Keep Going: Know when to kiss and when to kick

In this episode of Keep Going, we sit down with Zina Jarrahi Cinker, the mind behind XPANSE. What began as a science and tech event has evolved into something much larger—a convergence of creativity, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary dialogue. From Nobel laureates to artists, XPANSE brings together some of the most intriguing minds to explore ideas that challenge the status quo.

What is XPANSE?

Described by Zina as a mix between *Cirque du Soleil*, TED, and a dash of WEF, XPANSE is not your typical conference. It's a curated experience—an event that Zina envisions as a dinner party where scientists, philosophers, technologists, and artists gather to exchange ideas. The event’s vibrant atmosphere, described as "Alice in Wonderland" by Zina, pushes the boundaries of how science and creativity coexist.

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“I wanted to create an environment that would feel good, that would encourage dialogue and creativity without constraint,” she said.

The event's impact speaks for itself. With attendees describing it as *life-changing*, XPANSE has managed to carve out a space that combines cutting-edge science and technology with human expression.

Building Without a Blueprint

Zina’s journey toward creating XPANSE reflects a deep commitment to following what feels right—without overthinking or over-planning.

“There’s no blueprint for a peacock,” Zina said. “It just happens. It evolves. I think XPANSE was born in the same way. A culmination of my experiences and ideas that felt right to pursue.”

Coming from a background that uniquely bridges the arts and sciences—Zina has a PhD in physics—her ability to think in two seemingly separate worlds has been a driving force.

The Challenges of Claiming Space

For Zina, embracing her creative side while being taken seriously as a scientist was not always easy. In the early stages of her career, Zina led regulatory work for nanomaterials and graphene, where creativity was not always welcomed.

“I had to hide my artistic side to be taken seriously,” she said. “It wasn’t easy to express myself this way, but over time, I built my own path. And I tell people, you will pay a price for being unique. But if you stick to it, something good will come out of it.”

Zina’s approach to earning respect was not about confrontation. Instead, she allowed her work to speak for itself. A powerful anecdote during the podcast highlighted how someone who once dismissed her as “not important enough” later described her event as a life-changing experience. For Zina, patience, persistence, and focusing on the work were key.

Zina also touched on representation in science and events. While she supports initiatives that aim to bring diversity into traditionally underrepresented spaces, her approach is different.

“I’ve never gender-balanced my panels or events. I curate based on excellence and authenticity,” she said. Remarkably, this approach has naturally led to 40% women participation at XPANSE—a statistic that speaks to the power of creating spaces where everyone feels they belong, not because they are a token, but because they are valued.

For those wondering what’s cutting edge, Zina offered a glimpse into exotic computing, a space that goes beyond AI to explore biological systems for computation. One highlight at XPANSE was a demonstration where brain cells in a Petri dish played Pong in real time—a glimpse into what biological intelligence might look like in the future.

Zina’s Advice for Creators and Leaders

For those looking to build something unique, Zina’s advice is simple:

- Follow what feels right: Creativity often comes from trusting your instincts and evolving without a rigid plan.

- Be prepared to pay the price: Building something unique often means facing skepticism, but persistence pays off.

- Focus on the work, not validation: “If they don’t take you seriously now, let them go. They might come back later.”

Zina Cinker’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always come from playing by the rules. By embracing the intersection of science, creativity, and persistence, she has created something extraordinary with XPANSE—a space where ideas can flow, evolve, and inspire.

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