Pressure doesn’t mean panic.

A Note from the CEO

Last week, I found myself in a tough chess match that came down to the wire. My opponent had two bishops against my rook and pawn. With just minutes left on the clock, that familiar feeling set in - the urge to move quickly, react fast, and hope for the best.

But in moments of pressure, whether in chess or leadership, impulsivity can be our greatest enemy (several leaders I’ve worked with have shared that their greatest challenge is managing their impulsivity). 

Instead of making a rushed move, I took a deep breath and searched for my opponent’s weak link. It turned out to be a trapped knight - seemingly stuck but still serving a purpose: protecting a pawn. After careful calculation and adaptability, I found a way to attack the knight, force it to retreat, and capture the pawn. That one strategic decision shifted the position in my favor.

The lesson? Even when faced with chaos, we must resist the temptation to act without thinking. 

Pressure doesn’t mean panic—it’s an opportunity to pause, assess, and make the right move.

xx,

Ashley Lynn Priore

Quote of the Week

“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success." -Napoleon Hill, Self-Help Author (who probably loved chess)

Coming Up in the Pod

From Plush to Power: Coral Reynolds on Leadership, Legacy & Work-Life Balance

In this episode, we sit down with Coral Reynolds, President of Fiesta Plush, as she shares her path from customer service to company leadership, navigating challenges in the toy industry, and finding balance between ambition and personal fulfillment.

Puzzle Solution:

gxf4

Bxf4, Nxf4+ (now a winning position!)