EPISODE · Jun 24, 2025 · 1H 25M
Episode 17: Engineering Impact: How Leigh Christie is Building the Future Through Radical Culture and Deep Tech
from The People-Driven CEO Podcast · host shanejjamesgroup
In this episode, Shane Jeremy James sits down with Leigh Christie, co-founder of MistyWest, a Vancouver-based engineering firm that designs intelligent and connected devices, ranging from rugged IoT sensors to AI-powered vision systems, for companies like Meta, Google, and Intel. With a background in fuel cells and electric vehicles, Leigh shares how his passion for invention and systems thinking evolved into building a purpose-driven engineering studio. He opens up about the early challenges of convincing companies to work with outside consultants, the painful transition from startup vibes to structured leadership, and how distributed authority, values-driven culture, and constant feedback have become the foundation of MistyWest’s growth. This conversation delves into the realities of leadership, the emotional challenges of scaling a team, and the future of entrepreneurship in a city like Vancouver. Leigh also reflects on mental health, meditation, and the mindset shifts that help him lead through chaos with clarity. Mobile viewers: tap the link to watch the interview: https://youtu.be/9O8EHfNyBZM 🌐 MistyWest Energy and Transport: https://www.mistywest.com/ #ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane Jeremy James 🎧 Listen on:
What this episode covers
In this episode, we sit down with Leigh Christie, co-founder of MistyWest, to explore how an inventor’s mindset, deep engineering expertise, and commitment to people-first leadership can shape a company’s long-term impact. With a background in electric vehicles and fuel cells, Leigh transitioned into building an innovation firm that helps tech giants like Meta, Google, and Intel create complex hardware—from smart cameras to low-power sensors. But this conversation goes far beyond tech. Leigh opens up about the realities of leadership, from facing resistance in the early days to learning how to let go of control and empower his team. He shares candid stories about embracing feedback, evolving his own leadership style, and creating a company that could outlive him. 🎧 In this episode, we talk about: - How MistyWest builds intelligent and connected hardware for top tech companies - The power of humility and honesty when working with clients - Shifting from a startup vibe to a structured, scalable business - Creating a culture of radical candor and distributed leadership - How Leigh manages stress and stays grounded as a founder This episode is a must-listen for engineers, founders, and builders who care as much about how they work as what they build.
NOW PLAYING
Episode 17: Engineering Impact: How Leigh Christie is Building the Future Through Radical Culture and Deep Tech
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m