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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, Speaker | Chess Champ, Poker Pro
Jennifer Shahade

Jennifer Shahade

Philadelphia, United States

Typical fee range

$6k–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Jennifer

Philadelphia, United States

Starting from

$6k–10k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Jennifer Shahade's 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.

Check Jennifer's availability

Trusted by MIT, BCG, Merrill Lynch

Featured Projects

Jennifer Shahade - Thinking Sideways book cover
Jennifer Shahade - The Grid podcast cover
Jennifer Shahade - Chess Bitch book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Jennifer Shahade for my next event?
Email jennifer.shahade@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk 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 Jennifer's 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.
What is Jennifer Shahade's speaking style like?

Jennifer Shahade uses real game examples — chess positions and poker hands from elite competition — as the structural basis for each session, building strategic frameworks directly from the mechanics of specific plays rather than abstract theory.

What topics does Jennifer Shahade specialise in?

Jennifer Shahade's sessions cover strategic decision-making and cognitive bias through chess, negotiation and risk assessment through poker, and gender, representation, and inclusion in competitive environments. She is a three-time US National Chess Champion, the first woman to win the US Junior Open, and a two-time US Women's Championship title holder who has spoken at MIT, Yale, and Harvard and consulted with Boston Consulting Group and Merrill Lynch.

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To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

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. Alongside direct talent, 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.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

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.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.