Spirituality in Leadership

Andrew Cohn
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Spirituality in Leadership features a broad variety of leaders in profound, one-on-one conversations with host Andrew Cohn. Andrew and his guests explore how to bring spiritual dimensions to teams and workplaces, in service of creating more fulfillment, greater success and healthier organizations. Spiritual dimensions may or may not encompass religion, and broadly include one's deepest values, an awareness of the unseen yet certainly felt realms which exist beyond the tangible. This podcast investigates how we can engage these more profound realms and aspects of ourselves in our workplaces, and how we can incorporate the qualities of presence, acceptance, love, forgiveness, and peace in those spaces, because such qualities are needed in the workplace now more than ever before. Therefore, Spirituality in Leadership aspires to “de-dogmatize" and normalize the topic of spirituality, and to elevate its impact on people in the workplace. In each episode, Andrew gathers practical advice from the unique perspectives of his guests on the benefits of practical spirituality in their leadership. He explores how these leaders/teachers combine their own personal practices, development and spirituality to grow and to create better work cultures.  Andrew Cohn is the founder and president of Lighthouse Consulting LLC. Andrew is a counselor, executive coach and consultant who drives results through improved individual and team performance. A former attorney, his work helps leaders think more strategically, communicate more clearly and effectively, make better decisions, and lead from their values and personal purpose. Over the course of his career, Andrew has been an indispensable resource for leaders in the corporate world. He understands the drive many of us have to reach out and help people fully express themselves in the workplace; his mission involves supporting leaders who want to use their influence to make the world a better place.  The Spirituality in Leadership podcast not only provides access to Andrew’s 25+ years of experience as a counselor and advisor to leaders in a wide variety of business areas, and draws from his extensive educational background in international business, law, and spiritual psychology, but also it brings us each different guest's personal experience and wisdom. These healthy and authentic conversations inspire, encourage and challenge us to do our best work and they provide practical support for stronger leadership and more cohesive teams. 

  1. Personal Growth and Conscious Leadership: Moving from Limited to Liberated to Limitless, with Carolyn Taylor

    APR 29

    Personal Growth and Conscious Leadership: Moving from Limited to Liberated to Limitless, with Carolyn Taylor

    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. Key Takeaways Growth Is About How You Respond: Leadership maturity comes from choosing more effective responses, not just reacting to circumstances. Move from Victim to Ownership: Shifting from “life happens to me” to “I can influence outcomes” changes everything. Language Shapes Mindset: Small changes in how we explain situations reveal whether we take responsibility or avoid it. From Limited to Limitless: True growth involves letting go of limiting beliefs and stepping into a more expansive way of thinking and leading. Self-Awareness Drives Leadership: The willingness to reflect, seek feedback, and challenge your own patterns is essential for growth. Authenticity Is the Foundation: Leadership becomes more powerful when it comes from a place of honesty, values, and inner alignment. In This Episode: [00:01] How leaders grow through their responses to life [01:51] Introduction to Carolyn Taylor [03:47] The link between spirituality and authentic leadership [05:23] How leadership expectations have evolved over time [06:35] From individual growth to culture change at scale [11:07] Why workplaces teach what life often doesn’t [19:39] The power of ownership and accountability [23:17] Defining spirituality through authenticity and values [27:17] Listening, ego, and respect in leadership [31:55] Behaviors that reflect true self-confidence [34:48] Moving from stress to optimism [37:00] Expanding perspective and long-term thinking [42:11] The role of reflection and meditation [42:44] Carolyn’s books and resources Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Carolyn Taylor Website: https://carolyntaylorculture.com/ The Growth Option: https://thegrowthoption.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyntaylorculture/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carolyntaylor-culture8733 Books: https://carolyntaylorculture.com/carolyn-taylor-books/ Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    46 min
  2. A Minute to Arrive: Presence, Listening, and Conscious Leadership, with Craig Souza

    APR 8

    A Minute to Arrive: Presence, Listening, and Conscious Leadership, with Craig Souza

    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. Key Takeaways Start With Presence: Beginning meetings with a brief pause or breath helps people transition from busyness into focused attention. Mindful Listening Builds Trust: When leaders truly listen without interrupting or solving, people feel seen and heard. Small Practices Create Big Change: Simple habits like three mindful breaths can shift the tone of conversations and decisions. Bring Your Whole Self to Work: Leadership becomes more authentic when we stop separating who we are at work from who we are in life. Leadership Begins With Inner Work: Conscious leadership starts by taking responsibility for how we show up and how our presence affects others. Listening Is a Leadership Skill: Structured listening practices reveal insights and emotions that often remain hidden in normal conversations. Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Craig Souza Website: https://businessawakens.com Medium: https://medium.com/@craigsouza LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/souzacraig/ Conscious Leadership Guild: consciousleadershipguild.org Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    47 min
  3. The Awakened Heart in the Boardroom: Where Soul Talk Meets Strategy, with Russell Bishop

