10 PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL • MARCH/APRIL 2024 Leading with Gratitude Matt Strawn Chief Executive Officer, Iowa Lottery PGRI INTERVIEWS PGRI INTRODUCTION: There’s good news and there’s great news. The good news is the Iowa Lottery is continuing its winning streak, piling further increases in sales on top of the high benchmarks set by its record-breaking FY 2023 which closed June 30. Iowa Lottery sales increased to $481.5 million, an 11.3 percent rise from the previous year's total of $432.7 million. Lottery proceeds to good causes increased to $108.2 million, up 10.5 percent from the previous year. The great news is that Matt Strawn is more energized than ever. Diagnosed with cancer in January 2023, Matt underwent intensive treatment and is now happy to have a new lease on life. Recent tests reveal the cancer to be in complete remission. These are exciting times for Matt, for the industry which benefits from his service, and for his family and many friends who are thankful for the grace of God and for Matt’s fortitude in the face of adversity. Matt Strawn is an Iowa native, business entrepreneur, and lawyer whose career in public service and private enterprise includes serving as a senior congressional advisor, leading a minor league professional sports franchise that he helped bring to Des Moines, and co-founding a highly successful public affairs firm. Matt has served as the chief executive officer of the Iowa Lottery since 2019, is on the executive committee of MUSL (Multi-State Lottery Association), and chairs the MUSL Audit Committee. Onward and upward to converting life experiences and adversity into insight. One of the most popular Harvard Business Review features of 2023 adds a new audience to the traditional “B2C” (business to consumer) and “B2B” (business to business) models. That’s “B2H”: business to humans. It’s all about connecting with people and inspiring them to action. The B2H approach breaks down silos and the distinctions between internal and external messaging to tap into the universal principles that motivate all of us to care. That’s what drives performance and results. And that’s what Matt’s story is about. Paul Jason: Let’s start with the great news that the cancer you were diagnosed with last year is in complete remission. How has that whole experience reshaped your attitude toward life? Matt Strawn: My story starts with gratitude, quite frankly. You won’t find a more grateful guy walking the streets of Des Moines, Iowa. I’m grateful to be cancer-free and my amazing medical team for guiding me through this journey. But I couldn’t do it alone. I’m grateful for my deeply-supportive family and friends. Outside of those close networks, I’m thankful for Governor Reynolds, my team at the Iowa Lottery, and the Department of Revenue who gave me the professional flexibility and personal support to overcome this disease. One of the most overwhelming sources of support came from the lottery community, to include close friends in the industry, fellow directors, and individuals I’d barely or never met before. It’s a testament to the character and empathy of the people in our industry. It’s wonderful to hear about that support. And I believe you’re also grateful for the impact that your decision to go public with your diagnosis has had?
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