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

Episode 59: “Becoming Better: Character, Moral Growth, and the Future of Higher Education” with Dr. Jennifer Rothschild

What does it mean to become a better person? And what responsibility do colleges and universities have in helping students develop not only knowledge and skills, but character? In this episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar welcome Dr. Jennifer Rothschild, Executive Director of the Educating Character Initiative (ECI), philosopher, virtue ethicist, and leading voice in character education. Jennifer shares her journey from philosophy to character education, reflects on the influence of Martha Nussbaum and Candace Vogler, explores Aristotle's vision of virtue, and explains why moral growth is ultimately a story of integration and wholeness. The conversation also dives into the exciting future of character education through ECI's Communities of Impact and Character Commons initiatives, which aim to connect educators, institutions, and practitioners around a shared commitment to human flourishing. In this episode: ✅ What flourishing leadership means ✅ The unity of the virtues and moral growth ✅ Aristotle, virtue ethics, and character formation ✅ Why character is always a social story ✅ Hospitality as a leadership practice ✅ The mission of the Educating Character Initiative ✅ Communities of Impact and Character Commons ✅ The future of character education in higher education Whether you are an educator, leader, student, coach, parent, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers profound insights into what it means to grow in wisdom, virtue, and humanity. Learn more about The Educating Character Initiative [https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu/eci/] Learn more about The Program for Character and Leadership [https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu]  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 58: “Healing the World: Character, Leadership, and the Common Good” with Professor Marvin Berkowitz

What does it mean to lead a flourishing life rooted in character, purpose, and service? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with Professor Marvin Berkowitz, one of the world's foremost scholars in character education and moral development. Drawing on more than forty years of research and leadership, Marvin shares insights from his groundbreaking work on the PRIMED framework, the role leaders play in shaping organizational culture, and why flourishing must extend beyond happiness and effectiveness toward a deeper commitment to the common good. Together, they explore: ✅ What flourishing leadership really means ✅ The Jewish concept of tikkun olam ("healing the world") ✅ Why noble purpose is essential for leadership ✅ How leaders shape the moral culture of organizations ✅ The six principles of the PRIMED framework ✅ Why adult culture matters before student programming ✅ The importance of voice, relationships, and servant leadership ✅ Common mistakes leaders make when implementing character initiatives ✅ Why character and citizenship cannot be separated Whether you're an educator, healthcare leader, military professional, coach, parent, or organizational leader, this conversation offers timeless wisdom about building cultures where people can truly 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 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.