James Eade

James Eade’s multifaceted career is a testament to adaptability, service, and the enduring power of purpose-driven leadership. His journey began in the corporate world, where he rose through the ranks to supervisory and managerial roles at prominent firms such as AT&T and Charles Schwab. During these years, he honed a leadership style that prioritized consensus over perfection, an approach that reduced resistance and built lasting support among teams and stakeholders.

In 1996, James authored Chess for Dummies, a pivotal moment that marked the start of a literary legacy. The book has since become a global success, remaining in print across four editions and being translated into eight languages. Its longevity underscores not only his expertise in the game of chess but also his ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible way.

His commitment to service deepened through his two-decade tenure as a Trustee for a national charity, culminating in ten years as its President. Although this work brought deep personal satisfaction, it required him to focus his efforts domestically. However, following the passing of his father, Arthur Eade, who introduced him to chess, James founded the Eade Foundation, extending his charitable initiatives onto the international stage. The foundation preserved his father’s legacy and shared the transformative power of chess with global communities.

As the foundation’s influence grew, so did the complexity of its demands. James began to observe a deeper need emerging from the communities he served, one that extended beyond the chessboard. This realization led him to pivot toward a new calling: working in the field of addiction recovery. He recognized the widespread impact of addiction on families and embraced the opportunity to provide relief and support.

Today, James focuses on creating content and resources for those on the path to recovery. His platform, AIRU.TV (Addicts In Recovery United), hosts numerous videos designed to empower individuals in recovery. In addition, his recent books, Freedom: Your Path to Recovery and No Blame NO Shame, address the emotional and psychological dimensions of healing, reflecting his deep empathy and commitment to social impact.

At the core of James’ philosophy is the principle: “do no harm.” This value informs not only how he treats others but also how he navigates his personal and professional life. He believes in striving to be the best version of himself and views leading by example as far more effective than delivering any speech. This ethos of integrity and intentionality has remained a constant throughout his evolving career.

Among his many accomplishments, being named IAOTP’s “Author of the Year” in 2025 stands out as particularly meaningful. It represents a culmination of years of writing fueled by passion, resilience, and hope. While James has authored eight books, Chess for Dummies continues to be the most widely read and influential, reflecting the timeless nature of his work.

In reflecting on the future of both chess and recovery, James acknowledges the profound shifts underway. In chess, the internet and advanced engines have revolutionized the way the game is studied and played. Whereas once deep analysis required collective effort, modern players now rely on technology to instantly produce optimal moves. Similarly, the recovery space has broadened significantly. While 12-step programs remain foundational, alternatives like “Refuge Recovery” and “Recovery Dharma”, grounded in Buddhist principles, are gaining traction. James emphasizes the importance of finding a recovery program that resonates on a personal level, rather than simply pursuing what’s most popular.

To emerging leaders and professionals, his advice is clear: be persistent in the face of setbacks. Passion and belief in one’s mission can turn obstacles into stepping stones. For James Eade, leadership is not just about titles or accolades, it’s about choosing paths that serve others, embracing change, and making a difference that lasts far beyond one’s own lifetime.