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 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 | [email protected] with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.