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.

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.