica de Santa María, that Ysrael Ampuero Cárdenas’s path would ultimately turn toward commercial and technological management. Years later, that initial formative step found a complementary bridge in Business Administration, sealing a crossroads where the analytical rigor of the law merged with strategic business vision. Two key geographies coexist across his career: Peru and Colombia. On Andean soil, he learned to decode what players expected in front of a cabinet while analyzing operations for IGT. Later, based in Bogotá, he served as General Manager of Colinktek, an online connection systems provider for gaming venues, and of Participaciones del Pacífico, subsequently taking on operations and sales management for Zitro. That comprehensive outlook, spanning everything from technical infrastructure to on-floor product reception, converges today in his role as Product Manager for Novomatic Latam at Crown Gaming. Yet, this professional journey takes on a deeper meaning when a less visible facet comes to light: his uninterrupted involvement since 1995 in the youth program of the Clubes de Leones, dedicated to social and community projects. In this conversation for Más que un Juego, we set aside performance metrics and product presentations to make room for the life experiences, pauses, and everyday lessons that define Ysrael.
The Origin
Where were you born?
There are places that mark a country's history and our own personal history as well… I was born in the white city of Arequipa, in southern Perú. I am a proud Arequipeño; being in my homeland recharges my energy, and walking its history-filled streets makes me remember my own as well.
If you could walk today through the neighborhood where you grew up as a child, what would you remember?
Happy childhood memories that shaped my life. My neighborhood friends, endless hours of carefree games, neighbors at their windows watching us laugh, and the joy of running and playing without ever thinking anyone could harm us. There are memories that leave a mark on you, friends who stay in your memory, and moments that will always live in your heart.
If you could turn back time to those years, what would you like to be doing?
Hahahahaha… I would definitely be playing; knocking on my friends' doors to head to the park or go ride bikes…
What part of that child is still present in your life today?
That part that still believes in people and still expects a lot from them…
What did that child dream of doing for a living when they grew up?
I wanted to be everything… for a while I wanted to be a doctor, at another point a firefighter, once I wanted to be a journalist; but I also strongly envisioned myself as a member of the Marina de Guerra… I think I never thought of being a lawyer.
Professional Journey
What was your first paid job?
Super formal; I think it was a casino… where my whole journey in this industry began. I remember exactly how much I was paid and what I did with every part of my first paycheck… at that moment I thought it was a ton of money and that I was ready to buy the whole world… it didn't take long to realize it was barely enough for anything…
What was your first job in the betting/gambling industry?
I was a cashier at a casino in the city where I lived and studied. I built a career there, started to understand how this business works, and what people find and enjoy in that space.
What do you enjoy most about this industry?
That nothing is set in stone, everything is so dynamic, and the changes reinvent this industry overnight. For me, there is no way to get bored in an industry that changes day in and day out.
What trends will shape the future of betting over the next 5 years?
For me, there are three strategic forces: politics, generational divides, and digitalization. The political and regulatory factor will determine market expansion and competitive conditions. Generational divides will demand different value propositions; while some will continue choosing the retail experience, younger generations prioritize immediacy and flexibility. Online gaming and sports betting will keep growing, driven by mobile technology and digital payments that build trust among more people.
What concerns you most about problem gambling?
The lack of information on this topic and how regulators handle it. I feel there isn't adequate awareness and nobody talks about the effort this industry makes to control problem gambling and establish responsible controls. I'm concerned that the jobs created and the taxes paid are dismissed because of poor management or inadequate information regarding problem gambling control.
If you had to choose one boss who shaped your professional journey, who would it be?
I recognize three; I wouldn't pick just one because I couldn't be unfair to them, to the things I learned, and to their contribution to my professional development. Thanks to them, my career path evolved, I lost my fear, and I discovered new skills… Thanks to them, I understood that you must always be the best and that you can give people space; but there are moments and circumstances to act firmly and choose the right position, even when that sets you apart from those people. I am sure that when they read these lines, they will know who they are and feel that their influence helped transform my professional story.
What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
To always be the one who decides… to breathe and evaluate calmly… not to rush, and to put my personal touch on everything.
If you had to sum up your leadership philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
You have to listen, learn from others, and always make sure that the results achieved make us feel proud.
