Spirituality in Leadership

Andrew Cohn

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. Sep 2

    From Near-Death to Sacred Ground: Tom Eddington on Redefining What It Means to Be Human

    At 44, Tom Eddington’s life changed completely. After bacterial meningitis left him bedridden for 18 months and forced him to rethink everything he knew about health, identity, and success, he began a journey into spirituality, consciousness, and what it truly means to be human. In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, Andrew Cohn speaks with Tom, a former global management consultant, filmmaker, and executive coach, about the experiences that reshaped his understanding of leadership, purpose, and human potential. Tom shares lessons from his encounters with spiritual teachers, his work with leaders around the world, and his exploration of the five bodies: physical, energetic, psychological, social, and spiritual. Together, they explore how moments of crisis can become opportunities for transformation and deeper connection. Key Takeaways A life-changing crisis can force us to question the identities and assumptions we take for granted.Being human involves physical, emotional, social, energetic, and spiritual dimensions.Spirituality can begin with curiosity about what it means to be fully human, regardless of religion.Purpose can guide career, relationship, and life decisions.Nature can deepen our sense of connection and challenge how we understand the world.Leaders should examine what they believe and why.Wealth can mean more than money and material possessions.Conscious leadership begins by honestly examining how we live and what we value.A fulfilling life requires looking beyond consumption, acquisition, and conventional measures of success. Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Tom Eddington LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-eddington-phd-aa52542/State of the World Forum: stateoftheworld.forumEddington Advisory (website coming soon)Podcasts: Impact Effect (YouTube), Humanity Rising (YouTube)Richard Nelson Bolles, How to Find Your Mission in Life Under Our Skin (documentary film) Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    From Near-Death to Sacred Ground: Tom Eddington on Redefining What It Means to Be Human
  2. Aug 12

    Why Being More Human Makes You a Stronger Leader, with Zeta Smith

    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:[00:00] Why vulnerability strengthens trust[03:41] Leadership beyond numbers and outcomes[05:55] From “all business” to people-centered leadership[07:18] Building trust as a young leader[12:10] How a crisis changes leadership[13:18] Leading after the Boston Marathon bombings[18:48] Navigating COVID as a new leader[20:51] Why saying “I don’t know” built trust[22:44] Why leaders feel pressure to have all the answers[25:28] Creating ownership through collective problem-solving[27:55] What happens when leaders stop listening[29:27] The Starbucks lesson that changed Zeta’s leadership[34:01] Using breath and pause to listen better[36:40] Making space for quieter voices[39:01] How Zeta’s parents shaped her leadership[42:22] Respecting every person’s work[44:40] Bringing the personal and professional together[47:26] Why showing your humanity matters[48:58] How to connect with Zeta Smith Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Zeta Smith Zeta Smith Andrew Cohn WebsiteLinkedIn Music:  Kodiak

    Why Being More Human Makes You a Stronger Leader, with Zeta Smith
  3. Jul 22

    How Forgiveness Makes You a Better Leader, with Nat Sharratt

    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 Leadership begins within: You do not need a title to lead. Leadership starts with taking responsibility for your choices, relationships, and growth.Limiting beliefs shape behavior: Hidden beliefs about money, success, relationships, and self-worth can quietly block growth and abundance.Forgiveness is practical: Forgiveness helps release the emotional judgments that keep you stuck. It is not about excusing harmful behavior.Boundaries still matter: Letting go of judgment does not mean tolerating abuse, unethical conduct, or situations that do not honor you.Self-forgiveness fosters change: Sincerity, empathy, and compassion can loosen the “knots” that are held in your consciousness.Great leaders give power away: Strong leadership creates a compelling vision and gives people room to make it their own. In This Episode: · [00:00] Introduction · [03:16] Nat’s unconventional spiritual and professional journey · [04:24] Choosing a spiritual path at 17 · [07:33] Learning courage and presence through surfing · [11:24] Why leadership is not limited to job titles · [16:07] Searching for spiritual answers from an early age · [32:57] Limiting beliefs about money and self-worth · [40:16] A simple self-forgiveness practice · [42:28] Forgiving without excusing harmful behavior · [49:05] Asking, “Is this working for you?” · [52:06] Listening beyond someone’s words · [58:38] Nat’s books, workshops, and resources Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Nat Sharratt WebsiteWebsiteFacebookInstagram: @natsharratt Andrew Cohn WebsiteLinkedIn Music:  Kodiak

