What if the key to innovation isn’t thinking bigger — but slowing down?

In this episode of What is Innovation?, Jared Simmons is joined by Cynthia Kane, founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute and author of The Pause Principle. Cynthia brings a deeply personal and practical perspective to innovation, drawing from her experience teaching over 70,000 people how to communicate with clarity, compassion, and calm.

The conversation explores how communication—with ourselves and others—is a practice that shapes not only our relationships but also our ability to navigate change, uncertainty, and complexity. Cynthia shares her journey from loss to discovery, illustrating how curiosity, mindfulness, and self-awareness can transform the way we lead, build, and collaborate.

Whether you’re leading a company or navigating a tough conversation, this episode offers a grounding approach to innovation that begins within.

Guest Bio:
Cynthia Kane is the founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute and the author of four books, including The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations. A certified meditation and mindfulness instructor and breathing coach, Cynthia has helped over 70,000 people improve the way they communicate through her bestselling courses and training programs. Her work blends principles of Right Speech, mindfulness, and intentional action to create sustainable change in communication and leadership.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why innovation isn’t always about doing something new — but doing it differently

• How communication becomes a practice of clarity, curiosity, and connection

• The link between mindfulness and effective leadership

• How to speak to yourself with kindness (and why it matters for innovation)

• Why responding is more powerful than reacting in high-stakes situations

• The difference between making things easy and making them simple

Highlighted Insight:
“Innovation is a flowing river, not a series of hurdles. It moves. It breathes. It responds.”

Quote to Remember:
“Go where it’s easy. Innovation doesn’t have to be hard. It just has to be yours.”

Resources & Links:

• CynthiaKane.com

• The Pause Principle (Book)

• Cynthia on Instagram @cykane1

• Free 30-Day Pause Challenge available on her website

About the Host:
Jared Simmons is the Founder and Principal of OUTLAST Consulting, a boutique firm helping organizations unlock innovation through intentional action. With leadership experience at Procter & Gamble, McKinsey & Company, and Coca-Cola, Jared blends corporate strategy with entrepreneurial thinking to help clients innovate on their own terms.