Five Questions with Playstation’s Ben Narramore

Ben Narramore
Director of Global Service Operations
PlayStation
linkedin.com/in/bennarramore/

What are the attributes that got you where you are now?

It’s important to be able to think strategically and develop long-term plans that align with the overall goals of the organization. This may involve analyzing data, identifying trends, and making decisions based on a deep understanding of the industry and market. Also, you need to be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including executives, employees, and external partners. This may involve delivering presentations, writing reports, and negotiating deals, among other tasks. Another attribute that has contributed to my success is my flexibility. It has allowed me to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to new challenges and opportunities. A flexible leader is able to adjust their plans and strategies as needed to achieve their goals, even if unexpected obstacles or changes arise.  Flexibility in leadership is important for fostering creativity and innovation. When leaders are flexible and open-minded, they can encourage their team members to share new ideas and take risks without fear of failure. This can lead to breakthrough innovations and improved performance.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to enter the market?

The game industry is highly competitive, so it’s important to have a strong skill set that aligns with the roles you are interested in. For example, if you’re interested in game development, you may want to focus on learning programming languages, game engines, and 3D modeling tools. If you’re interested in game design, you may want to develop skills in writing, storytelling, and game mechanics.

Pre-workday, what is your morning ritual?

I like to take a few minutes to meditate or practice mindfulness. This helps me reduce stress and increase focus and clarity. This could involve simply sitting quietly and focusing on the day ahead.

What about your job keeps you up at night?

If the PlayStation Network experiences downtime, it can have a significant impact on users and the company as a whole. Ensuring that the network is running smoothly and addressing any issues that arise as quickly and efficiently as possible can be a major responsibility.

Where is there still uncharted territory in the esports space?

While there are already many popular esports titles, I believe there’s room for growth in new games and genres. As the industry continues to evolve, new games may emerge that lend themselves well to competitive play and could help grow the industry further. I also believe Esports fans are passionate and dedicated, and there may be opportunities to further engage and involve them in the industry. This could involve creating new platforms for interaction, offering unique experiences at events, or finding new ways to connect fans with their favorite players and teams.