What do you value most in a job, beyond salary?
I love this question… I value freedom and trust in my knowledge and talent. I value having my voice heard and taken into account. I value a place where I can be myself, my ideas, and the possibility of making things better. A place where I can create something new and have others keep running with it… that attracts me and wins me over.
If you hadn't worked in this industry, what other profession would you have liked to pursue?
Definitely a great communicator; one of those journalists who shape public opinion with their ideas and know how to convince you. And of course, an excellent and brilliant member of my country's Marina de Guerra.
Quick-Fire
A book you'd recommend?
My Sweet Orange Tree
A movie that stayed with you?
Life Is Beautiful
A favorite meal?
Rice with a fried egg
Wine or beer?
None
A place in the world to live?
Anywhere by the beach
A dream still on your list?
Visiting a place with my mom
A hobby or passion outside of work?
My Club de Leones
Someone you admire?
Margaret Thatcher
Working from the office or from home?
Office
A beach day or a day in the countryside?
Beach
Employee or entrepreneur?
Employee
Are leaders made or born?
Both
Family & Friends
If your parents had to describe you without mentioning your job title or achievements, what would they say about you?
My mom would say I'm the best son... I think she would describe me as a good person and one hundred percent dedicated to my family... My dad would just say he's proud of who I am.
How would your friends describe you?
As someone who can't be missing from the group. The one who shares everything he has and finds time and strength out of nowhere. The one who starts something and doesn't always finish it. The most excited about everything and everyone.
Who is the person who still dares to tell you "you're wrong" when everyone else says yes?
There are two... one is my mom, who obviously sees further and thinks ahead and tells it to me straight, can change some ideas with a single word, and is capable of spotting my doubts no matter how small or elementary they may be. There's another one who appeared along this career path and unexpectedly became my conscience and my grounding force. She's the one who applauds my achievements the least because she knows my talent; but she's always by my side to make me see that not everything I do is right.
How much has your family influenced you being where you are today?
They are completely responsible for what I've achieved... they never held me back, they never imposed anything on me, and they've always respected my decisions. My family is the center of my life.
Who is someone, far away or no longer physically here, that you'd like to hug? What would you say to them?
To my grandparents; they were the best. Always by my side, their example of courage, respect, and manners set boundaries at many points in my life; just one look or a gesture and I understood how I should do things or behave. I feel like I'm an extension of my grandfather's politeness and my grandmother's affection. I don't know if a thank you is enough, but a hug would do.
Successes and Failures
What would you say to your younger self who was struggling or close to giving up at some point?
I would encourage him, of course... now I know what I'm going to achieve, so I'd tell him to keep going, not to leave things half-done, to bet more and put more into it. I'd remind him that everything will come with an effort, but that in the end he'll achieve everything, or almost everything, he imagined.
What was the toughest decision you made in your career, and what did you learn from it?
Up to now, there isn't anything so difficult that I could pinpoint specifically. I could say that every job change, every new position is hard until you get to know it and start getting into the groove. What I learned is not to cling to something or someone.
What has been your greatest achievement, and what did it mean to you?
My bosses, both current and former, should answer this question. I'd say adapting to the different markets I've had to work in, proving in these different spaces that my experience delivered what they expected and what they needed for success. Earning their trust in my talent and experience.
The Legacy
Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
In this industry... more established, leading projects and teams regionally, sharing my experience. I see myself as someone who has managed to keep his feet on the ground, show confidence, and leave a mark on the people and organizations I've worked with.
How would you like to be remembered?
With gratitude. The best way to remember someone is with respect for what they did and what we achieved together. It would be great if they remember me for the conversations about their problems, their expectations, and what my contribution was and how useful my work was. It would be even better if they remember me as a good professional and a good person.
If you had to give someone a life lesson, what would it be?
You have to believe, you have to be confident in your role and your ability. If I don't believe in who I am and what I can do myself... it's pointless, because others won't believe in me either.
What question have you never been asked in an interview that you'd like to answer?
I've never been asked for a reason to stop working in this industry or to stop doing what I do.
Which industry colleague would you like to see answering this interview?
I'm sure she won't like it... without a doubt: Katty Lopez