Spirituality in LeadershipSpirituality 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. 


]]>en-usfalseAndrew Cohnhttps://spiritualityinleadership.com/Andrew Cohnandrew@lighthouseteams.comepisodicCopyright 2023 | All Rights Reserved | http://spiritualityinleadership.com/Aikido, Embodiment, and Deep Dialogue: Tools for Effective Leadership, with Chris ThorsendyFlxv0BAWed, 18 Dec 2024 11:00:00 GMT5052https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/aikido-embodiment-and-deep-dialogue-tools-for-effective-leadership-with-chris-thorsenfalseAikido 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.



]]>24Bridging Cultures, Building Connections: Interconnectedness in Life and Work, with Yoko HisanoYuHKEjQzxWed, 04 Dec 2024 11:00:00 GMT2456https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/bridging-cultures-building-connections-interconnectedness-in-life-and-work-with-yoko-hisanofalseIn 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.



]]>23Discovering and Creating Heaven on Earth, with Martin Rutte4FMZQB4WzWed, 27 Nov 2024 11:00:00 GMT2366https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/discovering-and-creating-heaven-on-earth-with-martin-ruttefalseIn 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.

]]>22Allowing Ourselves to be Transparent to What’s Most True for Us, with Tom Hurley8fCB57jLwWed, 30 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMT3073https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/allowing-ourselves-to-be-transparent-to-whats-most-true-for-us-with-tom-hurleyfalseIn 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.

]]>21Kairos and the "Wake" of Leadership, with Karen and Matthew FinePAmQoxp7UWed, 16 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMT3311https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/kairos-and-the-wake-of-leadership-with-karen-and-matthew-finefalseIn 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.

]]>20The Tenets of Yoga as Leadership Practices, with Chetan Roy4h8Ur-TeEWed, 02 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMT2008https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/the-tenets-of-yoga-as-leadership-practices-with-chetan-royfalseIn 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.

]]>19Applying a Spiritual Framework in International Development, with Barney SingerHDs_vXvnjWed, 18 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMT2892https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/applying-a-spiritual-framework-in-international-development-with-barney-singerfalseIn 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."

]]>18The Meaning and Impact of Purpose, with Aaron Hurst6H7JMMGwdWed, 28 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMT2770https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/the-meaning-and-impact-of-purpose-with-aaron-hurstfalseIn this episode of the podcast, Andrew speaks with Aaron Hurst, author of the prominent book, The Purpose Economy, (2014). Aaron is a researcher, author, and social entrepreneur who is dedicated to driving positive societal change. He talks about his research, defining, cultivating, and leveraging purpose. Importantly, Aaron shares the four myths of purpose, as well as the importance of recognizing the diversity of purpose on any team. He also talks about the impact of a purpose mindset in the workplace, as opposed to a transactional mindset. This is a very practical and inviting conversation about what purpose really is, why it matters, and what steps leaders can take to cultivate it.

]]>17Spirituality as a Component to Intersectionality and Doing Good in the World, with Zhou Fanga7_3SopfWWed, 14 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMT1965https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/spirituality-as-a-component-to-intersectionality-and-doing-good-in-the-world-with-zhou-fangfalseZhou Fang is a diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner in the Pacific Northwest who uses her multicultural and multilingual background to support her clients. She comes from a very different background than our other podcast guests, and she talks very practically about what spirituality means for her, and how she uses it to support her when things feel hard and dark. As she says, her spirituality supports her in demonstrating compassion. In very practical language, she says we practice leadership because we want to do good in the world and spirituality can help with that. At the end of the day, leadership is about the heart, and her spirituality supports her in reconnecting with her heart to be more effective in working with others.

]]>16Faith And Hope As Gifts Of Leadership, With Jean-Christophe Normand Z586sg-c2Wed, 31 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMT2272 https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/faith-and-hope-as-gifts-of-leadership-with-jean-christophe-normandfalseIn this episode, Andrew speaks with executive coach and Catholic Deacon Jean-Christophe Normand. Jean-Christophe shares his personal journey of reconnecting with his childhood faith and discusses how his beliefs shape his coaching and leadership work. This conversation explores the impact of strong personal convictions and delves into the formation and development of meaningful relationships.

