In today’s podcast, I share the story behind the name of this podcast, The Space in Between. Some folks assume it means finding a middle ground or splitting the difference between opposing views. But that’s not quite it. This space isn’t about watering things down. It’s about something deeper — a powerful, heart-centered space where growth, learning, and transformation happen.
We live in a world that often demands either/or thinking. Left or right. For or against. Win or lose. And in times of fear, conflict, or uncertainty, those clear lines can feel like comfort. I get it. I’ve felt it too — especially when it comes to the people I love or the principles I hold dear. There are moments when you absolutely need to take a stand.
But if we want to be effective leaders, compassionate humans, and creative problem-solvers, we must also learn to stand in the tension — in the space where two truths might coexist. That’s The Space in Between. It’s a liminal, uncomfortable, often humbling space, but it’s also where innovation lives. It’s where deep listening replaces reaction. Where questions matter more than quick answers. And where something new can be born.
I’ve worked in organizations where this was not just a concept — it was lived practice. At Genentech, for example, debate was welcomed. Diverse perspectives were encouraged. Even amid rapid growth, people were invited to challenge ideas respectfully. That’s the space where innovation flourishes.
But this space isn’t always easy to access. It takes agency. It requires discernment — knowing when you’re too close to your boiling point to step into complexity. It also requires humility and a willingness to loosen the grip of your own ego.
And no, it doesn’t always tie up in a neat bow. But the work is worth it. Because when we practice holding that tension — between competing ideas, short-term pressures and long-term vision, certainty and curiosity — we expand what’s possible. We make room for creativity, for breakthrough solutions, and for a more human way of leading and living.
So no, this podcast isn’t about the “middle.” It’s about that brave space where you’re grounded in your values and open to discovery. It’s where humanity grows up a little. It’s where leadership expands. It’s where we practice staying present — with all the discomfort and all the possibility — in The Space in Between.
