Episode 51: “Finding Beauty in the Storm: Resilience, Wholeness, and Grounded Optimism” with Dr. Maria Sirois

Episode 57: “Building the Bench: Leadership, Reflection, and the Courage to Flourish” with Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, U.S. Army (Ret.)

What does it mean to flourish as a leader in professions where lives hang in the balance? In this powerful episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, U.S. Army (Ret.) to explore leadership, character, reflection, healthcare, resilience, and the enduring responsibility to develop others. A retired three-star general who commanded from platoon to field army, General Hertling shares lessons learned from nearly four decades of military service—including deployments during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom—as well as his groundbreaking work developing physician leadership programs in healthcare systems across the United States. The conversation also explores General Hertling's deeply personal new book, If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal, written during Desert Storm for his young sons in the event he never returned home. Together, Scott, Jason, and General Hertling discuss: * What flourishing leadership means in military and healthcare contexts  * Why a leader's primary responsibility is to "build the bench"  * The role of character, presence, and continual self-reflection  * Vulnerability as a hallmark of authentic leadership  * Leadership development among physicians and healthcare professionals  * Burnout, moral injury, and flourishing in helping professions  * Soldier-Athlete principles and holistic human performance  * The importance of mentoring younger generations of leaders  * The enduring lessons of fatherhood, legacy, and service  Whether you are a leader in healthcare, education, business, public service, or the military, this conversation offers timeless wisdom on how to grow yourself while helping others flourish. 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 [http://www.flourishingleaders.us/]Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flourishing-leaders-podcast/id1812798435] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0alO3sqwRxsI1q4zdcsfYi?si=e271ae306a364a53] | 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 [https://linkedin.com/in/scott-parsons-06428272] | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

Episode 56: “Who Are You Becoming? Identity, Authenticity, and Flourishing Leadership” with Elaine Chung

What does it really mean to "be yourself" at work? In this thought-provoking episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with leadership strategist, author, and organizational alignment expert Elaine Chung to explore a surprising question: What if authenticity isn't simply about being yourself? Drawing from positive psychology, organizational behavior, neuroscience, and her groundbreaking book The Illusion of Authenticity, Elaine challenges conventional wisdom about authenticity and leadership. She explains how our identities shape our values, behaviors, and leadership styles—and why flourishing leaders intentionally integrate their identities rather than compartmentalize them. The conversation also explores the role of play in leadership, the science of flow, team alignment, resilience, workplace well-being, and how leaders can cultivate stronger human connections in an increasingly AI-driven world. Key topics include: ~ The Illusion of Authenticity ~ Identity, Values, and Leadership ~ The Play-Doh Model of Identity Integration ~ The "38 Tries" Mindset and Resilience ~ Growth Mindset and Deliberate Practice ~ Play Neuroscience and Organizational Performance ~ Flow States and Thrive Zones ~ Leadership and Employee Well-Being ~ Team Alignment and Human Connection ~ Flourishing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Elaine's insights offer a powerful roadmap for leaders who want to build healthier teams, foster deeper trust, and create workplaces where people can truly thrive. 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 [http://www.flourishingleaders.us/]Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flourishing-leaders-podcast/id1812798435] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0alO3sqwRxsI1q4zdcsfYi?si=e271ae306a364a53] | 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 [https://linkedin.com/in/scott-parsons-06428272] | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

Episode 55: “Growing & Glowing: Leadership, Confidence, Resilience, and Helping Others Flourish” with Angela R. Lewis

