Awakened Economics: Rethinking Growth, Profit, and Purpose, with Bond Snodgrass

In this eye-opening episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn is joined by Bond Snodgrass—banker, sustainability entrepreneur, and creator of Awakened Economics—for a rich conversation about reimagining how we lead, measure success, and shape the systems we live in.

Bond shares his personal journey from the high-stakes world of global finance to a deeper spiritual awakening sparked by a health crisis. That turning point led him to question the economic assumptions we take for granted—especially the idea that growth always equals progress. Together, Bond and Andrew explore how leaders can bring more consciousness into business—without sacrificing performance.

From ESG investing and stakeholder capitalism to redefining what we even mean by “value,” this episode offers bold ideas and grounded insights for leaders who want to build organizations that serve both people and the planet. It’s part vision, part toolkit—and all heart.

Ready to rethink what leadership and economics can be? Hit play and join the conversation.

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Key Takeaways

• Spirituality in business is possible: High-consciousness leadership doesn’t negate profitability—it deepens responsibility.

• Stakeholder capitalism expands the definition of who matters in business beyond shareholders to include employees, communities, and the planet.

• Sustainability is multidimensional: It encompasses economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

• Young professionals care: Gen Z and Millennials are driving demand for purpose-driven companies and ESG transparency.

• Economics can evolve: Bond’s “awakened definition” of economics centers on interdependence, service, and sustainable well-being—replacing outdated models of infinite self-interest.

• Progress, not perfection: Even small commitments to sustainability or spiritual values by leaders can make meaningful shifts.

  
  

  In This Episode:

  • [00:00:01] Bond’s spiritual awakening and health crisis

  • [00:00:52] Introduction to the podcast and guest

  • [00:03:57] Bond’s career journey and spirituality

  • [00:07:04] The genesis of awakened economics

  • [00:08:24] High consciousness in business

  • [00:09:31] Defining spirituality and connection

  • [00:10:39] Applying spirituality to business and sustainability

  • [00:11:38] Community and the conscious business movement

  • [00:13:01] Shareholder vs. stakeholder capitalism

  • [00:14:22] Three pillars of sustainability

  • [00:16:18] Defining sustainability and its origins

  • [00:17:52] Theoretical vs. practical impact for leaders

  • [00:19:08] Progress and CEO commitment

  • [00:20:55] ESG reporting and market demand

  • [00:23:10] Growth and pushback in ESG investing

  • [00:25:04] Complexity and lack of standards in sustainability

  • [00:26:53] Challenges for corporations in sustainability

  • [00:27:56] Responding to business leader skepticism

  • [00:30:13] Benefits of sustainability for business

  • [00:32:42] Sustainable finance and green bonds

  • [00:32:56] Regional differences in sustainability practices

  • [00:35:26] Trends and the future of sustainability

  • [00:37:09] Challenges in ESG implementation

  • [00:38:15] Political pushback and communication issues

  • [00:39:30] Economic benefits of sustainability initiatives

  • [00:41:26] Introduction to awakened economics

  • [00:41:33] Critique of neoclassical economics