The Real Leadership Podcast

Are you stuck?

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. 

Guest: Frederique Obst/A very personal discussion on Neurodiversity – part one

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.

Guest: Kavie Toor/Leading by letting go

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.

Mastering Conflict (or at least getting better at it)

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. 

Talented, committed people leaving?!

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.

Guest: Chantal Bourke/ Leaders...Know thyself!

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.

Guest: Kathy Andrews/Serving at the highest level

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.

Your Feedback matters

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.

Guest Jorge Castilla/Innovation, Metaverse and the new workplace

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.

Give Me A Break

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?