]]>15Bringing Compassionate Healing for Men, with Sean Harvey72T4ZoSXBWed, 17 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMT2137https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/bringing-compassionate-healing-for-men-with-sean-harveyfalseIn this episode of the podcast, Andrew speaks with Sean Harvey, a man who is committed to providing healing to men—often in the most challenging environments. Sean and Andrew talk about what conditions need to be present for deep men’s healing to occur, the importance of profound storytelling, and the powerful impact of this work. Sean‘s background in the corporate world and in a monastery help provide him with a broad and practical approach to healing...and the conversation gives us a glimpse into the important work Sean is doing in the world.

]]>14Reflections on Podcast Themes and the Impact of Presence with Andrew Cohn76kQ212hTWed, 03 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMT1143https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/reflections-on-podcast-themes-and-the-impact-of-presence-with-andrew-cohnfalseIn this episode of the podcast, Andrew flies solo and reflects upon some of the learnings gleaned from the first nine months of the podcast. Some steady themes are identified and explored. Andrew dives into his definition of presence and the practical importance of presence from leaders in the business world. He also talks about his experience as an Aikido practitioner in bringing presence to life, consistent with his priorities and values.

]]>13Faith-Based Servant Leadership In Action With James McPhersonY7_zbolPGWed, 19 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT2968https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/faith-based-servant-leadership-in-action-with-james-mcphersonfalseIn this episode of the podcast, Andrew Cohn speaks with James McPherson, an attorney, business leader, and deeply devout Christian. James shares his experience with finding his faith, as well as some stories about the impact of choices he made to honor his faith in the context of his work life. The conversation largely focuses on servant leadership and what that means through the lens of faith. James’ point of view and energy are humble, patient, deeply faith-based, and inspirational. His experiences are beautiful leadership lessons and he tells them with enthusiasm and gratitude.

 

Near the end of the conversation, James answers the question, “How can we make it easier for people to bring the conviction of their faith into their leadership?” The answer involves developing self-awareness and humility, as well as getting to know one's team.

 

To learn more about James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-r-mcpherson-jd-mba-5a67a3b/

Music Credit: Kodiak https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe?si=dqdW71OISZOS8BYm-B4JNg&preview=none

]]>12Trusting What Brings Us Alive, With Kirk SouderW38TZAR22Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMT3131https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/trusting-what-brings-us-alive-with-kirk-souderfalseIn this episode, Andrew speaks with Kirk Souder, a branding and marketing leader and executive coach. Kirk's work focuses on generating higher levels of creativity and innovation in organizations and their leaders. He believes that business has great power to change the world and that what is needed is to access the “higher gears“ of spirituality. Kirk references Howard Thurman and says, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what brings you alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people brought alive.” It is the responsibility of leaders to support their people to identify and nourish what brings them alive. This is all about shifting mindsets, opening to a recognition of possibilities.


Kirk shares the story of his client at Mattel who chose to trust her calling and to feed that which brings her alive. This client ultimately spearheaded the diversification of the Barbie doll, which laid the foundation for the recent Barbie movie.

 

This is a very practical and inspiring conversation.

]]>11Finding Grace in the Ordinary: A Journey in Practical Spirituality, with Marcos CajinayvpjUu9vrThu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT2299https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/finding-grace-in-the-ordinary-a-journey-in-practical-spirituality-with-marcos-cajinafalseIn this in-depth and very practical conversation, Andrew speaks with longtime human resources leader and leadership consultant Marcos Cajina, who is based in Madrid, Spain. Marcos talks about his personal journey and how he became a student of spirituality. He discusses the connection between spirituality and leadership--very practically--including identifying the impact of spirituality on high-performance leadership.


Marcos discusses several specific "laws of spirit," which are extremely clear and operational. He’s a terrific teacher and guide on topics of spirituality and leadership behavior. And as he says, "Business is very practical." 



About Marcos Cajina:


Music Credit: Kodiak





]]>10The Power Of Leaning Into Curiosity In Leadership With Dr. James Smith Jr.t31fwK21oThu, 09 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT2579https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/the-power-of-leaning-into-curiosity-in-leadership-with-dr-james-smith-jrfalseDr. James Smith Jr. is all about people; developing, empowering, energizing, motivating people. In our conversation, he shares some of his personal story with his typical upbeat, energizing and practical style. He talks about some of his experiences with his son as a teacher and some of the shifts he needed to make in himself, relying upon what he called his spiritual foundation. James shares the importance of listening. He shares a beautiful story of learning across cultures and the opportunities that can happen from being open to asking questions, using the power of curiosity. He often talks about "possibility thinking," as well as how vulnerability and authenticity are required of leaders in today's workplace.

