Maurice Ashley: From Checkmate to Success: Life Lessons On and Off the Chessboard

In this episode of the Healthy, Wealthy, and Smart podcast, Dr. Karen Litzy enjoyed speaking with the incredible Maurice Ashley, an international chess grandmaster, analyst, commentator, motivational speaker, author, and Hall of Fame inductee. Maurice shared his journey from learning chess in Jamaica to becoming a grandmaster, emphasizing the importance of the journey over the destination and the value of learning from losses. We delved into the psychological aspects of chess, such as maintaining focus during a game and the necessity of having a coach or a team to hold you accountable. Maurice highlighted the importance of resilience, learning from mistakes, and the danger of complacency.

Additionally, Maurice talked about his new books, "Move by Move: Life Lessons On and Off the Chessboard" and "The Life-Changing Magic of Chess," which cater to both adults and children, respectively.

 

Show notes: 

00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:00:12 - Introducing Guest Maurice Ashley 00:00:42 - Maurice Ashley's Career Highlights 00:01:04 - What is a Chess Grandmaster? 00:02:57 - The Process of Becoming a Grandmaster 00:03:11 - Importance of Beating Top Players 00:04:00 - Maurice's Introduction to Chess 00:06:07 - Learning Chess at Any Age 00:06:43 - Chess Lessons for Life and Business 00:07:22 - Maurice's Book "Move by Move" 00:10:05 - Overcoming Setbacks and Learning from Mistakes 00:13:59 - The Importance of Embracing Mistakes 00:17:00 - Maintaining Focus and Motivation 00:20:27 - The Role of a Coach or Accountability Partner 00:23:32 - The Importance of Having a Supportive Team 00:26:15 - Defining a Winner in Competition 00:29:10 - The Impact of Losing on Competitors 00:32:40 - Learning from Recorded Chess Matches 00:35:25 - Maurice's Books and Where to Find Them 00:38:06 - Upcoming Event with Maurice Ashley 00:40:12 - Key Takeaways from the Conversation 00:42:36 - Advice to 20-Year-Old Self 00:43:09 - Closing Remarks and Podcast Outro

 

More About Maurice Ashley: 

Maurice Ashley (he/him) is a Chess Grandmaster, an ESPN commentator, a three-time national championship coach, and an author. In 1999 he earned the title of Chess Grandmaster, making him the first Black Grandmaster in the game’s history, and in 2016 he was inducted into the US Chess Hall of Fame. He lives in Florida.

 

Resources from this Episode:

Website: https://mauriceashley.com/

YouTube: @GrandmasterMauriceAshley

Twitter: @MauriceAshley

Twitch: @GMAshley

Instagram: @mauriceashleychess

Facebook: Grandmaster Maurice Ashley

 

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