Episode 60: “Noble Purpose: Craft, Character, and the Work That Helps Us Flourish” with Professor Garrett W. Potts

What if leadership isn't primarily about influence, but about becoming the kind of person who helps others flourish?In this thought-provoking episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar welcome Professor Garrett W. Potts for a rich conversation exploring virtue ethics, meaningful work, moral injury, and what it truly means to flourish.Drawing on the philosophy of Aristotle and Alasdair MacIntyre, Garrett challenges many of today's assumptions about leadership and success. Rather than viewing work simply as a means to achievement or personal fulfillment, he argues that our professions can become powerful practices of character formation; Places where we learn to pursue excellence while serving the common good.Together, Garrett, Jason, and Scott explore why flourishing is fundamentally relational, how empathy differs from compassion, why leadership requires care for the whole person, and how communities shape both our character and our capacity for wise leadership.Whether you're leading a business, serving in education, healthcare, government, the military, or simply striving to become a better human being, this conversation offers timeless wisdom for navigating today's complex world.In this episode you'll discover:• Why flourishing is always relational, not merely individual• How work can become a practice of character formation• What Alasdair MacIntyre teaches us about excellence and virtue• The relationship between empathy, compassion, and honest care• Why leaders must care for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit• How moral injury extends beyond the battlefield into everyday organizations• Why community is essential for developing character• How vocation differs from career and why purpose matters• Practical wisdom for becoming the kind of leader who helps others flourishIf you've enjoyed conversations with Tom Morris, Michael Lamb, Marvin Berkowitz, Nancy Sherman, Donna Hicks, or Stephen M. R. Covey, you'll love this inspiring discussion with Professor Garrett Potts.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.