Book - Marc Kirshbaum

The Invitation to Next-Level

Leadership

Step into the spaces that have always called us to lead with meaning, purpose, and connection.

Pre-order T11PS:

Stand Upright. Walk Boldly.

Awaken The Eleven Primal Spaces.

We stand at the edge of the next great expansion. The foundations that once shaped us are crumbling and fading away. In their place rises a new frontier where new methods, strategies, and competencies are being driven by rapid innovation and constant disruption.

To successfully navigate this accelerating transformation, today’s leaders must turn to the most enduring tools we’ve ever known: the fundamentally human “spaces” that enabled our evolutionary ascent in the first place.

The Eleven Primal Spaces explores the individual, communal, and transcendent spaces that have shaped us from the very beginning. Blending anthropology, storytelling, breakthrough leadership theory, and opportunities for personal reflection and discovery, this book empowers leaders to breathe new life into these primal spaces—reigniting connection, inspiration, and energy in work and life.

Whether you’re a CEO, educator, community builder, or anyone striving to lead with lasting impact, The Eleven Primal Spaces offers a compelling synthesis of ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance, merging evolutionary insights with actionable strategies for success in today’s complex and rapidly changing world.

The Eleven Primal Spaces

Part 1: Personal Spaces

THE FIRST PRIMAL SPACE

Awareness:

The Miracle of Yourself

Our evolutionary journey began with the realization that we are more than just survivors—we are meaning-makers, capable of self-reflection. Awareness is the foundation of all growth; it is the space where you pause, notice, and honor the miracle of your own existence. Regular reflection connects you to the deep evolutionary achievement that is you and reminds you that your treasure is already within.

THE SECOND PRIMAL SPACE

Belief:

The Sanctuary Within

Belief is the primal space where you root yourself in purpose and conviction. In this section of the Codex, you are invited to explore what belief means for you. Think of belief as the unseen foundation beneath your actions—the set of values, hopes, and commitments that guide you when the path is unclear. By reflecting on what you truly stand for, you begin to shape a sanctuary for yourself and those you lead—a steady place to return to, especially when you need clarity or courage.

THE THIRD PRIMAL SPACE

Resilience:

The Heroic Myth

Resilience is the space where you discover that you are tougher, braver, and more capable than you once believed. It is built by learning from challenges, embracing new perspectives, and cultivating endurance. Like the Romans, who etched their symbols of strength in stone, your resilience is a personal legacy shaped by the trials you’ve faced and the lessons you’ve carried forward.

Part 2: Shared Spaces

THE FOURTH PRIMAL SPACE

Law:

The Code of Honor

Law is the primal space where order, justice, and ethical boundaries are drawn. From ancient tribes to modern societies, codes of conduct and rules have enabled us to live and work together. Your personal code of honor is your guide for making just decisions and standing upright in the face of adversity.

THE FOURTH PRIMAL SPACE

Community:

The Common

Community is the space where you come together with others to create shared identity, pride, and purpose. From the agora of ancient Athens to the Boston Common, these gathering places have been the heart of civic life and collective action. Today, your communities—whether physical or virtual—are where you build belonging and common cause.

THE SIXTH PRIMAL SPACE

Trust:

The Invisible Bond

Trust is the space that transforms strangers into allies and enables the building of lasting relationships and meaningful achievements. It is both an instinct and a practice, cultivated through repeated positive interactions and the willingness to be vulnerable. Trust is the keystone of all lasting human achievement.

THE SEVENTH PRIMAL SPACE

Conflict:

Where Truth Emerges

Conflict, when approached constructively, is the space where growth and progress are forged. It is not to be feared but embraced as a catalyst for learning and innovation. Setting clear personal boundaries and practicing mindful rituals allows you to meet challenges with openness and respect.

Part 3: Transcendent Spaces

THE EIGHTH PRIMAL SPACE

Empathy:

The Heart of Leadership

Empathy is the space where you recognize and honor the experiences of others. It is the foundation of compassion, understanding, and authentic connection. By nurturing empathy, you foster a sense of belonging and support in every relationship you touch.

THE NINTH PRIMAL SPACE

Creativity:

The Spark of Innovation

Creativity is the space where new ideas are born and innovation flourishes. It is fueled by your curiosity, playfulness, and the willingness to experiment. The most creative breakthroughs often arise when you make space for the unexpected—when you are open to surprise, embrace uncertainty, and give yourself permission to try, fail, and try again.

