Episode 18: "Strengths for Flourishing: Leadership, Strengths-Spotting, and the Future of Character” with Professor Robert McGrath

How do character strengths transform the way we lead, parent, and flourish?

In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Scott Parsons welcomes Professor Robert McGrath—clinical psychologist, Senior Scientist at the VIA Institute on Character, Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), and the recent co-founder of the Center for Character and Leadership at FDU with Scott.

Bob has authored more than 250 publications and presentations and is one of the world’s foremost experts on character strengths, measurement, and methodology. His new book, Bringing Fire: How Innovation Helps Us Change and Makes Us Fight, offers a groundbreaking evolutionary perspective on the development of character—and why setbacks are a necessary part of humanity’s moral progress.

In this inspiring conversation, Scott and Bob explore:

• How character strengths can transform leadership in every direction—leading up, down, across, and even at home as a parent.
• The power of strength-spotting to deepen trust, improve relationships, and reinforce growth in both organizations and families.
• The universality of the 24 VIA strengths and how they serve as a shared language across cultures and contexts.
• Why character evolves over time, and why—even amid conflict and setbacks—humanity’s long arc is one of moral progress and flourishing.

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring out the best in yourself and others, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see leadership and life through the lens of character strengths.

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Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey.

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Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.