Explore every episode of the podcast Spirituality in Leadership
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| Why Being More Human Makes You a Stronger Leader, with Zeta Smith | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:41:34 | |
What if great leadership is less about having all the answers and more about creating the trust for people to find them together? In this episode, Andrew Cohn welcomes Zeta Smith, an experienced business leader who has held senior roles across major organizations, including ExxonMobil and Starbucks. Zeta shares how her leadership evolved from being “all business” and focused primarily on results to recognizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, listening, empathy, and purpose. Zeta reflects on leading through major crises, including the Boston Marathon bombings and COVID-19, and explains why difficult moments require leaders to balance business needs with genuine care for people. Andrew and Zeta also explore why leaders struggle to say “I don’t know,” how listening improves decision-making, and why bringing more of your authentic self to work can help others do the same. Tune in to discover how humility, trust, and human connection can help you lead stronger teams and create workplaces where people feel seen, respected, and connected to something bigger than themselves. In This Episode:
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| How Forgiveness Makes You a Better Leader, with Nat Sharratt | 22 Jul 2026 | 01:01:47 | |
What if the beliefs holding you back are not facts, but judgments you have learned to carry? Could stronger leadership begin with forgiving yourself, releasing what no longer works, and taking greater responsibility for your life? In this episode, Andrew Cohn welcomes Nat Sharratt, a spiritual coach, facilitator, entrepreneur, and author who brings practical spirituality into leadership, business, relationships, and everyday life. Nat shares his unconventional journey, from seeking spiritual answers as a teenager to working closely with spiritual teacher John-Roger, taking a decade-long vow of poverty, building businesses, and learning courage and presence through surfing waves that reach nearly 20 feet. Andrew and Nat explore limiting beliefs, self-judgment, forgiveness, personal responsibility, deep listening, and why great leaders give others the freedom to take ownership of a shared vision. Tune in to discover how releasing judgment, honoring yourself, and taking responsibility can help you lead with greater clarity, freedom, and inner peace. Key Takeaways
In This Episode: · [00:00] Introduction Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Nat Sharratt Andrew Cohn Music: | |||
| How to Lead Through Change Without Losing Yourself, with Erin Owen | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:46:07 | |
What happens when the old ways of leading, working, and understanding yourself no longer fit? And could the next level of leadership require something deeper than strategy or productivity hacks? In this episode, Andrew Cohn welcomes Erin Owen, an executive coach whose work blends leadership development, organizational change, Eastern wisdom, energy work, and spiritual practice. Erin shares how health challenges became a wake-up call that pushed her to question who she was, what she wanted, and how to move forward without a prescribed roadmap. That evolution shapes her coaching work with leaders moving through growth, overwhelm, and identity shifts. Andrew and Erin explore yin and yang, masculine and feminine energy, the difference between balance and harmony, the Andean concept of Ayni, and why leaders need to return to “home in themselves” during times of change. Tune in to discover how coming home to yourself can help you lead with more clarity, harmony, and grounded spiritual presence. Key Takeaways
In This Episode: · [00:00] Returning home to yourself during change Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Erin Owen
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| Healing Business from the Inside Out: Energy, Trauma, and Authentic Leadership, with Katie Sutton | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:37:49 | |
In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn welcomes Katie Sutton, an intuitive channel, energy medicine healer, and founder of the Zen Within Academy. Based in Charlotte, NC, Katie works at the intersection of personal healing and business leadership, helping entrepreneurs and corporate leaders understand how their energy fields and the unhealed patterns within them directly shape the health and success of their organizations. Katie shares her own story of rising quickly through the corporate ranks only to crash into burnout and chronic illness. That experience led her to three and a half years of intensive training in energy healing, where she discovered that the same patterns of overwork, people-pleasing, and seeking validation that fueled her corporate success were also making her sick and that they didn’t disappear when she left. This episode is for any leader who has ever felt that something beneath the surface is holding them back and who is ready to look at that something with curiosity, courage, and practical tools for change. Tune in to discover how your inner world is shaping your leadership and what you can do to shift it. In This Episode:
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Katie Sutton
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| The Fourth Leg of the Stool: Why Compassionate Listening Is Essential in Healthcare and Leadership | 21 May 2026 | 00:46:09 | |
In the high-pressure world of medicine, even the most accomplished doctors can face exhaustion, self-doubt, and burnout. Yet what if the same tools that restore resilience and clarity could transform the way we lead, care for others, and live fully? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with Assaad Mounzer, a retired urologist, mindfulness teacher, and coach who now helps individuals and groups move from burnout to engagement through mindfulness and self-awareness. Drawing from decades in medicine and his own personal journey across cultures and careers, Assaad shares how his understanding of healing expanded beyond procedures and prescriptions. At the heart of the conversation is Assaad’s practical framework for living and leading with intention: the four keys of mindfulness, including attention, values, wisdom, and an open heart. Together, these principles offer a path toward greater resilience, emotional balance, and authentic leadership. This episode explores the intersection of healing, self-awareness, and leadership, reminding us that true leadership begins with how we care for ourselves and how we show up for others. Tune in to discover how mindfulness, compassion, and intentional living can transform both leadership and wellbeing. In This Episode:
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| Personal Growth and Conscious Leadership: Moving from Limited to Liberated to Limitless, with Carolyn Taylor | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:45:31 | |
How do leaders actually grow, not just in what they do, but in how they respond to life? And where do they learn that they have a choice in those responses in the first place? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with Carolyn Taylor, a globally recognized authority on organizational culture and leadership transformation. As the author of Walking the Talk: Building a Culture for Success and Accountability at Work and founder of Walking the Talk, Carolyn brings over four decades of experience helping leaders and organizations create meaningful, lasting change. Together, they explore the profound intersection of spirituality and leadership, uncovering what it truly means to grow from the inside out. Carolyn challenges the traditional view of leadership as purely results-driven, emphasizing instead the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authenticity in how leaders show up and respond to life. Drawing from her own journey, she traces the evolution of leadership from external performance to internal alignment. At the core of the conversation is a powerful mindset shift, from feeling like life is happening to you, to recognizing your ability to consciously choose your response. Carolyn also introduces a simple yet transformative model of growth, moving from a limited mindset rooted in scarcity and reactivity to a liberated state of ownership and confidence, and ultimately to a limitless way of being grounded in trust, flow, and humility. This episode offers a thoughtful and practical exploration of conscious leadership, reminding us that the most impactful leadership begins within and expands outward into how we lead, live, and connect with others. Tune in to discover how shifting your inner world can transform the way you lead, live, and connect.
In This Episode:
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Carolyn Taylor
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| A Minute to Arrive: Presence, Listening, and Conscious Leadership, with Craig Souza | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:46:55 | |
Most meetings begin with urgency. People arrive distracted, carrying the residue of the last conversation and already thinking about the next one. But what if leadership started with something different, a moment to arrive, breathe, and truly listen? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with Craig Souza to explore how mindfulness, presence, and deep listening can transform the way leaders show up at work. Craig is the president of the Conscious Leadership Guild, a former enterprise sales leader at HP, and a mindfulness teacher who has spent years helping leaders integrate awareness and emotional intelligence into everyday leadership. Craig shares how his journey into spirituality began unexpectedly through recovery and later evolved into bringing mindfulness practices into corporate environments. What began as a side interest eventually became a powerful way to help teams connect more deeply, communicate more effectively, and create healthier workplace cultures. Throughout the conversation, Craig introduces simple practices leaders can use immediately, from beginning meetings with a minute of presence to practicing mindful listening. These small shifts create space for deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and more thoughtful decision-making. The discussion also explores Craig’s work with the Conscious Leadership Guild, a community of leaders committed to personal growth and responsible leadership. At its heart, conscious leadership begins with inner work. It involves recognizing how we show up in the world and taking responsibility for our impact. This episode offers practical ways leaders can bring mindfulness and humanity into everyday interactions and discover how powerful true listening can be.
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Craig Souza
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| The Awakened Heart in the Boardroom: Where Soul Talk Meets Strategy, with Russell Bishop | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:54:19 | |
How often do we pause to ask ourselves, “Who am I?” or notice where our focus really is before making a choice? Can we find purpose not as a destination but as a gentle unfolding, and recognize that real power lies not in control, but in the ability to choose again and again? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with Russell Bishop to explore the intersection of leadership, personal transformation, and choice. Russell is a veteran leader in personal and organizational development, creator of Insight Seminars, and author of Workarounds That Work and From Self-Talk to Soul Talk. His work has impacted over a million people across 43 countries, guiding leaders and teams toward clarity, alignment, and purpose. Rather than pushing for dramatic change, he invites leaders to consider something subtler and more powerful: alignment with purpose. Together, they unpack the difference between decisions and choices, between chasing outcomes and understanding the experience we’re truly seeking. Russell offers compelling examples from aerospace, healthcare, and corporate strategy to show how clarity of purpose unlocks creativity, collaboration, and momentum, often in places where progress once felt impossible. At the heart of the episode is a simple but radical idea: real power comes from recognizing our ability to choose and choose again. When leaders learn to listen beyond self-talk and tune into what Russell calls “soul talk,” they create space for wiser action, deeper connection, and more humane organizations. This episode is an invitation to slow down, ask better questions, and lead from a place that’s both grounded and awake. Key Takeaways
In This Episode:
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| Love as the Foundation: Bringing Heartset Education to Classrooms and Leadership, with Stu Semigran | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:47:04 | |
Imagine a young boy with cerebral palsy, limping into summer camp, quietly asking a teenage counselor to teach him how to tie his shoes, not because he couldn’t learn, but because he craved twenty minutes of undivided, caring attention from an adult who truly saw him. That small act of vulnerability sparked a lifelong mission for Stu Semigran, co-founder of the EduCare Foundation, to create spaces where every child, and every person, feels honored, valued, and capable of extraordinary growth. In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn reconnects with Stu Semigran to explore how love, compassion, and practical “Heartset®” principles can transform education, organizations, and leadership itself. Over 35 years, EduCare has reached hundreds of thousands of students, especially in underserved communities, proving that when cultures of kindness, listening, and forgiveness flourish, both academic results and personal fulfillment thrive. Stu shares his journey from a rebellious young teacher to nonprofit leader, illustrating how seeing the best in others, even when they cannot see it themselves, creates the Pygmalion Effect in real time. The conversation explores the eight Heartset skills: honoring, praising, heart-centered listening, choice, forgiveness, conflict resolution, turning challenges into opportunities, and service, showing how these timeless practices bridge spirituality and high-accountability environments naturally and effectively. This episode offers educators, leaders, and anyone seeking more heart in high-stakes settings both inspiration and actionable wisdom.
In This Episode:
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Stu Semigran Andrew Cohn Music: | |||
| Finding Grace in the Ashes: A Coach’s Journey Through Fire and Wisdom, with Stephen McGhee | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:37:48 | |
Did you know that being truly present can impact your surroundings as much as an athlete's performance on the field? In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, Andrew Cohn sits down with longtime friend, colleague, and leadership coach Stephen McGhee for a conversation about presence, wisdom, and leading from the inside out. Rather than offering formulas or techniques, Stephen shares a way of being, one rooted in listening, humility, and what he calls “keeping altitude.” The conversation explores how spirituality shows up in leadership without being imposed through language or labels. Stephen introduces his idea of a “ladder of consciousness,” where service and love sit at the highest rungs, and explains why leaders do more good when they resist inflicting their own beliefs and instead stay curious about how others experience meaning and integrity. A central theme is presence. Stephen reflects on how presence itself “pays,” not as a transaction, but because whatever we carry emotionally and spiritually gets transmitted into rooms, relationships, and decisions. Leaders, he suggests, shape outcomes simply by how present, grounded, and authentic they are. Stephen also shares his personal experience of losing his home in the Pacific Palisades fires. He speaks candidly about grief, rejecting “toxic positivity,” and honoring the importance of process, allowing pain, meaning, and gratitude to unfold in their own time. Through this story, the principles of presence, listening, and acceptance become real and lived. If you've faced unexpected hardship or seek ways to integrate spirituality practically into leadership and life, this episode is a must-listen.
In This Episode:
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Stephen McGhee Andrew Cohn Music: | |||
| Remembering What We Are: Philosophy, Presence, and Human Flourishing, with Rodney King | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:53:14 | |
In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, Andrew Cohn sits down with Dr. Rodney King, philosophical coach, former martial arts practitioner, global educator, and scholar to delve into meaning, leadership, and what it really takes to live well. Rodney shares his extraordinary journey, from growing up in poverty in Johannesburg and surviving a violent environment, to becoming a globally respected martial arts teacher, and ultimately facing a life-altering health crisis that forced him to rethink everything. Rodney reflects on how martial arts first became a way to survive, then a profession, and eventually a doorway into something much deeper–philosophy as a lived practice. After decades of physical training, travel, and high performance, a diagnosis of CTE-like symptoms brought his fighting career to an abrupt halt. What could have been the end instead became a turning point. Through philosophy, solitude, and reconnecting with nature, Rodney began to ask different questions, not “How do I push harder?” but “What is the meaning of this moment?” Together, Andrew and Rodney delve into how modern culture’s obsession with speed, optimization, and productivity often pulls us away from our inner wisdom. Rodney challenges listeners to do the opposite of what the modern world demands, slow down, embrace unstructured time, and rediscover awe in everyday moments. From walking without a destination to simply being bored, these “unoptimized” practices become gateways to clarity, creativity, and healing. This episode is a thoughtful invitation to leaders, and all of us, to rethink success, listen more deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters. It’s not about having all the answers, but about learning to ask better questions and creating space for wisdom to emerge.
[50:52] Rodney’s work, resources, and closing reflections Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Rodney King Andrew Cohn Music: | |||
| The Spiritual Skills Every Leader Needs: Presence, Purpose, and Compassion, with William Miller | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:45:50 | |
What’s the right way to bring spirituality into workplace conversations when everyone comes from different cultures and comfort levels? Is culture really the problem, or is it more about our ability to adapt and communicate in ways people can genuinely receive? And what about leaders who make tough decisions from a spiritual place, like keeping a 50-year-old who may never find another job while letting go of younger employees who can recover quickly–and even supporting them in finding new roles? In this episode, Andrew Cohn speaks with William Miller, co-founder of Values Centered Innovation and long-time explorer of the intersection between spirituality, creativity, and corporate leadership. Miller traces his journey back to a pivotal moment in the 1980s when mystical literature unexpectedly illuminated his work in innovation. That spark, he explains, revealed spirituality, business, and creativity as “facets of a single jewel,” a realization that has guided his work for four decades. He describes how ancient wisdom traditions, including the Bhagavad Gita, informed research on what energizes innovation, revealing three universal motivators: intention, connection, and action. These insights helped Miller develop practical models, such as his “creative journey” process, that cultivate psychological safety, courage, and authentic human connection within organizations. The conversation also explores cultural nuances in discussing spirituality at work, stories of leaders who ground tough decisions in compassion, and the shift from profit-first business models toward purpose-driven ones. Miller introduces his current project, Reclaiming the Soul of Leadership, a program that helps leaders explore their spiritual foundations, express them through values-based leadership, and foster communities rooted in wisdom and love.
In This Episode:
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast William Miller
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| Hungry For More: What Our Cravings Reveal About Leadership and Well-Being, with Dr. Adrienne Youdim | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:45:05 | |
What if the key to better leadership wasn't about working harder, but about understanding a deeper, often ignored, inner hunger? What if the stress, reactivity, and burnout so common in leadership are actually symptoms of a spiritual and emotional famine? In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Dr. Adrienne Youdim, a weight loss physician and mind-body medicine practitioner, to explore the concept of "inner hunger." Dr. Adrienne argues that beneath the surface of our busy lives and professional ambitions lies a universal hunger for validation, autonomy, respite, and self-compassion. When left unmet, we try to feed these hungers with distractions like overworking, people-pleasing, or perfectionism, leading to a cycle of stress and disconnection. Drawing from her new book, Hungry for More, and her own journey from a high-achieving "white coat" physician to a holistic practitioner, Dr. Adrienne makes a compelling case that leadership requires a foundational practice of self-awareness and self-care. She shares powerful, practical tools—from conscious breathing to body scanning—that literally change our physiology, quiet the noise, and allow us to access the "deep down" wisdom we all possess. This episode is an invitation to pause, recognize your own hungers, and learn how feeding them is not self-indulgent, but essential for clear-headed, intentional, and sustainable leadership
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| The C.L.E.A.R. Path: A Framework for Getting Unstuck in Leadership, with Dacia Moore | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:43:01 | |
What if the secret to becoming an unstoppable leader in this chaotic and noisy world wasn’t about pushing harder, but about slowing down long enough to hear that still, small voice inside you? In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn chats with Dacia Moore, a transformational speaker, counselor, and former nonprofit executive director who knows firsthand what it means to lead from a place of faith and renewal. Dacia opens up about her journey from the corporate and education worlds into the mental health space, where she found her true calling to help others move from burnout to breakthrough. She also shares insights from her inspiring book From Stuck to Unstoppable, where she guides readers to overcome fear, rediscover purpose, and build the courage to move forward with faith and clarity. Throughout the conversation, Dacia introduces her C.L.E.A.R. framework: Clarify, Learn, Expose, Align, and Replace. It’s a practical tool that helps leaders reconnect with who they are, silence the noise, and lead with authenticity. She and Andrew also talk about the value of “margin time,” those quiet, intentional pauses that allow us to step back, reflect, and make wiser decisions. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that leadership isn’t just about doing more. It’s about creating space to listen, grow, and let your inner wisdom lead the way.
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Dacia Moore
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| From Ashram to Boardroom: The Energy of Authentic Leadership, with Anna Pool | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:46:13 | |
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt the energy shift before a single word was spoken? What if leadership isn’t just about what you say or do, but the energy you broadcast every day? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with executive coach Anna Pool to explore the true frequency of leadership and how our internal state quietly shapes every meeting, decision, and connection. Anna’s story is extraordinary. She spent 20 years in an ashram devoted to meditation, yoga, and service before her spiritual community collapsed under the weight of betrayal. That loss became her greatest teacher, leading her from the ashram to the boardroom, where she now helps leaders embody authentic, energetic presence. Together, they unpack Dr. David Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness and what it reveals about courage, fear, and the “green zone” of leadership, where creativity and clarity thrive. Anna shares how awareness and intention can transform not only your leadership, but the very atmosphere around you. It’s a fascinating look at how to lead with your energy, not just your words, and why what you broadcast matters more than you think.
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Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Anna Pool Andrew Cohn Referenced
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| Between Mindset and Heartset: The Unseen Journey of Becoming Whole, with Pablo Sillas Domínguez | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:47:10 | |
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you think the way you think? Or what drives the choices you make every day in your work, your relationships, your leadership? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn speaks with Pablo Sillas Domínguez, a human relations executive and author of Heartset. Pablo shares his powerful personal journey from being a successful but workaholic HR director, whom he describes as the "wolf" of his own family, to embarking on a profound spiritual and transformational path. The catalyst for this change was a pivotal question from a coach: "Do you know why you think the way you think?" This launched Pablo on a years-long journey of introspection, unlearning, and integrating his reason with his emotions and intuition. He explains that this personal awakening mirrors a larger societal issue, where a hyper-competitive, ego-driven mindset has led to widespread stress and disconnection. Pablo introduces key concepts from his book, including "field thoughts," (the fusion of feeling and thinking), "charisms," (spiritual gifts), and “meditaction,” (combining meditation with action for the common good). He argues for bringing vulnerability and our whole selves into the workplace, moving from seeing people as disposable resources to recognizing them as indispensable individuals. The conversation offers a practical and aspirational framework for leaders to cultivate purpose, meaning, and healthier organizations.
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| Faith, Health & Leadership: The Science Behind Spiritual Well-Being, with Harold Koenig | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:31:43 | |
What if the key to a longer, healthier, and more successful life isn’t found in a diet or workout plan, but in what you believe, where your faith itself could help you live longer and thrive? In this compelling episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Dr. Harold Koenig, a preeminent scholar from Duke University's Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health. With over four decades of research, Dr. Koenig shares powerful, evidence-based insights on the undeniable connection between religious faith and well-being. He reveals how faith, on average, leads to greater happiness, better mental health, and even a longer lifespan by 7-14 years. The mechanisms are clear: faith provides meaning, fosters strong social support, and encourages healthier behaviors. But what about non-believers? Dr. Koenig discusses his book, Spiritual Readiness, explaining that anyone can achieve similar benefits by cultivating a positive belief system, a strong community, and moral habits, though he notes this is often easier within a religious framework. The conversation also explores the practical application of this research in leadership and healthcare, highlighting how faith-inspired leaders often create more inclusive and productive workplaces. This episode is a fascinating look at how nurturing our spiritual core can be a profound asset for personal and professional success.
