"When Did You Realize Chess Could Be Used to Help People?"

A Note from the CEO

That was the question I was asked on a podcast last week, and it made me pause for a moment. I’ve been asked many things about chess before—how I got started, my favorite opening, how I handle high-pressure games—but this question hit differently. It made me reflect on something I’ve known for a long time but hadn’t put into words:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve seen chess as more than just a game. To me, it’s always been a powerful tool—a framework for empowerment, problem-solving, and leadership.

This belief is what led me to found Queens Gambit when I was just a teenager. At the time, my goal was simple yet ambitious: to ensure that young people, especially those in underserved communities, had access to the game of chess and all the incredible benefits that come with learning it. Critical thinking, strategic planning, resilience—these aren’t just skills for the chessboard; they’re life skills. Queens Gambit became a way to introduce chess to a new generation and help them build a foundation for success both on and off the board.

But as with any great game, things evolve. One move leads to another, and soon, you find yourself playing a whole new strategy. That’s how Queenside Ventures came to be—an extension of the original mission, with a broader focus on using chess as a model for leadership development, business strategy, and innovation. What started as a simple idea has grown into something I could have never imagined.

And what a year it’s been for Queenside Ventures! We’ve had the honor of working with incredible clients and partners, helping organizations see how chess-inspired thinking can transform teams, foster leadership, and amplify impact. To keep you in the loop on our journey, we’ve added a blog section to our website, where we’ll share some of our most exciting stories. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll find:

• Client Success Story: Queenside Ventures partners with the Cleveland Browns to integrate chess into their leadership development program.

• Client Success Story: How The Forbes Funds amplified its impact through our intergenerational leadership model.

• Recognition: Queenside Founder & CEO named to Forbes 30 Under 30.

And that’s just the beginning. We’re excited to continue growing, learning, and, most importantly, playing the game with purpose. We’re calling this section "Playing Queenside"—a nod to the bold, strategic moves we make when we push boundaries and challenge traditional thinking. Because at Queenside, we believe in playing the long game, staying ahead of the curve, and always keeping the endgame in mind.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just discovered us, we’re grateful to have you here. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and successes. The board is set, and we’re ready to make our next move.

Quote of the Week

“All I want to do, ever, is play chess.” - Bobby Fischer, The G.O.A.T of Chess

We’ve Got Merch!

Shop Queenside

Check out our new merch line, now available at Queenside Ventures Store! From stylish apparel to unique accessories, our collection is designed to inspire and empower. Each piece reflects the essence of leadership, strategy, and community. Visit the store today and find the perfect addition to your wardrobe!

Coming Up in the Pod

Season 3 OUT NOW! Breaking Barriers in PR: Candice Nicole on Purpose, Innovation, and Empowerment

In this episode, we’re hanging out with the powerhouse herself, Candice Nicole—a multi-award-winning publicist and founder of Candice Nicole Public Relations. Candice gets real about her journey in PR, dropping gems on storytelling, entrepreneurship, and how visibility is the ultimate game-changer in the PR world.

We have some pretty exciting guests lined up including former CEO of the Obama Foundation Dave Simas…it’s a season you don’t want to miss!

Puzzle Solution:

Qh4+, Kg8

d7 (keep pushing for the queen me!), fxg3+

Qxg3, Qd2

Qb8+