Explore every episode of the podcast Business Leader Breakthroughs
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep 105 – How to build high-performing teams with IQ, EQ and adaptability with Jennifer Aubin | 27 mars 2025 | 00:51:59 | |
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: Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ Blogs: https://thebreakthrough.co/blog/ | |||
| EP 104 – Katie O'Malley, Founder and Leadership Coach at Encourage Coaching, on self-awareness and why great leaders master listening | 13 mars 2025 | 00:45:43 | |
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.
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/ | |||
| Ep 103 – The office debate: is remote work over? | 27 févr. 2025 | 00:19:49 | |
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.
Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| EP 102 - Managing stress: how to thrive under pressure | 13 févr. 2025 | 00:24:06 | |
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.
Where else you can find us Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| Ep 101 - Better decisions: 3 rules every manager should know | 31 janv. 2025 | 00:20:08 | |
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: Between Two Beers featuring Sean Quincey: Rowing 2,200km Across The Tasman, Building a Business & Investment Empire
Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| Ep 100 - Effective manager training: 7 best leadership strategies | 23 janv. 2025 | 00:21:25 | |
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. Where else you can find us Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| Ep 99 - Develop your team: Your role as a leader | 27 déc. 2024 | 00:24:23 | |
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.
Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| EP 98 - 15-Minute coaching: Fast-track your team’s performance and growth | 19 déc. 2024 | 00:19:55 | |
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.
Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/ Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| Ep 97 - How to delegate effectively: Task vs. capability delegation explained | 13 déc. 2024 | 00:27:26 | |
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.
Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/ Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| EP 96 - The art of difficult conversations: leadership with empathy and purpose | 05 déc. 2024 | 00:30:13 | |
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.
Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/ Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| Ep 95 - Clear communication: Your superpower to build stronger teams and foster trust | 28 nov. 2024 | 00:20:00 | |
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 the tools to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and build high-performing teams. Perfect for leaders ready to break through communication barriers and drive better results. Check out this guide to powerful communication and team success. Subscribe now for more actionable business breakthroughs!| Where else you can find us Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| EP 94 - Conquer big goals: Practical leadership strategies for growth and resilience | 21 nov. 2024 | 00:23:55 | |
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. Perfect for leaders ready to carve out space for high-impact work. Don’t miss this guide to intentional leadership and future-focused success. Subscribe now for more practical business breakthroughs! Where else you can find us Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| Ep 93 - Understanding different working styles: How team diversity enhances productivity | 14 nov. 2024 | 00:17:44 | |
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 dynamic. 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/ | |||
| EP 92 - The secret to productive meetings: Build culture and drive results | 07 nov. 2024 | 00:14:48 | |
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:
Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or team leader, learn how to make your meetings work for you, not against you. Tune in to discover ways to create meetings that inspire, align, and drive 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/ | |||
| Ep 91 - How to manage your priorities: Focus on what really matters | 31 oct. 2024 | 00:23:44 | |
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:
Whether you’re managing a team or a company, this episode helps you break free from the noise and move towards impactful, focused work. 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/ | |||
| Ep 90: Mindfulness at work – Break free from autopilot | 23 oct. 2024 | 00:13:37 | |
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 Topics:
Takeaways: Learn how to implement mindfulness at work, improve decision-making, and boost productivity by being fully present and engaged. 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/ | |||
| S3 E4 - Micah Lorenc, owner of Tailored Consulting, Leadership unveiled: insights from on self-awareness and coaching. | 19 déc. 2023 | 00:45:54 | |
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 coach, and the critical distinction between average leaders focusing on work and great leaders shaping the environment. So, strap in for another insightful journey as we explore the realms of leadership and personal development with Micah Lorenc. Without further ado, let's dive into this enriching conversation!
