Lawrence spent three years working for a global high-tech firm, where constant change and unnecessary pressure took their toll. Despite the challenges, a shared sense of camaraderie helped him through. But when the company eventually decided it no longer needed him, Lawrence found himself at a turning point.
By then, he had already spent 12 years running Wotan Games as a hobby, using it as a creative outlet alongside his corporate career. Losing his job gave him the opportunity to reconsider what he wanted from working life. Rather than return to an environment that had left him feeling drained, he chose to focus his energy on something he genuinely enjoyed and believed had value.
For Lawrence, discovering the Rebel Business School through LinkedIn helped him find a community that aligned with his values. It gave him confidence that he had found the right place to take his next steps, surrounded by people who understood the challenges of starting something new.
Running Wotan Games is demanding work. Lawrence admits that he works just as hard as before, and in some ways harder. The difference is that his efforts now go towards something he enjoys and sees real value in.
“Now I work just as hard, more so in a number of ways, but focused on something that I really enjoy and see the value in.”
With Wotan Games, Lawrence wants to help aspiring game designers fulfil their ambitions of getting a game published. His business creates an opportunity for people to take an idea they care about and turn it into something that others can enjoy.
“A chance to help others fulfil their dreams of having a game published and getting it into the hands of people who will have a screaming riot of fun playing them.”
His experience reflects an important part of starting a business: success is not just about earning money. It can also mean building a working life around your values and creating something that has a positive impact on other people.
Rebel’s emphasis on helping people take practical steps towards self-employment gave Lawrence a way to explore that possibility and move towards a future shaped by his own ambitions.
Lawrence’s ambitions for Wotan Games go beyond publishing board games. They reflect the kind of life he wants to create for his family and the wider community.
“I want my family to not worry about having a starter when we go out, or an extra drink.”
Financial security matters, but so does the opportunity to do work that feels worthwhile. Lawrence wants to build a business that gives people more opportunities to connect with one another.
“I want people to not be stuck in front of screens wishing to have a few mates around a table having a laugh, or families trying to think of an excuse to get together other than burying someone.”
Through Wotan Games, Lawrence hopes to make those shared experiences more accessible, while helping other people realise their own creative ambitions.
