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

  • (71)
Kemba Smith Pradia

Kemba Smith Pradia went from college student to drug dealer’s girlfriend to domestic violence victim to federal prisoner, and in 1994 she was sentenced to 24. 5 years in federal prison. Kemba’s case drew support from across the nation. Often labeled the “poster child” for reversing a disturbing trend in the rise of lengthy sentences […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (26)
  • (3)
Jeanne Bliss

Jeanne Bliss is a transformative force in customer experience, renowned for her ability to guide organizations toward becoming their best selves. With a clear and actionable framework, she helps businesses build lasting, meaningful connections with their customers. Over her decades-long career, Jeanne has pioneered the path of customer loyalty and experience, showing companies how to […]

  • Travels from: Seattle, WA
  • Customer Experience
  • (22)

DJ Pablo Bendr is an international music producer, DJ and pianist. His productions inhabit the terrain of melodic house, combining electronic dance elements with strong pop sensibility, featuring vocals from collaborating singers in the English and Spanish pop world. His songs currently rotate on several Top 40 radio stations across Chile, Argentina, Spain and California. […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Mobile DJ
  • (43)
Scott Greenberg

Scott Greenberg is a dynamic and established motivational business speaker hailing from Los Angeles, California. With a passion for transforming ordinary teams into high-performance powerhouses, Scott’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership and resilience. His unique approach, honed through years of hands-on experience, has made him a sought-after figure in the world […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Business Speakers
  • (29)
Jessica-Cox-3

Born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jessica Cox has learned to live her life with her feet. There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in […]

  • Travels from: Tucson, AZ
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (36)
Tiffani Bova

Ranked for the last six years in the Top 50 Business Thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, Tiffani Bova is a luminary in the business realm, continuously reshaping our perception of growth and innovation. A thought leader of unparalleled expertise, Forbes aptly describes her as someone who “reshapes our perception of growth.” Her nearly 30-year […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (24)
DJ POUN

DJ Poun is a highly sought-after mobile DJ and event host, celebrated for his impeccable music curation and charismatic stage presence. Trusted by some of the world’s most renowned brands, including Nike, Mazda, and Dell, DJ Poun has spent over a decade perfecting the art of creating memorable experiences at conferences, corporate gatherings, and exclusive […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Mobile DJ
  • (22)
Anthony Trucks

Anthony Trucks is not your average motivational speaker. With a remarkable journey that encapsulates resilience, determination, and the power of identity transformation, he has captivated audiences worldwide. From his humble beginnings in the foster care system to the pinnacle of professional football and beyond, Trucks’ story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to […]

  • Travels from: Antioch, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
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