Wizard of the Month Spotlight - June 2026 - Cormac Lindstrom

Our employee of the month is Cormac Lindstrom from Michigan!

 

Cormac is an exceptionally reliable team member from Michigan who consistently demonstrates professionalism, dedication, and a strong work ethic. He has a natural ability to connect with children, creating a positive and engaging environment that helps them feel comfortable, supported, and motivated to participate. Cormac has played a significant role in helping grow our programs, particularly in schools with historically low enrollment numbers. 

 

Cormac, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher!

To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.

 

Cheсk out our interview with Cormac below:

 

1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going? 

I am Cormac Lindstrom! I come from Birmingham Michigan and I am planning on moving to Portugal with my Fiancé!

 

2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?

I have been with Chess Wizards for almost 2 years now!

 

3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching? 

I have learned that progress with teaching is never linear experience but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student, who at one point was struggling, now excel because of their hard work.

 

4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?

For sure has to be my one Student Jacob. He is better at chess than anyone I have ever met!

 

5.  How do you motivate your students to succeed? 

Often times I bring stickers, high fives. One of my best tricks is to perform the actions of the pieces in a funny demonstration!

 

6.  If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?

Be active in my community for sure. I often get too bored when I have too much free time!

 

7.  What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’? 

I do what my tutor did with me, I ask them directly what they did, why they did it and treat them like I expect the best from them. When I approach the situation with restraint and poise it always is the best outcome.

                                                                    

8. What is an unusual place you have been to? 

In Chess? I once played my grandfather for an hour while fishing and we always had to reset the board because the boat kept tilting!

 

9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about? 

I can find some of the worst books ever without even trying.

 

10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?

Patience and flexibility. No one student is the same so no one technique will be universal. Keeping your students engaged is more than half the responsibility.

 

11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards? 

I model and paint miniatures in my spare time, as well as build furniture!

                                                                                                                                                       

12.  If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win? 

I would watch from a safe distance and get ready for one of them to throw a tantrum after losing! And the chimp would win easily!

 

13.  Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame? 

Star Trek all day.

 

14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards? 

I have never worked in a more professional, friendly and courteous environment in my entire life. I have never once had a single bad experience with a member of Chess wizards. My favorite thing though is when I see students helping each other. Making both my job easier and building friendships with students that need them!