The acclaimed author of the newly released novel, The Talent Coach, Dr. Frederick Mordi recently met with Ivie Urieto, a remarkable 9-year-old chess prodigy whose passion for the game is driving her to use chess as a tool for social change in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
The Talent Coach is an inspiring and informative book that explores the delicate and intricate process of talent development. Mordi’s novel challenges the conventional notion that talent is solely innate, offering a fresh perspective that both nature and nurture play crucial roles in shaping abilities. The 208-page book, divided into 12 insightful chapters, is a blend of self-help and fiction, published by New Africa Book Publishers (NABP). It introduces readers to concepts like “Locational Leverage,” “Icarus Paradox,” and “Adversity Quotient,” making it a must-read for anyone seeking to unlock and harness their natural talents.
In a fortuitous meeting, Mordi encountered Ivie Urieto, a young chess sensation from Kubwa, a suburb outside Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Urieto has already made her mark in the chess world, having won 11 medals from both local and online competitions since she began playing chess at the age of four.
Ivie’s father, Clement Urieto, taught her how to play chess. Her ambitions reach far beyond personal success; she aims to become a grandmaster by the age of 15 and is determined to use chess as a means to inspire and uplift other children.
Urieto’s efforts extend to her role as an ambassador for the U.S.-based foundation ‘The Gift of Chess’. Through this foundation, she visits local schools and orphanages, distributing chess boards and teaching children how to play the game. Her mission is clear: to provide a positive outlet for young people and steer them away from negative influences.
Urieto embodies the spirit of using one’s talents for the greater good.
Mordi was deeply moved by Urieto’s dedication and drive. The author, whose book closes with a workbook section designed to help readers discover and develop their hidden talents, believes that Urieto exemplifies the principles outlined in ‘The Talent Coach’. Her story of using chess not just as a game but as a tool for social change resonates with the book’s central message: that talent, when cultivated with intention, can make a profound impact on the world.
Urieto is helping to revitalize interest in the game of chess across Nigeria today.
The Talent Coach is available now in bookstores across the country and online.
For more information about the book or to schedule an interview with Mordi please send email to frederickmordi@gmail.com
Or visit www.frederickmordi.com