Connect with Micah Lorenc 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/ | |||
| S3 E3 - Chris Morsley, the CEO of CMC Global, on charismatic leadership | 11 avr. 2023 | 00:45:49 | |
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 leadership. We discuss that charisma is a trait that can be learned, that storytelling is a number one weapon in successful communication and how Chris fell in love with bungy jumping while filming an Anchor Butter ad in Christchurch. So without further ado, let's dive into our conversation! Links: Connect with Chris via LinkedIn 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/ | |||
| S3 E2 - Nadine Tereora, the CEO of AA New Zealand, on how you become a leader worth following. | 14 févr. 2023 | 00:34:53 | |
AA is one of the most trusted and recognised brands in New Zealand, and with over 1300 employees spread across Aotearoa, the leadership responsibility is a big one. Nadine shares that in the first few weeks in her role with the AA, she deliberately spent time on the road with her staff, even learning how to tap starter motor. Nadine shares her top three leadership insights; a great combination of her hard-earned lessons, observations as a leader, and how these helped her to learn how to be her authentic self, and that failure is inevitable in leadership. But it's how you recover from those failures that are important. Connect with Nadine via LinkedIn 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/ | |||
| S3 E1 - Mark McConnell, L&D Manager at Argenta, on 6 C's of leadership. | 31 janv. 2023 | 00:40:40 | |
Ryan is joined by Mark McConnell, the Global Lead of Learning and Development at Argenta, the world's only CRO/CDMO for animal health. Mark shares his 6 C's of leadership that he sees as the foundational pillars of any great leader. He helps us explore those pillars and shares insights on how they've been observed and applied during his 20-year career.
Mark is also a speaker and an author. Mark opens up about some difficult times in his life that inspired his book, The Prime of My Days.
Official website of author: https://www.primedays.org/ 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/ | |||
| S2 E7: How to attract and retain your stars | 29 nov. 2022 | 00:19:57 | |
Talent is becoming more demanded. Employees have a wealth of opportunities today and the market is very much in their favour. So join Ryan and Mike to see how to keep people at work and how to develop your managers to increase productivity with the people you have. We'll also discuss how to succeed in the labour market through competitive advantage. To attract, keep and get the best from good people, companies have to improve the quality of their operational managers, so building your employer's brand is very important. Links: Research: McKinsey Quarterly ‘Great Attrition’ or ‘Great Attraction’? The choice is yours Gallup: It’s the Manager, Moving From Boss to Coach, by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter 2019 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/ | |||
| S2 E6: How to Have Difficult Conversations | 16 nov. 2022 | 00:30:11 | |
Difficult conversations are part of life. We might want to avoid them, but it is about three things: what happened, feelings and how to keep your balance. Sometimes all you need to do is acknowledge other feelings. Each party will have their version of reality. There’s no such thing as ‘facts’ in a difficult conversation, there is only our interpretation, which is coloured by things like the Truth Assumption, the Intention Invention and the Blame Frame. In this podcast, Mike and Ryan are looking at a real-life examples and the best way to resolve them. 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/ | |||
| S2 E5: Alicia Purtell, CPO of Lion Co, on Unlocking a Greater World Through Flexible Thinking | 24 oct. 2022 | 00:26:12 | |
Alicia Purtell is a Chief People Officer at Lion with 20 years of experience in People and Culture, strategy, change and organisation development. Alicia has a passion for Coaching and Positive Psychology, bringing this passion to life as a Senior Associate with the Positivity Institute working with not for profits and the education sector. In this episode, Alicia shares her top three leadership insights into being a leader, including what she wished she knew earlier in his career about thinking flexibly and her take on being an authentic leader, including how to stay true to yourself even when your values are being tested. Alicia and Ryan also discuss the loneliness that comes with being at the top and the importance of building a support network We also learn about swimming with sharks. Why Viktor Frankl would be someone to channel, and why creativity is Alicia's superpower. Links Connect with Alicia through her LinkedIn here You can find us here Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/ Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| S2 E4: Sources of Stress at Work and How to Combat Them | 10 oct. 2022 | 00:24:00 | |
There can be many sources of stress in the workplace, this for the most part is unavoidable. These sources lead to a sense of overload – too much, too hard and/or too soon. What you can control is how you deal with those situations. In this podcast, Mike and Ryan discuss the power of gaining control over the situation and your decisions. If you want to reduce your sense of overwhelm, it's time to get comfortable:
Listen to the podcast to get in-depth detail on how you can implement any (or all!) of these options at your workplace. Links: Blog: Sources of Stress at Work and How to Combat Them by Mike Ashby, October 2022 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/ | |||
| S2 E3: David Mair, CEO of Skellerup, on How to Grow Your NZ Business Using Japanese Business Practices | 19 sept. 2022 | 00:50:12 | |
David Mair is the CEO of iconic South Island brand Skellerup and Deloitte Top 200 ‘CEO of the Year 2021’. As a part of the team at Panasonic in Japan, he developed a deep understanding of Kaizen / Kaikaku and Product Development that has helped him develop rapid ways of improving businesses regardless of size. We all know of the famous Red Band gumboots. But how does one take rubber products and turn them into a symbol? David shares how 10 years in Japan and a lifelong commitment to judo have introduced him to a revolutionary way of doing business and helped shape his leadership style to what it is today. He also talks about three essential learnings in his career. The first one is learning by doing, then focusing on structure, then people, then process. And finally the ability to deal when things go wrong, as David says: “It's not people that fail. It's the process” He told Ryan about the kaikaku and kaizen concepts in Japanese production philosophy, which focuses on continuous self-improvement. Kaikaku means a radical change, during a limited time. Kaizen, on the other hand, is a system of incremental system changes.
