James Eade

James Eade’s extraordinary career reflects a lifelong evolution from corporate leadership to humanitarian advocacy and personal transformation. His journey began within some of the world’s most respected corporations, including AT&T and Charles Schwab, where he rose through managerial ranks by championing collaboration, empathy, and pragmatic problem-solving. Those formative years shaped his belief that true leadership thrives not on authority but on consensus and the ability to inspire shared purpose.

In 1996, James authored Chess for Dummies, a milestone that not only launched his global literary reputation but also marked his transition from business to thought leadership. The book has since become a classic, translated into eight languages and now in its fourth edition, guiding millions toward understanding the intellectual art of chess. Through his writing, James demonstrated a rare talent: transforming complexity into clarity, strategy into storytelling.

For over two decades, his commitment to service extended beyond the corporate and publishing world. As a Trustee and later President of a national charity, he devoted years to supporting community initiatives that uplifted the underrepresented. Yet it was the passing of his father, Arthur Eade, his first chess mentor, that reignited his mission on a global scale. In his father’s memory, James founded The Eade Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to using chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and cross-cultural connection. The foundation’s reach soon expanded to underserved communities worldwide, transforming the game into a medium for growth, discipline, and unity.

As the Foundation matured, James recognized a deeper dimension to human need, one that transcended the chessboard. Through his extensive travels and interactions, he became increasingly aware of the silent struggles of addiction and mental health that hindered individuals and families alike. Driven by empathy and a profound sense of purpose, he pivoted his focus toward recovery and healing. This new path became not just another chapter in his life, but a defining transformation of his mission and identity.

Today, James Eade stands as a leading voice in the global recovery community. Through his platform AIRU.TV (Addicts In Recovery United), he creates educational and motivational content designed to guide individuals on their journey toward sobriety and self-acceptance. His recent publications, Freedom: Your Path to Recovery (2023) and No Blame No Shame (2025), delve deeply into the emotional and psychological landscapes of recovery. Both works are lauded for their compassion, honesty, and practical wisdom, offering readers a safe and judgment-free path to healing.

Throughout this journey, James has remained steadfast in his guiding principle: “Do no harm.” Whether writing, mentoring, or speaking, he upholds integrity as the foundation of leadership and self-mastery. His philosophy emphasizes being the best version of oneself, leading by example, and practicing kindness in every interaction. These values have not only defined his professional approach but also earned him recognition as a humanitarian of exceptional merit.

In 2022, James was honored as a Distinguished Humanitarian for his work with The Eade Foundation, and in 2025 he was named Top Author of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals. These distinctions reflect not only his literary excellence but also his unrelenting commitment to social progress and personal accountability. As a Marquis Who’s Who Distinguished Listee and long-time community advocate, his influence continues to extend across both intellectual and humanitarian domains.

Reflecting on the evolution of chess and recovery, James often draws parallels between the two worlds. In chess, technology and online platforms have revolutionized learning, democratizing access and analysis. Similarly, the recovery landscape has diversified, with new frameworks such as Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma complementing traditional 12-step approaches. In both fields, he believes in personal resonance, finding what speaks to the individual heart rather than following the most popular path.

For emerging leaders and changemakers, James Eade’s life offers a timeless lesson: success is measured not by titles but by transformation. His resilience, intellectual humility, and compassion show that reinvention is not an abandonment of one’s past but a renewal of purpose. As he continues to write, mentor, and build communities through both chess and recovery, James exemplifies what it means to lead with wisdom, service, and unwavering humanity.