Faith and health are scientifically linked: Decades of peer-reviewed research show that religious or spiritual belief correlates with greater happiness, longer life expectancy, and better mental health. Non-believers benefit too: A positive belief system, moral habits, and strong social connections can provide similar health outcomes though sustaining them without a faith tradition can be challenging. Global evidence: Studies in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism consistently reveal similar patterns of improved health and resilience. Healthcare opportunity: Despite overwhelming evidence, most healthcare systems neglect patients’ spiritual needs, though medical schools are slowly integrating this dimension into training. In This Episode: [00:01] Opening remarks and research overview [00:22] Non-believers and health benefits [00;57] Podcast introduction and guest background [03:55] Dr. Koenig’s center and research mission [05:04] Approaching the religion-health connection [06:45] Personal motivation for teaching [07:36] Center’s and personal research objectives [08:19] Most compelling recent research [09:28] Epidemiological evidence and health outcomes [10:03] Mechanisms behind health benefits [11:29] International research and consistency [12:14] Health behaviors among the religious [13:34] Human nature and self-control [15:34] Global interest in spirituality-health research [17:36] Acceptance and accessibility of research [18:11] Resources for further learning [19:23] Spirituality in the workplace [20:22] Religious faith and leadership qualities [21:52] Communicating research to business leaders [22:58] Application in healthcare leadership [25:33] Trends in healthcare spirituality [26:30] Optimism for future integration [27:39] Religion and optimism [29:18] Where to learn more [30:13] Closing remarks Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Dr. Harold Koenig
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| Silence, Presence, and Inner Leadership, with María José Sánchez | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:44:59 | |
What if the most powerful tool a leader has isn’t a strategy, a speech, or even a brilliant plan, but is instead silence? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with María José Sánchez, a leadership consultant, executive coach, and author based in Madrid, Spain. During the conversation, María shares her fascinating journey from telecommunications engineer to leadership mentor, showing how she combines her analytical, scientific side with the deeper wisdom of silence and spirituality. She talks about how silence reshaped her leadership style, helping her move from being pushy and results-driven to leading with calm, presence, and authenticity. For her, true leadership impact begins from within, by taking time to pause, reconnect with yourself, and then return to the outside world with clarity, energy, and insight. She also introduces her idea of “spiritual snacks,” short pauses throughout the day to recharge and realign, and her “five-finger rule,” a practical tool for managing thoughts that reminds leaders to take ownership of their inner state, let go of unhelpful thinking, and focus on positivity, resilience, and trust. María highlights her books and her digital leadership platform, Lidero, which offers simple, accessible lessons from her decades of experience. This episode is an inspiring reminder that real leadership always starts from within.
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| Beyond Command and Control: The Rise of Transcendent Leadership, with Greg Stebbins | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:45:11 | |
In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership Podcast, host Andrew Cohn speaks with Greg Stebbins, a pioneer in the intersection of spirituality, wisdom, and leadership. With decades of experience as a coach, consultant, and educator, Greg shares the importance of self-inquiry, values alignment, and transcendent leadership—an approach rooted in reflection, presence, and authentic connection.Greg reflects on his upbringing in a military family, his spiritual journey (inspired by his mother, “Swami Mommy”), and his path from sales and consulting to founding his leadership development practice. He emphasizes that true leadership requires ongoing wisdom development, aligning beliefs and values, and uncovering the authentic self beneath ego-driven facades.Together, Andrew and Greg explore how prayer, meditation, and contemplation foster clarity, how leaders can embody presence rather than simply perform it, and why younger generations are demanding congruence between words and actions in business. Their conversation weaves personal stories, practical tools, and deep reflections on what it means to lead from the inside out.Key Takeaways
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| The Blank Space of Leadership: Alignment, Legacy, and Living Your Why, with Natalie Byrne | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:43:29 | |
In this episode of the Spirituality and Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Natalie Byrne, founder of the impact and communications firm, Blank Space. Natalie shares her unique approach to helping brands, philanthropists, and leaders align their values with their work, whether it's launching a foundation, shaping a brand's legacy, or navigating a company through big transitions. Her methodology, “Blank Space,” is all about clearing the noise, getting centered, and building from a place of deep intention and purpose. Natalie and Andrew explore how spirituality, personal alignment, and humanness play a powerful role in leadership today. From her work with global companies to advising families on their philanthropic efforts, Natalie emphasizes the importance of living your legacy every day, not just leaving one behind. The conversation flows with warmth, humor, and authenticity, touching on everything from meditation and embodiment to corporate strategy and systems change. If you’ve ever wondered how your values can fuel your work in meaningful ways, this episode is full of insight.
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Natalie Byrne
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| Lessons in Presence: What a Horse Can Teach Us About Being Human, with Warwick Schiller | 09 Jul 2025 | 01:13:42 | |
In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, Andrew Cohn sits down with world-renowned horseman Warwick Schiller for a deeply personal and profound conversation on transformation, emotional intelligence, and the unexpected teachers in life: horses. Warwick opens up about his journey from high-level competition and the pursuit of external validation to a more grounded, spiritually attuned approach to life and horsemanship. What started as trying to “fix” a talented but quirky horse became a mirror that revealed suppressed emotions, judgmental thinking, and the need for deeper connection with self and others. That turning point led him to therapy, self-inquiry, and eventually, the work of Brené Brown, whose insights on vulnerability and emotional suppression hit him like a lightning bolt. Warwick shares how therapy, vulnerability, and learning to truly “see” rather than judge, whether a horse or a human reshaped not only how he trains, but how he lives. He explores how presence, empathy, and self-awareness create real leadership, both in and out of the arena. If you’ve ever felt that personal growth could come from the most unlikely of places, this episode is for you.
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| Eldership in Action: Witnessing, Blessing, and Leading the Next Generation, Dr. Karen Wilson-Starks | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:47:53 | |
In this powerful episode, host Andrew Cohn speaks with Dr. Karen Wilson-Starks, clinical psychologist, executive coach, and host of The Voice of Leadership podcast. With decades of experience, including as an Army psychologist and senior faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership, Dr. Karen shares how deep faith and a spirit of service have shaped her approach to leadership. Karen opens up about her early struggles to integrate spirituality with psychology and how she became a pioneering voice encouraging others to bring their whole selves, including their spiritual dimension, into the workplace. She reflects on the meaning of eldership as witnessing and blessing, and how modeling peace and presence can be more powerful than words. Together, Andrew and Karen explore how spiritual grounding, especially her Christian faith, can support leaders through uncertainty, foster inclusive workplaces, and serve as an anchor in turbulent times. Whether it’s leading through riots, coaching executives one-on-one, or mentoring the next generation, Karen’s presence and perspective offer wisdom for leaders of all kinds. Key Takeaways
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Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Dr. Karen Wilson-Starks
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| Awakened Economics: Rethinking Growth, Profit, and Purpose, with Bond Snodgrass | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:52:35 | |
In this eye-opening episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn is joined by Bond Snodgrass—banker, sustainability entrepreneur, and creator of Awakened Economics—for a rich conversation about reimagining how we lead, measure success, and shape the systems we live in. Bond shares his personal journey from the high-stakes world of global finance to a deeper spiritual awakening sparked by a health crisis. That turning point led him to question the economic assumptions we take for granted—especially the idea that growth always equals progress. Together, Bond and Andrew explore how leaders can bring more consciousness into business—without sacrificing performance. From ESG investing and stakeholder capitalism to redefining what we even mean by “value,” this episode offers bold ideas and grounded insights for leaders who want to build organizations that serve both people and the planet. It’s part vision, part toolkit—and all heart. Ready to rethink what leadership and economics can be? Hit play and join the conversation. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode that challenges, inspires, and uplifts your leadership journey.
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| What Happens When Leaders Pause? Mindfulness as a Leadership Tool, with Rebecca Wilson | 28 May 2025 | 00:37:11 | |
In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Rebecca Wilson, executive coach, mindfulness teacher, and founder of Arborvida, an organization dedicated to helping leaders cultivate self-awareness, purpose, and conscious leadership from the inside out. Together, they explore what happens when leaders slow down, cut through the noise, and reconnect with their deeper sense of meaning. Andrew and Rebecca dive into why leadership is ultimately an inner journey and how greater self-awareness, intention, and presence can transform the way we lead, make decisions, and show up for others. They also unpack real challenges leaders face, like burnout, overwhelm, and the constant pressure to “do more,” while offering practical tools to lead with clarity, impact, and fulfillment, whether it’s honoring silence in meetings, setting clear intentions, or creating space for reflection. Rebecca also shares details about her latest initiative, The Conscious Leaders Collective – a peer-driven community supporting mindful, purpose-driven leaders navigating today’s fast-paced, high-pressure environments. If you’re a leader looking to expand your impact, avoid burnout, and lead with more presence, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for the journey.
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| The Spirit of Leadership: Aligning Values with Action, with John Mitchell | 13 May 2025 | 00:41:56 | |
What does it mean to lead with both purpose and integrity in a world that often separates the spiritual from the professional? In this thought-provoking episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn sits down with John Mitchell, a leadership development consultant, coach, and fellow "recovering lawyer," to explore the intersection of spirituality, faith, and effective leadership. John shares his unique journey—from growing up in a military family with broad exposure to diverse faiths, to his current work helping leaders align their actions with their deepest values. The conversation explores the challenges of congruence—ensuring one’s behavior aligns with one's stated beliefs—and the importance of interconnectedness as a guiding principle in leadership. John offers practical insights for leaders across sectors, from corporate executives to faith leaders, on how to navigate hypocrisy, foster inclusivity, and make decisions rooted in integrity. Whether you're a corporate executive, faith leader, or purpose-driven professional, this episode offers powerful, practical wisdom on navigating ethical dilemmas, embracing inclusivity, and making value-aligned decisions in complex environments. Listen now to discover how spirituality can be a strength—not a side note—in leadership.
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| How to Be Human at Work: Embracing Wholeness in Leadership, with Allison Schultz | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:38:45 | |
In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Allison Schultz, coach, writer, and co-founder of Reboot—to explore a deeper, more human-centered approach to leadership. At Reboot, coaching goes beyond developing managerial skills. It’s about transformation—helping leaders access their full humanity through radical self-inquiry, embodied presence, and spiritual integration. Drawing from her rich background, including a master’s in Religious Studies, a lifelong bond with horses, and her new book The Art of Being Human at Work, Ali shares candid stories and powerful insights. She speaks openly about how childhood emotional invisibility and early discomfort with corporate norms shaped her path. Her connection with horses, which she describes as a sacred devotional practice, has deeply informed her understanding of relational intelligence and inner work. Together, Andrew and Ali explore how spirituality, shadow work, and embodiment can shift the very foundation of how we lead and show up in the workplace. Key Takeaways
In This Episode:
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Allison Schultz
The Art of Being Human at Work
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| Cultivating Growth and Trust: A Holistic Approach to Leadership, with Dr. Erika Kleestorfer | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:33:06 | |
In this thought-provoking episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn is joined by Dr. Erika Kleestorfer, a seasoned leadership consultant and executive coach. With over two decades of experience in corporate leadership development, Dr. Kleestorfer offers invaluable insights into the intersection of spirituality and leadership. She shares her unique perspective on how understanding one’s essence, core values, and inner light can help leaders navigate challenges and inspire teams to thrive. Drawing on her extensive experience working with global organizations including IBM, Dr. Kleestorfer explains how spirituality in leadership is not just a concept, but a practice that enhances business success, team cohesion, and individual fulfillment. From creating a safe space for emotional growth to utilizing frameworks like the PERMA model, this episode provides both spiritual wisdom and practical tools for leaders at all levels. Key Takeaways
In This Episode:
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| Bringing the Human Spirit Back to Life in the Corporate World, with Steve Hart | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:51:10 | |
How can one’s personal experiences with life and meaning translate into corporate leadership and a legacy of meaning? In this powerful conversation on the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with Steve Hart, educator, leadership coach, musician, and former executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, to explore the deep connection between the human spirit, meaningful work, and adaptive leadership. Steve opens up about a transformative near-death experience that reshaped his entire life, and how that moment of awakening fuels his mission to infuse workplaces with soul, trust, and purpose. Steve brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity from his early days as a special education teacher to leading large-scale cultural shifts in government and nonprofit organizations. You’ll hear about the surprising lessons leadership can take from nature (particularly Zoysia grass!), how reflection becomes a gateway to growth, and why trust is the bedrock of real transformation. Whether you're leading a team or navigating your inner shift, this episode is a blueprint for blending practical leadership with deeper personal truth. Key Takeaways
In This Episode:
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Steve Hart
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| How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability to Foster Authentic Connections, with Gino Peremans | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:41:20 | |
In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Gino Peremans, a men’s work expert and leadership coach from Belgium. Gino’s journey is both gripping and inspiring—from a challenging childhood to becoming a mentor for men seeking to break free from societal expectations. He shares how he went from feeling lost and disconnected to creating spaces where men can rediscover their true selves. Gino dives deep into the importance of vulnerability, connection, and building healthy communities of men. He talks about the retreats he leads—transformative experiences where men step away from the pressures of performance and status to embrace their inner lives. But this isn’t just theory; Gino offers practical tools to bring this mindset into your personal and professional life. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just yourself, his insights are game-changing. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of pretending to be someone they’re not. Gino’s message is clear: true leadership starts with authenticity. Tune in to discover how you can step into a new kind of strength—one rooted in vulnerability, connection, and your truest self. Key Takeaways
In This Episode:
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Gino Peremans
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| Bridging Worlds: Spirituality, Leadership, and Workplace Transformation, with Judi Neal | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:57:36 | |
In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Judi Neal, a pioneer in workplace spirituality and the force behind the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality and Edgewalkers International. Judi opens up about her personal journey, including her time at Honeywell, where she took a stand as a whistleblower—an experience that reshaped her understanding of integrity, trust, and spiritual resilience. Together, Andrew and Judi explore how spirituality can transform leadership and workplace culture, making organizations more compassionate, ethical, and inclusive. Drawing insights from her books Inspiring Workplace Spirituality, Edgewalkers, and Creating Enlightened Organizations, Judi shares practical ways to integrate faith and spirituality into daily work life—no matter your beliefs. This conversation is for anyone looking to lead with greater purpose, foster a more inclusive workplace, or simply navigate their career with a deeper sense of meaning.
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| Leading from Within: Harnessing Intuition and Spirituality for Powerful Leadership, with Alicia Rodriguez | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:41:47 | |
What if the most effective and fulfilled leaders aren’t just those with the sharpest strategies or the best data, but those who tap into something deeper—something instinctive? Could the true power of leadership lie in embracing intuition, somatic awareness, and the ability to create nurturing environments? What if leadership goes beyond tactics and dives into the realm of self-awareness, authenticity, and inner wisdom? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn and Alicia Rodriguez, a coach and consultant based in the Algarve, Portugal, discuss the profound integration of spirituality in leadership. Alicia shares her expertise on how leaders can cultivate intuition and somatic awareness guiding them through experiential learning in nature and using innovative tools like sound healing and creative exercises. Together, Andrew and Alicia explore how these practices can help leaders not only embody their values but also navigate challenges with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Alicia reflects on her transformative journey in Ecuador, where she learned from a shaman, and she touches on the insights found in her book, The Shaman’s Wife. Alicia also emphasizes the vital importance of rest, stillness, and creating the right conditions for success, all while inspiring personal and professional transformation.
The transformative power of creative exploration and reframing perspectives on challenges. In This Episode:
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Alicia Rodriguez
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| The Power of Trust: How Authenticity Transforms Leadership, with David Allen | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:37:54 | |
Like it or not, leadership isn’t just about making decisions and getting things done—it’s about how you get things done. Productivity without purpose leads to burnout, while purpose without action leaves potential unfulfilled. What if the secret to stress-free leadership lies in balancing both? In this episode ofSpirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with David Allen, the mastermind behindGetting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, authenticity, and inner guidance, revealing how GTD principles can help leaders not only manage their workload but also lead with clarity, trust, and intention. From overcoming overwhelm to embracing the “still small voice” within, this conversation offers powerful insights on how leaders can create an environment of engagement, psychological safety, and true effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your leadership journey, this episode will challenge you to rethink productivity—not just as a tool for efficiency but as a pathway to deeper fulfillment and impact. Ready to transform the way you lead? Tune in now and discover how to integrate stress-free productivity with authentic leadership. Don’t forget to subscribe, share the episode, and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments! Key Takeaways
In This Episode: (00:04) – Welcome and introduction(00:36) – Meet David Allen(01:39) – Authenticity in leadership(02:47) – Embracing the current reality(03:57) – Tuning into your “still small voice”(04:51) – Balancing practical and spiritual approaches(06:01) – Understanding authenticity(08:11) – The cost of inauthenticity(09:11) – Developing your authentic self(10:30) – The significance of embracing the current reality(12:07) – Managing overwhelm as a leader(14:29) – Tools vs. authenticity(15:03) – Encouraging authentic leadership in others(16:07) – Framework for authentic conversations(19:17) – The importance of vulnerability and trust(20:36) – Engagement and leadership(21:21) – Spirituality’s role in leadership(21:30) – The power of spirit in leadership decisions(23:16) – Authenticity and shifting perspectives(25:48) – Revisiting the “still small voice”(27:13) – Trusting your inner wisdom(28:45) – The power of intention in leadership(29:00) – Drifting vs. intentionality in leadership(30:38) – Acceptance and cooperation(31:54) – Efficient use of energy(32:54) – Completion and creation(34:55) – GTD for teens(36:34) – Integration of wisdom
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast David Allen
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| Reflections on Spirituality in Leadership: Insights, Values, Connection, and Taking Practical Action, with Andrew Cohn | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:20:17 | |
In this thought-provoking episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn delves into key themes and insights from previous episodes, weaving together lessons on spirituality and leadership. With heartfelt gratitude for the diverse perspectives shared by past guests, Andrew explores the intersection of personal effectiveness, leadership impact, and the integration of spirituality into professional practice. Andrew emphasizes the importance of aligning with personal values, embracing cultural awareness, and drawing inspiration from nature to cultivate resilience and creativity. Drawing on rich examples from his executive coaching experience, he offers reflective questions to inspire listeners to examine how their own experiences, values, and beliefs shape their leadership style and personal growth. This episode invites a deeper exploration of what it means to lead with purpose and authenticity. Key Takeaways Reflection on key themes from previous discussions about spirituality and leadership. Importance of personal values in leadership. Cultural awareness and its role in effective leadership. Integration of spirituality into leadership practices. The impact of nature on resilience and creativity. Examples from executive coaching and team alignment work. Diverse perspectives from various guests on meaningful work and relationships. Encouragement for listeners to engage in self-reflection and personal growth. The significance of authenticity and connection in leadership. Practical application of discussed themes in real-world scenarios. In This Episode: (00:00:00) Introduction to individual reflection (00:00:26) Gratitude for guests (00:01:26) Discussion of guest topics (00:02:45) Inspirational nature of conversations (00:05:07) Quotes and themes of service (00:06:23) Cultural awareness in leadership (00:08:53) Nature's role in resilience (00:10:22) Client work examples (00:13:06) Team dynamics and values (00:14:24) Practicality over buzzwords (00:15:33) Reflective questions for leadership (00:18:11) Conclusion and call to action
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| Aikido, Embodiment, and Deep Dialogue: Tools for Effective Leadership, with Chris Thorsen | 18 Dec 2024 | 01:24:12 | |
Aikido is more than a martial art—it’s a way of navigating life’s challenges with grace and resilience. In this episode, Andrew Cohn speaks with his friend, colleague, and mentor, Chris Thorsen, a longtime practitioner of Aikido and its “off the mat” applications. Chris shares his powerful story, starting with his use of haiku as a tool for recovery after serving in the Vietnam War. This practice connected him with a Zen master who guided him for 30 years. Aikido, Chris explains, provided him the strength to thrive as a crisis counselor, even during years consulting with guards at San Quentin prison. Later, he introduced Aikido as a healing tool to a business leader and combat helicopter pilot processing trauma, sparking a transformative professional connection. Chris reflects on his journey as a “medic in the corporate world,” integrating Aikido and deep dialogue into leadership development and culture building. This conversation offers profound insights into the intersection of personal growth, leadership, and operational effectiveness. | |||
| Bridging Cultures, Building Connections: Interconnectedness in Life and Work, with Yoko Hisano | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:40:55 | |
In our increasingly disconnected world, recognizing our interconnectedness across cultures and in the workplace is more important than ever. In this episode of the podcast, Andrew Cohn speaks with Yoko Hisano, a clinical therapist and healer in the Boston area. Yoko shares her experience growing up in Japan and in Texas, working in human resources in Japan, and in higher education in the U.S. before moving into clinical therapy work. She talks about her experience across cultures, and about engaging people in important conversations that relate to connecting. The theme of interconnectedness comes through clearly in this conversation, which Yoko describes as a spiritual theme. In a very simple and clear way, she talks about aspiring to inspire people to connect to what brings them joy. | |||
| Discovering and Creating Heaven on Earth, with Martin Rutte | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:39:26 | |
In this conversation, Andrew Cohn talks a second time with Martin Rutte, one of the pioneers in the field of spirituality in business, and more recently the author of the book, Project Heaven on Earth. Martin begins the conversation by sharing the three key questions that each of us can consider in order to begin to create heaven on earth—as each of us defines it. He also reflects back Andrew‘s answers to these questions and what that might mean for him. Martin describes his book as a blueprint of discovering what heaven on earth means for us, and the steps each of us can take to begin to bring it to life. He describes the seven gateways to heaven on earth, and shares stories that bring these powerful themes and ideas to life. He challenges us to consider where we might be “out“ of heaven and earth with ourselves. Martin talks about his belief that humanity is at a fork in the road, and it is by tapping into these bigger personal questions that we can navigate in the right direction. | |||
| Allowing Ourselves to be Transparent to What’s Most True for Us, with Tom Hurley | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:51:13 | |
In this episode of the podcast, Andrew speaks with his colleague, friend, and mentor Tom Hurley, a very experienced leadership development consultant, about how we can be transparent to what's most true for us as they explore the connection between spirituality and leadership, a topic Tom has been exploring for decades. Tom talks about his personal experience through a variety of dimensions, about how he defines spirituality, and about the importance of focusing on how we connect with our guidance. Tom says the most important invitation is for us to explore what is most deeply true for us and how this inquiry is fundamentally mysterious. This conversation is laced with wisdom and inspiration and invites us to consider how we can live lives that are more fulfilled and have a more positive impact on the world, even if we are operating in a challenging business paradigm that might sometimes make us confront our deepest personal values. | |||
| Kairos and the "Wake" of Leadership, with Karen and Matthew Fine | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:55:11 | |
In this episode of the podcast, Andrew Cohn speaks with Karen and Matt Fine—business leaders, parents, and community contributors in Norfolk, Virginia. This is a conversation about simpler applications of spirituality in family and at work. Matt and Karen talk about their journeys, the impact of their personal spirituality in their household, and their work in the world. This broad conversation is full of wisdom and insight. The Fines are humble as they express their beliefs and their experience, however they offer a number of inspiring stories and invite us to use our experience and our inspiration to help us leave a positive “wake” as leaders in the world. | |||
| The Tenets of Yoga as Leadership Practices, with Chetan Roy | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:33:27 | |
In this episode of the podcast, Andrew talks with Chetan Roy, who has held various positions in IT leadership in the banking sector in India, after working for many years outside India. Chetan shares some of his personal stories, including the experience of landing on a challenging first day in the US when he went abroad for the first time to attend university in New York. Chetan has deep knowledge of Hinduism, yoga, and other traditions and practices, and he shares some of his wisdom and experience about the connection between yoga practices and business leadership practices. He has a way of gently and practically distilling wisdom which comes through clearly as he shares his experience. This is a conversation across continents, cultures, and religions—and reinforces the universality of connection and personal values in leadership. | |||
| Applying a Spiritual Framework in International Development, with Barney Singer | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:48:11 | |
In this episode of the podcast, Andrew speaks with Barney Singer, a social change leader with many decades of multidisciplinary experience in social development—in both the public and private sectors. Barney talks about his work, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, and how he brings a spiritual framework to his program, design, and delivery, as well as in his supervision of others. He shares a number of examples of the impact of his work and the impact of his belief system and approach on those whom his programs serve. Barney shares his wisdom very comfortably with the voice of both an expert and a “lifelong seeker." | |||
| Finding Purpose at Work, with Aaron Hurst | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:46:09 | |
What if finding purpose at work has less to do with discovering the perfect career and more to do with how you show up each day? Could greater fulfillment begin by strengthening your relationships, recognizing your impact, and choosing to keep growing? In this episode, Andrew Cohn welcomes Aaron Hurst, award-winning social entrepreneur, founder of the Taproot Foundation, and bestselling author of The Purpose Economy. Aaron shares how his grandfather’s World War II experience shaped his belief in shared purpose, and how his journey through prison education, Silicon Valley, nonprofits, and workplace research changed his understanding of meaningful work. Andrew and Aaron explore the myths surrounding purpose, why fulfillment is not limited to mission-driven careers, and how people experience impact at individual, organizational, and societal levels. They also discuss purpose versus transactional mindsets, the role of reflection, and why leaders must support relationships, impact, and growth. Key Takeaways
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Aaron Hurst
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| Intersectionality, Identity, and the Heart of Leadership, with Zhou Fang | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:32:45 | |
In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn welcomes Zhou Fang, an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) consultant, practitioner, and strategist, and the founder of The Intersectional Group, based in Portland, Oregon. Zhou draws on her background as an immigrant from China, a multilingual communicator, and a woman of color to bring a uniquely grounded and intersectional lens to leadership and EDI work. Zhou shares how she once considered herself an atheist and never expected to connect with the word "spirituality,” in part because growing up in China, spirituality was culturally discouraged–if not outlawed. But over time, she discovered that spirituality, distinct from religion, is about the mind, the heart, and one's connection to the world and community around us. That realization has become central to both her personal life and her professional work. Tune in to discover how intersectionality, spirituality, and equity-focused leadership can work together to help you lead from the inside out. In This Episode:
Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Zhou Fang
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| The Pilgrim's Path: What 500 Miles with a Donkey Taught a Financial Controller About Leadership, with Jean-Christophe Normand | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:45:53 | |
What happens when a meticulous financial controller leaves his comfortable corporate career to walk 500 miles across France with a donkey? And what could such a pilgrimage reveal about leadership, hope, and the sacred art of meeting another person without judgment? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with Jean-Christophe Normand, an executive coach, professor at a Catholic university, and ordained deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. Jean-Christophe’s journey from corporate finance to spiritual leadership is anything but conventional. Raised in a culture where religion and public life are carefully separated, Jean-Christophe describes himself as “culturally and emotionally 100 percent French.” Yet around age 40, after navigating difficult adoptions, personal loss, and a growing sense that his career lacked deeper meaning, something shifted. With the support of a coach, he began exploring theology and gradually stepped away from his corporate role. When a devastating car accident left his mother tetraplegic, his search for purpose deepened even further. Seeking clarity, Jean-Christophe embarked on a 700-kilometer pilgrimage from Paris with a donkey, traveling with little planning and trusting the path to unfold. The journey became a turning point that opened the door to a life devoted to coaching, teaching, and spiritual service. Today, Jean-Christophe’s work bridges three worlds: leadership coaching, academic teaching, and spiritual ministry. Rather than seeing these roles as separate, he experiences them as deeply interconnected expressions of the same calling. At the heart of his philosophy is a simple yet powerful belief: hope is a gift. Even in times of darkness, leaders can hold space for the possibility that light will emerge. Through presence, listening, and deep respect for the humanity of others, leadership becomes less about authority and more about walking alongside others in their journeys. This conversation explores how faith can quietly shape leadership practice without imposing beliefs on others and how humility, curiosity, and compassion create space for transformation in individuals and organizations alike. Let’s dive in! In This Episode:
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Jean-Christophe Normand
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| The Warrior's Compassion: Healing Masculinity from the Inside Out, with Sean Harvey | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:35:44 | |
Did you know that in today’s chaotic world, even leaders can lose touch with the truth of the men they lead? The most vulnerable need a safe space to share their stories and connect with their feminine energy because that’s where real healing begins. In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with Sean Harvey, an interfaith minister, former Wall Street professional, and a pioneer in men’s healing work, as well as the author of Warrior Compassion: Unleashing the Healing Power of Men. Together, they explore what spirituality in leadership actually looks like when you strip away dogma and focus on being fully human. Sean shares his unconventional path from corporate life to ministry and into some of the most challenging environments imaginable, including prisons, police departments, and hyper-masculine cultures. At the center of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: leadership begins with presence, safety, and the willingness to look inward. In a world that feels divided and overwhelmed, Sean talks about reconnecting with our inner “sacred compass” and learning to trust our own truth without needing to overpower someone else’s. They dive into the role of storytelling as a healing tool, why creating psychologically safe spaces matters more than perfect messaging, and how compassion is often misunderstood as weakness when it actually requires courage and strength. Sean also shares insights from his book, touching on men’s unspoken suffering, the balance of healthy masculine and feminine energies, and the idea of courageous surrender. It’s a thoughtful, grounded conversation about leadership, healing, and what it really means to lead from deeper humanity.
