10 Women Rising in Gaming
Julia Weygandt
Company, position: Zelda Global Limited, Director, Advisor, Consultant, Public Speaker
Hometown: Herford, Germany
What was your first job in the gaming industry? Did you have previous experience in other industries? What drew you to gaming?
My first role in the gaming industry (also my first job right after school) was as an apprentice with the Gauselmann Group, the largest gaming company in Germany. At the time, I had little knowledge of the industry itself—what drew me in initially was the company’s reputation as one of the biggest employers in my region and the strength of their apprenticeship program.
The program was designed to provide hands-on experience across multiple departments including finance, HR, sales, customer support, development and technology. This gave me a 360-degree understanding of how a global gaming company operates and allowed me to see first-hand how diverse, innovative and fast-moving the industry is.
That early exposure sparked my passion for this industry. I realized very quickly that it was a sector full of opportunities, no matter the vertical or geography. Because of the Gauselmann Group’s international footprint, I decided to go to university and study international business management but kept a strong focus on gaming. I continued to build my expertise through internships in the industry and even wrote my bachelor thesis about the German regulation. Looking back, it was the perfect entry point—it gave me both breadth and clarity on where I wanted to focus my career.
What do you like about working in gaming? What is it about the industry that keeps you engaged? What is unique about it?
What excites me about gaming is its dynamic and global nature. It’s a truly international industry, shaped by constant evolution—whether through M&A activity, new technologies, emerging markets or changing regulations. It’s never static and that means there’s always an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.
Over the last 15 plus years, I’ve seen the industry transform multiple times. What keeps me engaged is this mix of innovation and challenge. Every day is different, and the pace ensures that you’re always at the cutting edge of business, technology and customer experience.
What personality traits do you possess that help you in this industry?
I would describe myself as driven, curious and resilient. I have a strong hunger to learn and grow and I see challenges – or even failures – not as setbacks but as opportunities to develop and adapt.
I’m also very much a doer. I have a “get things done” attitude and take pride in turning ideas into action. At the same time, I always keep the bigger picture in mind, ensuring that projects and initiatives are aligned across teams and with the overall strategy. That balance between execution and alignment has been critical in driving results in a fast-paced industry like gaming.
Another important trait for me is empathy. Gaming is a people-driven industry at its core – whether you’re working with colleagues, regulators or customers, understanding different perspectives and building trust are key to long-term success. Connected to this, I place strong focus on giving back the support I’ve received throughout my career. Mentorship has played a huge role in my own development and I make it a priority to mentor and support others in the same way, helping them navigate challenges and grow within the industry.
Do you have any resource recommendations/suggestions for other people who desire a career in gaming?
The first step is to decide which vertical and function you’re most passionate about, because gaming is such a broad ecosystem. There are opportunities in commercial, operations, marketing, compliance, regulation, technology, and many more areas – each with its own career path.
Once you’ve identified your area of interest, immerse yourself in the industry. Read trade publications, follow blogs, listen to podcasts and engage with industry associations. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, reach out to people and learn directly from professionals in the field. Networking is a powerful tool in this industry and building genuine connections can often open doors that formal applications cannot.
How do/did you overcome adversity in the industry?
For me, adversity has always been part of the learning process. The gaming industry moves quickly and comes with unique challenges, so it’s important to view obstacles as opportunities to grow rather than barriers.
I’ve relied heavily on mentorship and a trusted professional network – people I can turn to for advice, perspective and encouragement. Having that support system has been invaluable. At the same time, I always return to my personal values and priorities. Staying true to myself, keeping perspective on what matters most and remaining adaptable have been key to navigating challenges successfully.
