The Real Leadership Podcast

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’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.

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 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, Chris shares 10 actionable tips to boost your energy throughout the workday—so yo u 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!

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!”

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.

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!

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

I am thrilled to introduce Chera Justice, a dynamic multi-passionate expert. 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.

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.

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.