Like it or not, leadership isn’t just about making decisions and getting things done—it’s about how you get things done. Productivity without purpose leads to burnout, while purpose without action leaves potential unfulfilled. What if the secret to stress-free leadership lies in balancing both?

In this episode ofSpirituality in Leadership, host Andrew Cohn sits down with David Allen, the mastermind behindGetting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, authenticity, and inner guidance, revealing how GTD principles can help leaders not only manage their workload but also lead with clarity, trust, and intention.

From overcoming overwhelm to embracing the “still small voice” within, this conversation offers powerful insights on how leaders can create an environment of engagement, psychological safety, and true effectiveness. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your leadership journey, this episode will challenge you to rethink productivity—not just as a tool for efficiency but as a pathway to deeper fulfillment and impact.

Ready to transform the way you lead? Tune in now and discover how to integrate stress-free productivity with authentic leadership. Don’t forget to subscribe, share the episode, and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments!

Key Takeaways

• The intersection of spirituality and leadership

• How authenticity boosts engagement and trust within teams

• The importance of accepting current realities

• The balance between personal productivity and collaboration

• The role of inner guidance in decision-making

• Managing leadership challenges and information overload

• Building psychological safety in teams

• Clarity of purpose and direction in leadership

• Trust, vulnerability, and authenticity in leadership dynamics

• Integrating spiritual wisdom with practical productivity strategies

• Teaching productivity principles to the next generation

In This Episode:

(00:04) – Welcome and introduction(00:36) – Meet David Allen(01:39) – Authenticity in leadership(02:47) – Embracing the current reality(03:57) – Tuning into your “still small voice”(04:51) – Balancing practical and spiritual approaches(06:01) – Understanding authenticity(08:11) – The cost of inauthenticity(09:11) – Developing your authentic self(10:30) – The significance of embracing the current reality(12:07) – Managing overwhelm as a leader(14:29) – Tools vs. authenticity(15:03) – Encouraging authentic leadership in others(16:07) – Framework for authentic conversations(19:17) – The importance of vulnerability and trust(20:36) – Engagement and leadership(21:21) – Spirituality’s role in leadership(21:30) – The power of spirit in leadership decisions(23:16) – Authenticity and shifting perspectives(25:48) – Revisiting the “still small voice”(27:13) – Trusting your inner wisdom(28:45) – The power of intention in leadership(29:00) – Drifting vs. intentionality in leadership(30:38) – Acceptance and cooperation(31:54) – Efficient use of energy(32:54) – Completion and creation(34:55) – GTD for teens(36:34) – Integration of wisdom

Resources and Links

Spirituality in Leadership Podcast

• Spirituality in Leadership

David Allen

• Website:https://gettingthingsdone.com/

• LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/company/david-allen-company

• X:https://x.com/gtdguy?lang=en&mx=2

• Book:https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280

Andrew Cohn

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

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

Music:

• Kodiak:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCe