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Available to book

Chess champion & strategic speaker

Jennifer Shahade

Enhance strategic decision-making with Jennifer Shahade, speaker, chess champion, commentator, and host. Jennifer works with organizations to improve risk assessment, negotiation tactics, and inclusive leadership. Three-time US National Chess Champion who has delivered talks to MIT, BCG, Merrill Lynch, and more.

Trusted by MIT, BCG, Merrill Lynch

Jennifer Shahade

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$11k–25k

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Speaker Biography

At a Glance

  • 3x US National Chess Champion and PokerStars' MindSports Ambassador
  • Author translating game strategy to real-world decision making
  • Advocate for gender equity in competitive mind sports
Jennifer Shahade is a three-time US National Chess Champion, PokerStars' MindSports Ambassador, and author who bridges competitive gaming with real-world decision-making strategies. Jennifer became the first woman to win the US Junior Open. She's also earned two US Women's Championship titles and an Olympic silver medal. Jennifer has authored several books, including Chess Queens and Thinking Sideways: How To Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life. Her writing has been published in the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and Financial Times. A two-time Global Poker Award winner, Jennifer hosts the award-winning podcast The GRID and serves on the board of the World Chess Hall of Fame. In 2023, she became an important voice in exposing gender inequity in chess, co-founding 9 Queens and serving on the advisory board of the Women in Chess Foundation. Jennifer translates complex strategic concepts from chess and poker into practical frameworks for better decision-making in business and life. Her experience competing at the highest levels in multiple mind sports gives her unique insights into risk assessment, pattern recognition, and adaptive thinking under pressure. She has delivered talks at MIT, Yale, Harvard, and NYU, and consulted with organizations including Boston Consulting Group and Merrill Lynch. Audiences learn concrete techniques for improving decision quality, negotiation tactics drawn from poker strategy, and methods for building more inclusive competitive environments. Book Jennifer to help your organization think more strategically and compete more effectively in high-stakes situations.

Jennifer's Showreel and Videos

Topics, Sessions and Talks

Chess Lessons For Better Decision-Making
Jennifer Shahade draws on her career as a national chess champion to explore how strategic thinking shapes everyday decisions. Using accessible examples from real games, she examines risk, long-term planning, and cognitive bias, showing how even non-players can apply chess principles to business and leadership. The session blends storytelling with practical frameworks for clearer thinking, better judgment under pressure, and more confident decision-making.
Negotiation Tips From Poker Hands
Jennifer Shahade uses real poker hands from elite competition to unpack negotiation, risk, and behavioral psychology. She breaks down complex situations into simple strategic lessons, revealing how people read information, manage uncertainty, and respond to incentives. Blending humor with sharp analysis, she shows how poker mirrors financial and organizational decision-making, offering tools for stronger negotiation, improved risk assessment, and more adaptive thinking.
Chess Queens
Jennifer Shahade traces the history of female chess champions while weaving in her own experience at the top of a male-dominated sport. The session explores gender, culture, and power through the lens of the chess queen, addressing issues such as representation, stereotype threat, and inclusion. Combining history, personal narrative, and creative perspectives, it offers insight into how cultural structures shape opportunity and leadership.

Why We Recommend Booking Jennifer

Jennifer Shahade draws on her championship experience in chess and poker to teach practical strategies for smarter decisions and stronger negotiation. Book Jennifer now to elevate your organization's strategic thinking and competitive edge.

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Trusted by MIT, BCG, Merrill Lynch

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frequently asked questions

Have Questions About Booking?

What topics does Jennifer Shahade specialise in?
Jennifer Shahade specialises in discussing gender equality, risk, decision-making and more.
What is Jennifer Shahade's speaking style like?
Jennifer delivers captivating talks that blend strategy and creativity, using real-life examples to make complex concepts accessible. Her engaging style inspires audiences to embrace strategic thinking in various aspects of life.
How can I book Jennifer Shahade for my next event?
Email jennifer.shahade@getapeptalk.com or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Jennifer Shahade for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Jennifer Shahade's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Jennifer Shahade directly.
Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Can I book podcast guests through PepTalk?

Yes. PepTalk books commercial podcast guests every week of the year. A high-profile voice can boost your podcast's reach and deliver ideas to your audience at scale. Fees typically start from £1,200 / $1,500, depending on the expert. Our network includes bestselling authors, industry leaders, and cultural figures who have appeared on leading global podcasts — and many host their own. Whether you want bold insights, candid stories, or deep expertise, we'll help you find the right guest to elevate your show. Contact us today to book your next podcast guest.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

No problem! We often handle last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, comedian, awards or event host quickly — almost anywhere in the world. However, speaker availability might be limited as the event date approaches. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

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