What does it mean to become a flourishing leader? In this uplifting and deeply inspiring episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with Angela Lewis — former professional basketball player, leadership coach, speaker, author, and Founder of Lewis Consulting Group. Angela shares her remarkable journey from growing up in St. Louis to competing at the NCAA Division I and professional levels, and how athletics helped shape her understanding of leadership, resilience, mentorship, confidence, and service. Together, they explore: * What it means to be a “flourishing leader”  * The mentors and coaches who transformed Angela’s life  * How sports build character, cultural understanding, and resilience  * The importance of affirming and empowering young people  * Why flourishing leaders help others flourish  * Practical wisdom and trusting the long-term process  * Confidence, accountability, and “step-your-game-up deadlines”  * Leadership as service and encouragement  * Angela’s new children’s book A Ball and a Chance  * Her upcoming book signing at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame  Angela’s warmth, authenticity, humor, and wisdom shine throughout this conversation, offering encouragement to anyone striving to grow, lead, and help others discover their light. Connect with Angela Lewis * LinkedIn: Angela Lewis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/]  * Woman’s Basketball Hall of Fame & 2026 Induction Ceremony [https://wbhof.com/]  * A Ball and a Chance [https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Chance-Angela-R-Lewis/dp/0998133973/ref=sr_1_8?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.g3cbP_CFQ44BU5X41SdS4tYgukrM8c4gbYvQ_z-FuSnrq5x0NQL9L4sgqEgNlShWcVm6haJwljJp8oWtnLltwtoCg8p43XsDQ1mbpiO2cZEgl7jhIrrr_aC7OL5YnGxj0QYnuwZs-9BgnqTkTb_m_ZaqUR0DLjhhrLcNbJeS3P435bln_Zx_OuzF1fsnNS-htEQKcHZtT2q8fnMXCP5EougIvWGsPVZrRK9hLMx_Kcw.ksD00lDOCG8dzMZXnagnCgk0cQSZleuOf-QPsddvZRU&dib_tag=se&qid=1779753083&refinements=p_27%3AAngela+Lewis&s=books&sr=1-8]  * The Game Changing Assist: Six Simple Ways to Choose Success [https://www.amazon.com/Game-Changing-Assist-Simple-Success-ebook/dp/B01D8X585C?ref_=ast_author_mpb] * Post Moves: The Female Athlete's Guide to Dominate Life After College [https://www.amazon.com/Post-Moves-Athletes-Dominate-College-ebook/dp/B01M8FT9DP/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zA0vU&content-id=amzn1.sym.f8e88413-4697-42ea-9bf7-b28eb886330d&pf_rd_p=f8e88413-4697-42ea-9bf7-b28eb886330d&pf_rd_r=130-0240378-8130960&pd_rd_wg=3p3RD&pd_rd_r=8114ce9d-cf67-4339-b074-3b40553a1185]  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 [http://www.flourishingleaders.us/]Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flourishing-leaders-podcast/id1812798435] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0alO3sqwRxsI1q4zdcsfYi?si=e271ae306a364a53] | 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 [https://linkedin.com/in/scott-parsons-06428272] | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

Episode 54: “Moral Courage, Gratitude, and Human Flourishing: The Science and Soul of Character-Based Leadership” with Dr. Arthur Schwartz

What does it mean to cultivate moral courage in a world increasingly shaped by polarization, fear, and distraction? In this powerful episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Dr. Arthur Schwartz — Former President of Character.org and one of the key architects behind the modern character development and positive psychology movements. Arthur shares remarkable stories from his journey: * Collaborating with Martin E. P. Seligman and Chris Peterson during the birth of positive psychology  * Helping launch groundbreaking research on gratitude, forgiveness, grit, hope, and flourishing at the John Templeton Foundation  * Developing leaders of character at the United States Air Force Academy  * Leading the global character education movement through Character.org  Together, Scott and Arthur explore: * Why flourishing is fundamentally about growth  * The difference between leadership and character-based leadership  * How leaders can strengthen their “moral courage muscle”  * Why forgiveness itself is a form of moral courage  * The importance of empathy in human flourishing  * Shared values, shared language, and shared accountability in organizational culture  * Why we should hire for character and train for skill  * The transformative power of gratitude in leadership and life  Arthur also reflects on lessons from Nelson Mandela, the VIA Character Strengths framework, the role of exemplars in moral development, and the importance of cultivating courageous communities rooted in integrity and compassion. This conversation is a masterclass in character-centered leadership, practical wisdom, moral courage, and human flourishing. 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 [http://www.flourishingleaders.us/]Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flourishing-leaders-podcast/id1812798435] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0alO3sqwRxsI1q4zdcsfYi?si=e271ae306a364a53] | 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 [https://linkedin.com/in/scott-parsons-06428272] | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

Episode 53: “Mind the Gap: Honesty, Virtue, and Character” with Professor Christian Miller

Welcome to Season 2 of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast!  In this powerful season premiere, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar are joined by Professor Christian Miller… one of the world’s leading scholars on moral character, virtue ethics, and honesty. Christian is the A. C. Reid Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest University and the former director of both The Character Project and The Honesty Project, two of the largest research initiatives in the world focused on virtue and moral psychology. He is also the author of The Character Gap: How Good Are We? and the forthcoming book The Honesty Crisis: Preserving Our Most Treasured Virtue in an Increasingly Dishonest World. Together, they explore: * What honesty actually means as a virtue  * Why honesty is foundational to trust and flourishing  * The relationship between honesty and leadership  * How AI and technology are accelerating an “honesty crisis”  * Deepfakes, misinformation, polarization, and online deception  * Why most human beings are morally “a mixed bag”  * The hidden psychological costs of dishonesty  * Compassion versus honesty in “white lie” situations  * The role of leaders in cultivating cultures of integrity and trust  * Why flourishing must be rooted in virtue rather than mere pleasure or performance  This conversation is intellectually rich, deeply practical, and profoundly timely. If you care about leadership, ethics, education, technology, trust, and human flourishing, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now and join us for the launch of Season 2! 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 [http://www.flourishingleaders.us/]Subscribe & Follow: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flourishing-leaders-podcast/id1812798435] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0alO3sqwRxsI1q4zdcsfYi?si=e271ae306a364a53] | 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 [https://linkedin.com/in/scott-parsons-06428272] | Scott@FlourishingLeaders.us Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.