The Real Leadership Podcast

We hear a lot about working out. Pushing harder, going longer, getting stronger. And that matters. But there’s another side to it that doesn’t get talked about enough, and that’s working in. In this episode, I explore the difference between the two. Working out is about output. It’s what we give. But working in is about listening to your body, understanding what you actually need, and finding the...

In this first episode of Season 5, Chris shares a deeply personal story from a recent trip to Sayulita, Mexico, where an unexpected and tense situation unfolded around him. In the middle of uncertainty and disruption, Chris found himself facing a real test, not of strategy, but of presence. Rather than reacting with fear, he leaned into calm, awareness, and balance. What followed became a powerful...

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Cook from Cisco to talk about his executive coaching journey and the real shifts he made along the way. Jonathan came into the process moving at a constant 100-miles-an-hour pace, brilliant, intense, and always ready to jump in with full force. Through our work together, he learned how to soften some of those rough edges, recognize when speed was serving h...

In this episode, I’m doing something a little different. Over the past few months, a lot of you have sent in great questions,  thoughtful, honest questions about the real challenges of leading and working with others. Things like: how do I stay calm when work gets stressful? How do I set boundaries without looking disengaged? How do I adapt my communication style to different personalities? What d...

In this episode, I talk about the ten biggest drains on our energy at work, and more importantly, what we can do about them. From toxic coworkers who sap morale, to noisy environments that make it hard to focus, to ergonomic setups that leave us tired and sore, these small but constant frictions add up. We also face inbox overload, endless meetings, unclear priorities, and the creeping burnout tha...

Welcome to The Real Leadership Podcast. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Joanna Piros, a seasoned journalist turned communications coach and consultant, whose work blends media savvy with real-world leadership needs. Joanna has helped thousands of leaders learn how to light up a room, inspire their teams, and communicate with clarity and confidence. What stood out in our conver...

In this short solo episode, Chris dives into a common leadership frustration: putting in long hours but still feeling unproductive. You’ve been in meetings, replying to emails, juggling tasks, but at the end of the day, it still feels like you got nothing meaningful done. Sound familiar? Chris unpacks why that happens and how the secret to real productivity might be as simple as working with your...

In this episode of The Real Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Patrick Stafford-Smith, CEO of the North Vancouver Chamber, to talk about something that’s often misunderstood and for many, uncomfortable: networking. Patrick and I both used to be a bit skeptical about networking. We didn’t see the point at first, and like many people, we weren’t exactly eager to dive into it. That awkward feeling i...

In this episode of The Real Leadership Podcast, I sit down with VJ Tarzić, an incredible Employee Engagement Coach & Consultant whose life journey, from growing up in Yugoslavia to leading teams and coaching executives, has shaped a powerful perspective on leadership, connection, and purpose. VJ shares how his personal and professional experiences have led him to help leaders find more balance...

Welcome to The Real Leadership Podcast with Chris Obst! In this episode, Chris shares 10 actionable tips to boost your energy throughout the workday—so you don’t just power through your job but also have energy left for your family and personal life. From strategic breaks to smarter planning, these simple yet effective strategies will help you stay sharp, focused, and productive. Tune in to learn...

In this episode, I’m joined by Bryan Belmont, who shares stories and insights from his incredible career at Microsoft, where he served as Corporate Vice President for Customer Service & Support. Bryan led a global team of thousands of technical professionals, all dedicated to helping customers and partners achieve success.  Now retired, Bryan reflects on his journey, his focus on prioritizing...

I'm your host, Chris Obst; in this episode, I'm tackling a challenge many face this time of year—beating the winter blues. As the cold settles in and the days get darker, it's easy to feel stuck. But together, we'll explore simple yet powerful tips to help you boost your energy and feel your best this season. Whether it's for your well-being or sharpening your leadership edge, remember: no matter...

Welcome to the new season of The Real Leadership Podcast!  In this first episode, I explore the idea of "wearing masks" at work and why it’s holding us back as leaders. I’ll break down how showing up as your authentic self builds trust, inspires your team, and drives real results—all in just a few minutes. It’s the perfect way to kick off this season and dive into what it truly means to lead with...

Leadership Insights and Loving Your Craft: in this episode, I’m thrilled to bring you a conversation with a true legend in Canadian sports—Paul Dolan! As the first-ever goalkeeper to represent Canada in a World Cup and a distinguished member of the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame, Paul’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. We explore the leadership lessons he’s learned on and off the field, look...

If you want to increase performance and drive employee engagement and job satisfaction, tune in to this episode. I’ll discuss how leaders can walk the talk, ensuring that the values and principles we preach are genuinely reflected in the everyday experiences of our teams. I will share practical things you can do that don’t cost anything but can significantly impact your employees and their perform...

For this episode, I’m thrilled to have Jen Muller, a Senior Technical Project Manager at Demonware, a company at the forefront of the gaming industry. We had an enlightening conversation where Jen shared her valuable insights on the importance of mentorship and the crucial role of women in tech. She also discussed the ongoing lack of recognition for women leaders and offered her perspective on bre...

Get ready for an insightful conversation with our special guest, Michelle Johnston In this episode, Michelle shares her wisdom on the concept of perfection equating to disconnection, breaking free from shame, and embracing vulnerability. As a leadership expert, Loyola Business Professor and the author of the best-selling book "The Seismic Shift in Leadership," Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge...

Join me for the second part of my conversation with Chera Justice, a dynamic multi-passionate expert who blends realms from behavioral studies, public health, and yoga to leadership coaching and clinical psychology. She injects fresh perspectives into the leadership and health coaching scene. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on well-being, navigating life's chaos, resilience, and uncovering key...

In this episode, I'll talk about a powerful experience I had with horse medicine. You may recall that I've been working with Hillary Schneider, an equine-assisted learning coach, and her herd of 20 wild horses to develop a meaningful experience for leadership professionals. However, this time, I found myself learning an important lesson. I took a moment to reflect on the question, "Who takes care...

I am thrilled to introduce Chera Justice, a dynamic multi-passionate expert, seamlessly blending realms from behavioural studies, public health and yoga to Leadership coaching and clinical psychology. She brings fresh air to the leadership and health coaching scene. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation on well-being, navigating life's chaos,  resilience  and discovering some keys to a...

Join me in this first episode of the new season! Whether you're a seasoned road warrior or just getting started, there's a mindset to make your business travel better. Tune in for practical tips that will upgrade your business travels and allow you to return home even better than when you left.

In this second part of A very personal discussion on Neurodiversity, my daughter Frederique and I continue our conversation. She  brings a fresh and unique perspective to the table with her personal experience as someone with a divergent brain, allowing us to gain a profound understanding of the intricacies of neurodiversity.  I hope Frederique's insights will open our minds to the diverse ways in...

Do you feel stuck? You're not alone; it is a common workplace and life dilemma - feeling stuck in a role that doesn't align with your true ambitions and aspirations. In this episode, I discuss the internal conflict between the fear of being perceived as disloyal and personal growth, the discomfort of missing opportunities, and realizing life is too short not to pursue your dreams. 

The Real Leadership Podcast focuses on inspiring stories from exceptional individuals and leadership topics, but this time, I'm stepping into uncharted territory alongside someone incredibly close to my heart: my daughter, Frederique Obst. In this episode, we delve into a topic that affects so many, yet often remains hidden in the shadows: mental health. Frederique, who has a divergent brain, brin...

Kavie Toor is the Managing Director, Athletics and Recreation for the University of British Columbia; we talk about the complexities and demands of a big job, managing to stay on the right side of the line while you´re making a difference, growing your career and having an impact; emotional maturity, values and leading by letting go.