The Spirit of Leadership: Aligning Values with Action, with John Mitchell

What does it mean to lead with both purpose and integrity in a world that often separates the spiritual from the professional?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, host Andrew Cohn sits down with John Mitchell, a leadership development consultant, coach, and fellow "recovering lawyer," to explore the intersection of spirituality, faith, and effective leadership. John shares his unique journey—from growing up in a military family with broad exposure to diverse faiths, to his current work helping leaders align their actions with their deepest values.  

The conversation explores the challenges of congruence—ensuring one’s behavior aligns with one's stated beliefs—and the importance of interconnectedness as a guiding principle in leadership. John offers practical insights for leaders across sectors, from corporate executives to faith leaders, on how to navigate hypocrisy, foster inclusivity, and make decisions rooted in integrity.  

Whether you're a corporate executive, faith leader, or purpose-driven professional, this episode offers powerful, practical wisdom on navigating ethical dilemmas, embracing inclusivity, and making value-aligned decisions in complex environments. Listen now to discover how spirituality can be a strength—not a side note—in leadership. 

Key Takeaways

• Faith and spirituality aren’t the same—but often overlap.

• Congruence matters. Leadership credibility stems from living your values consistently, not just preaching them.

• Leaders need mirrors. Coaches can help by reflecting back a leader’s own values—especially during moments of self-doubt or hubris.

• The best leaders check themselves. High-integrity leaders actively ask, “Are my actions aligned with my beliefs?”

• Inclusiveness grows from spiritual awareness. A belief in interconnectedness leads to more inclusive and effective leadership.

• Discernment is not judgment. Leaders must evaluate situations with clarity without falling into prejudice or rigidity.

  
  

  In This Episode:

  • [00:00] Introduction: Faith vs. spirituality

  • [03:00] John’s childhood, military upbringing, and multifaith exposure

  • [06:00] Spirituality through the lens of connection and nature

  • [10:00] Diversity, integration, and spiritual evolution

  • [13:00] Coaching faith leaders and guiding them through their own frameworks

  • [18:00] The danger of ego and the pedestal problem

  • [24:00] Leading with integrity—lessons from a transportation executive

  • [30:00] Self-checks and internal congruence as a leadership discipline

  • [36:00] Discernment vs. judgment in decision-making

  • [39:00] Leadership in law firms and the challenge of tough decisions

  • [41:00] Closing reflections and where to find John online

    
    

    Resources and Links

    Spirituality in Leadership Podcast

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

    John Mitchell

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepurplecoach

    Andrew Cohn

    • Website: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/

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