THE TENTH PRIMAL SPACE

Death:

The Space of Renewal

Death is often seen as an ending, but in the cycle of your life and leadership, it is also a space of release, renewal, and transformation. Just as the seasons turn and old leaves make way for new growth, you are invited to let go of what no longer serves you—habits, fears, patterns, or even identities. In doing so, you create space for gratitude, presence, and new beginnings.

THE ELEVENTH PRIMAL SPACE

The Sublime:

Touching the Infinite

The sublime is the space where you encounter awe, reverence, and transcendence—a sense of being part of something greater than yourself. Whether in a moment of music, nature, or human achievement, the sublime lifts you beyond the ordinary and reminds you that joy is sacred, and your life is woven into a larger cosmic story. As you reach the summit of the Eleven Primal Spaces, remember that greatness is not a distant ideal—it is an ongoing practice, revealed not only in rare flashes of awe, but in every choice to act with intention, courage, and authenticity.

Praise for The Eleven Primal Spaces

“The Eleven Primal Spaces is a thoughtful invitation to slow down and remember what we often overlook: Meaningful change begins within. Marc Kirshbaum blends neuroscience, anthropology, and lived experience into an exploration of awareness that feels both timeless and deeply relevant.”

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith

Thinkers50 #1 executive coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

“The Eleven Primal Spaces is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for leading in our hyperconnected, fast-changing world. Ignore its wisdom at your own peril. Embrace it to unlock lasting success, trust, and impact.”

Ram Charan

Global business advisor and coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

“In boxing, as in life, true greatness comes not just from strength or skill, but from resilience, belief, and the ability to rise after every setback. The Eleven Primal Spaces captures the essence of what it takes to lead, persevere, and inspire. Marc’s approach and efforts directly helped shape the League of Champions Foundation, empowering impoverished young people to be resilient and believe that anything is possible. This book is a powerful reminder that true champions are built from the inside out and that awakening the eleven primal spaces is essential to staying on top, even when you get knocked down.”

Lennox Lewis

Former undisputed and three-time heavyweight champion of the world; founder of the Lennox Lewis League of Champions Foundation

“The Eleven Primal Spaces offers a compelling reminder that the future of leadership depends not on more technology but on a return to what makes us human. An important guide for anyone seeking to make a meaningful difference in a rapidly changing world.”

Tal Ben-Shahar

New York Times bestselling author of Happier

“Marc Kirshbaum’s genius in The Eleven Primal Spaces is not just identifying the markers of authentic leadership but also tying them back to the most elemental drivers of human behavior. I love his reasoning and coming away from a book thinking, ‘Of course that’s true, and now I understand why.”

Eric Schurenberg

Former CEO, Inc. and Fast Company, and founder of the Alliance for Trust in Media

“This book engages the mind and lifts up the spirit. Marc provides real-life illustrations of transcendent principles, driving us to rise beyond the present and embrace the infinite. He combines practical advice on management and interpersonal relations with a focus farther out than any immediate crisis—indeed, a focus on no less than humankind’s evolutionary future. Anthropology, psychology, business sense, and spirituality entwine in every vignette. The lessons of this volume will be treasured for decades to come.”

Hon. Tom Campbell

Former US congressman and former dean of Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Fowler School of Law at Chapman University

“Rooted in both evidence and compassion, this book is a powerful guide to rediscovering the foundational spaces that allow individuals and communities to thrive. Marc’s work honors the science of transformation while never losing sight of the human heart at its core. For anyone seeking to inspire real growth and lasting impact, these insights are both timely and timeless.”

Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D

Founder and CEO, Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)

“In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, this book cuts through the clutter with actionable wisdom and creative clarity. It’s a master class in leading with vision—essential reading for anyone looking to build not just a brand but a legacy.”

Marc Rosen

CEO, Catalyst Brands LLC (parent of Brooks Brothers, Aeropostale, Nautica, Lucky Brand, and JCPenney)

“This book is a thoughtful, actionable, and deeply inspiring blueprint for principled leadership in a complex world. It’s a must-read for anyone committed to making a positive impact in the boardroom or the community—and written by a person who walks the walk every day.”

Harley Rouda

Entrepreneur and former US congressman

“Marc’s approach invites readers to reach beyond the ordinary to connect with what truly elevates teams, leaders, and lives. As someone whose career is focused on building great teams on the basketball court, I was especially struck by Marc’s discussion of the sublime as one of the eleven primal spaces, capturing perfectly how teams can perform at levels beyond the talents of any individual.”

