In this episode of Chess4Life’s Spotlight, we met Vishnu, a passionate chess player, technology consultant, and recently published author. He shared his chess journey, the connection between chess and problem-solving in his career, and the benefits of chess for personal growth.
Vishnu grew up in Texas and spent his youth in Seattle, where he fell in love with chess at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue. With determination, he improved his skills, reaching a rating of around 2100. Alongside his chess success, he excelled in his career as a technology consultant, specializing as a scrum master and product manager.
Drawing parallels between chess and his career, Vishnu emphasizes the importance of organization and discipline. As a scrum master, he ensures that tasks are completed on time, making sure the team stays focused and on track. His chess background has honed his organizational skills, enhancing his effectiveness in managing software development teams.
Vishnu's motivation to write a book came from early experiences with chess guidelines in Bruce Pandolfini's "ABCs of Chess." He sought to create an advanced version for intermediate players, blending strategies from different sources. After 18 months of rigorous writing, he completed “The Chess Bible” a comprehensive guide filled with chess strategies and patterns.
Chess, according to Vishnu, offers valuable life lessons. It teaches patience, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. Players must learn from their mistakes, fostering individuality and self-expression on the board. Vishnu's book targets intermediate players, providing insights to enhance their gameplay and sportsmanship.
Vishnu's chess journey exemplifies the interconnectedness of chess skills and life skills. From his career to his writing process, chess positively impacts Vishnu's life. Through his book and coaching experiences, he continues to inspire and help others on their chess journeys.
To learn more about Vishnu’s story and how it has been impacted by chess, check out the full interview here.