Episode 22: “Character, Culture, and the Long Game of Leadership” with Professor Mary Crossan

What happens when one of the world’s leading strategy scholars turns her attention to character? 

In this fascinating conversation, Professor Mary Crossan—Distinguished University Professor and Professor of Strategic Leadership at Ivey Business School—joins Dr. Scott Parsons to explore why character is the essential foundation of flourishing leadership.

Mary shares the story of how the global financial crisis shifted her focus toward character, the challenges of integrating virtues into organizations, and why character is the missing link in building psychological safety, shaping culture, and driving strategy.

They discuss the interplay of virtues like justice and forgiveness, the daily choices that define us, and Mary’s latest projects—including a children’s book on character co-authored with her daughter for her grandson.

This is a deep and inspiring episode that connects cutting-edge research with practical wisdom for leaders at every level.

Topics include:

• Why character matters more than ever in organizations
• How character shapes psychological safety and culture
• Justice, forgiveness, and virtue ethics in leadership
• Mary’s obituary exercise and living fully now
• The “Character Eats Culture for Breakfast” framework
• Writing a children’s book on character

Thank you for listening to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast!
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.