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.
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.
What if the key to a longer, healthier, and more successful life isn’t found in a diet or workout plan, but in what you believe, where your faith itself could help you live longer and thrive?
In this compelling episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Dr. Harold Koenig, a preeminent scholar from Duke University's Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health. With over four decades of research, Dr. Koenig shares powerful, evidence-based insights on the undeniable connection between religious faith and well-being.
He reveals how faith, on average, leads to greater happiness, better mental health, and even a longer lifespan by 7-14 years. The mechanisms are clear: faith provides meaning, fosters strong social support, and encourages healthier behaviors. But what about non-believers? Dr. Koenig discusses his book, Spiritual Readiness, explaining that anyone can achieve similar benefits by cultivating a positive belief system, a strong community, and moral habits, though he notes this is often easier within a religious framework.
The conversation also explores the practical application of this research in leadership and healthcare, highlighting how faith-inspired leaders often create more inclusive and productive workplaces. This episode is a fascinating look at how nurturing our spiritual core can be a profound asset for personal and professional success.
Key Takeaways
Faith and health are scientifically linked: Decades of peer-reviewed research show that religious or spiritual belief correlates with greater happiness, longer life expectancy, and better mental health.
Non-believers benefit too: A positive belief system, moral habits, and strong social connections can provide similar health outcomes though sustaining them without a faith tradition can be challenging.
Global evidence: Studies in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism consistently reveal similar patterns of improved health and resilience.
Healthcare opportunity: Despite overwhelming evidence, most healthcare systems neglect patients’ spiritual needs, though medical schools are slowly integrating this dimension into training.
In This Episode:
[00:01] Opening remarks and research overview
[00:22] Non-believers and health benefits
[00;57] Podcast introduction and guest background
[03:55] Dr. Koenig’s center and research mission
[05:04] Approaching the religion-health connection
[06:45] Personal motivation for teaching
[07:36] Center’s and personal research objectives
[08:19] Most compelling recent research
[09:28] Epidemiological evidence and health outcomes
[10:03] Mechanisms behind health benefits
[11:29] International research and consistency
[12:14] Health behaviors among the religious
[13:34] Human nature and self-control
[15:34] Global interest in spirituality-health research
[17:36] Acceptance and accessibility of research
[18:11] Resources for further learning
[19:23] Spirituality in the workplace
[20:22] Religious faith and leadership qualities
[21:52] Communicating research to business leaders
[22:58] Application in healthcare leadership
[25:33] Trends in healthcare spirituality
[26:30] Optimism for future integration
[27:39] Religion and optimism
[29:18] Where to learn more
[30:13] Closing remarks
Resources and Links
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast
Dr. Harold Koenig
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-koenig-5a1544283
Books by Dr. Harold Koenig: The Healing Power of Faith, Spiritual Readiness: A Guide for Non-Believers, and Handbook of Religion and Health (3rd Edition, 2024)
Andrew Cohn
Music: