If you believe you’re prepared for what’s next.

Think again.

In a world that’s relentlessly advancing, organizations—and individuals—are blind to a critical cognitive force that could jeopardize their very existence. Many who consider themselves agile and forward-thinking are on the brink of harsh reality. Getting unstuck isn’t just a choice; it’s your lifeline to outpace obsolescence and secure your future.

You aren’t alone.

Just 21% of organizations successfully introduce disruptive products, services, and ideas each year—a telling sign across industries. This select group of innovators consistently challenges the status quo, driving forward with groundbreaking solutions. These numbers highlight the steep challenge most organizations face in the quest for constant reinvention and evolution.

In a world of relentless change, curiosity, granularity, optimism, and innovation are the keys to getting Unstuck.

Getting Unstuck

A Three-Step Program for Organizational Transformation

In a world where initiating and managing change is more critical than ever, many organizations still find it daunting. James’ three-step UnStuck Program goes beyond surface-level inspiration, offering a powerful, immersive journey that delves into the practicalities of real transformation.

This program takes organizations beyond the initial spark of a keynote presentation, providing a comprehensive approach to breaking free from stagnation and embracing the potential of change. It’s not just about recognizing the need for change; it’s about equipping organizations with the tools, insights, and strategies to make and sustain it. With James’ UnStuck Program, you won’t just be ready for the future—you’ll be actively shaping it.

Unstuck

Keynote Presentation

  • Before your organization makes another move, listen to James Kane. In his compelling 1-hour keynote presentation, James lays out the essential first steps to overcoming the cognitive barriers that stagnate growth. He argues that understanding and dismantling these obstacles is critical before any meaningful change or transformation can occur. His session delves into why getting unstuck is not just necessary, but foundational to navigating the transformative forces at play today. James provides the crucial insights every organization needs to initiate real and lasting change.

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  • In a world where change is constant, organizations can become trapped by outdated practices and mindsets. This keynote delivers crucial insights into breaking free from these constraints, positioning it as an essential resource for any organization aiming to thrive in today’s dynamic environment.

  • Organizations are currently being urged to dive headfirst into the sweeping technological, cultural, and institutional changes shaping our world. However, before taking the plunge, it's crucial to understand why resistance to these changes is inevitable and how to overcome it. James Kane's "UnStuck" keynote addresses these challenges directly, providing leaders with the knowledge and strategies necessary to counteract this resistance. This understanding is vital for organizations and individuals aiming to succeed in the race to the top.

Black Cat Challenge

Workshop

  • The Black Cat Challenge is a dynamic, interactive exercise designed for leadership teams, select groups, or entire organizations. This initiative aims to uncover the hidden challenges and the potential opportunities—referred to as “black cats”—within the organization's metaphorical “dark rooms.” By engaging in this process, participants are encouraged to explore and illuminate both the obstacles that hinder progress and the hidden prospects that can lead to significant growth and improvement.

  • The exercise is flexible in duration, ranging from a few hours to several months, based on the specific needs of the organization. It begins with a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and goals of the challenge, followed by a deep dive into the organization’s operations and culture. Participants engage in a series of activities designed to reveal and explore the organization’s “dark rooms” In search of the black cats that may be hiding within them. These activities involve critical thinking, collaborative discussions, and problem-solving tasks that encourage participants to identify, confront, and understand the core issues facing their organization.

  • Participants of the Black Cat Challenge can expect transformative outcomes. The exercise not only illuminates areas of ignorance and reveals critical issues, but it also significantly impacts the organization by fostering a culture of transparency, curiosity, and proactive problem-solving. Participants will leave with a heightened sense of awareness about their work environment and a clearer understanding of how hidden challenges affect their daily operations and long-term goals. Furthermore, they will develop the skills necessary to continue identifying and addressing challenges independently, promoting ongoing growth and resilience within the organization.

Extraction Plan

Development Process

  • The Extraction Plan is an invaluable strategic initiative that complements an organization’s overall Strategic Plan by addressing the specific, often overlooked elements that can impede progress: existing hindrances and legacy issues. While a Strategic Plan maps out the future goals and the pathways to achieve them, the Extraction Plan digs deep to identify and resolve the undercurrents that threaten to derail these objectives. This dual approach not only prepares an organization to advance towards its future but also ensures it is not weighed down by the remnants of its past.

  • The Extraction Plan is meticulously crafted to integrate seamlessly with an organization's strategic goals and in-house initiatives. By working in tandem with these elements, the plan strategically targets and eliminates the restraints of outdated practices and hardened beliefs that hold the organization back. This integration is crucial as it aligns the removal of obstacles directly with the strategic milestones set forth, ensuring that each step forward is unencumbered by historical inefficiencies or misalignments.

  • By implementing The Extraction Plan, an organization can expect profound outcomes that enhance its capability to move forward dynamically and adaptively in today’s fast-paced business environment. The plan not only clears the path of old constraints and legacy issues but also fortifies the organization's ability to pursue new opportunities with agility and efficiency. Organizations will notice a significant boost in operational effectiveness and strategic agility, enabling them to respond to changing market conditions with precision and foresight. The result is a robust framework that supports sustained growth and continuous improvement, positioning the organization well ahead of its competitors.

Additional Workshops

Below are additional workshops and development programs James offers that support an organization’s efforts to get Unstuck.

Unstuck Leadership

From Reluctance To Resilience

  • The Unstuck Leadership Workshop is a transformative experience designed to guide participants through the complexities of agile leadership while illuminating the dual nature of organizational ties—those that bind us together can also tether us to obsolete practices, hindering progress. This in-depth workshop delves into the art of identifying and overcoming the invisible barriers that prevent organizations from advancing. "Unstuck Leadership" is more than just a workshop; it represents a strategic pivot point, empowering you and your organization to revitalize your approach to change management, and preparing you to lead confidently through transformative times.

  • Attendees of the Unstuck Leadership Workshop can expect to achieve a comprehensive set of learning outcomes that will significantly enhance their leadership capabilities and organizational impact:

    • Recognize Signs of Organizational Paralysis: Learn to identify the subtle signs of stagnation and understand the underlying psychology of resistance to change.

    • Develop Adaptive Strategies: Gain insights into fostering a culture that harmonizes loyalty with flexibility, ensuring that commitment enhances rather than hinders growth.

    • Foster Innovation: Apply a practical framework designed by James to cultivate an environment where innovation flourishes while respecting the core values that define your organization.

    • Dismantle Conformity: Equip yourself with the tools necessary to break free from conformity, enabling your team to embrace change and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

    • Master Dynamic Leadership: Perfect the art of "Unstuck Leadership," ensuring your leadership style is dynamic, responsive, and aligned with the ever-changing global market conditions.

    Through these outcomes, participants will secure a leading position at the forefront of industry innovation, ready to navigate their teams through the challenges of the modern business landscape.

The Belonging Imperative

Reimagining Inclusion

  • The Belonging Imperative Workshop, rooted in James' 30 years of research on human connections, offers a pioneering approach to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within organizations. This workshop leverages James’ deep insights into loyalty and the cognitive underpinnings of relationships to address the critical need for effective DEI strategies. Participants will explore how bonds within organizations can both support and impede progress. The workshop uniquely combines empirical research with practical applications, providing an in-depth look at how to recalibrate dynamics to foster a thriving, diverse environment. James will guide participants through understanding how strong, loyal relationships, if unchecked, can contribute to unconscious biases and resistances to change.

  • Attendees of the Belonging Imperative Workshop can expect a range of transformative learning outcomes that will empower them to lead DEI initiatives effectively:

    Strategic Application of Cognitive Connections: Learn how to translate the cognitive aspects of connection into a strategic advantage for advancing DEI.

    Uncover Subtle Dynamics: Recognize and address the often-subtle dynamics that maintain the status quo and hinder inclusivity within your organization.

    Innovative Thinking Techniques: Employ innovative techniques that challenge traditional thinking and cultivate an inclusive mindset among team members.

    Leverage Loyalty for Inclusion: Utilize the principles of loyalty to build a more cohesive, supportive, and diverse organizational culture.

    Measure and Sustain DEI Progress: Apply James’ proprietary frameworks to not only measure but also sustain progress in achieving DEI objectives.

    This workshop promises to be a transformative experience, not merely by imparting knowledge but by reshaping the paradigms through which DEI is viewed and enacted. Participants will be equipped to challenge their preconceptions, unlock the full potential of their teams, and lead the charge towards a truly inclusive future.

The Innovation Mindset

 Cultivating Creative Growth

  • The innovative Mindset iIn a future where AI makes knowledge universally accessible, creativity will be the defining skill that sets you apart. “The Innovative Mindset” is an interactive workshop designed to unlock your creative potential, equipping you with the tools to think beyond conventional limits, embrace uncertainty, and generate breakthrough ideas. Through hands-on activities and real-world challenges, you’ll develop the skills to thrive in a world where creativity is the ultimate competitive advantage.

  • 1. Develop Creative Problem-Solving Skills: Learn to approach challenges with a creative mindset, using innovative techniques to generate and refine ideas that lead to impactful solutions.

    2. Enhance Adaptability in a Dynamic Environment: Cultivate the ability to adapt quickly to new situations and uncertainties by leveraging creativity as a tool for continuous growth and innovation.

    3. Foster Collaborative Innovation: Understand how to collaborate effectively in diverse teams, combining different perspectives to create novel solutions that drive progress and innovation.

    4. Build a Future-Ready Mindset: Prepare for a future where creativity is paramount by learning how to think beyond conventional boundaries and apply creative thinking to real-world scenarios.

    5. Apply Creative Techniques to Everyday Work: Gain practical experience in applying creative strategies to your work environment, enhancing your ability to innovate and excel in your professional role.