Check out Who Stole My Customer?: Winning Strategies for Creating and Sustaining Customer Loyalty Connect with David through his LinkedIn here You can find us here Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/ Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| S2 E2: The Myth of the Great Resignation | 05 sept. 2022 | 00:21:15 | |
The Great Resignation is the idea that after the Covid pandemic, people re-evaluated their lives and left their jobs en masse. It sounds like a cultural movement where people don’t want to work anymore, but really, that's just an excuse used by employers. In this week’s podcast, Mike and Ryan discuss the myth and the copout that helps us avoid evaluating our performance as leaders and managers. The conversation also turns to the latest McKinsey research that confirms the old saying that people don’t leave jobs; they leave managers. They share exactly what employees value in their careers and how you can provide this as an employer - and no, it isn't all about money! Research: McKinsey Quarterly ‘Great Attrition’ or ‘Great Attraction’? The choice is yours
Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/ Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| S2 E1: Breaking the Barriers for Women in Leadership with Jen Scoular, CEO of NZ Avocado | 22 août 2022 | 00:44:00 | |
In this podcast, Ryan interviews Jen Scoular, Chief Executive of New Zealand Avocado, where she shares her three leadership insights: Everyone is different, competency is important and leadership is not the same thing as being at the top. Jen's journey from trade diplomat heading the New Zealand Consulate in Hamburg, Germany to going up against some of the biggest markets in the world to lead (and win!) the campaign for NZ to host the next World Avocado Congress in New Zealand in 2023 has gifted her a unique perspective on being a woman in leadership on the world stage. Ryan and Jen also discuss women in leadership. While the latest Australian statistics are showing that the progress is slow, Jen strongly believes that we have to look at the good things as well. There are some amazing woman leaders doing great things. It’s all about progress and perfection. Links Check out World Avocado Congress 2023 Check out New Zealand Avocado website here Connect with Jen through her LinkedIn here You can find us here Website: https://thebreakthrough.co LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-breakthrough-company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebreakthroughco/ Podcast: https://thebreakthrough.co/podcast/ | |||
| MINISODE 37 - Why the Loss of a Big Prospect Isn’t Really a Loss | 06 déc. 2021 | 00:05:19 | |
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 give an example about a big failure we at The Breakthrough went through, but why it was the best thing to happen to us. Going off a popular belief from a member of The Breakthrough's Board, "What are you going to delete, what are you going to develop, what are you going to grow, and what are you going to milk" and carrying on the discussion around failure, Mike and Ryan share a true story from when we lost a huge prospect and how it shaped the business (for the good). Listen to the full episode here 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| MINISODE 35 - Get Good at Measuring Your Engagement | 22 nov. 2021 | 00:05:33 | |
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, you'll hear Mike and Ryan's different point of views on the topic of engagement. Mike and Ryan discuss how we can accurately measure engagement and direct it in a way that provides value to both your business and your employees. Although engagement in the workplace has been a focus in the leadership space for the last 10-15 years, it's still a measurement that is very hard to pin down. Engagement will have a leading influence on your business performance measures, such as contribution and productivity, but it doesn’t provide value in of itself, so looking at your employees engagement as a whole and then actively working on changing those measurements will show growth in the areas of the organisation that engagement touches. Listen to the full episode here 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| EP 79 - Rebecca Houghton on How to Level up as a B-Suite Leader | 11 oct. 2021 | 00:41:11 | |
Rebecca earned her stripes leading large teams in complex organisations and built quite a reputation for doing business differently. Today, she is among Australia’s leading Talent and Leadership coaches and facilitators – helping leaders and their teams work. She is particularly passionate about helping mid-level leaders, the B-suite, to step up in the face of complexity. She is sometimes called the "fairy godmother" of middle management. In this podcast, Ryan interviews Rebecca on how to be a bold leader. She shares just how important it is as a leader to be creating fun in the workplace and how doing so can leader to higher performance and creativity, but also how it's equally important to remember that fun looks different to everyone. Together they look into the challenges specific to middle management and share solutions around those, including how to create space when overwhelm starts to build. Links 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/ | |||
