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Jennifer Shahade

Professional Poker Player and US Champion Chess Player

Jennifer Shahade unveils the intricacies of strategic thinking and decision-making, seamlessly blending her competitive spirit and insights to inspire and educate on mastering the art of outsmarting opponents in any field.
Whether she's decoding a high-stakes poker hand or exploring the artistic side of chess, Jennifer’s talks are packed with practical tips and fascinating stories, making her lessons invaluable for business, leadership, and growth.
Jennifer's vibrant personality and media-savvy presence make her an unforgettable speaker, leaving audiences to embrace the intellectual thrill of chess and poker.

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Imagine a world where strategy meets art, and intellect breaks through barriers—this is the realm of Jennifer Shahade, a dual champion in chess and poker. As a two-time Global Poker Award winner, she has carved a niche in the competitive poker world. In chess, she stands as a legend and serves on the board of the World Chess Hall of Fame. Her influence extends beyond gaming, as she passionately advocates for education and inclusivity in both chess and poker.

Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities Speakers Bureau, Jennifer Shahade is an engaging and inspiring speaker. Her talks delve into the intricate balance of aggression and patience. While she covers her experiences in chess and poker, she also explores decision-making, negotiation strategies, and the artistic aspects of chess. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of chess literacy among young people and women, sharing stories of female chess champions and addressing critical gender and cultural issues. Her versatile workshops range from research-focused presentations to interactive sessions where participants create art inspired by the history of the chess queen. She also uses real poker hands to illustrate crucial points in finance and negotiation, making complex concepts accessible to beginners.

Jennifer Shahade's accomplishments are a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. She made history in 1998 as the first female to win the U.S. Junior Open, and later won the U.S. Women's Chess Championship in 2002 and 2004. She also earned a silver medal representing United States at the Chess Olympiad. Jennifer is the co-founder of 9 Queens and has coached and mentored thousands of young people through her work in chess.

A PokerStars Pro, Shahade has won poker tournaments all over the World, from Prague to Las Vegas. She holds a degree in comparative literature from New York University, and she is the author of many books, including CHESS QUEENS, PLAY LIKE A GIRL, PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION and THINKING SIDEWAYS. Her writing has been featured in prominent publications such as the Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times and MSNBC.

The Checkmate Mindset: Strategic Thinking for Everyday Success. Jennifer Shahade demonstrates how the principles of chess can lead to better decisions in everyday life and business, even for those who aren't expert players. She delves into the cognitive benefits of strategic thinking, offering practical tips and insights on how to anticipate challenges, weigh options, and make thoughtful decisions. This engaging talk equips you with the tools to approach life's decisions with the clarity and foresight of a chess master.

Thinking Sideways: Decision Making in Chess & Poker. Jennifer Shahade explains how great mental athletes excel in lateral thinking: looking at more options than their opponents and analyzing them more precisely. Learn about how mental athletes memorize their strategies, and how they combine their strengths to find their best selves. She draws from examples in sports, games and business to show how you can use this type of thinking in your own life and work.

Poker-Faced Negotiations: Playing Your Cards Right. Jennifer Shahade uses real poker hands to illustrate key issues in finance and negotiation. She breaks down complex strategies from the world’s top players, making them accessible to newcomers. Learn how to read the room, manage risks, and know when to hold or fold in negotiations. This talk equips you with practical negotiation tactics that can be applied in both personal and professional settings.

Art, Chess, and Marcel Duchamp: The Intersection of Strategy and Creativity. In "Art, Chess, and Marcel Duchamp," Jennifer Shahade explores the fascinating intersection of chess and art, focusing on the chess-related works of artist Marcel Duchamp. She delves into how Duchamp’s chess career influenced his art and vice versa, offering a unique perspective on the game’s cultural impact. This talk is perfect for those interested in the confluence of intellectual pursuits and artistic expression.

Chess Queens: Breaking the Glass Board. "Chess Queens" charts the progress of female chess champions, intertwining Jennifer Shahade’s personal story with broader gender and cultural debates. This workshop can be tailored to different formats, from a research-focused talk to an art-centric session where participants create feminist art based on the history of the chess queen. Drawing from her book, Chess Queens, Jennifer addresses issues like sexualization, harassment, and stereotype threat, inspiring a new generation of players and advocates.

All-In on Inclusivity. In this inspiring talk, Jennifer Shahade explains the importance of spreading chess literacy, especially among young people and women. Using a mix of video, art, and data, she showcases the cognitive and social benefits of chess, advocating for its inclusion in education and community programs. Jennifer’s passionate presentation highlights how chess can empower individuals and create more inclusive, strategic thinkers.

The Queen’s Gambit and Chess 101. This interactive workshop inspired by the hit Netflix series, uses the show's captivating storyline, along with other sources, to teach chess basics in an engaging and accessible way. Whether you're new to the game or looking to brush up on your skills, this workshop provides a fun and educational introduction to chess, making it easy for anyone to start their strategic journey.