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 costing companies future leadership, innovation, and engagement.

Using Google's NotebookLM to analyse Deloitte's 2025 global survey, we unpack the manager gap—and what needs to change.

Is this the future of podcasting? Fast, fact-packed, and future-focused? Hit play, decide for yourself, and tell us what you think.

Useful links:
2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, Deloitte
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/

👉 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 break down the stages of learning—from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence—and share how business leaders can apply these stages to develop their teams. With practical insights on overcoming learning struggles, the episode also highlights the importance of repetition and consistent practice for mastering new skills.

If you’ve ever struggled with helping your team learn or develop new habits, this episode is packed with actionable advice to make learning stick 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/

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

👉 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, productivity, and engagement.

They share practical steps to move from micromanaging to active management, plus a story of one manager who shifted their whole approach with one mindset change. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re too in the weeds—or suspect someone else is—this episode is a must-listen.

Useful links:
Nine Lies About Work by Marcus Buckingham & Ashley Goodall - Amazon (Note: We are not affiliated with this link; it’s shared for reference only.)

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 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.

Bryan breaks down key AI concepts like prompt engineering, agents, and validation, explaining how these technologies can be integrated into organizations to unlock breakthrough performance without losing the human touch.

Connect with Brian Russell, PhD - LinkedIn

👉 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 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/