What if flourishing leadership isn’t something we achieve, but something we practice — moment by moment — through intention, vulnerability, and wisdom?

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Dr. Kimara Ellefson — National Director of Strategy & Partnerships at the Kern National Network for Flourishing in Health — and explores how leaders can cultivate flourishing across healthcare systems by first cultivating it within themselves.

Together they explore:

• Flourishing leadership as knowing who we are — and who we’re becoming
 • Why leaders must “nourish their own souls” before caring for others
 • Character, caring, and practical wisdom as foundations for thriving cultures
 • Emotional intelligence, relational influence, and the courage to pause
 • Feminist relational theory and the power of community in leadership
 • Ecosystem-wide flourishing — moving beyond burnout and learned helplessness
 • The role of reflection, intentional habits, and shared humanity in healthcare
 • How small “pauses” create space for practical wisdom and better decisions
 • Why our leaders may impact our health as much as — or more than — our doctors

Kimara brings extraordinary clarity and compassion to leadership in healthcare — inviting us to rethink how we support healers, cultivate culture, and build systems where everyone can flourish.

This episode is for leaders in medicine, organizational development, education — and anyone who believes that leadership is, at its heart, a relational and moral act.

Learn more about the important work of the KNN by visiting The Kern National Network for Flourishing in Health. 

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
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

What does flourishing leadership look like when the mission is to serve those who’ve sacrificed for us all?

In this deeply moving conversation, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with Kate McCauley, President and CEO of Wounded Warriors Family Support — one of America’s most respected veterans’ organizations.

Kate shares her remarkable journey from Nebraska real estate agent to national nonprofit leader — a story of humility, purpose, and fierce dedication to those who have borne the battle. Together, they explore:

• The evolution of Wounded Warriors Family Support from basement beginnings to a four-star national charity
• How compassion, accountability, and transparency became the foundation of its culture
• The life-changing impact of programs like Mobility is Freedom and the upcoming Jason Dunham House
• The emotional toll and profound meaning of serving veterans and their families
• How purpose and well-being intertwine in leadership that heals

Kate’s story is a testament to grace under pressure and purpose in service — a reminder that leadership rooted in empathy can change lives.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

What happens when wellbeing becomes the heart of education — not an add-on, but a way of life?

 In this uplifting episode, Justin Robinson — Co-founder of The Wellbeing Distillery and former Director of the Institute of Positive Education at Geelong Grammar School — joins Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar for an inspiring exploration of leadership, wellbeing, and human flourishing.

Together they trace the story of how positive psychology and positive education transformed one of the world’s leading schools — and how those same ideas continue to ripple outward through teachers, parents, and leaders worldwide.

Justin shares the origin of The Wellbeing Distillery, a venture that “distills the science” of wellbeing into everyday practice, and his new reflective project, My Manifesto, helping individuals and teams clarify purpose and live with alignment.

He also introduces the Wellbeing Operating System — a practical, whole-school framework that integrates leaders, educators, students, and families into a shared culture of care and contribution.

This episode is a masterclass in hope, humility, and human connection — a reminder that flourishing begins not with perfection, but with the courage to grow together.

Guest:
Justin Robinson — Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne, global board member and treasurer of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN), co-founder of The Wellbeing Distillery, and co-author of My Manifesto.

Learn more about Justin’s incredible work at The Wellbeing Distillery. 

Learn more about the important work of IPEN by visiting The International Positive Education Network. 

To embark on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, visit My Manifesto. 

Resources from the Positive Education Enhanced Curriculum (PEEC), which was developed at Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia, are available  through the Institute of Positive 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 Academy
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

How can leaders turn polarization into possibility — and help people come together to write a hopeful, flourishing future? 

In this inspiring episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by Brandyn Keating, CEO and Co-Founder of YOUnify, an organization working to reduce political polarization and cultural divisions of all kinds and accelerate progress on humanity’s shared challenges.

A civic innovator, political strategist, and contributing author in the Oxford University Press book Leadership for Flourishing, Brandyn shares her journey from leading presidential campaigns to pioneering the Global Flourishing Goals — a vision for human and planetary thriving that connects leadership, policy, and community transformation.

Together, Scott and Brandyn explore:

• What it means to be a flourishing leader
• How energy management and well-being sustain effective leadership
• The origins and purpose of YOUnify
• How the Global Flourishing Goals can align people, policy, and purpose
• The Write the Future campaign — and how you can get involved

Tune in to discover practical tools for aligning energy, purpose, and collaboration across differences — and learn how to be part of the movement toward a more flourishing world. 🌎

💡 Join the conversation and help build a flourishing future at YOUnify.org and on social media @WeAreYoUnify. 

✨To connect with the Write the Future campaign, email them at [email protected].

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
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

What does it mean to be a flourishing leader—someone whose character inspires flourishing in others?

In this episode, Dr. Scott Parsons sits down with Professor Michael Lamb, F. M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character and Senior Executive Director of the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University. A Rhodes Scholar, political philosopher, and global thought leader on character education, Michael’s work bridges ancient wisdom and modern leadership practice.

Together, Scott and Michael explore:

• What flourishing leadership means in an age of polarization
• How the humanities and liberal arts help reimagine leadership education
• Iris Murdoch’s concept of art as “unselfing” and its power to expand our moral vision
• Augustine’s timeless wisdom on hope—as a virtue between despair and presumption
• The Seven Strategies for Cultivating Virtue that guide character education worldwide
• The incredible growth and impact of the Educating Character Initiative, now connecting 1,600+ individuals and 500+ institutions

This inspiring conversation reminds us that character shapes culture, and that hope—practiced daily—can renew both leadership and society.

You can learn more about Michael’s work and the Educating Character Initiative at leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu.

🎧 Listen now and rediscover what it means to lead with purpose, virtue, and hope.

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
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.

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.

Learn more at: Flourishing Leaders Academy
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

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 Academy
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

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 Academy
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

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 Academy
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

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 Academy
Subscribe & 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 | [email protected]

Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.