Flourishing Leaders Podcast

Dr. Michael Lamb, F.M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University, dives into what it means to be a flourishing leader. He discusses the importance of hope as a vital virtue in times of division. Michael highlights how humanities can transform leadership education, and he explores Iris Murdoch’s idea of art as a means to transcend self-centeredness. The conversation also unveils seven strategies for fostering virtue and the impact of the Educating Character Initiative connecting numerous individuals and institutions.

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 organizationsHow character shapes psychological safety and cultureJustice, forgiveness, and virtue ethics in leadershipMary’s obituary exercise and living fully nowThe “Character Eats Culture for Breakfast” frameworkWriting a children’s book on characterThank 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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

What does it really mean to win? And how can leaders build cultures that prioritize purpose, connection, and continuous growth over short-term success?In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by Dr. Cath Bishop—Olympic silver medalist, World Champion rower, former British diplomat, leadership consultant, and author of The Long Win.Drawing from her experiences in elite sport, international diplomacy, and organizational leadership, Cath challenges us to rethink traditional measures of success. She introduces her powerful framework of the three Cs—Clarity, Constant Learning, and Connection—and explores how leaders can cultivate flourishing cultures in business, sport, and education.Together, Scott and Cath discuss:Why “winning” is too often defined too narrowly—and how to pursue the long win.The role of psychological safety and moral courage in shaping healthy organizational cultures.Lessons from Cath’s work across sport, business, and beyond.Insights from her Guardian articles on sport, purpose, and flourishing.The importance of community in her leadership roles with the Marlow Rowing Club and Henley Royal Regatta.Cath’s insights remind us that true success is measured not by medals, titles, or quick wins, but by the lasting impact we have on people and the environments we help shape.👉 Learn more about Cath’s work at cathbishop.com and thelongwin.com.🎧 Subscribe to the Flourishing Leaders Podcast for more conversations with inspiring leaders across sport, business, philosophy, and education.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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

How does dignity transform workplaces into spaces where everybody truly matters?In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Scott Parsons and co-host Jason Viyar sit down with David Pickersgill, Senior Outreach Program Leader at Barry-Wehmiller and key leader within the Humanistic Leadership Academy.David shares how Barry-Wehmiller’s culture of care has been shaped by the principle that “everybody matters” — a vision reinforced by his collaboration with dignity expert Donna Hicks. Together, they explore the seven steps to building a dignity-based culture, the power of recognition, and how authentic listening fosters inclusion and trust.The conversation also highlights Barry-Wehmiller’s outreach to universities and MBA programs, equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and courage to care. David reflects on authenticity, resilience, and the importance of “small things with great love” as essential practices of flourishing leadership.Whether you’re leading an organization, teaching in higher education, or simply seeking to live more authentically, this episode will challenge and inspire you to embrace dignity, inclusion, and care as cornerstones of true leadership.Learn more about David’s and Barry-Wehmiller’s work, visit the Humanistic Leadership Academy.Connect with David on LinkedIn or through email. 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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

How does anti-fragility fuel flourishing when life takes an unexpected turn? In this inspiring episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by returning co-host Jason Viyar for a powerful conversation with Tom Gaymor—former professional racing driver turned international broadcaster and commentator for Formula 1, IndyCar, the Olympics, Premiership Rugby, and global sport.Tom’s journey is extraordinary. After a devastating crash that left him with a broken back, Tom transformed his path from the driver’s seat to the commentary box. Along the way, he’s learned profound lessons about resilience, vulnerability, and anti-fragility — lessons that extend far beyond sport.Today, Tom is one of the most recognized voices in motorsport, leading F1 TV coverage, anchoring Sky Sports F1’s IndyCar programming, and bringing insight to some of the world’s greatest sporting events. Beyond the broadcast booth, Tom is a mentor, consultant, and talent developer who has worked with elite athletes, teams, and organizations to unlock performance and resilience. His journey is a living example of perseverance, passion, and practical wisdom in action.In this conversation, Tom shares:His journey from motorsport to becoming a global voice in sport.How failure, adversity, and vulnerability can become strengths.What it means to create trusted spaces and bring your whole self to leadership.The importance of service — from supporting the Metropolitan Police to charities like Divert London and the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals.How true performance begins with the human being, not just the outcome.Whether you’re leading a team, building resilience, or navigating personal change, Tom’s story offers a masterclass in flourishing leadership in action. Join us as we explore themes of anti-fragility, flourishing through adversity, performance under pressure, and finding new purpose when life forces a change of course. Tune in and discover why flourishing leaders embrace both triumph and failure as fuel for growth.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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

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.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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

How do we measure the “immeasurable” in leadership?In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Dr. Ryan Brown, Managing Director for Measurement and Associate Director at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University.In this inspiring conversation, Ryan shares his groundbreaking work on how character, forgiveness, and accountability shape authentic leadership. Ryan has spent his career at the intersection of psychology, leadership, and measurement—helping organizations prove their impact on people through rigorous data and innovative assessment methods.In this episode, Ryan and Scott discuss how leaders can embrace forgiveness without losing accountability, the role of measurement in creating real change, and why the best leadership development programs must be evidence-based.Together, Scott and Ryan explore:Why leadership development must be measured to matterHow cultures of honor shape leadership and behaviorThe role of self-control, forgiveness, and humility in flourishing leadersThe power of measurement and accountability in transforming organizationsPractical ways leaders and educators can track growth and impactThis episode will challenge how you think about leadership—reminding us that flourishing leadership isn’t just about ideals; it’s about clarity, evidence, and lasting change. If you’re curious about the future of leadership development, the science of flourishing, or how to build organizations that thrive, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways. Learn more about Ryan’s work at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders and check out his books: Honor Bound, Leadership Reckoning, and Measuring the Mist.To connect with the Flourishing Leaders Academy, explore workshops, and learn more, visit: https://www.FlourishingLeaders.usThank 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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

What if the future of healthcare isn’t just about managing illness—but about truly flourishing?In this powerful episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons welcomes Dr. Nasha Winters, a globally recognized integrative oncology specialist, bestselling author of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer and Mistletoe and the Emerging Future of Integrative Oncology, and host of the Metabolic Matters podcast.Dr. Nasha is a pioneer in integrative cancer care, blending standard treatments with metabolic and holistic therapies to empower patients worldwide. She’s also the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Terrain Holding Companies and recently launched a nonprofit metabolic research lab in Phoenix dedicated to personalized medicine and early cancer detection.Together, Scott and Dr. Nasha explore: ~ The surprising truth about sugar and its connection to chronic illness. ~ How ketosis and metabolic health can change the way we think about cancer and disease prevention. ~ The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. ~ Whether “cheat foods,” dark chocolate, and even alcohol can fit into a flourishing life. ~ Why food is medicine—and how small daily choices can lead to healing. ~ Her unwavering message of hope: that no matter our diagnosis, we can take meaningful steps toward health and flourishing.This episode is both deeply practical and profoundly inspiring. Whether you’re seeking to improve your own health, support someone you love, or simply rethink what it means to flourish, Dr. Nasha’s wisdom will leave you feeling empowered and hopeful.Learn more about Dr. Nasha Winters: https://www.drnasha.comDr. Nasha will be a keynote speaker at the Metabolic Health Day Conference 2025. Learn more at: https://metabolichealthday.life/2025-conferenceTo connect with the Flourishing Leaders Academy, explore workshops, and learn more about flourishing leadership, visit: https://www.FlourishingLeaders.us 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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

What does it take to thrive under pressure, reframe fear, and build a flourishing life beyond performance?In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, host Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by co-host Jason Viyar for a powerful conversation with Brandon Guyer—former Major League Baseball player, 2016 World Series competitor, and founder of Major League Mindset.Known as “La Piñata” for his fearless approach at the plate, Brandon turned adversity into strength, leading the league in hit-by-pitch while transforming it into a competitive advantage. Today, he brings that same mental toughness and wisdom to his coaching work with athletes, teams, and leaders.Together we explore:How to reframe challenges and fear into opportunities for growth.Why identity must be grounded in character, not performance.The transformative “Be, Do, Have” mindset—and how leaders in every field can apply it.What flourishing leadership looks like in sports, business, and everyday life.Brandon’s story is one of resilience, grit, and heart—and his insights go far beyond baseball. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, classroom, or locker room, this conversation will inspire you to lead with character, live with purpose, and strive to flourish.👉 Learn more about Brandon and his work: https://www.majorleaguemindset.com✨ To connect with the Flourishing Leaders Academy, explore workshops, and learn more about flourishing leadership, visit: https://www.FlourishingLeaders.usThank 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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

What does it take to lead with wisdom across continents, crises, and cultures?In Episode #14 of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Dr. Andrew Nevin — economist, philosopher, healthcare leader, and one of Africa’s most influential voices — for a sweeping conversation on the art and science of flourishing.Together, they explore: 🧠 Brain health and Brainomics — why the future of leadership and economic growth depends on cognitive well-being 🇨🇳 Leading a hospital chain in China during the SARS epidemic — and what crisis leadership really means 📚 His book Flourishing in Canada — and the role of national well-being in public policy 🌍 Driving Africa’s economic transformation with purpose, resilience, and collaboration 💡 How philosophy deepens decision-making and fuels innovation in leadershipFrom navigating global health crises to shaping national and continental futures, Dr. Nevin offers a rare blend of insight and experience that will inspire leaders in every field.🎧 Listen now to learn how curiosity, purpose, and global perspective can help leaders flourish — and help others do the same.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 AcademySubscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | YouTube Share this episode with someone who’s ready to lead with integrity and flourish in every domain of life. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.