“These boys think they can beat me. They can’t.”

A Note from the CEO

When I was 7 years old, I was interviewed by a local newspaper about my journey as a competitive chess player. The reporter asked what I felt like playing against boys, and I didn’t hold back. 

“These boys think they can beat me. They can’t.” 

At the time, I didn’t realize how much playing competitive chess taught me about gender inequalities on and off the chess board. Going to chess tournaments and being the only young woman out of 200 people has a huge impact on how you see and interact with the world. 

Today, there are still significant gender disparities at the highest levels of competitive chess. For example, in the January 2022 World Chess Federation's (FIDE) Top 100 players list, only one or two female players were present. 

How can we change this? 

Teach young women chess.

Foster safe spaces to learn, play, and promote the game. 

Talk about the successful women chess players across history. 

Chess doesn’t succeed without the queen. Literally. 

xx, 

Ashley Lynn Priore 

Quote of the Week

“When men lose against me, they always have a headache ... or things of that kind. I have never beaten a completely healthy man!” - Susan Polgar, Hungarian-American chess grandmaster

Coming Up in the Pod 

Unlocking Your Day: The Power of Morning Routines

In this episode, we discuss the significance of morning routines and how they can set the tone for a successful day. Ashley shares personal insights and three key constants in her morning routine: a good read, a brain workout, and meditation, explaining how each contributes to her daily productivity and mental clarity.

Puzzle Solution: 

Qh8+, Kg5

Qxh5+, Kf6

Qf5# (the Queen reigns supreme!)