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 gives you the tools to lead with purpose, plan for the future, and create meaningful progress....

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 styles. Perfect for leaders, managers, and anyone curious about what makes a successful team...

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 often go wrongHow meetings can either boost or kill culturePractical steps to energize your team...

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 "Busy": Why busyness can feel like progress, but often isn’t.Active Mode: A tool for leaders to hit...

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 breaking away from habitual, reactive behavior can unlock true greatness. Key...

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 why self-awareness is often underrated, the transformative impact of leaders who know how to...

Our guest is Chris Morsley, an accomplished entrepreneur and business consultant based in Australia. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Chris is the founder and CEO of CMC Global, a leading consulting firm that provides innovative solutions in strategic planning, marketing, and business development. Throughout his career, Chris has helped numerous clients to achieve their goals and reach new heights of success.  Today Chris is sharing his insights and knowledge on charismatic...

In this episode, Ryan is talking to Nadine Tereora, the CEO of AA New Zealand. They discuss the difference between leadership and management, whether you can "fake it till you make it" in leadership, and how you become a leader worth following.

In this episode, Ryan is talking to Mark McConnell, Learning & Development Manager at Argenta. Mark shares his top 6 C's of a true leader and opens up about some difficult times in his life that inspired his book "The Prime of My Days".

In this episode, Mike and Ryan discuss How to attract and retain your stars from an employer brand point of view. 70% of the reasons people give for leaving a job are related to their manager, so your #1 competitive advantage is finding and keeping great staff.

Whether it’s dealing with underperforming employees, conflict at work, negotiating with a difficult client, or simply saying ‘no’, attempt to avoid difficult conversations every day. In this podcast, Mike and Ryan are tackling how to approach them and get the best results.

Today Ryan is joined by Alisha Purtell, the Chief People Officer of Lion Co. Alicia shares her top three leadership insights into being a leader, including how to learn the art of thinking flexibly, how to be an authentic leader even when your values are being tested and the importance of a support network.

In this podcast, Mike and Ryan discuss stress at work and how to deal with it. A lot has been written on the impact of stress on our physical and mental health, so let's look at some ideas for dealing with the sense of overload.

We all know of the famous Red Band gumboots. How does one take rubber products and turn them into a symbol? In this episode, David Mair shares his three essential learnings in his career.

In this podcast, Mike and Ryan discuss the myth of the Great Resignation. They share tips on how you can retain your best staff, and no, it’s not just about money..

Join Ryan and Jen Scoular, Chief Executive of New Zealand Avocado, talking about top leadership principles, women and horticulture, and competing against a mariachi band to host World Avocado Congress in New Zealand.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan give an example about a big failure we at The Breakthrough went through, but why it was the best thing to happen to us.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan talk about who you are actually experiencing your culture with and how recognising that is very important.

In this episode, Mike and Ryan discuss how we can accurately measure engagement and direct it in a way that does provide value to both your business and your employees.

Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every Friday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. In this episode, Mike and Ryan cover why you should celebrate your failures, rather than dwell on them Failure is something we all fear, but failure doesn’t have to be bad thing. While we should always strive for success, success doesn’t allow us an opportunity to learn and grow. Mike and Ryan give insight on their...

In this podcast, Ryan interviews the "fairy godmother of middle management" Rebecca Houghton on how to be bold, have fun, and create impact as a middle management leader. They look into the challenges specific to middle management and shares solutions around those, including how to create space when overwhelm starts to build.

This weeks episode covers the important topic of contribution, and why it should be something business leaders should be thinking of.

In this podcast, Mike and Ryan share many stories of how people working from home during lockdown experienced different gains, losses and challenges, and the learnings we can take from their situations. And as the requirements have eased, companies have been adopting a variety of new models of working, some of which may not last long term.

Managing the tension between stabilising and adapting is difficult, even without the added pressure of a pandemic. In the process of stabilising our business, we must look at our business model and operations for what and how we can recover, rebuild, reinstate and reassure.