How can one’s personal experiences with life and meaning translate into corporate leadership and a legacy of meaning? In this powerful conversation on the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn sits down with Steve Hart, educator, leadership coach, musician, and former executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, to explore the deep connection between the human spirit, meaningful work, and adaptive leadership.
Steve opens up about a transformative near-death experience that reshaped his entire life, and how that moment of awakening fuels his mission to infuse workplaces with soul, trust, and purpose. Steve brings wisdom, warmth, and clarity from his early days as a special education teacher to leading large-scale cultural shifts in government and nonprofit organizations.
You’ll hear about the surprising lessons leadership can take from nature (particularly Zoysia grass!), how reflection becomes a gateway to growth, and why trust is the bedrock of real transformation. Whether you're leading a team or navigating your inner shift, this episode is a blueprint for blending practical leadership with deeper personal truth.
Key Takeaways
Why leadership starts with trust, not tactics
The “warrior and artist” polarity is one that every great leader must balance
Steve’s near-death experience and how it sparked a lifelong transformation
How to lead organizational culture shifts with empathy and vision
What quantum physics and zoysia grass can teach us about change
The role of reflection and safe spaces in leadership development
How places like Cranaleith Spiritual Center (https://cranaleith.org) offer renewal for leaders and frontline workers alike
In This Episode:
[00:00] Introduction and near-death experience
[00:14] Leadership foundations in special education
[00:34] Podcast introduction and guest overview
[01:09] Steve Hart's leadership journey
[03:20] Connecting spirituality and leadership
[05:23] Special education insights and leadership
[10:20] Transforming leadership at the Federal Reserve
[20:21] Personal transformation and near-death experience
[27:11] Spiritual experiences and family connections
[27:49] Discovering Life After Life
[28:14] Introduction to Cran Oleth
[28:25] The history and mission of Cranaleith
[30:20] Personal reflections and leadership at Cran Oleth
[32:58] Connecting spirituality with corporate leadership
[42:43] Adaptive leadership and organizational change
[48:34] Final thoughts and resources
Resources and Links
Spirituality in Leadership Podcast
Steve Hart
Cranaleith Spiritual Center: https://cranaleith.org/
Andrew Cohn
Music:
Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe
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