Episode 11: “Know, Love, Inspire: Flourishing Leadership” with Dr. Katy Granville-Chapman & Ms. Emmie Bidston

What does it mean to know, love, and inspire the people you lead?

In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott sits down with two extraordinary leaders—Dr. Katy Granville-Chapman and Ms. Emmie Bidston—for a heart-opening conversation about character, flourishing, and the transformative power of leadership rooted in love.

Katy and Emmie share powerful insights from their acclaimed book, Leader: Know, Love, and Inspire Your People, as well as stories drawn from their experience in the military, education, public service, and coaching. From the heroism of Private Michelle Norris to the servant leadership of Gareth Southgate and Gregg Popovich, they explore how great leaders create flourishing communities by seeing the best in others—and helping them become it.

They also reflect on the global impact of their “Leadership for Flourishing” Community of Practice at Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program, their work with Global Social Leaders and the Oxford Character Project, and their upcoming book Leadership for Flourishing (Oxford University Press)—which includes chapters from diverse contributors across sectors and around the world.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an aspiring leader, or someone who cares deeply about human development, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and empower you to lead with character, care, and courage.

Episode Highlights:

• What it means to “love others into being” as a leader
• Why flourishing leadership must be rooted in knowing, loving, and inspiring your people
• The role of virtue, character, and exemplars in leadership formation
• Insights from world football, the NBA, the All Blacks, and military heroes
• The global impact of the “Leadership for Flourishing” community
• A vision for education and leadership grounded in friendship and flourishing
• “Homo lumens”—humans of light—every person carries a radiant, inherent worth 

Please visit us at The Flourishing Leaders Academy 

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.

Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy
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Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.