Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
Welcome to Passing The Torch, a personal development podcast that’s about the journey, not just the destination.
This show is a conversation with people who inspire me — thought leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors, and others who are constantly evolving and learning about themselves. I’m not pretending to have it all figured out, and that’s what makes this podcast different. As I navigate my own personal growth and discover new tools, insights, and stories that are helping me, I’m bringing you along for the ride.
I believe that when it comes to self-improvement, we don’t always need to hear from someone who has already "arrived" at their ideal self. Instead, we can find power in connecting with people who are in the trenches alongside us, figuring things out as they go. Passing The Torch is an opportunity for both of us to learn, grow, and share in real-time.
Every episode, I sit down with individuals from all walks of life — from CEOs and best-selling authors to Special Forces Operators, friends, and elite athletes — and we dive deep into the lessons they’ve learned, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the wisdom they’ve gained. Along the way, I’ll be sharing my own experiences and insights from my personal development journey.
Whether you’re someone who’s looking for guidance or simply enjoy hearing raw, honest stories of transformation, Passing The Torch offers something for everyone. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about sharing what we’ve learned and helping each other move forward.
Join me on this adventure. Let's pass the torch together.
Passing The Torch with Martin Foster
#88 - Dr. Keith Castille - Veteran Leadership & Vulnerability
In this conversation, Dr. Keith "KC" Castille and Martin Foster explore profound themes of life, loss, and leadership. They reflect on personal experiences that shape their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, the impact of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of workforce development.
The discussion highlights the significance of embracing life after loss, celebrating achievements, and the role of AI in education. Ultimately, they underscore the necessity of being open about struggles and the power of connection in leadership.
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Time Codes:
04:13 "Seeking Meaningful Leadership"
08:35 Inspired by Leadership and Vision
10:43 "Integrating AI in Workforce Education"
13:25 Adaptive Business Learning Solutions
16:55 Leadership Through Empathetic Listening
20:07 "Happiness Behind the Scenes"
23:05 Turning Point: Life to God
26:57 "Embracing Curiosity and Safety"
31:41 "Shifting Perspective on Work Choices"
34:52 "Inspiring Journeys at the Academy"
38:45 "Unexpected Acts of Kindness"
39:30 "Misunderstood Generosity"
43:59 "Underdogs Triumph Against Odds"
47:41 "Believe and Lift Others Up"
51:12 Gratitude for Podcast Opportunity
53:58 Guest Excitement on Show Invitation
55:54 "Podcasting: My Source of Strength"
Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin
More Amazing Stories:
Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure
Episode 49: Ryan Hawk – Crafting a Legacy of Leadership
Episode 52: Riley Tejcek – Mission of Empowerment and Endurance
With more than three decades of work experience in the United States Air Force & the human resource field, Keith has developed & honed skills in transformational leadership, organizational culture, instructional system design, & workforce education.
His mission is to empower each generation of leaders to thrive in a complex & dynamic world.
Having served in the United States Air Force for 28 ½ years, he garnered experience in leading & managing force development, talent management, & critical programs for a workforce of 689,000, which armed him with unique skills to problem-solve & find solutions to a wide range of human resource dilemmas. As a proven leader excited about learning, growing, & serving others, his experiential teaching/delivery methodology has influenced multi-generations in achieving personal & professional success. Keith arises daily with a purpose focused on teamwork, grit, integrity, excellence, & innovation. Earning validated credentials & experience in leader development, corporate training, & human-domain facilitation, he is a master of his craft, directly impacting over 250 organizations, reaching 220K+ senior executives & middle managers worldwide.
He lives a life of purposefulness & is driven by being a champion for humanity. Derived from his positive experience of mentorship in the Boys & Girls Club, he internalizes the profound truth, "It takes a village." Keith is an international speaker, leadership skills trainer, & executive coach.
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Dr. Keith "KC" Castille talks leadership, vulnerability, and uplifting the next generation on Passing The Torch.
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Key Themes:
- Vulnerability as a leadership strength
- The power of education and representation in breaking stereotypes, especially for enlisted service members
- Navigating transitions and overcoming post-service identity struggles
- The evolving landscape of workforce development and AI integration
- The significance of mentorship, giving back, and paying forward the lessons learned
Notable Quotes:
- “The measure of our success will be the condition on which we leave the world for the next generation.”
- “If we’re in a position to lift someone up, we should.”
- “I don’t want people to look at me and think I have it all together… I share my struggles so others know they are not alone.”
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Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch – Episode: KC
In this episode of Passing The Torch, co-hosts Martin Foster and Dr. Keith Castille (KC) engage in an open, insightful, and often vulnerable conversation that explores personal resilience, leadership, and creating positive change for future generations.
KC—an Air Force veteran, CEO of C2H, and George W. Bush Stand to Veteran Leadership Scholar—shares his journey from military service to executive leadership and his passion for transforming organizations through a blend of discipline, education, and compassion. The conversation opens with mutual gratitude and personal accolades, highlighting the importance of celebrating each other's achievements, especially within the veteran and enlisted communities.
A significant portion of the conversation centers around the role that education, mentorship, and vulnerability play in effective leadership. KC recalls his own challenges with imposter syndrome and self-doubt during his transition from military to civilian life, candidly discussing struggles with depression and the adjustments necessary after retirement. He attributes much of his growth to dedicated support from his wife and a renewed focus on personal faith.
Martin and KC also discuss the critical trends shaping workforce and education today, such as integrating AI into learning and development, and the importance of customizing training to fit the unique needs of different organizations. They explore the concept of "secret sauce" in leadership and teaching—the mix of vulnerability, adaptability, and genuine connection that creates meaningful impact in teams.
KC draws from his personal experiences and influences, giving shout-outs to pivotal mentors, influential leaders, and even lessons learned from unexpected sources, like classic movies and TV shows. The conversation frequently circles back to the power of human connection, the value of lifting others up, and the responsibility to serve as positive role models, both for peers and the generations to come.
The episode closes with reflections on legacy, personal philosophy, mentorship, and the importance of genuine outreach—reminding listeners to connect with those who come to mind and to never underestimate the power of a simple, caring message.
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Time Codes:
04:13 "Seeking Meaningful Leadership"
08:35 Inspired by Leadership and Vision
10:43 "Integrating AI in Workforce Education"
13:25 Adaptive Business Learning Solutions
16:55 Leadership Through Empathetic Listening
20:07 "Happiness Behind the Scenes"
23:05 Turning Point: Life to God
26:57 "Embracing Curiosity and Safety"
31:41 "Shifting Perspective on Work Choices"
34:52 "Inspiring Journeys at the Academy"
38:45 "Unexpected Acts of Kindness"
39:30 "Misunderstood Generosity"
43:59 "Underdogs Triumph Against Odds"
47:41 "Believe and Lift Others Up"
51:12 Gratitude for Podcast Opportunity
53:58 Guest Excitement on Show Invitation
55:54 "Podcasting: My Source of Strength"
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KC Resources:
Website: https://c2htransform.com/about-us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-castille-/
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Quote to open episode:
“The measure of our success will be the condition on which we leave the world for the next generation.” - Robert Redford
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Keywords:
workforce development, veteran leadership, talent strategy, executive coaching, innovation, military transition, vulnerability in leadership, education, human capital, organizational transformation, curriculum development, artificial intelligence, learning and development, diversity, executive acumen, mentorship, mental health, therapy, career transition, public speaking, personal growth, strategy, democracy, service, leadership philosophy, networking, social media, generational differences, community service, resilience
