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 most powerful tool a leader has isn’t a strategy, a speech, or even a brilliant plan, but is instead silence? In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with María José Sánchez, a leadership consultant, executive coach, and author based in Madrid, Spain.
During the conversation, María shares her fascinating journey from telecommunications engineer to leadership mentor, showing how she combines her analytical, scientific side with the deeper wisdom of silence and spirituality. She talks about how silence reshaped her leadership style, helping her move from being pushy and results-driven to leading with calm, presence, and authenticity. For her, true leadership impact begins from within, by taking time to pause, reconnect with yourself, and then return to the outside world with clarity, energy, and insight.
She also introduces her idea of “spiritual snacks,” short pauses throughout the day to recharge and realign, and her “five-finger rule,” a practical tool for managing thoughts that reminds leaders to take ownership of their inner state, let go of unhelpful thinking, and focus on positivity, resilience, and trust.
María highlights her books and her digital leadership platform, Lidero, which offers simple, accessible lessons from her decades of experience. This episode is an inspiring reminder that real leadership always starts from within.
Key Takeaways
Leadership impact comes from the inside; silence fosters wisdom, clarity, and presence.
Experience precedes understanding; leaders must invite others into experiences, not just explanations.
Daily practices of silence, meditation, and “spiritual snacks” keep leaders grounded and energized.
Self-discipline is essential for freedom and sustained transformation, much like physical training.
Preparation is less about perfect words and more about the state of being a leader brings into the room.
True leadership is a virtuous cycle: inner stillness fuels outer effectiveness, which in turn deepens inner growth.
In This Episode:
[00:00] Introduction
[01:19] Introduction to María José Sánchez
[03:31] María's journey from engineering to leadership
[06:41] The power of silence in leadership
[10:25] Practical applications of inner wisdom
[14:56] Inviting leaders to experience inner wisdom
[18:34] Daily practices for inner connection
[23:36] The importance of inner state in conversations
[24:47] A magical moment with the CEO
[26:02] The role of preparation and presence
[26:51] Spirituality in leadership
[28:33] Self-discipline and daily practice
[32:45] Navigating change and uncertainty
[35:38] The five finger rule for managing thoughts
[39:32] María Jose's books and resources
[43:44] Conclusion and final thoughts
Resources and Links
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast
María José Sánchez
Website: sanchezyagoo.com
Leadership Consultancy: creatingahuman.com
Leadership Platform: aceleratolead.com
LinkedIn: mariajosesanchezyago
Book shop: https://sanchezyago.com/product-list/
Andrew Cohn
Music: