The GAP is the Gift | Deana Jean | TEDxElmPark

Key Concepts

• Gap Moments: Significant life events or challenges that create a void or disruption, forcing individuals to question their path and capabilities.
• The Gap as a Gift: The central thesis that these challenging "gap moments" are not just obstacles but opportunities for growth and development.
• Grit: The perseverance and resilience to overcome setbacks and continue moving forward, even without a clear path.
• Allies: The importance of building and leveraging a support network of individuals who can provide assistance and guidance.
• Perspective: The ability to gain a clearer, often narrowed, view of the immediate steps needed to navigate a challenge, rather than being overwhelmed by the entirety of the problem.

The Personal Experience of a "Gap Moment"

The speaker recounts a pivotal moment on March 23rd, 2016, at 11:13 a.m., when she received a diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer. This diagnosis was particularly shocking as she was only 34 years old, had no family history of breast cancer, and was pregnant. At the time, she was leading a busy and fulfilling life, managing a chaotic household with two young sons, a husband in active duty military, a home, a rental property, a franchise investment, and a tech sales team. This diagnosis represented a situation she could not "manage her way out of," shaking her confidence.

Defining "Gap Moments" and Their Impact on Entrepreneurs

The speaker defines these disruptive events as "gap moments," which entrepreneurs often experience, leading them to question their business ventures. However, she posits that these gaps are actually gifts. She contrasts her own path with that of Mark Zuckerberg, noting that while many entrepreneurs start with a business plan or funding, her own success in sales began by doing what she was good at and loved. The "gap," she argues, strips away illusions of success and requires a fundamental rewiring of one's mindset.

The Three Gifts of the Gap: G.A.P.

The speaker elaborates on the three key gifts that "gap moments" provide, which spell out G.A.P.:

1. Grit:

   • Definition: The ability to persevere through difficult times, taking things one moment, step, or day at a time, even when a clear path forward is not visible.
   • Entrepreneurial Application: This manifests when a product launch fails or quarterly numbers are disappointing.
   • Supporting Evidence: Research from the Kaufman Foundation indicates that long-term successful entrepreneurs are not those who avoid failure, but those who recover from it. Shifting focus from what is lacking to what is present is crucial.

2. Allies:

   • Definition: The necessity of engaging a support system, from medical teams to personal networks, to navigate challenges.
   • Entrepreneurial Application: Entrepreneurs are often reluctant to ask for help, but gaps reveal the impossibility of succeeding alone.
   • Supporting Evidence: Harvard Business Review research shows that collaborative leaders who leverage their networks are 4.5 times more likely to lead high-performing teams.

3. Perspective:

   • Definition: The ability to gain a focused view, often narrowing vision to the immediate next step, project, or short-term goal, rather than being overwhelmed by the entire staircase.
   • Entrepreneurial Application: This allows for flexible decision-making and clarity in navigating complex situations.
   • Supporting Evidence: McKinsey research suggests that teams that create clarity and embrace flexible decision-making outperform their peers by 30%.

The Gap as an Opportunity for Growth

While acknowledging that gaps can be uncomfortable and terrifying, the speaker emphasizes that embracing them is essential for success. She cites CB Insights data stating that 70% of startups fail not due to product flaws, but due to gaps in leadership, collaboration, and perspective. The core argument is to reframe these gaps as openings for grit, allies, and perspective.

Universal Experience of the Gap

The speaker stresses that experiencing gaps is not exclusive to entrepreneurs. It can be seen in group projects where not everyone contributes equally, or in job interview rejections. The key is understanding that these experiences are not unique and that leaning into gaps fosters growth. Failure is a part of the gap, and how one identifies and views failure determines success – whether it's seen as final or as fuel.

The Gap for Students and Future Paths

Addressing students on a college campus, the speaker highlights their daily experience of the "gap of becoming" – the difference between their chosen major and future career, or between their current selves and their future selves. She debunks the notion that one should have everything figured out, as everyone has gaps. Regardless of post-graduation plans (starting a company, joining one), the current gap is presented as a gift.

Conclusion: Embracing the Gap

The speaker concludes by reiterating the profound impact of her own gap moment. While fear and frustration were present, what remained was the growth that occurred after allowing the gap in. She urges the audience to embrace their gaps rather than run from them, as these moments are often the most formative. This idea, she asserts, is not just a business strategy or a story, but "an idea worth spreading."