Maurice Ashley: Chess Grandmaster

  • First African-American Chess Grandmaster, Analyst, Commentator and Emcee
  • Made history in 1999 when he became the first African-American chess grandmaster
  • Provides dynamic live tournament coverage of world-class chess competitions and matches
  • Shares how chess principles and strategies can be applied to improve business practices and assist with personal growth

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Brooklyn, Brooklyn
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Keynote Topics

Chess is often known as a thinking game. In order to beat your opponent, you must step into their shoes and think about how they would think.

In Maurice’s session, he will show you how to transfer the chess move thought process and adapt that same way of thinking into your own business and life.

This fascinating session will help get your brain thinking in ways you never expected to use.

Though most people are satisfied with aspiring to mastery, chess players aim beyond the merely excellent and seek the level of the highly exceptional.

In this session, allow a world-renowned chess Grandmaster to show you the powerful keys to taking your business and your life into the rarified air that many desire but few ever achieve.

The decision-making process is central to the design and execution of anything. Chess as a guide to the decision making process.

Chess-based guidelines on improving your position that will increase the possibility of success by:

  • Weighing the possibilities and possible outcomes
  • Prioritizing
  • Looking for opportunities and knowing when to stop
  • Using the power of intuition
  • Making the most of your strengths

Maurice Ashley made history in 1999 when he became the first African-American chess grandmaster. He is a three-time national championship coach, author of Chess for Success: Using an Old Game to Build New Strengths in Children and Teens, ESPN commentator, iPhone app designer, puzzle inventor, and motivational speaker. Maurice is well known for providing dynamic live […]

Maurice Ashley made history in 1999 when he became the first African-American chess grandmaster. He is a three-time national championship coach, author of Chess for Success: Using an Old Game to Build New Strengths in Children and Teens, ESPN commentator, iPhone app designer, puzzle inventor, and motivational speaker.

Maurice is well known for providing dynamic live tournament coverage of world-class chess competitions and matches. His high-energy, unapologetic, and irreverent commentary combines Brooklyn street smarts with professional ESPN-style sports analysis. He has covered every class of elite event, including the World Chess Championships, the US Chess Championships, the Grand Chess Tour, and the legendary “man vs. machine” matches between Garry Kasparov and IBM’s Deep Blue.

Maurice Ashley | Motivational Speaker

Traveling the world as an ardent spokesperson for the many character-building effects of chess, Maurice shares how chess principles and strategies can be applied to improve business practices and assist with personal growth. Maurice also acts as a master of ceremonies and inspirational speaker at business conferences and high-class chess events.

Maurice Ashley has received multiple community service awards from city governments, universities, and community groups for his work. In recognition of his immense contribution to the game, he was inducted into the US Chess Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Brooklyn Technical High School Hall of Fame in 2018.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (18)
Ekaterina Walter

Ekaterina Walter is a globally recognized thought leader, author, and keynote speaker in the fields of social media, marketing innovation, and business transformation. With over a decade of experience in helping businesses harness the power of digital platforms, she has become one of the most sought-after experts in social media strategy. Her passion for inspiring […]

  • Travels from: Portland, OR
  • Marketing Speakers
  • (63)

For Urs Koenig, challenging people to help them achieve top performance and bringing transformation is at the heart of everything he does. His journey has been non-traditional at every step. After his highly successful skiing career, he coached the Swiss University Ski Team and won numerous championships worldwide. Always eager to challenge himself as well […]

  • Travels from: Seattle, WA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (37)
  • (3)
Britt Frank

Britt Frank, LSCSW, SEP, is a distinguished professional in the field of psychotherapy and human behavior. With a solid educational background from Duke University and the University of Kansas, Britt has garnered extensive expertise in her field. Her commitment to her craft has earned her recognition as an award-winning adjunct instructor at the University of […]

  • Travels from: Kansas City, MO
  • Empowerment Speakers
  • (30)
Jason O. Harris 2

Lt. Col Jason O Harris is a highly decorated officer and seasoned pilot in the United States Air Force, recognized for his leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence. With over two decades of military service, Lt. Col Harris has accumulated a wealth of experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional leadership. His dynamic approach […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Military Speakers
  • (42)
Daymond John

Daymond John has come a long way from turning a $40 budget into FUBU, a $6 billion fashion game-changer. Throughout his career, Daymond has continued to be an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He is not only a pioneer in the fashion industry but a Shark on the 4-time Emmy Award winning Shark […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (49)

Anjelah Nicole Johnson is a renowned corporate comedian, actress, and speaker, celebrated for her impeccable timing, relatable humor, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. From humble beginnings in stand-up comedy to becoming a viral sensation with her famous “Nail Salon” sketch, Anjelah has consistently demonstrated her talent for blending humor with universal experiences. Her […]

  • Travels from: San Jose, CA
  • Comedian Performers
  • (34)
  • (2)
Adam Cheyer

Best known as a creator of Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, Adam Cheyer is a visionary pioneer in artificial intelligence and computer-human interaction. With a career spanning decades at the forefront of technological innovation, he has helped shape the evolution of AI, voice interfaces, and the future of human-computer collaboration. As an inventor with 39 patents, […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (39)
Angelica Malin Emcee - Angelica Malin Speaker

Angelica Malin Speaker is a dynamic and versatile professional emcee, author, awards host, and keynote speaker who bridges the bustling cities of New York and London. Known for her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Angelica transforms live events into unforgettable experiences, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Her charisma and professionalism have made her […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Event Emcee
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel