How Chess Teaches Us to Win in the Boardroom
By deeply observing the 64 squares of the chessboard, the different pieces and the variety of playing styles, one can learn many ways to succeed in business: strategies, tactics, and having the right mindset. A universe of knowledge about business, management, marketing and entrepreneurship is hidden within the game of chess, a pastime which has influenced humankind more than any other.
This is the third book authored by Zeev Zohar, an experienced and respected businessman and director of public companies, who is also known as a chess player and an international chess author who has won prestigious awards, competed in international tournaments and played against some of the biggest names in the chess world (including a draw against a former world champion in a simultaneous display). In this book, which is the first of its kind, he assembles his personal and global insights taken from the game that has captivated his heart and explains how they can be translated into success in business.
Zeev Zohar was born on July 23, 1962, Petah Tikva, Israel; he grew up in Kiryat Ono.
Education & Early Career
- Graduated in Accounting and Economics in 1989.
- Began work as an intern at the firm Lyoboshits-Kasirer, which later merged with Ernst & Young.
Professional / Business Career
- After the internship period, worked in roles such as finance deputy CEO in the water-park Meimadion and in a company called Shelah.
- In 1993, he founded and directed Zohar Financial Planning, specializing in financial & HR consulting, reducing costs, dealing with grants. The company served many large public companies.
- From 2004 to 2019: Co-owner of Zohar-Gold Net Saving, a company in Israel that helps organizations reduce operational and financial costs (communication, leasing, energy, etc.).
- He has held board/director positions in various public companies.
Chess / Author Activity
- In youth, considered an outstanding chess player: earned the title of Candidate Master recognition from the Israeli Chess Federation.
- Represented the club Bikurei Haitim in Tel Aviv; won the Israeli Junior Team Championship.
- In 1983, played in the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) chess championship on the “Pikud Mercaz” team, where he scored 8.5 out of 9 on board 3 — best individual result in that championship.
- In 2018, during a simultaneous display (simul) by World Champion Anatoly Karpov in Jerusalem, Zohar was one of two out of 22 to draw against Karpov.
Writing / Chess Thought & Books
- Co-author with Noam Manella of Play Unconventional Chess and Win (Everyman Chess, 2014). This book explores creativity in chess, how technological progress influences top players, breaking free of fixed patterns of thinking, etc.
- Also co-author of Think Like a Machine (Quality Chess). This later work was recognized: it placed second in the competition for the FIDE Yuri Averbakh-Isaak Boleslavsky award for best chess book in 2020.
