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/

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 why this often leads to inefficiency and frustration for both managers and their teams.

You’ll also hear practical insights on creating a robust leadership development strategy, including the importance of coaching, peer learning, and hands-on practice. Ryan and Mike reveal how structured programs not only build confidence but also free up managers’ time, enabling them to focus on strategic initiatives that drive business success.

Download the guide: 7 Best Ways to Train Your Leaders

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/

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-free feedback that drives progress. Ryan and Mike share insights on balancing internal talent development with external hires and outline simple yet powerful techniques like structured coaching, skill practice, and reflection.

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/

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 solutions. Learn how short, focused coaching sessions can be easy to schedule, stick to, and deliver big results over time.

Discover how to use quick coaching moments to spark growth and build trust, even in day-to-day interactions. By asking transformative questions like “How would you do it?” and offering real-time feedback, you can empower your team to take ownership and boost their performance. Coaching doesn’t need to be formal or time-consuming – start small, stay consistent, and watch your team thrive.

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/

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

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

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, including identifying tasks and capabilities to delegate, implementing the "Watch me, then I'll watch you" approach for task delegation, and providing ongoing support and guidance for capability development. Tune in to unlock your team's potential and elevate your leadership to new heights.

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/

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

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

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 approach conversations with care, respect, and purpose, ensuring positive outcomes for both individuals and the business. Plus, hear insights from real-life leadership scenarios and the Active Manager Program.

Where else you can find us

Website: https://thebreakthrough.co

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/

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

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