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 matter
• How cultures of honor shape leadership and behavior
• The role of self-control, forgiveness, and humility in flourishing leaders
• The power of measurement and accountability in transforming organizations
• Practical ways leaders and educators can track growth and impact

This 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.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 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 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.com

Dr. Nasha will be a keynote speaker at the Metabolic Health Day Conference 2025. Learn more at: https://metabolichealthday.life/2025-conference

To 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 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 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.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 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 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 leadership

From 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 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 take to lead with character in today’s complex world?

In this inspiring episode, Scott speaks with Professor Edward Brooks, Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project and Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford. Ed is one of the world’s leading voices in character-based leadership development, and his work is transforming how we think about education, ethics, and human flourishing.

Together, Scott and Ed explore:

• What it means to be a flourishing leader
• The founding mission of the Oxford Character Project
• The role of character in responsible leadership and organizational culture
• Lessons from a major mixed-methods study on leadership in finance, law, and tech
• The distinction between values-based and virtue-based organizations
• The Seven Strategies for Cultivating Virtue in Higher Education
• The new Framework for Flourishing in the University, co-developed with Professor Tom Harrison
• The importance of holistic character development in shaping future leaders
• The Arts of Leading with Professor Michael Lamb and the launch of Oxford’s new executive course in leadership and the liberal arts

This episode is a masterclass in leadership grounded in wisdom, research, and the humanities. Whether you're in education, business, or simply passionate about personal growth, this conversation offers a powerful vision for what leadership can—and should—be in the 21st century.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired to lead with integrity, humility, 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 if Aristotle ran General Motors—or Harry Potter led your organization? In this delightful and enlightening episode, Scott sits down with one of the world’s most celebrated public philosophers and bestselling author Dr. Tom Morris to explore the art of achievement, the power of change, and the ancient wisdom needed to flourish in modern life.

Tom is a Yale-trained philosopher, bestselling author, and former Notre Dame professor whose books and talks have influenced leaders around the world. He’s the mind behind classics like True Success: A New Philosophy of Excellence, The Stoic Art of Living, and Plato’s Lemonade Stand.

Together, Tom and Scott explore:

• The 7 Cs of Success: A framework drawn from ancient wisdom and modern insight
• Why character is essential for sustainable excellence
• Stoicism, inner resilience, and how to “get your soul right”
• The deep connection between relationship-building and goal-setting
• The role of truth, beauty, goodness, and unity in leadership and flourishing
• How to transform adversity into purpose and power

Whether you're a CEO, educator, student, or seeker, this episode offers a refreshing and soulful perspective on what it means to lead well and live wisely in today’s world.

📚 Learn more about Tom and his work: TomVMorris.com
🌱 Discover the Flourishing Leaders Academy: 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 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 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
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.

In this illuminating episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons is joined by internationally renowned philosopher and scholar of character education, Professor Kristján Kristjánsson. Together, they explore the powerful intersections of moral philosophy, moral psychology, and moral education, charting how these once-parallel fields are converging in exciting new ways.

The conversation takes a deep dive into Aristotle’s theory of emotions, the role of “social glue” virtues, and the vital importance of emotional regulation in the development of character. Kristján offers insight into the nuanced differences—and surprising similarities—between Aristotle and the Stoics, especially around the cultivation of practical wisdom (phronesis).

A major highlight of the episode is Kristján’s introduction of the Short Phronesis Measure (SPM)—a newly validated 15-minute tool designed to assess Aristotelian practical wisdom across professional domains. Backed by extensive research and funded by the John Templeton Foundation, this tool opens new doors for evaluating and fostering flourishing decision-making in leaders, educators, clinicians, and students alike.

You’ll also hear about the future of character education, how to design interventions that cultivate wise decision-making, and the growing evidence linking phronesis to human flourishing—with one exception: unfortunately, it won’t make you rich!

This episode is a must-listen for educators, leaders, scholars, and anyone seeking to cultivate wisdom and character in themselves and others.

If you would like to download the paper and the Short Phronesis Measure use this link. 

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 if your greatest strength as a leader, athlete, or high-performer isn’t just in what you do—but how you show up?

In this powerful episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott sits down with Gina Tucci-Karnisovas, an elite mental performance coach, licensed counselor, and founder of Beyond the Scoreboards. With decades of experience in sports psychology, mental health, and high-performance environments, Gina helps athletes and leaders train their minds to thrive.

Together, Scott and Gina explore:

• Why confidence and imposter syndrome always come back to the controllables
• The six elements you can truly set expectations around—and why everything else is a trap
• The deep courage it takes to be uncommon in your pursuit of greatness
• The pyramid of peak mental performance: from mental health to mental strength
• What it means to lead from the heart—and connect through a shared language

This conversation is for athletes, coaches, leaders, and anyone seeking to build sustainable mental fitness and purposeful performance—from the inside out.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Beyond the Scoreboards
• Gina’s articles on LinkedIn (search: Gina Tucci-Karnisovas + "Articles")
• The MindCode program (created at Resilience Code)
• The pyramid of peak mental performance

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 take to move from managing people… to unleashing their greatness?

In this high-impact episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Scott sits down with Stephen M.R. Covey, bestselling author of The Speed of Trust, and David Kasperson, his longtime collaborator and co-author of Trust & Inspire.

Together, they explore a powerful paradigm shift that is reshaping leadership around the world—moving from command & control to trust & inspire. This is more than a framework; it’s a call to see people more fully, lead more authentically, and create cultures where individuals don’t just perform—they flourish.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• Why leadership is a choice, not a position
• How to build high-trust cultures with 13 tangible leadership behaviors
• The “mirror moment” that reveals whether your style aligns with your intent
• What it means to lead from people & potential—not position & power
• The 3 stewardships of leadership: Modeling. Trusting. Inspiring.
• The vital importance of character development in leadership today

Stephen and David offer more than just theory—they share real stories, research-backed insights, and practical tools that can help any leader become a catalyst for trust, growth, and transformation.

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.