Gamechangers for Life & Leadership

A Note from the CEO

In chess, every move matters. Literally. One move can flip the entire game on its head. Every decision you make isn’t just about what’s happening right now—it’s about anticipating what’s coming next. At Queenside Ventures, we call this way of thinking the chess scale. It’s not just a tool for winning on the board; it’s a strategy for making better decisions in life.

Here’s how it works: Picture a line with two ends. One end is the best possible move your opponent can make—the one that pushes you the hardest. The other end is the worst move—an error that gives you an edge. We teach our players to always prepare for that best move. Why? Because if you’re ready for the hardest challenge, every other move will feel easier to handle. But this concept isn’t just for chess—it’s for life.

When we’re faced with tough decisions, we need to recognize all the potential outcomes. What’s the best-case scenario? What’s the worst? How can you prepare for both? The more you plan and prepare, the more resilient and confident you become. It’s not about trying to predict the future—it’s about being ready no matter what happens.

Life, like chess, will always throw surprises your way. But when you’ve trained for every possibility, you’re ready to respond with clarity and confidence. That’s the power of the chess scale.

Quote of the Week

"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat." – Sun Tzu, author of The Art of War

Coming Up in the Pod

Championing Women in Sports Media with Jamie Mittelman

In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Mittelman, founder of Flame Bears, a media company dedicated to amplifying the voices of elite women athletes, particularly Olympians and Paralympians. We explore the power of representation in sports media, the ongoing challenges female athletes face, and tangible ways to foster a more equitable sports landscape.

Puzzle Solution:

Qf7+

Ke4, Qg6# (mate coming your way!)