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/