Chess Not Checkers

Stop chasing quick wins. Start building lasting impact with strategic leadership.

Join The Waitlist

Recognition.
Influence.
Career Growth.

Quick wins and relentless hard work won’t secure long-term success. Ambitious executives need more than effort – they need strategy.

Chess Not Checkers is our strategic leadership programme for executives who want to stop reacting and start leading with foresight.

It’s about building influence, earning recognition, and positioning yourself for sustainable career growth.

OVERVIEW

A Strategic Leadership
Programme For
Ambitious Executives

We don’t coach the role. We coach the person behind the role. Because when leaders reconnect with their identity and purpose, their leadership transforms.

Unlike generic development courses, Chess Not Checkers helps leaders think long-term.

This training challenges you to step back from the daily grind and focus on the moves that really matter, just like a chess master would do.

You’ll learn how to:

• Replace hard work alone with smart leadership strategies.
• Build influence that outlasts short-term wins.
• Gain recognition without burning yourself out.
• Advance your career by focusing on the right opportunities.

This is leadership development designed for ambitious executives who are ready to play the long game.

Join The Waitlist

HOW IT WORKS

What You’ll Learn Inside
Chess Not Checkers

We blend challenge and support to help you move with intent, not urgency. You’ll leave with:

Mindset
Shift

Challenge old habits and reframe how you think about leadership.

Strategic Thinking

Develop the foresight to plan several moves ahead.

Influential Leadership

Lead with presence, authenticity, and vision.

Strategic Advancement

Position yourself for lasting career growth.

Network Expert

Build relationships that accelerate opportunities.

Emotional Intelligence

Lead with empathy, resilience, and confidence.

Innovation & Creativity

Harness fresh thinking to drive results.

Personal Branding

Shape a reputation that earns recognition.

Work-Life Harmony

Build sustainable success without sacrificing wellbeing.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Is This For You?

Chess Not Checkers is a strategic leadership programme for ambitious executives and senior leaders, as well as high-potential managers on the path to executive roles, who want influence, recognition, and sustainable career growth.

This programme is for you, if:

• You’re ready to move from hard work to smart, strategic leadership.
• You want recognition for your thinking, not just your output.
• You need more foresight and focus to stop reacting and start directing.
• You want to grow your influence across stakeholders without burning out.

OUR CLIENTS

Trusted By Executives
Across Industries

MindsetShift has worked with leaders in 30+ countries and supported organisations with a combined revenue of over $1B. Our programmes are built on 15+ years of coaching and leadership development expertise.

SHIFTED MINDSETS

What Our Leaders Say

“

Working with Sope was the most impactful coaching experience I’ve had. He created an environment where I could open up and reflect on what really matters.
Birk AngermannHead of Revenue, EMEA

“

Before I met Sope, I knew I needed to grow but couldn’t find the right support. He helped me stop hiding parts of myself and start leading with clarity and conviction.
Dinah CobbinahPartner at KPMG

“

Working with Sope was the most impactful coaching experience I’ve had. He created an environment where I could open up and reflect on what really matters.
Birk AngermannHead of Revenue, EMEA

“

Sope has a unique ability to listen deeply and move you forward fast. He helped me navigate a series of complex, personal leadership challenges that had weighed me down for years.
Jayson BrownMerchant Success Senior Lead

It's Game Time

Short-term moves won’t build long-term success. Join Chess Not Checkers and learn how to lead strategically, build influence, and grow your career with intent.