Narrow Spaces with Holly Mcllwain
In a world chasing "work-life balance," NarrowSpaces confronts a deeper truth: the space between work and life isn’t always wide. It’s narrow—and that’s where the real leadership happens.
Hosted by Holly McIlwain, leadership coach, corporate culture strategist, and founder of the Brave Women Project, this podcast dives into the high-pressure spaces where professionals live, lead, and grow. With each episode, Holly interviews executives, entrepreneurs, and experts from across the country—uncovering hard-earned wisdom, actionable tools, and authentic stories of navigating the tension between purpose and performance.
Whether you're a seasoned leader, a working parent, a team builder, or someone trying to lead without losing yourself, NarrowSpaces gives you the mindset, language, and strategies to thrive. From mastering team dynamics to restoring your energy and values, Holly brings clarity to the chaos.
Leadership podcast, women in leadership, work-life integration, executive coaching, corporate culture, employee engagement, career development, personal growth, CliftonStrengths, DISC assessments, manager tips, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, podcast for working professionals
📅 New episodes drop every Monday.
💡 Learn more at www.narrowspaces.com
Narrow Spaces with Holly Mcllwain
Life by Design…not Default with Daniel Horgan
Episode Title: Life by Design…not Default
Release Date: September 15
Host: Holly McIlwain
Guest: Daniel Horgan
Episode Summary: You’ve found the first episode of the NarrowSpaces show. This is a masterclass in leadership and integrated living, that you can watch like a miniseries or listen to like a podcast. Host Holly sits down with Daniel Horgan, a visionary leader whose journey from launching a nonprofit at just 18 to steering community affairs for a major financial institution is nothing short of extraordinary.
Daniel's work with renowned brands such as LinkedIn, Apple, Taco Bell, SHRM, and Starbucks showcases his ability to amplify impact across diverse sectors, including schools, nonprofits, and government agencies. As a dedicated board member of the Taco Bell Foundation and an advocate for community service, Daniel exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose.
Recognized as one of Pittsburgh’s 40 Under 40 Honorees, Daniel has not only facilitated hundreds of training sessions and keynoted numerous conferences but has also shared his insights through articles on Forbes.com. His first book, Tell Me I Can’t... and I Will, has inspired many, and his latest release, We Got This: A Pocket Guide to Thriving in Our Careers and Life, offers practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of modern life and work.
Together, they discuss the challenges of navigating narrow spaces in both work and life, the importance of defining personal success, and the power of curiosity and connection in building relationships.
Join us as we continue to explore the narrow spaces of work and life, helping individuals navigate their unique journeys and find fulfillment in their careers. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations!
Connect with Daniel Horgan:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielghorgan
Website https://www.colabl.com/about/
Meet Battle & Thrive: https://www.battleandthrive.com
Key Takeaways:
Defining Success: Daniel emphasizes the importance of defining success on one's own terms rather than conforming to external expectations. He encourages listeners to explore their unique pathways and understand that success is often non-linear.
Navigating Adversity: Daniel shares personal experiences of overcoming challenges and culture shocks when transitioning from nonprofit to corporate settings. He highlights the importance of mindset, energy management, and intentional goal setting in overcoming workplace negativity.
Building Authentic Connections: Curiosity is key to forming deep connections. Daniel suggests approaching networking with purpose and asking meaningful questions. Trust sustains relationships. Being fully present and engaged in conversations fosters stronger connections.
Mindset and Self-Awareness: Continuous self-reflection and feedback are crucial for personal growth. Daniel advocates for regular assessments of one's energy flow and values. He advises listeners to recognize their own power in their daily decisions and to cultivate a supportive network.
Living Life by Design: Daniel's motto, "live life by design, not default," encourages intentional living and meaningful contributions to others. His book, "We Got This," offers practical tools and insights from his 20 years of coaching and mentoring, aiming to support individuals at all stages of their careers.