The Real Leadership Podcast

The Real Leadership Podcast

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.

Episodes

May 22, 2025 47 mins

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 “...

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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 ...

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March 6, 2025 18 mins

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!

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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, an...

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December 12, 2024 7 mins

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 oppor...

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November 18, 2024 7 mins

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...

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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 t...
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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 cult...

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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 divers...

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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 ...

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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.

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January 17, 2024 15 mins

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 t...

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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.
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November 6, 2023 17 mins

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.

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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 a...

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July 4, 2023 18 mins

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. 

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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...

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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.

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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. 
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March 16, 2023 16 mins
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...
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