Queenside Dispatch #37

Opening Move: Controlling the Center

In chess, every strong game starts with one thing: control of the center. That’s where influence begins. It’s not about rushing or showing power - it’s about positioning yourself so that every move that follows has purpose. When you control the center, you create space to think, to observe, to respond with intention.

That principle applies far beyond the board. Whether it’s business, leadership, or conversation, “controlling the center” means guiding the exchange with clarity and curiosity. It means knowing when to lead, when to listen, and how to create balance between the two.

I was reminded of that last night while serving as a community mentor for students. At my table, I found myself saying something that got a few funny looks: “People like to talk about themselves - and that’s not a bad thing.”

Here’s what I mean: when someone tells their story, they’re not just sharing it with others - they’re also processing it themselves. They’re discovering new meaning in their own journey. And when we listen, really listen, we don’t just learn about that person; we start to see parts of ourselves reflected back.

Networking, like chess, is a game of thoughtful moves. It’s less about impressing someone and more about being intentional - asking the questions that go beyond surface-level small talk and get to who someone really is and what drives them.

So before you enter your next room, take a moment to study the board. Do your research. Be prepared. Let curiosity lead. The best connections happen when you create space for honest conversation - when you control the center not by dominating, but by staying grounded and engaged. That’s where real strategy begins.

From the Board: The Ruy López – The Art of Preparation

In chess, the Ruy López is a quiet kind of power. It’s one of the oldest and most deeply studied openings - centuries of thought built into a few simple moves. It’s not about quick wins or flashy tactics. It’s about patience, structure, and the long game.

The Ruy López teaches us that success often starts long before the first visible breakthrough. It’s in the preparation. It’s the willingness to think ahead, anticipate responses, and build a position that can adapt to almost anything. Every move is purposeful, not reactive. Every decision strengthens the foundation for what comes next.

Leadership works the same way. The most effective leaders aren’t the ones chasing the loudest opportunities. They’re the ones who take time to study the board, understand the patterns, and prepare for what others overlook. Preparation doesn’t mean hesitation; it means clarity. It’s knowing why you’re moving, not just how.

So as you plan your next project, conversation, or decision this week, ask yourself: Am I preparing with intention - or just playing the next move that looks good?

Dispatch Drop: Get Real About Your Wealth

Season 4 of Queen Me continues to spotlight changemakers who lead with courage, creativity, and conviction. Next up: Redefining Wealth with Love: Jennifer Love on Purpose, Healing, and Legacy

In this episode of Queen Me, we are joined by Jennifer Love, celebrated entrepreneur, money therapist, and CEO of the Livewell Institute. With more than 25 years in the C-suite, Jennifer has guided mission-driven leaders to redefine wealth, align with true purpose, and create legacies rooted in love and gratitude.

Jennifer shares her unconventional journey - from childhood imprints and scaling multimillion-dollar companies to exiting her own chocolate brand - and how she transformed wounds into wisdom. She unpacks the emotional roots of leadership, the dangers of the hustle trap, and the transformative power of gratitude and boundaries in building a fulfilling life.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Five Moves Ahead: Mastering Strategic Patience

In chess, timing is everything. The best players know that not every strong position requires an immediate strike. Sometimes, the most powerful move is the one you don’t make yet.

The same applies to leadership. In a world that glorifies urgency, great leaders distinguish themselves through restraint (i.e. the ability to pause, reflect, and prepare before acting). Strategic patience isn’t passivity; it’s precision. It’s the discipline to align intention with timing.

Here are five moves to help you practice it:

1. Pause before reacting.

When tension rises or opportunities appear, take a breath. Even a brief moment of reflection can turn instinct into insight.

2. Study the full board.

Before committing to a direction, gather context. Who’s affected? What are the unseen variables? The broader your view, the sharper your move.

3. Scenario-plan your next steps.

Map out possible outcomes - not just the best case, but the realistic and the risky. Preparation transforms waiting into strategy.

4. Treat rest as performance.

Stillness isn’t wasted time. It’s recovery, clarity, recalibration. The pause between moves is often where the next idea is born.

5. Revisit your intentions regularly.

Patience without purpose becomes stagnation. Return to your “why” to make sure your restraint serves direction, not doubt.

Strategic patience isn’t about doing less - it’s about doing what matters better. In chess and in life, the real advantage belongs to those who know when to wait.

Queen’s Corner: Expanding Chess-Based Leadership Across Sports

Over the past few years, we’ve seen something remarkable happen. When athletes train their minds with the same discipline they bring to physical performance, everything changes. Confidence deepens. Decision-making sharpens. Teams begin to communicate with clarity instead of chaos.

That is the power of chess-based leadership development. And it works.

What began as a program for youth and community leaders has grown into a model that strengthens athletes, coaches, and entire organizations. From locker rooms to front offices, chess has become our framework for building teams that think strategically and lead with purpose.

Every sport relies on strategy, adaptability, and mental endurance. Chess develops those skills in a focused and practical way. It helps athletes slow down in fast environments, anticipate the next move, and stay composed under pressure.

At Queenside Ventures, we are expanding this model because we have seen the results firsthand. Athletes think differently. Coaches teach more intentionally. Organizations begin to value strategic awareness as much as skill.

We are now partnering with teams, leagues, and organizations that want to bring chess-based leadership to their culture. If you are ready to elevate how your athletes think, lead, and perform, we would love to connect.