Business Leader Breakthroughs

In this final episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby reflect on over six years and 100+ episodes of podcasting, sharing how their journey has evolved. They announce the exciting launch of their new podcast, Level Ten Leaders , coming in September 2025. This new show will feature a mix of long-form interviews and quick, actionable leadership tips based on feedback...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs, we’re trying something different—an AI-powered deep dive into what Gen Z and Millennials really want from work. Here’s the headline: 94% of Gen Z don’t want traditional leadership roles. The problem? Most managers aren’t equipped to deliver what this generation actually values. They manage tasks. They don’t build people. And that disconnect? It’s c...

👉 Free Resource : tbco.at/ambook Download The Active Manager book – your field guide to leading through uncertainty In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby dive into the challenges of learning and why it's often harder than we expect. They explore the natural resistance we face when trying to change and the mental energy required to push through it. They...

👉 Free Resource : tbco.at/ambook Download The Active Manager book – your field guide to leading through uncertainty In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs, Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby get real about the hidden cost of bad—or as they call them, crap —bosses. They break down how poor management shows up in micromanagement, low trust, and missed opportunities, and how it kills culture,...

In this episode Ryan Castle sits down with AI expert and entrepreneur Brian Russell, PhD to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping business growth and innovation. Drawing on his PhD and deep industry experience, Bryan shares practical insights on how business leaders can harness AI, from large language models to advanced decision-making tools, to scale expertise and solve complex problems...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby dive into the pressing challenges of leading a business in unpredictable times. With Trump’s proposed tariffs, global instability, and economic uncertainty dominating headlines, how can leaders stay grounded, keep their teams calm, and still move forward? Ryan and Mike explore why traditional strategies don’t work in...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby tackle one of the most talked-about, least-mastered skills in business: time management. Everyone’s busy. But are we spending our time on what matters? Ryan and Mike break down why most time management fails — and how it's really about energy, attention, and mindset. They introduce the concept of the Active Mindset ,...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs, Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby tackle the challenge of breaking out of business plateaus. Many owners feel stuck, tweaking small things but not seeing real progress. Ryan and Mike unpack three powerful strategy questions that unlock fresh thinking and new paths to growth. They share real-world stories of businesses trapped in incremental improvemen...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle chats with early-stage tech leader and HR expert Jennifer Aubin about what it really takes to lead teams in high-growth, high-stress environments. With 20+ years in startup leadership, Jennifer brings real-world insight into how great teams stay aligned, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent—without burning out. Jennifer introduces he...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle sit down with leadership coach Katie O'Malley to explore the essential qualities of great leadership— self-awareness, psychological safety, and listening skills . Katie shares her personal career journey, from pursuing political science and nonprofit work to discovering her true passion for coaching. She reveals how a misalignment betw...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby dive into the heated debate on returning to the office. With major corporations and governments pushing for in-office mandates, they explore the real drivers behind these decisions—productivity, company culture, and even cost-cutting disguised as policy shifts. They break down how different industries are approaching...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby break down the difference between pressure and stress—why one fuels high performance while the other leads to burnout. They share actionable strategies for recognizing stress signals, using breathing techniques to reset, and shifting your mindset to stay in control under pressure. They also explore how great leaders...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby explore the keys to making better decisions as a leader. They share practical principles like being less certain, evaluating probabilities, and asking, “What could go wrong?” You’ll hear real-world examples, including a kayak adventure that taught lessons in preparation and perspective. They also discuss why “fit for...

What makes manager training truly effective, and why should you prioritize it? In this episode of Business Breakthroughs , Ryan and Mike explore how equipping managers with essential people leadership skills can transform their performance and the productivity of their teams. They discuss the challenges of promoting technically skilled individuals to managerial roles without proper training and wh...

Discover how to develop and retain talent by fostering a culture of learning and growth within your team. Ryan and Mike dive into the critical role leaders play in helping their people grow, exploring why continuous development is key to team performance and business success. Learn practical strategies for identifying future value in team members, creating a learning mindset, and providing fear-fr...

Unlock the power of coaching with simple, effective techniques you can implement in just 15 minutes . Ryan and Mike break down what coaching really is (and what it isn’t), while addressing common barriers like time constraints, lack of confidence, and the misconception that you need all the answers. They share practical ways to shift from telling to asking and guide your team to uncover their own...

Discover the power of two distinct delegation approaches: task delegation, focusing on efficient task completion, and capability delegation, aimed at developing the skills and knowledge of your team members. Learn to overcome the common "too busy" excuse and embrace delegation as a crucial leadership tool. Ryan and Mike will guide you through a practical framework for successful delegation, includ...

Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs , where hosts Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby discuss how to excel in challenging but crucial workplace situations: difficult conversations. From managing underperformance to addressing behavioral challenges, this episode dives into strategies, emotional intelligence, and tools for turning tough talks into opportunities for growth. Tune in to learn how to ap...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby explore the art of clear communication and why it’s critical for effective leadership. Discover how to deliver your message with clarity, listen actively, and create space for meaningful contributions from your team. With practical strategies, real-world examples, and proven frameworks, this episode equips you with t...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby share actionable leadership strategies to help you focus on what matters most. Learn how to prioritize your top three goals, harness the power of dedicated development time, and embrace daily discomfort to fuel growth and resilience. With real-world insights, proven frameworks, and inspiring stories, this episode giv...

Ever wondered why others don’t think or work like you? In this episode, we dive into the impact of diverse working styles on team productivity. From Drivers to Pioneers, we explore how understanding each style—whether detail-oriented or big-picture—can enhance collaboration and improve outcomes. Join us as we unpack how these differences make teams stronger and offer tips for communicating across...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby tackle a critical issue: how to transform meetings from time-wasters into powerful tools that drive culture and boost team energy. They share strategies to ensure meetings create purpose, accountability, and energy, rather than draining team morale. Join Ryan and Mike as they discuss: Why meetings are essential but o...

In this episode of Business Leader Breakthroughs , Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby tackle the “busyness trap.” We all know the feeling: a week packed with tasks, yet by Friday, we’re not sure what we’ve achieved. Sound familiar? Mike and Ryan dive deep into the Active vs. Reactive mindset, helping leaders refocus on genuine contributions instead of endless to-dos. They discuss: The Pitfalls of "Bus...

In this episode, Ryan Castle and Dr. Mike Ashby explore the concept of mindfulness in the workplace. They discuss how many people operate on autopilot, going through the motions without being fully present. Mike explains that mindfulness isn't just about meditation – it's about being engaged in the moment, especially at work. They share practical ways to build mindfulness into daily tasks and how...

Today, we have Micah Lorenc, the owner and head executive coach of Taylor Consulting. With a wealth of experience spanning the spectrum from startups to Fortune 500, Micah is a Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder Coach, guiding individuals and teams towards unlocking their full potential. Micah brings a dynamic perspective to leadership. He's here to share three profound insights that understanding w...