♟️ Whenever I coach young talents, I remind them: focusing solely on the next move can be dangerous – true mastery comes from anticipating several moves ahead!

This mindset resonates with Apple’s ecosystem strategy, where each product and service supports the others like well-coordinated chess pieces. Think about their shift from a pure device seller to a powerhouse of services and advertising: with over two billion active devices, Apple’s ecosystem is positioned to make every move count. For instance, 87% of US teens now own an iPhone! – and globally iOS holds 27% market share, paving the way for new revenue streams beyond just hardware.

One major opportunity for Apple lies in India – the second-largest smartphone market – where Apple’s share is still small, but the growth potential is huge: much like spotting an unguarded square in the middle of the board and moving in for a strategic advantage. 

Of course, every plan comes with a risk – especially pushing advertising hard, which could erode Apple’s premium brand if not managed carefully. It’s similar to sacrificing a piece prematurely, only to find your king under threat. In chess, synergy among your pieces is vital; you can’t bank on a lone queen to win. In Apple’s world, each subscription, app, or hardware sale makes another part of their business stronger. 

From my own experience, this kind of synergy doesn’t just happen by itself – you have to prepare and plan beforehand, and adapt. That’s also what keeps our minds sharp and prevents complacency, both on the board and in business. 

Whenever I play or teach chess, I emphasize how these lessons also apply to real-world decisions. If you can master thinking several moves ahead in chess, you’ll handle corporate strategy and personal projects with greater clarity and confidence: you will be prepared to anything that may happen, and you will be ready with your next move. After all, a strong endgame begins with a good opening. 🏆

Let me give you four ideas worth considering for your own strategy:
• Focus on the long term, not just immediate wins
• Take calculated risks to seize opportunities
• Think about synergy and opportunities in every move
• Keep adapting to avoid getting blindsided

Applying these principles has helped my students toward deeper strategic thinking, whether in chess tournaments or boardroom decisions. It’s a reminder that foresight, anticipation, flexibility and resilience can be game-changers in any arena.