 

As he says, leaders might get dirty leaning into this kind of listening, but leadership is not a beauty contest. We need to do it. Leadership is about inviting powerful conversations, and that means leaders need to let go of the need to be “right” and focus on being curious. He uses a beautiful metaphor about understanding what parts of ourselves are in our front seat, backseat and trunk as if our consciousness were a vehicle. The best leaders, he says, are the ones who are able to slide into the front seat with us to connect and build trust, which is in large part earned by sharing their own stories.

 

James reminds us that seeking a deep understanding of another with the intention of connecting and supporting is, in fact, a spiritual practice. And each such meaningful conversation creates safety. He also reminds us that we "make deposits" with each positive conversation with openness and curiosity. Finally, he encourages everyone to do what scares them the most, to jump every day, as a way to live life fully.

]]>8Kimberly Arnold - Making Your Body An Ally For Your Leadership NbqYRxx9LThu, 25 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT1341https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/kimberly-arnold-making-your-body-an-ally-for-your-leadershipfalseThere are many dimensions of leadership, each of which contributes meaningfully to one’s effectiveness. The most challenging circumstances demand that leaders be resourceful and use all of their resources, including their bodies. This is the expertise of my guest, Kimberly Arnold. Kimberly is an expert in somatic leadership. As she describes it, it is important to understand how each of us can help our bodies act as an ally to support us, which may include shifting our own energy to be more effective, or even changing the dynamics in a room full of colleagues.

 

Kimberly shares some of her regular practices that help her shift from a contracted state to a more expanded state which allows for more strategic thinking and productive behaviors. She also presents some of the ways she supports groups to reduce tension and facilitate constructive conversation and issue resolution. Finally, she discusses using nature as a resource for grounding and balancing and as a source of spiritual connection. 

 

I hope you enjoy this very practical, constructive, and inspiring conversation.


]]>9Business As Meaning Making Machines With Naren BalasubramaniamhEe2NtsGIThu, 11 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT2067https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/business-as-meaning-making-machines-with-naren-balasubramaniamfalseNaren Balasubramaniam has been a healthcare executive for many years, occupying a variety of leadership roles across geographies and functions. His personal experience with spirituality and with leadership has provided him with a fascinating perspective about how our spirituality can be nourished and applied in organizational life. In this episode, Naren speaks with Andrew about his powerful and insightful points of view, how organizations might begin to design leadership roles with caring at their core, and how his new public benefit corporation is working to address childhood mental health issues, leveraging his purpose, while standing up a viable business entity. Tune in for more!

]]>7The Power Of Developing The Bigger Parts Of Ourselves With Leslie Boyer zd6LSjeVUThu, 07 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT2459https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/the-power-of-developing-the-bigger-parts-of-ourselves-with-leslie-boyerfalseLeslie Boyer has been a valued consultant and guide for people around the world for several decades. Her work helps people live their lives with authenticity and courage, changing perspectives so as to live the best versions of themselves. In this interview, she talks with Andrew about her background in teaching in challenging environments and where her intention to serve has led her. She also talks about the impact of deep listening as well as storytelling to create genuine human connections. Her purpose-driven work about "growing the bigger parts of ourselves" is practical and powerful in many ways.  

]]>6Spirituality In The Workplace With Martin Rutte_Jr1uRfXpThu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT1957https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/spirituality-in-the-workplace-with-martin-ruttefalseWe have been conditioned to think that spirituality is not something we could bring to work. It's something we leave at the door, never to be spoken about in the halls of business and professionalism. But as we'll see later, this is a huge missed opportunity for all stakeholders involved. In this episode, we are joined by Martin Rutte, a pioneer in the intersection of business and spirituality. Martin shares his journey into this transformative space, revealing a pivotal moment at an Indian monastery that sparked a realization about the absence of spirituality in his life. However, as Rutte navigated the resistance, he discovered that spirituality at work holds the potential to enhance authenticity, trust, and engagement. The conversation unfolds to explore the positive impact of framing spirituality as an ongoing inquiry rather than a set answer, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and permissible space for individuals to explore and express their spiritual dimensions in the workplace. Tune in for more!

