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 today’s climate—and what to do instead. They unpack how to develop an Active Mindset, make smarter decisions under pressure, and create space for clear, strategic thinking even when chaos reigns. If you're feeling overwhelmed by today’s volatile business environment, this episode offers practical tools and sharp insights to help you lead with intention—not reaction.

👉 Free Resource: tbco.at/ambook Download The Active Manager book – your field guide to leading through uncertainty

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company

Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/

Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/

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, and share smart, practical tools to take back control of your day. You’ll hear how small changes like a 5-minute meeting with yourself, setting fixed work hours, and identifying your “productivity window” can help you stay focused, make better choices, and get more done without burning out.

If your day feels out of control or you’re always chasing tasks that never end, this episode will help you shift from reactive to intentional. Expect sharp insights, real-world examples, and tips you can use today.

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company

Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/

Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/

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 improvements and show how bold, simple questions can shift mindsets from maintenance to momentum. You'll hear how to think like a new entrant to your industry, how to imagine scaling your business, and how to challenge your assumptions about resources and growth.

If you’re feeling stuck or want to push your business to the next level, this episode offers clear, practical insights to spark bigger thinking and real action.

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company

Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/

Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/

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 her “three-pronged” leadership model: IQ, EQ, and AQ (Adaptability Quotient)—a simple but powerful way to assess talent and build capable, well-balanced teams. She unpacks why smart people alone won’t get you across the line, and how adaptability is the trait that separates average teams from high performers.

Useful links:
Connect with Jennifer Aubin - LinkedIn
Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson - Amazon (Note: We are not affiliated with this link; it’s shared for reference only.)
Grit by Angela Duckworth - Amazon (Note: We are not affiliated with this link; it’s shared for reference only.)

Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company

Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/

Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/

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 between values and career choices can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction, and why developing self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership.

Ryan and Katie also discuss how leaders can create psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel heard and empowered. Katie explains why listening is the most underrated leadership skill, how different communication styles impact team trust, and practical strategies leaders can use to foster open, productive conversations. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills or rethink how you engage with your team, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Useful links:
Katie O'Malley’s Coaching Practice – Encourage Coaching
Dr. Amy Edmondson on Psychological Safety – Harvard Business Review article

The Five-Factor Model of Personality – The psychological framework behind Hogan Assessments

Armchair Expert Podcast – One of Katie’s favorite podcasts on psychology and leadership

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company

Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/

Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/

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 hybrid work and why a one-size-fits-all policy is often ineffective.

Ryan and Mike also discuss the critical role of leadership in setting fair and practical workplace expectations. They examine why some leaders push office attendance while choosing to work remotely themselves, how hybrid policies impact team dynamics, and why great management—not location—is the key to high performance. If you're a leader navigating the return-to-office landscape, this episode offers practical insights to help you make decisions that drive both engagement and results.

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company

Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/

Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/

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 help their teams thrive under pressure, from cutting out unnecessary noise to fostering human connection. You’ll learn how to keep your team focused, engaged, and performing at their best—without adding extra stress. If you want to manage stress effectively and turn pressure into an advantage, this episode is a must-listen.

Useful links:
Eckhart Tolle – "The Power of Now" - Amazon (Note: We are not affiliated with this link; it’s shared for reference only.)
The Yerkes-Dodson Law (Pressure vs. Performance Curve) - Simply Psychology

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company

Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/

Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/

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 purpose” should guide your approach, how to leverage outside perspectives for smarter choices, and when “good enough” is the right call. If you want sharper decision-making skills that lead to better outcomes for your team, this episode is for you.

Useful links:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig (Note: We are not affiliated with this link; it’s shared for reference only.)

Between Two Beers featuring Sean Quincey: Rowing 2,200km Across The Tasman, Building a Business & Investment Empire
Make Better Decisions by Thomas H. Davenport, HBR

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company

Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/

Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/