    How Forgiveness Makes You a Better Leader, with Nat Sharratt
  4. Jul 1

    How to Lead Through Change Without Losing Yourself, with Erin Owen

    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 Growth often begins as discomfort: What feels like a crisis may be the threshold moment that pushes you into a new identity.Spiritual tools can be practical: Visualization, breathwork, energy clearing, and grounding can help leaders reset and show up with clarity.Meet people where they are: Spiritual leadership is not about converting people. It is about using language and tools that fit the person in front of you.Harmony is more useful than perfect balance: Leadership is about noticing what is needed in the moment.Masculine and feminine energy both matter: Strong leadership needs structure and action, as well as intuition, emotion, collaboration, and imagination. In This Episode: · [00:00] Returning home to yourself during change · [01:23] Introduction to Erin Owen and her leadership work · [04:21] How illness became Erin’s wake-up call · [08:36] The spiritual awakening that led Erin into deeper study · [11:49] Bridging spiritual language into leadership · [14:50] A visualization practice for stress and heaviness · [22:02] Ayni and sacred relationship · [26:00] Feminine and masculine qualities in leadership · [30:01] Why harmony may be better than balance · [36:13] Erin’s Emergence program · [43:53] Where to learn more about Erin’s work Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Erin Owen Website: https://erinowen.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinowen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eeowen72 Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    How to Lead Through Change Without Losing Yourself, with Erin Owen
  5. Jun 10

    Healing Business from the Inside Out: Energy, Trauma, and Authentic Leadership, with Katie Sutton

    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: [00:00] How childhood experiences impact leadership and visibility[01:48] Introduction to Katie Sutton and her work[03:50] From corporate burnout to energy healing[07:15] What it means to “heal” a business[10:15] How personal patterns affect business growth[16:40] Learning to work with energy and intuition[18:48] Why this work is practical, not abstract[20:03] Is corporate culture inherently toxic?[26:34] Masculine vs. feminine energy in leadership[29:03] Why men often resist emotional awareness[30:37] Emotional intelligence and leadership presence[32:40] Trust, safety, and intuitive leadership[34:54] Where to learn more: resources and Katie’s work Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406 Katie Sutton Website: https://zenwithinacademy.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesutton/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZenWithinAcademyCourses: Energy hygiene, relationship healing, business energy Andrew Cohn Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/ Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    Healing Business from the Inside Out: Energy, Trauma, and Authentic Leadership, with Katie Sutton
  6. May 21

    The Fourth Leg of the Stool: Why Compassionate Listening Is Essential in Healthcare and Leadership

    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: [00:00] Introduction to mindfulness and values[01:34] Introduction to  Assaad Mounzer[03:26] Assaad’s journey from Lebanon to the U.S.[07:26] Early medical practice and cultural influence[08:42] Introduction to spirituality and healing[11:41] Integrating spirituality into medical practice[15:40] Burnout, writing the book, and discovering mindfulness[18:56] The four keys of mindfulness[23:39] Neuroplasticity and practicing values[25:06] Wisdom and the open heart[27:33] Spirituality, medicine, and leadership[32:40] Current work: retreats, workshops, and coaching[34:29] Addressing grief and deep healing[37:49] How to learn more and connect[39:04] Closing remarks and podcast outro Resources and Links Resources and Links Spirituality in Leadership Podcast Dr. Assaad Mounzer WebsiteLinkedInEmailBook Andrew Cohn WebsiteLinkedIn Music:  Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe

    The Fourth Leg of the Stool: Why Compassionate Listening Is Essential in Healthcare and Leadership
  7. 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

    Personal Growth and Conscious Leadership: Moving from Limited to Liberated to Limitless, with Carolyn Taylor
  8. 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

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

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.