]]>4Possibility To Reality: Spiritual Leadership In Human Services With David SwainSmGj91PjUThu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT2125https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/possibility-to-reality-spiritual-leadership-in-human-services-with-david-swainfalseThis fascinating conversation focuses on the deeper dimensions of providing services to people with intellectual disabilities. Andrew speaks with David Swain, the CEO of Endeavour Foundation, a provider of support services and employment to people living with disabilities in Queensland, Australia. David talks about caring in action, recognizing the inherent worth of the people being served, with a focus on making impact rather than making money. At the same time, David talks about the need to speak the language of business when running a large organization. He leads us into the intersection of purpose-driven action and leadership, the key things that allow him to create a greater impact organizationally and individually. David also talks about the need to focus on and measure the being level at work, not just the doing. He serves as a wonderful inspiration for those of us trying to make a greater impact with our work in the world.

]]>5Why The Qualities Of A Spiritual Life Are Important To Leadership Development With Amy Elizabeth Fox pDC-3-Ex5Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT2024https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/why-the-qualities-of-a-spiritual-life-are-important-to-leadership-development-with-amy-elizabeth-foxfalseThere are very powerful ways that our individual spiritual dimensions help us in our work and very practical ways that workplace conversations about spirituality can engage and align work teams. In this episode of the podcast, Andrew is joined by the CEO of  Mobius Executive Leadership, Amy Elizabeth Fox, who discusses the importance of being in tune with our deeper selves, and how our spiritual and internal development/healing is instrumental to how we lead and support others. Amy talks about stepping into vulnerability, living from a self-loving heart, healing from trauma, and how leaders can increase their emotional footprint so as to build a stronger relational infrastructure. This is a rich conversation about the power of spirituality to create more mature leaders and healthier organizations

]]>3The Intersection Of Spirituality And Leadership With Kelly WendorfUnAEiDaJLThu, 09 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT2018https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/the-intersection-of-spirituality-and-leadership-with-kelly-wendorffalseSpirituality is such a big word that it becomes elusive to define. But for Kelly Wendorf, the CEO of EQUUS, spirituality is what hones us to become better humans and tethers us to accountability and boundaries. She sits down with Andrew Cohn to discuss deeper into what spirituality is to her and how it guides her life and helps her recognize that there are forces greater than ourselves and that we are a part of. Kelly talks about spirituality in the context of leadership, honing in on the ideas of care and presence as leaders build systems, cultures, and frameworks that help teams and organizations thrive. She also taps into inclusion and what leaders can do to keep doors open as well as how being in nature reminds us that there are greater forces at work. Join today’s episode and find that profound connection to life, nurturing that awareness of how we can influence each other for the greater good.

]]>2Journey To Connectedness: From Individual To Collective With Hylke Faber399pmecJbTue, 24 Oct 2023 14:10:00 GMT2291https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/journey-to-connectedness-from-individual-to-collective-with-hylke-faberfalseWe are capable of so much more than we realize. Sometimes, we just have to look deeper within ourselves to discover what we are made of, serving not just ourselves but others. This is what Hylke Faber helps people with. As the CEO of Growth Leaders Network, he sits at the helm of his team of facilitators and coaches to help individuals tap more deeply into what they’re truly made of and their true potential. In this episode, Hylke joins Andrew Cohn to share the origin story of finding the connection to his calling—from thinking of himself as a primary client to then discovering that spiritual dimension through meditation and replacing the word ‘spiritual’ with connectedness and evolution. He also talks about how this connection to our deeper strengths also applies to organizations as a whole, especially as leaders move their teams across crises and bring results. Tune in as Hylke takes us on a journey to connectedness and the pursuit of learning more about ourselves as individuals and as part of a collective.

]]>1Spirituality In Leadership TrailersDFYyUZzDMon, 23 Oct 2023 15:17:00 GMT1226www.spiritualityinleadership.com/conversations/spirituality-in-leadership-trailerfalseYou are listening to Spirituality In Leadership Podcast. Join Andrew Cohn in exploring different ways leaders can leverage their spiritual dimensions for the benefit of others. Each episode focuses on the thread that connects spirituality and leadership, providing you with the roadmap to become more fulfilled and effective in all roles of your life. Prepare to dive into these insightful discussions that will guide you on embracing servant leadership, understanding your purpose in life, and tapping into your core dimensions.

]]>trailer