    MAR 11

    The Awakened Heart in the Boardroom: Where Soul Talk Meets Strategy, with Russell Bishop

    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 Awakening is gentle: Lasting transformation and purpose emerge through inquiry by asking “Why does this matter?” not force or being told to wake up. Choice Over Decision: Decisions often close doors; choices keep possibilities alive. You are a transceiver: We constantly transmit and receive thoughts. The frequency with which we hold onto safety, possibility, or fear shapes teams and outcomes. Self-Talk vs. Soul Talk: The loud inner voice reacts from fear, while the quieter voice leads from wisdom and alignment. Reward the complainer: Complaints signal care. Inviting and rewarding constructive criticism turns resistance into innovation. In This Episode: [00:00] Awakening and purpose [01:32] Guest introduction: Russell Bishop [02:53] Conversation setup and welcome [04:01] Russell’s spiritual and activist background [06:05] Self-talk vs. soul talk [09:10] Awakening heart and transformation [10:16] Personal to professional: consulting journey [15:39] Purpose and fulfillment in modern times [16:39] The five whys and deepening purpose [17:57] Focus, choice, and empowerment [21:22] Decision vs. choice [23:20] Attachment to decisions and organizational behavior [30:12] Leadership, orders, and redefining success [31:14] Knowing when to quit: decision-making lessons [32:15] Medical device partnership case study [36:26] Fear vs. possibility and focus [38:44] Tuning in: the power of focus and preparation [44:02] Inner process and leadership support [45:20] Seeing the invisible: inner vision and leadership [48:49] Best practices and culture [50:34] Call center encouraging contributions and rewarding complaints [52:32] How to connect with Russell Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Russell Bishop Website: https://www.russellbishop.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellbishop1 Email: russell@russellbishop.com Russell's Latest Book: From Self-Talk to Soul Talk: Being More of Who You Already Are Russell's Previous Book: Workarounds That Work Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    54 min
  4. Love as the Foundation: Bringing Heartset Education to Classrooms and Leadership, with Stu Semigran

    FEB 18

    Love as the Foundation: Bringing Heartset Education to Classrooms and Leadership, with Stu Semigran

    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. Key Takeaways Authentic care and kindness create environments where learning thrives; people respond deeply when they feel seen and valued. Shift from cognitive growth to a "growth heartset" through eight skills: honoring, praising/encouraging, listening from the heart, power of choice, forgiveness, resolving conflict, using challenges as opportunities, and giving/receiving service. Believing in others’ potential helps them rise, shown by gains in test scores and graduations. Letting go of judgments frees energy for growth; it’s not excusing harm but releasing its lasting poison. Honest feedback, celebrating wins, and building trust turn organizations into learning cultures. Nurturing heart-centered skills helps youth grow into compassionate, courageous leaders, creating lasting hope and impact. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [01:36] Meet Stu Semigran, co-founder of the Educare Foundation [03:40] Stu’s story and his connection to spirituality in leadership [05:58] Growth and impact of Educare Foundation [06:31] Philosophy of education: curiosity and individuality [07:37] Serving underserved students and changing perceptions [09:57] Building a culture of caring and kindness in classrooms [12:03] Leadership in education and organizations [13:15] Being vs. doing in leadership [15:18] Stu’s spiritual framework and the principles that inform his work [23:30] The power of vulnerability and asking for help [25:26] Letting go and empowering others [27:19] The intersection of love and accountability in education leadership [29:52] Celebrating success and positive feedback [35:14] Defining forgiveness and letting go of judgments [37:21] Conflict resolution and the four truths [38:08] Service, giving, and the cycle of heart set skills [41:18] Youth leadership and service in action [43:28] Stu’s contact information Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Stu Semigran https://www.amazon.com/Heartset-Education-Way-Living-Learning/dp/1735913030 www.educarefoundation.com www.greatergood.berkeley.edu www.afterschoolalliance.org Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    47 min
  5. Finding Grace in the Ashes: A Coach’s Journey Through Fire and Wisdom, with Stephen McGhee

    JAN 27

    Finding Grace in the Ashes: A Coach’s Journey Through Fire and Wisdom, with Stephen McGhee

