Create Space: How to Manage Time and Find Focus, Productivity and Success

Imagine waking up in a world where every moment is claimed by something—emails, notifications, obligations, and the endless scroll of digital life. This is the reality for most of us today. But what if I told you that the secret to thriving isn’t doing more, but creating space? Let me take you on a journey that begins not in a boardroom, but on the slopes of a Kenyan mountain, where the vastness of the earth whispers of a time when space was abundant, and our ancestors moved through life with a sense of openness and possibility.

In our ancestors’ world, the horizon was endless, and the mind had room to wander, reflect, and simply be. Fast forward to today: our spaces—physical, mental, emotional—are filled to the brim. We live in crowded cities, fill our calendars with back-to-back meetings, and let our devices dictate the rhythm of our lives. We are the first generation in a thousand generations who must consciously create space, rather than fill it.

The author’s journey began with two afternoons—one spent hiking in the wilds of Africa, the other in a noisy London canteen. Both moments revealed the stark contrast between open, generative space and the claustrophobia of modern life. It’s not just about time management; it’s about psychic and emotional space. Without it, we lose the ability to reflect, to connect, to act with purpose, and to simply be ourselves.

Here’s a striking fact: in a global study of over 1,000 leadership assessments, 93% of leaders were found to have a development need related to creating space. Whether it’s space to think, connect, do, or be, nearly everyone struggles with this. The problem isn’t unique to CEOs or executives—it's a universal human challenge. As our world accelerates, the ability to step back, pause, and create room for what matters has become the new superpower.

Consider how even our homes and offices are filled—not just with tasks, but with possessions, distractions, and noise. We are drowning in stuff, information, and expectations. Yet, the most profound changes begin when we reclaim our space. This is the starting point for all growth, creativity, and resilience.

So, as we begin this audio journey, let’s pause and breathe. Ask yourself: Where in my life do I feel most crowded? Where do I long for more space? The answers to these questions will guide us through the chapters ahead, as we learn not just to manage our time, but to master the art of creating space for ourselves and those around us.

Let’s move forward and explore how making space to think can transform the way we lead, learn, and live.