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| Reflections on Spirituality in Leadership: Presence, Purpose and Fulfillment, with Andrew Cohn | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:19:02 | |
In this reflective solo episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn steps away from interviews to share some of the deepest insights he has gained from nine months of podcast conversations and nearly three decades in the leadership development space. Andrew revisits the heart of why this podcast exists: the belief that long-term effectiveness in leadership is impossible without fulfillment. While stress, overwork, and dissatisfaction may be survivable in the short term, Andrew explains why they are unsustainable over time. He reflects on how spirituality in leadership is less about religion and more about presence, values, purpose, and the ability to listen deeply in a distracted world. Through stories from his work with executives, his years of Aikido practice, and his experiential leadership work with Equus in Santa Fe, Andrew unpacks the power of presence as a practical leadership skill. He explains how awareness creates choice, how values shape behavior, and why inner work is not optional for leaders who want to serve well. This episode is an honest and grounding reminder that leadership is not just about performance. It is about how we show up, how we listen, and how we stay human along the way.
In This Episode:
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| When Leadership Becomes Service: A Life Shaped by Faith and Integrity, with James McPherson | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:46:44 | |
In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with mentor, attorney, consultant, and longtime leadership practitioner James McPherson for a deeply grounded conversation on servant leadership, conviction, and living one’s faith with integrity in the workplace. James reflects on a lifetime of leadership across diverse environments, including the U.S. Air Force, Fortune 500 companies, law firms, higher education, healthcare systems, and federal government service, and shares how his Christian faith has consistently shaped how he leads rather than what he preaches. From a pivotal spiritual awakening as a college freshman in the early 1970s to his belief in servant leadership long before it became a management framework, James describes leadership as an expression of love, stewardship, humility, and responsibility for others’ growth. Throughout the conversation, James and Andrew explore what it means to lead without evangelizing, to stay rooted in values without imposing them, and to model spirituality through presence, patience, self-control, and genuine care for people. James shares vivid stories, from turning down career-advancing opportunities that conflicted with his values, to empowering frontline employees, to designing and teaching servant leadership programs that organically inspired others. This episode is a powerful reminder that spirituality in leadership is not about labels or persuasion. It is about how we show up, how we treat people, and how deeply we commit to helping others flourish.
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| The Business of Being Alive: How Spirituality Fuels Innovation, with Kirk Souder | 06 Jun 2024 | 00:52:10 | |
What if I told you that business, not government or nonprofits, has the greatest potential to change the world? And what if the secret to unlocking that power is not in working harder but in becoming more alive? In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Kirk Souder, a seasoned branding leader and executive coach, to explore how spirituality is the missing gear for unprecedented creativity and impact in the business world. Kirk argues that business, as the most influential sector in society, has a profound potential to create change, but it is stuck in a lower gear of creation. He shares how moving from a paradigm of "availability" (what already exists) to one of "creation" (what's possible) unlocks a higher level of innovation. Drawing on wisdom from Howard Thurman and Joseph Campbell, Kirk makes a compelling case that the world does not need more hustle; it needs more people who are fully alive. Throughout the conversation, Kirk shares powerful stories, including how a client at Mattel trusted her sense of aliveness to spearhead the diversification of the Barbie doll, a move that laid the groundwork for the cultural phenomenon of the Barbie movie. He and Andrew also delve into the practical neuroanatomy of creativity, explaining how shifting from fear-based "shoulds" to curiosity and aliveness activates the brain's "dispersed mode" for breakthrough ideas. This episode is an invitation to run the experiment and see what happens when you trust your inner compass, let go of outdated identities, and lead from a place of genuine aliveness.
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| When Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary: Practical Spirituality at Work, with Marcos Cajina | 23 May 2024 | 00:41:50 | |
What happens when spirituality stops being abstract and becomes deeply practical? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn speaks with Marcos Cajina, leadership consultant, executive coach, and founder of Renewal Company. Born in Madrid and seasoned in corporate HR at Ford before moving into leadership development and executive education, Marcos bridges the worlds of business performance and spiritual wisdom. Together, Andrew and Marcos explore how spirituality is not about retreats or caves but about ordinary, daily practices that shape how we lead and live. Marcos introduces what he calls a “scientific approach to spirituality,” testing, applying, and refining practices that work. From martial arts to Japanese archery, he shares how paradoxes like “hitting the target without trying” reveal powerful lessons for leadership. The conversation covers the laws of spirit, including acceptance, cooperation, and understanding, and how they translate into everyday business situations. Marcos also emphasizes the role of compassion in leadership, reframing it as a critical executive competency. With humor, humility, and lived experience, he shows how leaders can let go of drama, embrace ordinariness, and make leadership a true team sport. This episode is full of timeless insights for leaders seeking to integrate spirituality, practicality, and humanity in their work.
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| Jump Every Day: Courage, Curiosity, and Connection, with Dr. James Smith Jr. | 09 May 2024 | 00:45:25 | |
In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn welcomes his longtime friend and colleague Dr. James Smith Jr., an award-winning speaker, presentation coach, and expert in authenticity and leadership. Known for his electrifying presence and motivational wisdom, Dr. Smith shares deeply personal stories from raising his son to jumping out of a plane that illustrate what it means to live authentically and lead with vulnerability. Together, Andrew and James explore how spirituality, listening, and curiosity open doors to connection across cultures, generations, and organizations. They discuss the metaphor of “front seat, back seat, and trunk” as a lens for understanding what truly matters to people, why possibility thinking is a spiritual practice, and how leaders can invite trust by sharing their own stories first. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a new manager, or simply someone who wants to live more courageously, this conversation will inspire you to “jump every day” into the opportunities life presents.
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| From Reactivity to Presence: Somatic Practices for Leaders with Kimberly Arnold | 25 Apr 2024 | 00:23:47 | |
Ever wondered how somatic practices like aikido and tai chi can enhance your leadership skills? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership Podcast, Andrew Cohn welcomes Kimberly Arnold, transformation strategist, former corporate leader at PwC, Blue Shield, and Salesforce, and founder of Somatic Leadership. Kimberly shares her personal and professional journey from high-pressure corporate roles to somatic practices rooted in Aikido, Tai Chi, and Feldenkrais. Together, Andrew and Kimberly explore how leaders can move beyond reactivity, regulate their nervous systems, and shift the energy in a room from fear and anxiety to connection and collaboration. Kimberly offers powerful stories from navigating corporate crises at Salesforce to facilitating executive conflict resolution under an oak tree that show how grounding, centering, and intentional presence can transform leadership impact. She also introduces her practice of “Micro Shift Monday,” a series of small, practical, weekly practices designed to help leaders make their body an ally and bring more ease and wisdom into their day-to-day leadership. This is an inspiring and practical conversation for anyone seeking to integrate spirituality and embodiment into leadership. Let’s dive in!
In This Episode:
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