| MINISODE 32 - How to Work From Home Post Lockdown | 21 sept. 2021 | 00:08:48 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode covers the question so many of us are asking "What is the ideal working model going forward in levels 1 and 2?" For many businesses and their people what was once the norm is now a choice; to work from home, to return to the office or something in between. 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 ease, companies have been adopting a variety of new models of working, some of which may not last long term. The important thing to realise is that there isn't a one size fits all solution, not only for the organisation but for individuals. We need to be continually adjusting and asking questions like "is this still working for us?" and "what do we need to change?" Listen to the full episode here 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| MINISODE 31 - Managing the Tension Between Stabilising and Adapting after the COVID-19 Lockdowns | 15 sept. 2021 | 00:08:18 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode was recorded right after our first 8 week lockdown in 2020, so with that in mind, Mike and Ryan discuss the tension for business leaders between stabilising the business after a lockdown, while also adapting our business models to make sure we stayed afloat during the 'new normal' of business after COVID. 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. So we must engage in the process of adapting, think about how to stay relevant, reimagine, reengineer, and disrupt so we exceed. The good news, you don't have to know all the answers right away, your role as a business leader is to help navigate the space and come up with solutions as the problems come, which is where we can help.
- Click here to listen to the full episode 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| EP 78 - Jack Keeys of KPMG on How to Create Dynamic and Inspiring Leadership | 08 sept. 2021 | 00:44:56 | |
This week, Ryan got a fresh perspective on leadership from Jack Keeys, a Research and Insights analyst at KPMG. Jack has led the market entrance of an agricultural computer software company into the UK and Ireland, while also conducting business development and training around New Zealand. Jack has been involved in several industry initiatives including co-developing the Rabobank Agri-Leadership programme and being selected for the first AGMARDT international placement award in 2019. Drawing upon his experience working for one of the "Big Four" accounting organisations, Jack shares his top three insights on what can create really impactful leadership. He discusses 'dynamic leadership' and how to create space for different people and skills to take their turn leading as well as how to allow inspiring leaders to contribute at their highest value, rather than boxing them into results-driven work and projects. Links 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/ | |||
| MINISODE 30 - Your Organisation Has to Change if You Want Your People to Change | 24 août 2021 | 00:07:39 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode covers all the reasons why those 2 day workshops you've been putting your leaders on haven't worked. Think about the learning workshops you've done over your career. Did you go away, have an inspiring day or two, only to go back to your workplace and keep doing what you've always done? You may have been introduced to some great new ideas and skills, but there was no path to bring that into your work within the organisation. In this episode, Mike and Ryan talk about how learning must be embedded to create transformation in the organisation, and its the organisation itself that has to change if you want the leaders to change. 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| EP 77 - How to Navigate Hybrid Working with Ali Hill | 17 août 2021 | 00:51:41 | |
Alison Hill is the CEO of AFR Fast 100 company Pragmatic Thinking, working with organisations to build better leaders, grow better teams, and shift cultures. Ali is a Psychologist, an award-winning business woman, an influential keynote speaker, producer and host of Stand Out Life podcast, regular on mainstream media, and a best-selling author. A hybrid work environment has become commonplace, and it’s no wonder considering the huge potential benefits to both employers and employees. But how can you make it work for your team?
