How to Be Human at Work: Embracing Wholeness in Leadership, with Allison Schultz

In this episode of Spirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with Allison Schultz, coach, writer, and co-founder of Reboot—to explore a deeper, more human-centered approach to leadership.

At Reboot, coaching goes beyond developing managerial skills. It’s about transformation—helping leaders access their full humanity through radical self-inquiry, embodied presence, and spiritual integration.

Drawing from her rich background, including a master’s in Religious Studies, a lifelong bond with horses, and her new book The Art of Being Human at Work,  Ali shares candid stories and powerful insights. She speaks openly about how childhood emotional invisibility and early discomfort with corporate norms shaped her path. Her connection with horses, which she describes as a sacred devotional practice, has deeply informed her understanding of relational intelligence and inner work.

Together, Andrew and Ali explore how spirituality, shadow work, and embodiment can shift the very foundation of how we lead and show up in the workplace.

Key Takeaways

• The connection between early family dynamics and later leadership patterns

• Why Religious Studies offers a surprisingly practical lens for coaching

• How horses taught Ali the power of presence, embodiment, and devotion

• The sacred importance of shadow work in leadership development

• Why “making peace with your shadows” is foundational to authentic leadership

• How The Art of Being Human at Work bridges spiritual depth with professional growth

• The impact of edited spiritual traditions—and what was left out

• How journaling and reflection support sustained leadership growth

• Leadership as a relational and inner-development practice—not performance

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Opening reflections on coaching and religious studies

• [01:05] Meet Ali Schultz: co-founder of Reboot and horsewoman-philosopher

• [03:48] Her early tension with work and the seeds of integration

• [07:53] The practicality of a Religious Studies degree for coaching

• [11:20] Horses and embodiment: a devotional relationship

• [15:25] Growing up emotionally unseen—and being witnessed by animals

• [18:45] Do coaches talk enough about religion and meaning?

• [22:23] Turning blog essays into a leadership wisdom book

• [24:37] Parker Palmer quote + spiritual wisdom in the workplace

• [26:52] How to use the book + journaling for integration

• [28:44] Reboot's approach to coaching and shadow work

• [33:55] The sacred act of holding space as a coach

• [36:59] Where to learn more: Reboot.io and beyond 

Resources and Links

Spirituality in Leadership Podcast

• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406

Allison Schultz

• Website:

             https://www.reboot.io/

• Book: 

            The Art of Being Human at Work

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