    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. Key Takeaways Presence Pays: Authentic presence transmits energy and value; it's contagious and foundational to effective leadership and relationships. Avoid Inflicting Language: Honor others' spirituality without imposing your own vernacular, keep "altitude" for genuine connection. Listening as Mastery: True listening includes content, context, and inner self-awareness to respond freshly, not reactively. Process Over Bypass: Grieve fully and avoid toxic positivity; proper processing turns pain into learning and strength. Use Everything for Advancement: Cooperate with what is, accept without judgment, and trust that challenges contribute to soul growth. Gratitude in the Present: Life's impermanence awakens deeper appreciation for moments, relationships, and unfolding grace. In This Episode: [00:00] Opening on spiritual guidance and not inflicting language [00:29] The ladder of consciousness and keeping altitude [02:38] How Andrew and Stephen met; shared spiritual community [04:16] Stephen's corporate roots and shift to soul-aligned leadership [07:34] Practical principles for inclusive spiritual conversations [10:34] Presence pays and what that really means [12:27] Authenticity in presence; impact on others [14:18] Getting present before conversations [15:41] The power of deep listening (content, context, inner) [18:18] Avoiding labels and prejudice for better connection [21:41] The Palisades Fire: Evacuation and immediate aftermath [23:56] Toxic positivity vs. healthy processing [26:44] Acceptance, grieving, and timing [28:30] Returning to the site; small victories amid loss [30:38] A profound sunset experience from the ashes [35:38] Where to find Stephen's work Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Stephen McGhee https://www.mcgheeleadership.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmcgheeleadership/ Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    38 min
  6. Remembering What We Are: Philosophy, Presence, and Human Flourishing, with Rodney King

    JAN 7

    Remembering What We Are: Philosophy, Presence, and Human Flourishing, with Rodney King

    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. Key Takeaways From Toughness to Wisdom: Early survival instincts may build strength, but true leadership requires reflection, meaning, and inner authority. Crisis as Initiation: Health breakdowns and life disruptions can serve as powerful invitations back to purpose and authenticity. Philosophy as a Lived Practice: Philosophy is not theory. It is a way of engaging life, suffering, and leadership with depth and clarity. Doing the Opposite: Many leadership and wellbeing challenges are eased by resisting hustle culture and embracing slowness, patience, and presence. Asking Better Questions: Transformation begins not with answers but with reframing the questions we ask ourselves. Unoptimized Time Matters: Solitude, boredom, awe, and walking without goals create space for wisdom and creativity to emerge. Environment Shapes Behavior: Much modern anxiety and burnout stem from environments misaligned with human nature. In This Episode: [00:00] Opening reflections and Rodney’s early realization about toughness [01:24] Introduction to Dr. Rodney King and his global journey [04:11] Growing up in poverty and discovering martial arts [08:18] Military service and early leadership formation [09:58] Building a global martial arts practice [12:34] Health crisis, CTE-like symptoms, and identity collapse [15:01] Recovery, reflection, and returning to philosophy [17:36] Philosophy, martial arts, and the hero’s journey [23:24] Coaching through questions rather than answers [27:28] Meaning-making during crisis [31:08] Nature, solitude, and unoptimized practices [36:00] Awe, walking, and embodied wisdom [41:30] Modern culture, burnout [44:47] Doing the opposite as a leadership rebellion [50:52] Rodney’s work, resources, and closing reflections Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Rodney King https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachrodneyking/ https://www.coachingphilosophia.org https://www.coachingphilosophia.life Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    53 min
  7. The Spiritual Skills Every Leader Needs: Presence, Purpose, and Compassion, with William Miller

    12/16/2025

    The Spiritual Skills Every Leader Needs: Presence, Purpose, and Compassion, with William Miller

    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. Key Takeaways Spirituality, innovation, and leadership are deeply interconnected. Psychological safety grows when individuals feel seen and valued beyond their roles. Cultural context shapes how spiritual conversations can be introduced. Compassionate leadership fosters trust and can drive organizational transformation. Business is shifting from shareholder value to a broader focus on stakeholder wellbeing. Spiritual leadership comes from responding with calm rather than reacting from fear. True leadership development begins with inner exploration and reconnecting with the soul. In This Episode: [01:26] Introduction to William Miller [03:43] William Miller's journey [04:55] The intersection of spirituality and business [09:03] Implementing spirituality in corporate work [18:56] Cultural perspectives on spiritual conversations [19:07] Spiritual conversations being easier in some cultures compared to others [20:15] Telling the story and the  think, act, innovation process [25:27] The control game and spiritual deficits [26:00] The notion of unconditional love in Christian tradition [27:13] Spirituality’s role in leadership behavior [27:48] Research on spirituality among executives [28:30] Case study: Lars Colon's turnaround at Oticon [32:47] Purpose of business: from shareholder wealth to stakeholder wellbeing [35:38] Making a clear distinction between spirituality and religion [38:09] Reclaiming the soul of leadership [43:55] The spiritual path in leadership Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 William Miller Website: https://consciousleadershipacademy.org/ / https://vci.global The Guild website:https://clgleaders.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamcmillervci Book: The Art of Spiritual Leadership in Business Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    46 min
  8. Hungry For More: What Our Cravings Reveal About Leadership and Well-Being, with Dr. Adrienne Youdim

