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 right level...

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 trul...

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 ch...

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 t...

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.

B...

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 l...

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...

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,...

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...

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&n...

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 pro...

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...

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 authen...

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,  &...

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 ...

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 ta...

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...