INSIGHTS

Table of Contents

Writing

James offers a scientific perspective—rooted in physics, chemistry, biology, and neurology—to explain the trends and events that are reshaping businesses, economies, societies, and cultures. His insights help leaders in the commercial, public, and social sectors develop a deeper understanding of the cognitive connections that are profoundly impacting every aspect of their organizations, their communities, and the planet we share.

James Kane James Kane

Your Swiss Cheese Brain

The brain excels at learning but resists unlearning, locking in beliefs to conserve energy. To adapt in a changing world, we must reopen gaps, question assumptions, and stay flexible.

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The Longest-Running Commercial In History

The narrative shaping public perception—once through decades of television stereotypes and now through misinformation about DEI—is the longest-running commercial in history, reinforcing exclusion and bias through relentless repetition.

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Ghosted

Ghosting has become an unsettling norm in professional settings, mirroring the awkwardness of teenage miscommunication, but businesses that embrace silence risk damaging their reputations and burning bridges they may later need to cross.

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The Secret to Survival: Lessons from the Smallest Life Form

What can the tiniest life forms teach us about thriving in constant change? Plenty. Bacteria, Earth’s oldest and most successful residents, have survived billions of years with a surprising strategy. Their secret to resilience might also be ours.

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The Cost of Silence

History shows us two paths: resilience or compliance. Today’s leaders must choose wisely, for only the courageous will shape the future.

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The Commoditization of Everything

Today, social media influencers and private equity firms profit from everything, including people’s lives. What was once limited to celebrities is now everyone’s reality, with over 50 million creators exploiting personal stories for revenue. As commoditization reshapes our world, true adaptation means defending life’s meaningful values—not succumbing to profit-driven forces.

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Your Climate Change

Just as natural disasters warn of an urgent need to adapt, the shifting landscape of technology, social dynamics, and employee expectations signals a critical moment for organizations. Leaders must reimagine their approach to the future of work to thrive in this rapidly changing world.

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The Missing Step in Teaching: Why Unlearning Matters Most

Before we can embrace new ideas, we must first unlearn the old ones. This essay explores why unlearning is essential for effective teaching, coaching, and development—and how understanding the brain’s resistance to change can help guide lasting growth.

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Humans Don’t Get Stuck.We Are Stuck.

We tell ourselves stories of progress, but what if we’re more stuck than we realize? Our brains crave stability, locking us into routines and preventing growth. Breaking free requires intention—only then can we truly evolve and thrive.

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What Cancer Taught Me About AI

“My battle with cancer revealed AI’s potential and its dangers. Explore how our reliance on AI must be balanced with human creativity and collaboration to truly transcend our limitations.”

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Are You Trying To Sell Paper Cups?

“True innovation often lies in seeing what others overlook. Discover how a paper cup salesman’s simple observation at a Walgreens in 1930 led to the birth of the take-out industry and forever changed the world of business.”

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Black Sails

“Signals deliver information, but they don’t deliver meaning. The ancient tale of Aegeus and Theseus reminds us how easily misunderstandings can arise when we rush to interpret signals without considering other possibilities. In today’s world, this lesson is more relevant than ever.”

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Videos

You Can’t Handle The Truth

When it comes to relationships, being honest is more important than being nice.

You Aren’t Who You Were Yesterday

The ever-changing human mind shapes our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, influencing how we navigate the world each day.

Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

Are you and your organization ready to guarantee your products and services? Can you truly deliver on the promises you make?

Nature’s First Strategy

Nature’s winning strategy is simple: life thrives when it sustains itself, optimizes energy, and grows. When it can’t, it fades. Humans flourish by following the same blueprint.

Our education and development are built on learning and acquiring new information. But unlearning old information is just as important.

Unlearning

Understanding one’s value is about more than recognizing their current abilities. It’s also envisioning the greatness they’re capable of achieving.

Seeing Potential

You don’t always need to do great things yourself. Sometimes, your greatest achievement is bringing together those who can.

Matchmakers

Our brain is naturally inclined to take the easy route, favoring routines and avoiding challenges. To achieve success, we must deliberately activate curiosity, creativity, and optimism—because they won’t spark on their own.

Static Thinkers

Myths & Mythmakers

Coming Soon.