<p>In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, host Dr. Jason Balara sits down with Michael Malak to explore business strategy through the lens of a chessboard. Michael explains how leadership, market timing, and decision making mirror the discipline required to win a game of chess. Every move matters, every piece has a role, and success depends on knowing when to act and when to wait. Through this analogy, the conversation highlights how leaders must manage complexity, anticipate market shifts, and protect what matters most while positioning for long-term success.</p><p><br></p><p>Key Highlights:</p><p><br></p><p>- Business strategy involves many moving parts that must work together</p><p><br></p><p>- Leadership requires controlling the board rather than reacting emotionally</p><p><br></p><p>- Timing is often more important than the move itself</p><p><br></p><p>- Knowing when to advance and when to defend is critical in the market</p><p><br></p><p>- Protecting core assets is essential for sustainable growth</p><p><br></p><p>- Strategic decision making demands foresight and patience</p><p><br></p><p>- Market timing can determine whether a move succeeds or fails</p><p><br></p><p>- Strong leaders think several steps ahead, not just the next </p><p>move</p><p><br></p><p>- Every decision has consequences that shape future options</p><p><br></p><p>This conversation reinforces that successful leadership isn’t about making flashy moves—it’s about making the right move at the right time. Like chess, business rewards those who understand the board, respect timing, and stay disciplined in their strategy. By slowing down, thinking ahead, and leading with intention, leaders can navigate uncertainty and build lasting momentum in any market.</p><p><br>Get in touch with Michael:</p><p>Email: [email protected]</p><p><br></p><p>If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:</p><p>⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXZ4WW02QWJhNllxWXc5S0c4bENJZ0ZoMFBUUXxBQ3Jtc0ttS2tZd1ZhbUw3NXpSNV8ydE9UN2RnWWdKVnlSUy1RSjQtUjQyeXJEdmNXRXFsNVl4ZGowNGZDSDRnZ0k0SFpYQmFFcHhQUDVLRmRUZ3lRZ2JaaUJDX3hiYmRpZzc2enJpQVZmZzNyZXdkMHdSYTVvVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2Fjasonbalara%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0&v=jkS_RtkD1Zs">https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠  </a></p><p><br></p><p>Audio Track:</p><p>Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblg2cXgyXzAzQjZfQ3M0M3hKdEg0RVFzeTJGQXxBQ3Jtc0tsTjZUUmVTd3J5eUxhbzh5VHljUEl5ZndMV1BEOTJIZmRQampQWVVVMnE1T0ZoYWFWLVhPRlhPbG5hcllqdU1fb3hPRzljTTI1VlgxRldkWnl3emtneHhFU3M0RVpFY0ptWUU5ZXplZ2MxNUpEWnVnWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcreativecommons.org%2Flicenses%2F%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=jkS_RtkD1Zs"> https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠</a></p><p>Artist:⁠⁠<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHZGU3RCZWloQ01oSi1OdkdXZVFMLURjUmpld3xBQ3Jtc0tsOTJPQWxHU0VJeDZzUkpwQ1VOWDhxSV9UUW5qM0hjTGdfbHZOaF9IN3dUSmpmczBYODZlQVZIX0ROa0NIbFRLWnZXRDcxMV9GQ0lIbVJYRmRNNGJtZnVfV0tpWVBzV1FfQ050c09TTlhCV2ZBazV0OA&q=http%3A%2F%2Faudionautix.com%2F%E2%81%A0&v=jkS_RtkD1Zs"> </a><a href="http://audionautix.com/">http://audionautix.com/</a><br></p>