Building Leaders from Within - Featuring Rich Ashton

In this episode of Walk In Victory, NaRon Tillman is joined by Rich Ashton for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, employee empowerment, and the role company culture plays in long-term business success.

Rich draws from his background in the U.S. Navy and his transition into entrepreneurship to explain how healthy organizations are built through trust, values, and intentional leadership rather than control or micromanagement. Together, NaRon and Rich explore what keeps employees engaged, how leaders can create environments where people grow, and why developing leaders from within is essential for sustainable businesses.

The discussion also touches on Rich’s book, Growing Your Own Leaders, and how small and growing companies can apply these principles in practical, real-world ways.

⏱️ Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction: Empowering Your Team for Success
00:26 The Importance of Happy Employees
01:22 Micromanagement vs. Empowerment
03:00 Building a Strong Company Culture
03:34 Interview with Rich: Employee Relations
04:52 The Value of Company Culture
06:17 Vetting and Values in Employees
07:49 Rich’s Journey: From Navy to Business Success
13:56 Leadership and Growth in Small Businesses
22:18 Rich’s Book: Growing Your Own Leaders
27:14 Conclusion:

Walking in Victory Guest links:
https://www.growingyourown.net/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-ashton-397a2b10/
https://www.instagram.com/richashtongyo/
https://x.com/ashtonrichgyo
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583797256864

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/walk-in-victory--4078479/support.

If this conversation gave you a new way to see yourself, continue the work with NaRon Tillman’s book, Awakening I AM: Internal Awareness in an AI Age: books.by/naron-tillman

Sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use code VICTORY1 for 40% off.