How do you balance it all?

A Note from the CEO

Throughout my life - and especially in interviews - I’ve been asked the same question again and again:

“How do you balance everything?”

Boy do I hate that question. 

Generally, it was asked with a smile, but also with an undertone of doubt and a bit of youthism. 

“You’re so involved in so many things. We just want to make sure you have time for this. That you’re not doing too much.”

In other words, they wanted reassurance that I wasn’t just collecting titles or experiences for the sake of it. That I wasn’t overextending myself. That I was serious.

But for as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to a lot. A lot of causes, a lot of people, a lot of opportunities to make a difference. I’ve always wanted to be involved. To create change. To flex that civic muscle every chance I get.

And for some people, that level of passion just doesn’t compute.

They couldn’t believe it. They assumed I had to be disorganized. Scattered. Distracted. But what they didn’t realize is that chess taught me how to move like this.

Chess didn’t just teach me how to multitask - it taught me how to strategically align multiple priorities, read a board with clarity, and lead with intention. Every piece has its purpose. Every move is connected. That’s the mindset I bring into everything I do.

So when people ask how I “do it all,” I tell them this:

I don’t do everything at once. I do everything with purpose.

Because when your mission is clear, your strategy follows.

And if you ever feel questioned or doubted for dreaming big or doing a lot - don’t shrink. Don’t apologize. Don’t quiet your ambition.

Play your game. Make your moves. And let the board speak for itself.

xx,

Ashley Lynn Priore

Quote of the Week

“I thrive on obstacles. If I'm told that it can't be told, then I push harder.” - Issa Rae, American actress, producer, writer, director, New York Times bestselling author…all around QUEEN!

Coming Up in the Pod

Ashley Lamb-Sinclair on Storytelling for Change and Turning Underestimation into Power

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Lamb-Sinclair—award-winning educator, National Geographic Explorer, author, and the visionary behind 2892 Miles to Go. From her days in a Kentucky classroom to the frontlines of education reform and youth-led storytelling, Ashley shares how she’s built a life rooted in purpose, policy, and radical authenticity. This conversation explores what it means to lead from where you are, why stories can shift systems, and how being underestimated might just be your greatest strength.

Puzzle Solution:

Qd1+ (check and secret weapon!), Kc8

Rxf1, Rxf1

Qxf1 (bye Queen!)