The GAP is the Gift | Deana Jean | TEDxElmPark

Quick Overview

The main takeaway is that the "gap" an entrepreneur faces—the space between what they have and what they want—is actually a gift that provides perspective, allies, and the necessary grit for success, contrary to viewing it as a terrifying void.

Key Points: The speaker received a breast cancer diagnosis on March 23, 2016, at 11:13 AM, while she was 34, pregnant, and leading a tech sales team, which initially felt terrifying. The gap faced by entrepreneurs, which is the difference between their current state and their goals, is actually a gift, not just a story. Research from the Kauffman Foundation shows that 70% of startups fail, and those who succeed long-term are those who lean into their gaps, not those who avoid failure. The first gift from the gap is grit, which is the ability to keep going when things are tough. The second gift from the gap is allies; entrepreneurs with strong support systems are 4.5 times more likely to lead high-performing teams. The third gift from the gap is perspective, as it forces one to see what they don't have and what they do have, leading to better decision-making.

Context: The speaker, Deana Jean, shares a deeply personal story stemming from receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 while navigating a busy life as a pregnant entrepreneur and sales leader. She reframes the concept of the "gap"—the distance between current reality and desired success—from a source of fear into a crucial mechanism for developing grit, building alliances, and gaining necessary perspective for long-term entrepreneurial success.

Detailed Analysis

Deana Jean recounts the shocking moment of her breast cancer diagnosis on March 23, 2016, at 11:13 AM, which occurred while she was pregnant, raising two boys, owning a home, and running a franchise. This diagnosis created a profound "gap" between her chaotic life and what she thought she should have, which she initially found terrifying. She emphasizes that this gap is not a negative void but a gift. The first gift the gap provides is grit, forcing individuals to do the right thing every day instead of waiting for perfection. The second gift is allies; she notes that entrepreneurs who lean into their gaps and connect with support systems are 4.5 times more likely to lead high-performing teams. The third gift is perspective, which helps entrepreneurs realize that what they lack is less important than what they possess. Citing research from the Kauffman Foundation, she points out that 70% of startups fail, and the successful ones are those who embrace the gap, viewing failure not as final but as fuel for growth and a necessary part of the journey. Ultimately, she concludes that the gap is the gift that shapes us the most, fostering grit, allies, and perspective.