What's your leadership style?

A Note from the CEO

I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership styles lately.

As CEOs, we get asked a common question: “What leadership style are you?” It’s a question that often makes me pause, because the best leaders aren’t confined to one singular style.

Every leadership approach has its own set of challenges. And if you look closely, each leader often embodies a combination of these styles, sometimes without even realizing it. 

For me, chess has taught me a lot about my own leadership style. You might think it’s obvious - chess players must be all about strategic leadership. And, yes, I gravitate toward this style. I love the art of crafting plans, visualizing the big picture, and thinking several steps ahead. It’s the essence of the game: anticipating your opponent’s moves, carefully considering each decision, and adjusting your tactics when necessary.

But as I’ve reflected on my journey as both a chess player and a leader, I’ve realized that decisive leadership is just as critical. In chess, you can’t afford to hesitate. Quick decisions are often required, whether you're in the middle of a match or managing a fast-moving project. Decisive leadership means being confident in your choices, trusting your judgment, and acting swiftly. It’s a reminder that sometimes, in both chess and life, the ability to make bold decisions can be just as important as the ability to plan.

As I continue my leadership journey, I’ve come to recognize that the best leaders embody a mixture of these styles—and more. From adaptive leadership, where flexibility and quick thinking come into play, to analytical leadership, which breaks down complex challenges into actionable pieces, we see how different leadership qualities interconnect. A good leader doesn’t rely on just one approach—they adapt, shift gears, and lead with a blend of skills that respond to what the moment demands.

That’s what I’ve learned from chess. The game teaches you to think in layers, to play not just one move ahead, but to constantly adjust based on what’s unfolding on the board. 

In the same way, leadership isn’t just about having one style or approach; it’s about knowing when to pivot, when to take risks, and when to slow down and think strategically.

Chess offers us a unique framework for leadership. Every piece on the board, from the pawn to the queen, has its role to play. Just like every team member in an organization, each person brings a different skill set, style, and perspective to the table. The magic happens when those styles come together—when each player leads in their own way, but works toward a common goal.

xx,

Ashley Lynn Priore

Quote of the Week

“No matter how much you've done or how successful you've been, there's always more to do, always more to learn, and always more to achieve.” - 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama

Coming Up in the Pod

Crafting Careers & Communications with Compassion: A Conversation with Michelle Reardon

In this inspiring episode of Queen Me!, we sit down with Michelle Reardon, Head of Communications at National Veterinary Associates (NVA). Michelle shares her dynamic career journey—spanning government, corporate, and nonprofit communications—and offers invaluable insights on leadership, mentorship, and navigating the evolving veterinary care industry. From serving as press secretary for a governor to leading communications at major companies like Campbell Soup, Michelle’s story highlights the power of storytelling, adaptability, and intentional career design.

Puzzle Solution:

Ne6+ (attack), Kf6

Bxc2 (capture), Rc8

Bb3 (protect)