DARYL HOLT
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER, EA TIBURON STUDIOS AND AMERICAN FOOTBALL, ELECTRONIC ARTS, ORLANDO
Holt has been with Electronic Arts for 20 years. EA employs more than 13,000 worldwide, including 1,000 in Florida. The digital entertainment company develops games, content and online services for internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers. Over the last two decades, Holt’s contributions at EA have increased realism in both simulated visuals and interactivity. Under his leadership, the company has partnered with state universities on talent development initiatives, including scholarships to promote industry inclusion of underrepresented talent.
EDUCATION: Stetson University (BBA)
LISTENING: The All-In Podcast is a go-to weekly discussion that provides a strong dialogue around aspects of technology, investments, economics, business, politics, and the social impacts to the human condition that is grounded in potentially competing viewpoints. I always learn something in a very topical discussion, even if I disagree.
INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Orlando City Mayor Buddy Dyer. I have found Mayor Dyer to be an incredible listener who seeks to understand problems and opportunities first. He is a great collaborator and that dovetails nicely with my own motivational mantra for success to move forward together.
MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: Move forward together. Every day I seek to create something meaningful that starts with respect, values differences, includes diverse perspectives, and drives decisive action to move forward with context – but without fear.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Yes is more. Every day I keep track of how many times I say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as a leader. If I say ‘no’ more, then I’m killing innovation and demotivating people. It’s much easier to say ‘no,’ but the trick is empowering others and finding ways to say ‘yes.’ That doesn’t mean everything is ‘yes’ and we run towards recklessness, but ‘no’ can be never trying and we need to embrace ‘yes’ and strive to build trust and empower a passion to explore, experiment and create.
