By Jimmy Zhang

In fencing, controlling distance is one of the most important skills you can learn. If you get too close, you risk getting hit. If you stay too far, you lose the opportunity to make your move. The key is knowing how to adjust. You are constantly reading the moment and shifting your position with purpose.

That same idea has shaped the way I lead.

Early in my career, I thought being a good leader meant staying involved in everything. I joined every conversation, weighed in quickly, and tried to be helpful by being constantly available. But over time, I realized that being present does not always mean stepping in. Sometimes, it means creating space so others can step up.

Fencing helped me see this more clearly. On the strip, if you charge in without thinking, you give up control. But if you are too cautious, you lose momentum. You have to manage that space with care. Leadership works the same way. When you are too close, you can crowd others. When you are too far, they might feel alone or unsure. Finding the right distance helps people feel supported but not stifled.

Inclusive leadership is about that kind of balance. It is about knowing when to speak and when to listen. When to offer guidance and when to let someone figure it out for themselves. When you get it right, you create a sense of safety and trust. People start to take more initiative. They feel ownership. They know their voice matters.

What I have learned is that distance control is not about stepping away. It is about showing up with intention. It is about holding space in a way that helps others grow, lead, and thrive.