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Connecting With Gambling Cybersecurity Expert, Melissa Aarskaug

Networking is about building relationships that lead to opportunities. But can you do it on a scale, without being transactional? 

For Melissa Aarskaug, the answer lies in giving and caring first and then asking later. 

As the Global Vice President at Gaming Laboratories International, LLC, Melissa has spent years mastering the art of connecting people in meaningful ways.

She’s also the host of Executive Connect, a podcast that brings together top leaders to discuss strategy, leadership, and growth. 

Beyond her corporate role, she also actively mentors, speaks, and builds executive communities.

Whether it’s in the tech space, gambling industry, or leadership circles, Melissa has a proven track record of fostering connections that drive success. 

In this interview, she shares her mindset and methods for building strong professional networks to help you grow your own practice. 

You have this incredible ability to build meaningful relationships at a scale. I think it’s because you’re not just networking in the traditional sense, but creating real, lasting connections. What’s the mindset behind that? 

Melissa: For me, it's always been – and it will continue to be – about having meaningful relationships, not transactional ones.  

I think in the world we live in today, everything has become transactional. People ask for things before they give but I’ve always approached relationships differently. 

When I meet someone, I don’t think, “What can they do for me?” Instead, I ask, “What do they need?” And then I try to fill that need in a way that builds trust. It could be anything – maybe they need a real estate agent, a cybersecurity expert, or even a babysitter. I focus on where they are and how I can help. 

That’s where collaboration and community come in. I really believe we are all better when we work together, when we lift each other up. 

And this isn’t just about business – it starts with me. 

Every morning, I look at myself and I make sure I’m in a good place mentally and physically, and then that cascades into everything else: my marriage, my kids, my local community, my broader network, and even the work I do across different industries. 

So, I love that you mentioned community because that’s my foundation. I believe in starting with myself, making sure I know my purpose and then expanding outward from there. 

You wear a lot of hats – you work in cybersecurity, host an executive-facing podcast on leadership, and are deeply involved in networking and community building. Is there an intersection between these different areas, or do they serve separate purposes for you? 

Melissa: There's definitely an intersection. You might not think cybersecurity and networking have much in common, but they do. 

Here’s the thing: In cybersecurity, most people don’t prepare until there’s a crisis. They wait until a cyberattack happens, and then suddenly it’s an emergency. But the right approach is to be proactive – have a plan, put safeguards in place, and anticipate what could happen.  

And that’s exactly how I think about life and networking. If you don’t actively build relationships, if you don’t invest in your network, you’re going to find yourself isolated when you actually need help. It’s the same downward spiral – you’re either taking charge of your relationships and opportunities, or you’re letting the world dictate them for you. 

So, I approach both cybersecurity and networking with that mindset. Instead of waiting for things to happen, I make intentional choices. I create meaningful relationships before I need them. I help others before I ask for anything. 

I like to say I provide life hacks to people on things I’ve learned along the way – how I do things and look at the world from a different lens. 

The consultant-client relationship is tricky, since it’s different from the traditional manager-employee dynamic. It’s not quite friendship either. What’s your advice for handling difficult conversations with clients? 

Melissa: It all comes down to relationships. Invest in them before you start needing them. 

When it comes to work, I don’t just think about the project at hand – I take the time to understand people as they are. Are they married? Do they have kids? What are their professional aspirations? What’s happening in their world outside of work? 

That personal investment makes all the difference. 

Because when a client is going through something difficult – maybe they’re overwhelmed, short-tempered, or just acting out of character – you’ll understand the context. And when you have that relationship, you have the leeway to say, “Hey, what’s going on?” or “That didn’t feel right, let’s talk about it.” 

Now, if you don’t have that foundation, it’s harder to have those conversations. If you’ve just met a client and you call them out for being difficult, they’re probably not going to respond well. But if you’ve built trust over time, you have the space to be honest. 

Imagine a C-suite executive who just lost his wife. She handled everything at home – meals, travel arrangements, organization. And now that she’s gone, he’s overwhelmed. He’s suddenly disorganized, short-tempered, and struggling to manage daily life. 

If you understand that, you can step in and help in ways that go beyond the contract. Maybe you introduce him to a great meal delivery service. Maybe you give him travel tips for his next trip because you’ve been there before. It’s the small things that show you care. 

And that’s what really differentiates a great consultant. It’s not just about delivering work – it’s about understanding what your client needs beyond the surface level. That’s what builds long-term relationships, and that’s what leads to success. 

What We Can Learn from Melissa Aarskaug: 

1. The best relationships aren’t transactional. Instead of approaching with an immediate ask, focus on understanding the other or providing value first. Sometimes, the key to lasting business relationships is generosity. 

2. Strong networks are created before they’re needed. Relationships shouldn’t be built in crisis mode. Maintaining meaningful connections through consistent and intentional interaction can mean the difference between thriving as a consultant and scrambling for the next opportunity. 

3. Start with yourself first. Only when you have everything right – including your physical health, mental health, and energy levels – can you start taking care of others. Otherwise, it’s easier to experience burnout and health challenges. 

How Do Consultants Stay Fit?

Consultants, what’s your go-to trick for staying active? 

Keeping up with fitness while consulting can feel impossible – especially if you’re handling admin work on top of your client work as a business of one. 

But this gold mine of a Reddit thread offers some surprisingly practical hacks for those in the trenches of working out.  

The top advice? Make fitness as non-negotiable as your client meetings. 

Now that I’m independent and in control of my calendar, I have my schedule blocked for Pilates – like the Kansas City Chiefs.

@espn

The core strength this must take 🔥😅 (via @Kahley Schiller) #football #nfl #kansascitychiefs #chiefs #kansascity #pilates #workout

I know others who have done these things: 

• Doing hotel room workouts (think bodyweight exercises or resistance bands) 

• Using travel time to walk or stretch 

• Prioritizing nutrition over fast food 

• Scheduling workouts like client calls 

• Finding a gym near the office or hotel 

These people are in great physical and mental shape. 

I’ve never been one of them. But now, I’m making it a priority. 

Remember, the path to success is paved with continuous learning and embracing fresh perspectives.

Let's stay connected, share ideas, and elevate your consulting business.

Stay curious, friends.

The 2×2 is brought to you by Keenan Reid Strategies

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