The Real Leadership Podcast

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.

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 healthier life.

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 which mental health can manifest and the importance of  normalizing talking about it, breaking down barriers and working towards a world where mental health is discussed openly and without judgment. We include some advice on how to handle neurodiversity in the work place. 

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, brings a fresh perspective to the table, shedding light on the complexities of neurodiversity and uncovering the challenges faced by individuals with divergent brains. We explore embracing the strengths that come with different cognitive styles, and some tips for living and working with those whose cognitive wiring may be different from your own.

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.

No one is talking about the cost of conflict, but it has a significant toll on productivity; Left unresolved, it can lead to frustration, anger, anxiety and emotional stress, plus billions of dollars in staff hours lost annually due to unresolved workplace conflict. In this episode, I discuss healthy and unhealthy behaviour during conflict and the keys to managing it more swiftly and skillfully. 

There is a silent but costly dysfunction going on in organizations, specifically between Managers and their direct reports. Left unchecked, this dysfunction is costing organizations millions of dollars, contributing to a lack of employee engagement and causing talented people to leave too soon. The remedy is simple but not easy…at first. In this episode, I discuss this dynamic and give you practical steps you can take either as the organization's leader or the employee who is considering leaving.

Chantal is a unique guest in terms of the people I normally invite to the podcast. She is my therapist. She has helped me change, grow, and gain deeper self-knowledge in the last couple of years. Please join me in this conversation about the power of therapy and how leaders can benefit from it to become a better version of themselves.

Kathy is an accomplished organizational development and leadership consultant with over 20 years of experience in private, public and non-profit sectors.  She is brave, courageous, smart and compassionate, all the things we always look for in a leader. So join me in this engaging conversation where we explore burnout, inclusive leadership and serving at the highest level.

When I talk to people about workplace dissatisfaction, one consistent theme pops up: they don't get enough feedback.  Feedback is not meant to be criticism or praise.  Positive feedback reinforces behaviours we want to see and helps build confidence and respect. Constructive feedback brings awareness to blind spots, suggests improvements, and aligns expectations. You may be surprised, but your team doesn't only want to hear the good stuff; they also want to listen to what better looks like too.

How to transform yourself and keep growing? I had an extraordinary conversation with Jorge Castilla, Managing Director of Accenture Mexico. We talked about changes in the workplace and how new technology is modelling organizations, like meetings in the Metaverse? Yes, it's a reality.  In addition, he revealed vital leadership and innovation insights and the value of returning to a former company for another cycle.

What if I told you there was something you could do in about 10 minutes a few times a day that would increase your productivity, improve your decision-making and make you feel like a better version of yourself?

Please fill in the blank; If you are vulnerable,                                     you are: _______________ Often mistaken for weakness, vulnerability in the workplace is the core of authentic leadership and meaningful connection. Nowadays, we hear about this topic more frequently in leadership, management and coaching.  So please join me, and let's dig into it. 

Natural-born leaders? I had an inspiring conversation with Katy Player, Senior Vice President, People at Canfor; we talked about being energized by your team and explored the eternal question: is a leader born or made?

There is a war for talent; how do you attract and keep good people? Understanding the dynamics of the generations in the workplace gives you the tools to be a better leader and inspire your team.

Is someone on your team struggling with personal issues? Do you pretend the problem doesn't exist or confront the issue? Maybe you worry that if you intervene, you may cause more damage? Here is some advice for leaders to approach these often-uncomfortable situations with care and compassion.

Dorit Shackleton is Senior Vice-President Head of Customer Advocacy and Adoption Marketing at SAP, one of the world's largest producers of business management software. We talk about the challenging work-life balancing act when you have a job with significant responsibilities and how to give yourself grace in this fast-paced life. 

Have you been dealing with a difficult employee? A bad hire or workplace problem-maker can affect your entire team. It's a headache for leaders that cannot be ignored. So, do you pink-slip them or find another solution? Let's dive into the pros and cons of this unfortunate but common situation so you don't let the problem fester.

I had an enlightening conversation with Hillary Schneider, owner of Epona Rise Retreat Center and equine-assisted learning coach.    I have been working with Hillary and a herd of 20 wild horses to develop a learning experience for leadership professionals. My personal experience with Hillary and the herd has been transformational in my life.  You don't need to be a horse person to enjoy this insightful chat that explores equine wisdom and leadership.

I realized a long time ago that taking care of yourself is anything but selfish. So, I'm going to share some secrets and strategies so you can boost your energy management and ultimately perform at a higher level. The bottom line is that if you don't take care of yourself, you will struggle to be productive and at your best.

Brad Myers is the Vice-President of Services at Splunk, a company that develops web-based application software that collects and analyzes data. Together, we explore being vulnerable and authentic at work, what it means to be a leader, and what makes the difference between lousy bosses and great bosses, among other revealing leadership insights.