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/ | |||
| MINISODE 29 - How To Make Working From Home Work For You | 10 août 2021 | 00:06:45 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. In this weeks episode, we travel back in time to when COVID-19 first hit and we were in our first week of Level 4 lockdown. Mike and Ryan cover how to successfully work from home during these challenging times of COVID-19. When this episode was first recorded, working from home was a brand new thing, so moving to solely WFH was a big change for our business and mental states. Although the tips and mindsets Mike and Ryan share in this podcast may not be relevant full time anymore, it's still important to remember how to work from home effectively and efficiently for workplaces that have decided to keep working from home as an option for their employees. Links
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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| EP 76 - Rob Pyne on Transforming Your Leadership Team Through Emotional Intelligence | 02 août 2021 | 00:47:21 | |
Rob Pyne, is the author of Unlock: Leveraging the Hidden Intelligence in Your Leadership Team. He is a former Chief Strategy Officer, and now is an adviser to CEOs and senior leaders. He is a leadership coach and facilitator who helps teams unlock their collective intelligence and become smarter than the sum of their parts. In this week’s podcast, Ryan interviews Rob Pyne to discuss how focusing on the EQ of your leadership team before their IQ can create a collective leadership that performs better than any one person ever could alone. This is no easy feat, however, which is why Rob Pyne shares where you can begin the journey towards collective leadership within your own business, by laying down the emotional foundations that answer the why, the what, and the how of your business. They’ll also talk about how to close the gap between the strategic plan of the leadership team and the execution of that strategic plan by your frontline workers.
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/ | |||
| MINISODE 28 - What's Productivity Worth to Your Business? | 27 juil. 2021 | 00:04:53 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode covers an important question most business leaders have when they are about to invest in leadership training – How do you measure the results of leadership development programmes? It is difficult to attribute a hard dollar value to soft skills, or translate it directly into measures like profit, so this can be a challenging question to answer. Mike and Ryan cover what they respond to questions like this, and continue to discuss the measuring ROI of leadership training, by referencing the Kirkpatrick Framework. This is a four dimensional training evaluation model that has evolved over multiple decades through application by learning and development professionals around the world.
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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| EP 75 - Make Clear Communication Your Superpower | 20 juil. 2021 | 00:20:15 | |
We have more tools to communicate with than ever before, so you’d think we’d be better than ever at communicating, right? Unfortunately, what we’ve learnt from the leaders and teams we work with, is that poor communication and lack of clarity is one of the biggest concerns in their business. In this week’s podcast, Mike and Ryan share how to turn clear communication into your teams superpower. They share tips on what to do, such as the “and what else” trick and how to communicate with different team members based on their working styles. As well as what you should avoid if you want to get the best communication and contribution out of your team. 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/ | |||
| MINISODE 27 - The Regrets of the Dying | 12 juil. 2021 | 00:05:09 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode, Mike and Ryan get philosophical and talk about the top 5 regrets of the dying. Inspired from the book by Bronnie Ware, this week we revisit the 5 Regrets of the Dying, as the title suggests, this podcast is all about the top 5 regrets the dying patients of Bronnie Ware shared with her over the years. The Breakthrough Company has applied the lessons learned from this book for a long time, finding that business success is unsustainable and meaningless if your personal and family life is neglected. In this episode, Mike and Ryan go over the 5 main regrets of the dying, what can be learned from them, and how to apply these to improve both your business and personal life. 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| EP 74 - The Power of Daily Scrums | 05 juil. 2021 | 00:04:31 | |
Daily scrums became an integral part of The Breakthrough over a year ago driving connection, communication, and focus within the team. In today's VUCA* world we need to respond faster and be more agile and scrums are the way to achieve this – not long boring meetings.
*VUCA = volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Links
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/ | |||
| MINISODE 26 - Changing the Organisation From the Middle, Out | 28 juin 2021 | 00:08:33 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode is about using the McKinsey Leadership Diamond as a framework on how to change your business from the inside out. Your business will only change if your managers match your energy for improvement. Change comes from direct contact, so you need to put in the work to develop your managers. In this podcast Mike and Ryan chat about the “leadership diamond” framework as developed by McKinsey in their book “Leadership at Scale”, and discuss and relate it to their own insights and experience with transforming organisations.
