SynPosium: The Big Leap

thesyndicate

September 24, 2025

Taking the Big Leap: Insights from The Syndicate’s Book Club

The Syndicate recently gathered to explore The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, diving into its bold ideas on time, self-sabotage, and unlocking personal genius. The conversation went far beyond the book’s pages, touching on philosophy, business growth, self-awareness, and even new creative initiatives for the organization.

Einstein Time, Upper Limits, and Integrated Living

One of the most striking ideas discussed was the difference between Einstein time and Newtonian time. In Hendricks’ framing, time expands or contracts relative to the energy we bring to it—tasks often take as long as the time we assign them. This notion resonated strongly, offering a reframing of procrastination and deadlines: by creating tighter windows, productivity often increases.

Alongside this came the book’s signature concept: the “upper limit problem.” This is the subconscious tendency to self-sabotage when success or happiness grows beyond one’s comfort zone. The team reflected on how worry, procrastination, or creating drama often spring from this invisible ceiling—and how awareness is the first step to breaking through it.

The group also emphasized the importance of seeing life as an integrated whole. Work and personal pursuits are not separate silos but interconnected parts of fulfillment. For The Syndicate, this means engaging with books like The Big Leap not as dogma, but as a toolkit—picking up practices that truly enhance daily life and business operations.

Zones of Functioning: From Competence to Genius

A key takeaway from the book is the framework of zones of functioning: competence, excellence, and genius. Many high performers, the group noted, get stuck in the “zone of excellence”—doing work they’re skilled at but that doesn’t fully light them up.

The Syndicate explored how this applies both individually and organizationally. Outsourcing tasks that drain energy or lie outside one’s strengths allows people to operate closer to their zone of genius. Within the team, this translates into encouraging open conversations about unique abilities and career paths, ensuring that members feel empowered to pursue the work they are most passionate about.

This lens also extends outward to clients. Understanding whether a partner is stuck in “excellence” versus leaning into “genius” helps The Syndicate guide them toward greater innovation and growth.

Managing Fear, Worry, and Blind Spots

Fear of failure came up repeatedly as a barrier to growth. Playing it safe can feel comfortable, but true progress demands risk-taking, mistakes, and quick learning. The group reflected that innovation thrives when failure is not feared but embraced as fuel.

Equally important was learning to manage worry and negativity. By distinguishing real concerns from “noise,” and reframing problems as matters of context rather than control, The Syndicate highlighted strategies to reduce unnecessary stress.

Blind spots—unseen patterns that limit effectiveness—were another area of focus. Acknowledging them with humility and curiosity was seen as a key step in personal and organizational development.

Time, Discipline, and Language

Time management was another theme that struck a chord. Strategies like blocking off email checks, structuring calendars with essentialism, and embracing Einstein time offered practical ways to create focus and presence.

The Syndicate also reflected on the power of language in shaping reality. Self-talk, like repeatedly claiming to be “always late,” reinforces patterns of behavior. By shifting the language we use, we shift the worlds we create for ourselves.

Building Culture Through Learning

The book club isn’t just about reading—it’s about application. The Syndicate discussed weaving lessons from each book into company culture, selecting one or two practices at a time to integrate into daily work. By doing so, personal growth translates into collective strength.

The idea of mixing future reads with fiction also gained traction. Not every discussion needs to be tactical—some stories are simply “good for the soul” and offer fresh perspectives on life and creativity.

The “Suitcase of Fun” Initiative

Perhaps the most unexpected turn in the meeting came with the “Suitcase of Fun” marketing initiative. Inspired by retro themes and designed to generate buzz, the project involves creating a portable showcase of products—complete with custom cases and interactive branding. The Syndicate envisions using social media and possibly a dedicated site to build intrigue around the concept, while exploring sponsorships and community engagement.

Looking Ahead

From embracing genius zones to rethinking time, from improving communication to launching creative initiatives, The Syndicate’s book club continues to push the boundaries of both personal and professional growth. The Big Leap served as a catalyst for conversations that blended self-awareness with bold strategy—reminding everyone that the greatest progress often comes from stepping beyond comfort and daring to leap.