    11/26/2025

    Hungry For More: What Our Cravings Reveal About Leadership and Well-Being, with Dr. Adrienne Youdim

    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 Key Takeaways The Second Hunger Beyond physical cravings lies an emotional and spiritual hunger, unmet needs that drive behavior and often lead us away from what we value. Hunger as a Messenger Adrienne encourages leaning in to hunger as information, a signal pointing toward what is missing or neglected. Agency as a Spiritual Practice Personal agency, the ability to direct one’s life, is closely linked to spirituality because it anchors empowerment and meaning. The Power of the Pause Breathing, walking, journaling, and stillness help create space between trigger and reaction, a key to accessing inner wisdom. The Physiology of Stress Chronic stress shuts down clear thinking and creativity. Simple practices like breathwork or body relaxation directly reset the nervous system. Universal Hunger After thousands of patient encounters, Adrienne observed that inner hunger is universal across age, profession, culture, and status. Creating Time for What You Value Time for well-being is not found. It is created. Personal health directly supports professional and relational health. In This Episode: [00:01] Introduction to emotional and spiritual hunger [04:21] Dr. Youdim’s background and upbringing [06:07] Agency, empowerment, and spirituality [09:21] Understanding and redirecting hunger [10:08] Types of hunger and neglecting needs [12:07] Spiritual hunger defined [14:53] Practical barriers to stillness [18:54] Tactics for accessing stillness [20:57] Breathing and physiological regulation [24:28] Stress response and leadership function [28:17] Guided relaxation and body awareness [32:55] Personal story: perfectionism and achievement [36:56] Integrating science, experience, and spirituality [39:19] Time, value, and well-being [41:05] Teachable moments and external triggers [43:25] Conclusion and resources Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Dr. Adrienne Youdim Website:https://www.dradrienneyoudim.com/ Email: dr@dradrienneyoudim.com Book: Hungry for More: Stories and Science to Inspire Weight Loss from the Inside Out TEDx Talk: Your Hunger is the Key to Understanding Your Unmet Needs Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Spirituality in Leadership features a broad variety of leaders in profound, one-on-one conversations with host Andrew Cohn. Andrew and his guests explore how to bring spiritual dimensions to teams and workplaces, in service of creating more fulfillment, greater success and healthier organizations. Spiritual dimensions may or may not encompass religion, and broadly include one's deepest values, an awareness of the unseen yet certainly felt realms which exist beyond the tangible. This podcast investigates how we can engage these more profound realms and aspects of ourselves in our workplaces, and how we can incorporate the qualities of presence, acceptance, love, forgiveness, and peace in those spaces, because such qualities are needed in the workplace now more than ever before. Therefore, Spirituality in Leadership aspires to “de-dogmatize" and normalize the topic of spirituality, and to elevate its impact on people in the workplace. In each episode, Andrew gathers practical advice from the unique perspectives of his guests on the benefits of practical spirituality in their leadership. He explores how these leaders/teachers combine their own personal practices, development and spirituality to grow and to create better work cultures.  Andrew Cohn is the founder and president of Lighthouse Consulting LLC. Andrew is a counselor, executive coach and consultant who drives results through improved individual and team performance. A former attorney, his work helps leaders think more strategically, communicate more clearly and effectively, make better decisions, and lead from their values and personal purpose. Over the course of his career, Andrew has been an indispensable resource for leaders in the corporate world. He understands the drive many of us have to reach out and help people fully express themselves in the workplace; his mission involves supporting leaders who want to use their influence to make the world a better place.  The Spirituality in Leadership podcast not only provides access to Andrew’s 25+ years of experience as a counselor and advisor to leaders in a wide variety of business areas, and draws from his extensive educational background in international business, law, and spiritual psychology, but also it brings us each different guest's personal experience and wisdom. These healthy and authentic conversations inspire, encourage and challenge us to do our best work and they provide practical support for stronger leadership and more cohesive teams. 

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Cohn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Andrew Cohn
  • Show Website
    Spirituality in Leadership