At Dyninno, we always strive to cultivate a culture of continuous learning, growth, and intellectual curiosity. They say, "Chess is like a gym for the mind." This ancient game of kings improves concentration, patience, and perseverance, as well as creativity, intuition, and memory — all we need to achieve success and stay ahead of the competition.

Recently, we held a chess tournament at our Dynatech office that saw both Dynatech and ITS colleagues come together to showcase their skills on the board, and we have to admit, it was a huge success!

The tournament was an intense four-hour contest, where 21 participants battled it out on the board, playing a total of seven games filled with all kinds of twists and turns. The top four winners left us in awe, and we were delighted to have the opportunity to interview the champion himself, Aravindaswami Thirumalaisamy.

Aravindaswami had some fantastic insights and stories to share with us, and now we can't wait to uncover them for you. So, let's dive right in and discover the secrets to his success!

When did you start learning chess, and what role does it play in your life? How has learning chess impacted your professional development and work at Dyninno?

Aravindaswami: "I started learning chess in grade 4, and it has been instrumental in my professional development. Chess has enhanced my ability to focus and persist, which are essential skills that I apply in my work at Dyninno. Additionally, playing chess has helped me nurture my innovative thinking, instinct, and retention, which have also been invaluable in my role."

How did you decide to come to Riga and join ITS, and how has the company supported your career development?

Aravindaswami: "I came to Riga in April 2018 to pursue my studies and joined ITS. ITS has been incredibly supportive in building my career and giving me a lot of flexibility in my work schedule. I am thrilled to be a part of this success and to work with such a dynamic and innovative team."

Can you tell us more about how playing chess has helped you in your work at Dyninno?

Aravindaswami: "Playing chess has definitely helped me in my work at Dyninno. In chess, you have to be patient and have a long-term vision, and this is something I apply in my work. Chess has also helped me develop my problem-solving skills, as well as my ability to handle pressure and make decisions quickly. I believe that playing chess has made me a better and more professional person, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to play and compete with my colleagues at Dyninno."

What's your biggest chess victory? How has your experience with chess tournaments and victories translated to your work at Dyninno?

Aravindaswami: "I have won many tournaments since childhood, but my biggest victory was at the age of 9 when I played in my first-ever tournament. My victories have taught me the importance of preparation, strategy, and adaptability, which are also crucial skills in the workplace. I believe that the lessons I have learned from chess have helped me become a more effective collaborator and problem-solver at Dyninno."

What advice would you give to someone who wants to improve their skills in chess or their professional development?

Aravindaswami: "My best advice for anyone considering learning chess or improving their professional development is to keep it simple and focus on the practical aspects. Chess has three parts: practical, theory, and psychology, with practical playing the major role. In your career, practical skills and experiences are just as important. Keep playing and learning, even if you fail, as every failure provides an opportunity to learn and improve."

Aravindaswami's journey and success in the game of chess serve as an inspiration to all of us.  By constantly improving our skills and dedicating ourselves to our work with passion, each of us can reach new heights in our careers. At Dyninno, we value the importance of continuous learning and professional development, which is why we provide our employees with opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow. 

We are grateful to have talented individuals like Aravindaswami as a part of our team, and look forward to hosting more events that celebrate the achievements of our team members and inspire us to pursue excellence in all that we do.