I´ve spent the last 25 years going deep with leaders on the challenges they face, the stuff that keeps them up at night. Ready for raw and honest conversations? And the reality that self-leadership and personal growth are the keys to you being the leader that you´re meant to be.
In this special Q&A episode, Chris answers questions sent in by listeners about the leadership challenges that don't come with easy answers. How do you switch off when you're always "on"? Is showing emotion a strength or a liability as a leader? How do you recognize burnout before it takes over? if you've made a mistake, what's the best way to rebuild trust? Drawing on years of leading teams and coaching executives, Chris offers practical, honest insights you can apply right away. If you've ever wrestled with these questions, this conversation is for you.
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 right level of movement to recharge your energy, not drain it. Because real performance, in leadership and in life, isn’t just about how hard you go. It’s about how well you recover, reset, and show up again. Let’s get into it.
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 reflection on what leadership truly looks like when things don’t go as planned. This episode is about staying grounded in chaos, managing your internal state, and leading yourself first, especially when the environment around you feels anything but stable.
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 him and when it wasn’t, and choose his leadership approach with more intention. As he puts it, not every situation calls for the same level of intensity; sometimes what’s needed is a lighter, more precise touch. It was a privilege to watch him grow into a more balanced, thoughtful, and effective leader, and I’m excited to share that story here.
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 do I do when someone on the team undermines others? How can I lead effectively if I don’t have formal authority? And how do I navigate office politics without losing my integrity? They’re all important, and I’ve taken time to unpack each one in a meaningful way, with ideas and tools that I hope will help you show up as a stronger, impactful leader.
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 that comes from trying to do it all. But here’s the good news: every one of these drains has a practical solution. Setting boundaries with difficult colleagues. Using noise-cancelling strategies. Adjusting your workstation for comfort and posture. Streamlining your email. Building better meeting habits. Clarifying what actually matters day-to-day. The truth is, you don’t need a radical change to reclaim your energy, you need a series of small, intentional shifts. That’s what we dive into today: how to plug the leaks, one by one, and create the conditions for focus, flow, and sustainable energy at work.
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 conversation was how much the landscape of leadership communication has shifted. Joanna spoke about the move away from rigid, polished messaging toward something far more powerful: authenticity. Today’s most effective leaders are open, vulnerable, and real, and that’s exactly what helps them connect. In our conversation, Joanna brings that to life with real examples, from leaders navigating a crisis with heartfelt honesty to crafting communication strategies that don’t just serve organizations, but individuals. We’ll dive deep into how these more human, transparent approaches help build trust, inspire teams, and, ultimately, lead more effectively. If you’ve ever wondered how to show up as a more impactful communicator, or what it really means to lead with your words, this conversation is full of insights.
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 natural rhythm. Early bird or night owl? Team collaborator or solo deep thinker? It’s about knowing yourself, having honest conversations, and building a rhythm that fuels real progress.
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 in a crowded room, the pressure to “work the room,” or the idea that networking means selling yourself. But over time, we’ve come to see networking differently and in this conversation, we unpack how that shift happened. We talk about the power of being authentic, the importance of timing, and why networking should start with two goals: to learn and to help. If you're a seasoned connector or someone who dreads small talk, there’s something here for you. Let’s talk about the truth behind networking and how to make it work in a way that feels real.
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 in their lives. We talk about his approach to bridging divides—whether cultural, personal, or organizational—and the four key pillars he believes every leader should nurture: work, play, health, and love. It’s a conversation about looking to the past to better understand the future, and about how choosing to lead with humanity can transform not just our organizations, but ourselves.
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 how to work smarter, not harder!
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 meaningful work over promotions, and why fostering mental health in the workplace is more important than ever. He also opens up about the value of connecting with people authentically—whether they’re colleagues, customers, or friends—and how these conversations shaped his approach to leadership. Bryan is now spending quality time with family, friends, and his love of music, while continuing to share his expertise as a Senior Advisor with BCG. Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with a leader who truly understands what it means to empower others.
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 the season, there's always an opportunity to keep growing. Let's get started!"
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 authenticity. Give it a listen, I’m excited to kick off the season with this important topic.
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 into the pressures of leading at the highest levels of sport, and discuss the excitement building up to the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted on Canadian soil. This is an inspiring discussion you won’t want to miss. Tune in and boost your leadership game with insights from one of Canada’s most celebrated athletes.
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 performance. Remember, “Your company culture is not words on your website or posters on the wall. It’s how your people feel on a Sunday night.” Let’s get started.
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 breaking barriers and promoting diversity in the industry. Don't miss this inspiring discussion!
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 and experience to the table. Tune in as we delve into the transformative power of authenticity, hear heart-warming stories and explore pathways to authentic leadership.
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 keys to a healthier life.
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 of me?" and the herd came up with the answer.
