We recently connected with Shavi Bash and have shared our conversation below.

Shavi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Coming from a multi-national home, the perspectives that my Argentine mother and Israeli father exposed me and my younger brother to fostered a deep sense of self-worth that continues to inspire my teaching techniques today. As early as I can remember, my father would create extraordinary stories about dragons, knights, and the kingdoms that were represented on the chess board. Through examining my own strengths and weaknesses in the progression of each game, on and off the chess board, I was able to fight and win my own battles. My diagnosis of ADHD in middle school brought about even further opportunities that my parents navigated by instilling in me that I can conquer anything with hard work and determination. Now, I teach my students the same strategy – the battle starts within, and you have to start by learning yourself to win.

My parents inspired me to be honest, mindful and adventurous. Just like in a game of chess, there are different key phases to the game of life in which every move is just as important as the last. I teach my students to have chess thinking questions to stimulate focus, attention to detail and hopefully to create opportunities.

My parents both helped me understand the importance of emotional intelligence, and how important the “human factor” is in life and in a game of chess. My mother, Estela Bash and Father David Bash helped me out tremendously and I am so grateful for them both. (Shoutout) :)

Shavi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As early as I can remember, starting around four years old, my father drew me into the world of chess. With his training and the addition of chess instruction at the age of six, I entered my first chess tournament. It was throughout this journey that I came to find enjoyment in other extracurricular activities, the most fond of which was soccer and football. I matured through the life-long friendships and mentors I gained in those spaces throughout my schooling, and it was only in 2020 that I started Shavi Bash Chess.

Shavi Bash Chess is centered around providing innovative chess instruction. Offering virtual and in-person engagements, classes, and all-around-fun, SBC has allowed me to channel my passion for the game. I specialize in teaching children 4-12 years of age, in group settings and, for those students who are truly looking to further their strengths, one-on-one dedicated learning environments.

Teaching deductive reasoning, mindfulness, and creativity in a collaborative and socially inclusive environment, SBC’s year-round programs enrich my online students via Zoom. We focus on various areas like pattern visualization, strategy development, and even build virtual etiquette skills.

I enjoy cultivating groups of children with diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs so the world wide chess community continues to elevate itself.

We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.

The main point that I would like young entrepreneurs to take away from what I have learned would be that networking is the key to mastering your field and gaining the most from your experience running your own business.

During my time as a student athlete at Georgia State University, I was brought in at the ground level of a organization that was working to innovate the digital asset industry. Ecosystems of bright, young, eager people creating inventive systems in this emerging market were forming around me every day. I was emersed in it every day, and I was watching crypto become the new Wall Street. Being involved in the strategic investments that concluded with a large acquisition, led me down a path of wanting to build something as impactful for myself and my community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

2015, NCAA Collegiate Football

Winter-The final football game in an exciting Division 1 AA Football game – our southern group of young men, up against a New York team – on their turf… on the coldest day so far that year in mid-November. They were talking smack all game and it was a tough, mentally exhausting battle for all of us. We had been winning all game and gave up the lead and then had to fight to win the game back. it was all counting on the offense and special teams to win.

As the kicker, my chance had come and gone twice already this game and I had not pulled my weight so far. The self-assurance I was usually able to tap into was waning as the night drew on and it become colder. The rest my team was focused and determined to get a win despite the set backs that we faced. Yet they believed in me and I was able to pull myself together and find the confidence the smash the game winning field goal that day.

On the fourth down of the game, my team had failed at reaching a touch down and the circumstances had called on me to bring my team a win. Upon setting up for a field goal the opposing team had called a time-out to halt my preparation of the shot and iced me for 60 seconds. Another mental test of fortitude- I had to maintain my balance and breathe, The crowd got louder and jeered. The long snapper got the sign from the holder, snapped the football in perfect spiral to the holder who then placed it down and then my leg kicked the football which then smashed right down center through the uprights and raced to go celebrate with my team- However the game did not end just yet.. We were pumped to have fought back and held the lead.

I had to kick the ball off as there where 16 seconds left on the clock and my teammates witnessed the Kicker (me) with a booming tackle at midfield to save the touchdown and the entire game on the line.

As a kicker its zero or hero. Every opportunity counts and you can always bounce back.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaviBashChess/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91732985/admin/page-posts/published/
• Other: https://www.atlantajewishtimes.com/chess-whiz-hops-on-covid-trend/

Image Credits

In The City Camps, Epstien School