Google keeps calling me back — and there’s a reason.

(“Krisztian’s workshops are an excellent blend of skill development and inspiring recreation — it’s no coincidence we’ve been inviting him back for years. I also wholeheartedly recommend his book to our colleagues.”

– Angelica Rodriguez | Senior Workplace Program Coordinator working for CBRE @ Google)

When one of the world’s most innovative companies chooses chess workshops to sharpen its teams, other forward-thinking organizations should take note.

In recent global sessions for Google, we explored “Quick Opening Traps” and “How to Fight Back from a Worse Position.” After unpacking the theory, participants faced me in a live simul, pressure ticking and ideas instantly put to the test. The results? Sharper decisions, faster pattern recognition, and a buzz of collaboration that lingers long after the boards are packed away.

Here’s why chess resonates so strongly inside high-performance cultures:

• Just 30 minutes a day of focused play heightens concentration the way a daily workout boosts energy.

• Learning a single “special move” mirrors discovering an overlooked market angle — small insight, big payoff.

• Endgame planning teaches teams to work backward from objectives, clarifying priorities when deadlines close in.

• Unfamiliar positions train minds to stay cool when projects shift or crises hit.

• Thinking with the opponent’s head builds empathy for customers and anticipation of competitors.

• Pattern-driven intuition converts gut feelings into data-backed confidence.

• Seeing why a grandmaster rejects tempting moves fosters disciplined decision paths.

• The chess clock is a safe arena to master decision pressure before real stakes appear.

• A surprise tactic on the board is the perfect rehearsal for disruptive innovation in the marketplace.

Google’s takeaway is clear: chess sessions leave teams more agile, more cohesive, and better equipped to frame complex choices. The boardroom may not look like 64 squares — but the mental circuitry is identical.

Ready to give your people the same edge? Let’s design a workshop that turns everyday pawns into power moves for your business. One session can flip the switch; a series can transform culture.

Curious what half an hour of chess a day could do for your organization? Message me and let’s get started.