La Fleur’s Magazine’s web series—Quote of the Week—features interviews with lottery directors about what’s ahead for their organizations in fiscal 2023. We will feature a different director each week. This week we are spotlighting Paul Erickson, President & CEO, Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC).
What’s ahead for your lottery in FY23?
“We’re embarking on the start of a new four-year strategic plan, that includes sub-strategies for Product and Retail, but also sets the organization on a path to enhance our analytic capabilities to support data-driven decision making, to increase the relevance of our portfolio of products, to leverage player and brand strategies to enhance the player experience, to grow our people and culture, and finally to enable improved business agility and outcomes by enhancing technology and improving business operation.
On top of that, we’re also addressing some technical debt, primarily related to aging infrastructure. And, with our regional colleagues from across the country, in September we’re introducing enhancements to a national game that’s been in the market for 40 years, Lotto 6/49.”
What book are you currently reading?
“I just finished reading Mark Messier’s book. For those who may not be hockey fans, he captained two NHL teams to Stanley Cup Championships, which is a remarkable accomplishment. Although it’s framed as a memoir, he really speaks to lessons learned about leadership that are useful to any leader, whether in sport, business, or other. There are some funny anecdotes, but what I liked most was that he acknowledges when he made mistakes and what he learned from them.”
Where do you plan to vacation in the next six months?
“A few shorter trips lie ahead, starting with some camping planned this summer, which will include hiking and kayaking. In addition, my wife will join me on a trip to Nashville for the NASPL Directors Meeting, where we’ll spend a few extra days, and then we’ll be moving one of my children back to Montreal to begin second year university studies at McGill.”