Jim Tanner

Executive director/general manager, UNC men’s basketball, and founder/former president, Tandem Sports + Entertainment

“In my twenty years of knowing Marc, he has always led with clarity and care. In The Eleven Primal Spaces, he offers both in abundance—inviting us to rethink how we engage, lead, and live with purpose. This book offers a pathway to making more intentional choices that amplify engagement in both work and life, and I have already seen the positive impact on my executive clients with whom I have shared Marc’s wisdom.”

John Bowling, PhD

Managing director, Sustainable Leadership Consultants, LLC

“The very title of this book opens your mind to intriguing possibilities. This is not a book you read once and put away. I find myself returning time and again to one or another primal space to help me address a challenge I may be facing that day or just to be inspired by one of Marc’s personal experiences. Lyrically written, the tenets of this book are timeless and universal. Having worked closely with Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, I recognize in The Eleven Primal Spaces an enduring wisdom with a fresh relevance. It is the most impactful book I have read since The Power of Positive Thinking—a beacon for readers throughout their lifetime.”

Shari Thorell

President, ST Enterprises, Inc.; chair, board of councilors, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology; former senior vice president, alumni relations, University of Southern California

“In a world hungry for authentic leadership, this book is a powerful reminder that real change begins with the courage to reconnect to what matters most. Marc’s work is both a call to action and a practical guide grounded in wisdom, service, and a deep understanding of what it means to lead with heart. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of Marc’s commitment to purpose-driven collaboration, and I believe this book will inspire leaders to serve boldly and build organizations and communities that thrive.”

Rick Matros

Chairman and CEO, Sabra Health Care REIT, and chair, IsraAID (US) board

“The Eleven Primal Spaces weaves an elaborate, intricate narrative that moves from humanity’s earliest evolutionary steps—when we first stood upright and learned to look beyond the horizon—to the social, legal, and moral structures that shape modern societies. Tapping into the author’s own life experiences as well as lessons from history with practical exercises and mindful inquiry, the book bridges methodology and philosophy, science and self-awareness. By the end, readers feel they have traveled through time and into themselves and emerged with the emotional, social, and ethical tools needed to live with clarity, authenticity, and truth.”

Neena Haider, PhD

Founder, Shifa Precision, Inc.; key contributor to the Human Genome Project; and former professor, Harvard Medical School

What You'll Awaken in These Pages

Through real stories, actionable insights, and decades of experience, Marc brings each of the eleven primal spaces to life—showing how they shape the way we think, connect, and lead.

You’ll see these spaces reflected in your own journey, with built-in opportunities for reflection to help you shape how you think, decide, and lead.

Each chapter pairs reflection with practical tools, helping you slow down, clarify what drives your decisions, and reconnect with what matters in your leadership—every day.

To help you go further, you’ll get access to companion resources like the Primal Spaces Codex with structured exercises, prompts for reflection, and tools to track your growth as a leader. You can also download the Primal Spaces Creed, a poetic inspiration of the eleven primal spaces that reminds leaders to reconnect every day with what makes us human.

This isn’t just a set of ideas—it’s a new way to navigate complexity, strengthen your clarity, and show up with intention in the moments that matter most.

In doing so, you lay the foundation for lasting change—in yourself, your team, and your organization.

Stand Upright. Walk Boldly. Awaken the Eleven Primal Spaces.

The Inspiration to Discover T11PS

From a moment of reflection to a call for reconnection.

For Marc, the inspiration to create and define The Eleven Primal Spaces came in a place that powerfully reminded him what it means to live with purpose. Standing in a military cemetery, watching fresh graves being dug for young men and women whose lives had been tragically cut short, he was confronted with a stark reminder of what it means to live with impact and purpose. In that moment, he asked himself a simple but difficult question:

Am I living each day with impact and purpose?

That question became the foundation for everything that followed.

The Eleven Primal Spaces is an invitation to awaken and reconnect to what makes us human. These aren’t just ideas to memorize, they’re spaces to inhabit, practices to return to, and the foundation for building something meaningful together.

Next-Level Leadership is Waiting

Connecting Bundle

For book clubs, teams and small groups

25+

Signed Copies

15% discount

Primal Spaces Bundle

For departments and growing organizations

100+

Signed Copies

20% discount

Next-Level Leaders Bundle

For organizations seeking deeper engagement

250+

Signed Copies

Primal Spaces Bundle

For enterprise-wide transformation

500+

Signed Copies