James Vincent Eade, author, founder and chief executive officer of The Eade Foundation, has been honored with the Top 50 Fearless Leaders Award for 2026 by the International Association of Top Professionals. The recognition highlights his decades of influence in the chess community and his expanding work as a recovery advocate and media voice.
The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) selects recipients based on professional accomplishment, leadership and impact in the respective fields. Mr. Eade's selection reflects a career spanning competitive chess, publishing and nonprofit leadership, as well as his recent advocacy efforts supporting individuals in addiction recovery.
Chess Education and Literacy Influence
Mr. Eade is widely known in chess circles as an accomplished player and author. Over the years, he has written eight instructional books, such as “Chess for Dummies.”
“The most recent one, just released, is 'Chess Openings for Dummies,' the second edition, for which I am a co-author,” he says.
The books are designed to make the game accessible to players at all levels. His work has been featured in Fortune Magazine, CEO Weekly, USA Today, and other media outlets. Additionally, he continues to promote the educational and cognitive benefits of chess through public speaking and community outreach.
According to the International Association of Top Professionals, the Top 50 Fearless Leaders award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to service. Mr. Eade's career reflects both.
An Expanded Mission of Service
In addition to his literary contributions, Mr. Eade founded The Eade Foundation to support initiatives related to chess education and recovery awareness. Through the organization, he distributes chest sets and equipment worldwide to people who can’t afford them. The nonprofit also promotes chess literacy. “I think the theme for me is the charitable work that I've been doing for the last 25 years, including for the Eade Foundation, and that it's better to give than receive,” he says.
Mr. Eade also hosts the podcast “Calm Down with James Eade,” where he engages in candid conversations about mental health, recovery and personal development. The platform reflects his commitment to open dialogue and practical guidance. “My goal is to help people find stability and purpose,” he says.
Mr. Eade's transition from chess master to recovery advocate has drawn attention for his authenticity. His personal experiences have informed his outreach efforts and public messaging. “We can use our past struggles to help others,” he says.
A Career Defined by Impact
Throughout his professional life, Mr. Eade has balanced competitive achievement with educational outreach. His publications have served as entry points for thousands of players seeking to improve their skills. At the same time, his advocacy work addresses the pressing need for accessible recovery resources and supportive communities.
In response, he has written two books, “Freedom: Your Path to Recovery” and “No Blame No Shame.”
“I have some success that people can look to, to say 'you can recover and do great things, so don't give up,'” Mr. Eade says. He wishes to raise awareness for alternatives to traditional 12-step-based programs, such as Yoga and the 12 Steps, a recovery-oriented course taught in a spiritual center and yoga studio in Palo Alto, Refuge Recovery and Recovery Dharma.
The IAOTP honor places him among a select group of leaders recognized for influence and integrity. The organization's award program celebrates professionals who demonstrate courage in addressing complex issues and who contribute meaningfully to industries and communities.
Mr. Eade's recognition arrives at a time when conversations about mental health and addiction recovery continue to gain national attention. By leveraging his public profile and communication platforms, he aims to reduce stigma and encourage constructive action. “I'm making all of my efforts now to give hope to the hopeless and empower the powerless,” he says.
About The Eade Foundation
James Eade is a bestselling author, podcast producer and chess master who aims to make chess accessible worldwide through his nonprofit, The Eade Foundation. He is also a recovery advocate, using personal experience to help guide people toward sobriety. He has been featured by Apple News, Business Insider, Fortune Magazine, CEO Weekly and USA Today. He is the recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who Humanitarian Award, among other honors. For more information, follow on LinkedIn.
Media Contact
James Eade
info@airu.tv
