Chris Obst isn’t just coaching people to lead better at work—he’s on a mission to transform lives.
With a belief that true leadership starts with self-awareness and energy management, Chris empowers individuals and organizations to break free from burnout and foster environments where happiness, health, and productivity thrive.
Through his unique approach to leadership coaching and consulting, he’s shifting the focus from just performance to overall well-being, creating lasting positive change for leaders, teams, and the people they serve.
As Chris explains, “I want humans to be happy and healthy.”
But unfortunately, that’s not the reality for a lot of people in the workplace. This belief drives Chris’s approach to coaching, which focuses on addressing the underlying dynamics that can hinder growth.
And it starts at the top and rolls downhill.
“If there’s a gift I could give every leader,” Chris says, “it would be increased self-awareness. Understand your gifts, but also recognize your shortcomings and how they might be affecting your team.”
Not all clients are ready for change or growth, but a diligent coach, like Chris, challenges leaders.
“We’re going to get you to step back, listen, and ask more questions,” he says. “Don’t fill up every room with your voice.”
A key element of Chris’s work is his emphasis on self-care and energy management. He helps leaders avoid the burnout that can come from working on “adrenaline and caffeine” alone.
“If you’re overworked and stressed, you’re not operating at a high level,” he warns, “you’re actually causing more harm than good.”
The results of Chris’s approach are transformative, with a solid ROI for both the executive and the employer.
Chris recalls a client who had previously struggled with focusing too much on his own career growth at the expense of his team.
“He was spending his time making sure the spotlight was on him,” Chris reflects.
After receiving candid feedback, this leader shifted his focus to supporting his team’s growth, which ultimately led to greater success and multiple promotions.
“He said it felt like a punch in the stomach at the time, but he realized he needed to hear it,” Chris remembers.
Chris also highlights the importance of addressing workplace conflicts before they escalate and alter a team’s dynamics. Unresolved conflict is one of the biggest productivity killers in any organization, says Chris.
He often encounters situations where teams have fractured due to communication breakdowns or unresolved tensions.
“One of the most rewarding things is to help people find relief by simply talking it out,” he says.
By fostering open communication, Chris helps individuals move past ego-driven conflicts and build stronger, more cohesive teams.
Chris is highly sought after for his expertise in Executive Coaching, Team Dynamics Consulting, Facilitation and Training, and Speaking Engagements.
He has worked with a diverse range of clients across industries, including the private and public sectors, tech, education, and government, tailoring his approach to meet the unique challenges of each organization.
Chris has even coached provincial and Supreme Court of Canada judges.
“It was probably the most intimidating and one of the most rewarding pieces of work I’ve done, working with the people that make the biggest decisions in our country.”
The Honourable Mr. Justice M. David Gates is effusive with his praise after working with Chris.
“Chris has a deep understanding of the human condition, high performance and personal effectiveness. He offers practical tips and solutions on how to be a new, improved, and happier you.”
“Fasten your seat belts – Chris Obst is in the room!”
In addition to his one-on-one coaching, Chris also teaches at the UBC Sauder School of Business and facilitates leadership development programs, such as those aimed at high-potential leaders in corporate settings.
How can you better inspire and lead those who depend on you at work? Chris can help.
“I’m looking for places where I can really make a difference, organizations that really have an appetite for change—and that they’re willing to be open and honest,” he says.
Contact Chris Obst Leadership to get started.
Interested in having your company featured by the NV Chamber? Contact Membership Promotion and Communications Manager Maria Spitale-Leisk for more information.
