Our Team

Our diverse skills and interests make our office a fun, interesting, and open place to work. We live by our values of health, relationships, and work in that order. We are compassionate and authentic in how we care for our people and clients. Our commitment to lifelong learning means we’re always curious about new ideas and approaches to continuous improvement. 

Dr. Mike Ashby

Founder, Director, Advisor

Dr. Mike is one of New Zealand’s leading keynote speakers and business coaches with his unique blend of intelligence, personal experience, and insight. He is the author of the book, Breakpoints: How to Shift Your Business to the Next Level. Before buying Breakthrough’s predecessor business in 2003, he was Chief Operating Officer at Southern Cross Healthcare where he was responsible for turning a $42M loss into a $30M profit in two years. Before that, he was a partner at Ernst & Young Consulting in Wellington. Mike is married to Franceska. He has 3 grown children, he lives in sunny Mapua and plays dadrock with his brother in a local pub.

Ryan Castle

CEO

Having been a part of Dr. Mike Ashby's entrepreneurial program back in 2006, Ryan brings a unique blend of corporate and small business experience to the table. Ryan has facilitated countless business workshops, provided coaching to hundreds of entrepreneurs, and chaired multiple advisory boards.

In his previous ventures, Ryan has worn many hats - from being an Account Director responsible for over $100M in annual revenue, to owning a property investment firm and running a successful IT business that he eventually sold in 2010.

Ryan's mornings usually start with a CrossFit session and the perfect weekend includes yoga, snowboarding and making the perfect margarita.

Currently leading our North American expansion from Boulder, Colorado, Ryan is the perfect blend of business savvy and adventure seeker. With his passion for personal growth and drive for success, he's our big energy leader.

Jackie Nicholls

Chief Operating Officer

Jackie is an experienced Sales Manager, Coach and People and Operational Leader who has a wealth of experience working in both local and global organizations, including Spark, Air New Zealand and Sky TV.

She previously held the position of Group Sales Lead at Spark responsible for 200M of annual revenue, Customer Care Manager at Sky TV and Global Sales Capability Manager at Air New Zealand. Jackie’s key strengths lie in sales strategy, capability and operational performance and she has a huge passion for coaching and people development.

Jackie moved to New Zealand to join her family in 1999. She enjoys travelling, exploring New Zealand and further afield and is happiest relaxing by the beach with friends. She loves the kiwi lifestyle, beautiful scenery and the friendly, laid-back culture.

Milena Cooper

Head of product and marketing

Milena is focused on development, process and execution across product and marketing to grow Breakthrough’s Active Leadership development and training platform. With a background in sales & marketing, technology and education, Milena is passionate about creating transformational learning experiences and long-term impact. A proud Canadian, Milena relocated to Auckland in 2013 with two young children to live the kiwi dream. She loves Aotearoa so much that she became a New Zealand citizen in 2019 so she can enjoy the best of everything it has to offer - sea, sand, snow, country, and city.

Cara Calvert

Partner Channel Manager

Cara is all about partnerships. With a diverse career history in operational, account, and project management in New Zealand and overseas, she’s learned you can’t do anything alone. Whether it’s education, building quality international relationships, or juggling personal endeavors – Cara knows firsthand that we all work better together.

Utilizing her offshore expertise in the international market, Cara’s focussed on sourcing and supporting global partners in her work with The Breakthrough Co – helping Partners create impact and value for their client organizations, teams, and individuals maximizing the proven benefits of management training that sticks.

In her spare time, Cara loves to travel. While the borders have been closed, she’s been making the most of being closer to home – hiking and biking incredible tracks and trails and enjoying the amazing food and wine that New Zealand has to offer.  

Lisa McCallum

head of Client experience

Lisa brings a strong background in account management roles to delight our customers as their dedicated Client Service Manager. She has global experience predominately in the travel industry, and leadership positions that lead her to live in Canada, Australia and the U.K. While traveling and exploring new countries will always be a passion, these days the trips are a little closer to home. Her summers are spent on the beach in Papamoa and going for scenic bike rides, and hitting the slopes in the winter.

Dom Ashby

Sales Development Representative

Dom is a member of The Breakthrough sales team with a diverse background. Previous roles in hospitality and customer service in Auckland and Wellington have sufficiently supported his passion for music, but also provided a wealth of experience and understanding of people and building relationships. When he’s not using these skills to create connections for The Breakthrough, you’ll find him at his makeshift home studio, writing music for anyone who will listen.

Polina Howe

Digital Media Specialist

Polina creates our online videos and digital content. She’s passionate about creating enjoyable and cohesive digital experiences and brings a strong background in advertising and the not-for-profit sector as a video editor and motion graphics artist.

Originally from Russia, Polina moved to New Zealand over 14 years ago. She holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism from The University for the Creative Arts (UK). Polina is a real bookworm, so in her spare time, you’ll probably find her reading and learning something new.

Alice Fellows

Relationship Manager

Alice has gained valuable experience over the last eight years working in the learning and training industry.

Alice's passion for reading inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. Although she is originally from the UK, Alice now calls New Zealand her home and loves exploring its natural wonders. Outside of work, Alice enjoys swimming in the sea all year round and being surrounded by nature. Alice loves music and has a special place in heart for The Beatles.

Christina Rivas

Customer Success Coordinator

Christina is dedicated to creating a positive people experience with clients and brings a multifaceted background within education, coaching, bank operations, and event planning, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. Originally from the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, USA, she holds a Master of Education (M.Ed) in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California. 

She currently resides in Auckland, New Zealand with her partner James and their lively cocker spaniel, Harry. Beyond her professional pursuits, she embraces an active lifestyle, participating in yoga and pilates classes, hiking, running, and swimming. As an avid reader and iced coffee enthusiast, Christina finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, always seeking new adventures and knowledge. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her passion for personal and professional development.