The Power Of Developing The Bigger Parts Of Ourselves With Leslie Boyer

In this episode of the Spirituality in Leadership podcast, Andrew Cohn chats with his longtime friend and mentor, Leslie Boyer, about what it truly means to bring purpose and spiritual awareness into the workplace. Leslie shares her journey, from starting out as a kindergarten teacher to working with high-risk teens, and eventually coaching global corporate teams. Her perspective? Whether you’re five or fifty, people want the same things: to be seen, heard, and understood.They explore how culture and geography influence people’s willingness to talk about compassion, forgiveness, and purpose at work. Leslie talks about her experiences coaching teams in Germany and India, and how understanding cultural differences helps build trust and opens the door to more meaningful conversations.They also talk about the power of storytelling, deep listening, and self-awareness, especially for leaders. Leslie explains how tuning into your inner motivations (and checking your ego) can make a big difference in how you lead and connect with others. She calls it “practical spirituality,” which is about making purpose and presence part of daily life, not just something you reflect on in quiet moments.If you're curious about leading with more clarity and connection, this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysLeadership is human development. Whether in classrooms or corporations, we all want to be seen, valued, and heard.Listening is spiritual practice. True listening requires presence, patience, and the humility to set aside personal agendas.Stories build connection. Leaders who share personal stories cultivate empathy and understanding across teams and cultures.Presence is deeper than patience. Being fully here and open creates a natural space for others to reflect, grow, and trust.Spirituality doesn’t need labels. Forgiveness, acceptance, and purpose are accessible values, even in secular or global workplaces.Culture matters. Effective leadership requires cultural sensitivity — geographic, generational, and organizational.In This Episode:[00:00] Introduction and universal human needs[01:16] Leslie’s background [03:51] Personal development and passion for practical spirituality[05:40] Teaching kindergarten and corporate lessons[07:04] Early teaching experiences and disillusionment[08:57] Corporate coaching and global work[09:48] Core spiritual dimensions in the workplace[11:13] Cultural differences in openness[11:39] Navigating cultural norms[13:08] Building trust and credibility[15:41] Cultural examples: Germany, Sweden, US[17:50] Storytelling as a bridge[18:12] The value of sharing stories[19:29] Listening and asking questions[20:49] Barriers to listening[23:03] Learning styles and communication[24:37] Self-awareness and leadership[25:49] Holding space and presence[26:32] Self-reflection and inner work[30:39] Commitment to growth and healing[32:12] Trust in something greater[32:53] Spiritual awakening and practice[34:16] Purpose and practical spirituality[36:50] Compassion, teamwork, and new stories[37:47] Closing and contact informationResources and LinksSpirituality in Leadership Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406Leslie BoyerWebsite: https://www.boyershift.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieboyerAndrew CohnWebsite: https://www.spiritualityinleadership.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcohnusa/Music: Kodiak: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCeMentionedGetting Things Done10% Happier Podcast10% Happier Book