Strategic Seats: Connecting Chess and Board Leadership with Hello Neighbor’s Network
At Queenside Ventures, we believe leadership is like a game of chess—requiring strategic thinking, adaptability, decisive decision-making, and collaborative influence. That’s why we were honored to present Strategic Seats to the Hello Neighbor Network, a coalition of grassroots organizations supporting refugees and immigrants across the U.S.
Board Leadership: A Game of Strategy
Much like chess masters, exceptional board leaders anticipate challenges, think several moves ahead, and make bold decisions that drive impactful change. In our presentation, we explored the critical traits that define effective board members and how they align with the strategic skills of great chess players:
Strategic Thinking: Board members must focus on long-term vision and sustainability, ensuring their organization’s mission remains impactful.
Decisiveness Under Pressure: Whether in governance, finance, or crisis response, leaders must make informed decisions quickly.
Adaptability & Resilience: The nonprofit landscape is ever-changing—leaders must navigate funding shifts, leadership transitions, and external challenges with agility.
Collaborative Influence: A strong board is built on relationships, leveraging networks, and guiding teams toward collective success.
Strengthening Board Development in Refugee & Immigrant Support
Hello Neighbor’s mission is rooted in fostering community, and strong board leadership is crucial in advancing that goal. Our session provided best practices on board recruitment, including the importance of intergenerational diversity and overcoming youthism—the undervaluing of younger leaders in decision-making roles. By intentionally including younger voices, organizations can foster innovation, enhance problem-solving, and reflect the diverse communities they serve.
Moving Forward Together
Queenside Ventures is committed to equipping leaders with the skills they need to build sustainable, inclusive organizations. By partnering with networks like Hello Neighbor, we continue to bridge the gap between strategic thinking and impactful leadership, ensuring that boards are not just seats at the table but powerful agents of change.
Want to learn more about Strategic Seats? Connect with us to explore how chess-inspired leadership can strengthen your board and organization.