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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| MINISODE 25 - 4 Types of People Who Take Meetings off Track | 15 juin 2021 | 00:06:03 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode covers the type of people you have in your work place that take valuable time away from team meetings. Mike and Ryan discuss how to effectively run a meeting, and how to deal with people that get your meeting off track. They talk about why face to face meetings are so fundamental and beneficial but they feel less beneficial when they are taken over by the de-railers. This minisode covers 4/6 situations that Mike and Ryan point that that can derail meetings and how the meeting runner can resolve them. 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/ | |||
| MINISODE 24 - How to Fix Your Boring Meetings | 01 juin 2021 | 00:05:33 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode covers how to make your meetings more interesting, less boring and less frequent. Mike and Ryan talk about the importance of team meetings in shaping your company culture. Believe it or not, they are instrumental in creating (or bringing down) energy. No one wants a day full of boring meetings!
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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| EP 73 - Critical Trends for Ops Leaders and What You Can Do About Them | 24 mai 2021 | 00:14:32 | |
We recently conducted a survey with over one hundred operational leaders in the productive sector asking about their challenges, opportunities, growth/decline, focus, and goals. We also interview economist Cameron Bagrie on his insights about what these results might mean for leaders in the economic environment over the next twelve months.
Mike and Ryan have cherry-picked the most relevant insights from the report and interview to discuss in this week's podcast, sharing some of the biggest challenges being faced by businesses in New Zealand, including the war for good talent and productivity. Luckily, a lot of the challenges that came to light can be offset by one key thing. Proper training and development of your staff. Links 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/ | |||
| MINISODE 23 - You Can't Fake Work Culture | 18 mai 2021 | 00:04:44 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode is about how important culture is in any workplace, and surprise surprise, it's actually extremely important. Creating a company culture is not just writing some values on the walls and expecting your employees to live them, or even expecting yourself to live them. Along with defining culture in the work place, Mike and Ryan also cover why having a positive culture is important for every part of the business and, most importantly, how you can achieve a good culture, or if you already have a good culture, how you can ensure it keeps flourishing. 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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||
| EP 72 - How to Develop Your Team | 10 mai 2021 | 00:24:39 | |
In an economy where skilled talent can sometimes be in short supply, it's imperative you are developing skills within your own team. It might just be the edge you need against your competitors. In this week's podcast, Mike and Ryan discuss exactly how you can develop that talent in your team to create greater business results. They provide actionable steps you can take to begin developing your staff along with the most effective way to give feedback. They also share the two things that make a great manager. The first is creating aligned goals across the organisation. The second is enabling your people to be as successful as possible. 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/ | |||
| MINISODE 22 - Mindfulness is Valuable for EVERY Business | 04 mai 2021 | 00:07:19 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode the guys cover the topic of mindfulness at work. No, this episode isn't about yoga and meditation. Mike and Ryan cover mindfulness in a work context. This means being present and open in the moment and actively thinking about how you can add the most value for your organisation. Links 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/ | |||
| EP 71 - 3 Things All Staff Want of Their Leaders | 27 avr. 2021 | 00:11:13 | |
In this week's podcast we turn Mike from host to guest to ask him what he thinks are the top three things all staff want from their leaders. Understanding how these three insights can have a multitude of positive effects on your business, from improved culture to greater engagement to improved trust. Mike and Ryan discuss these in depth and give examples of how you can implement these insights into your business. 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/ | |||
| MINISODE 21 - How Outsourcing and Freelancing Jobs Could Change Your Business | 20 avr. 2021 | 00:08:38 | |
Welcome to Business Leader Breakthroughs Minisode Series. Every second Tuesday, we will post a shorter version of a popular previous episode so you get all the best bits in half the time. This weeks episode Ryan is joined by Milena, head of digital at The Breakthrough, to talk why outsourcing work on websites such as Upwork has been a vital part of growing our business. They share with you the lessons they have learned during the various times they have outsourced work at the Breakthrough, whether it was a large job or small. And they cover the tips and tricks that they have learned along on the journey of outsourcing, including how to find the right person or agency to hire, why much detail you must prep (hint: you can never provide too much detail!), how to make the relationship as mutually beneficial as possible, as well as what to do when you run into challenges. Links
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/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thebreakthroughco | |||