Leadership, Character, and the Challenge of Moral Injury | SJS Podcast | Episode #3

In this thought-provoking episode of the Saint John's Seminary podcast, hosts Col. Mike Manning and Fr. Denis Nakkeeran are joined by Dr. Pete Kilner to explore two essential and interconnected aspects of leadership: character and moral injury.The conversation begins with an examination of character—the foundation of effective and ethical leadership. Together, they discuss how a leader’s values, integrity, and ability to make principled decisions influence not only their success but also the trust and respect of those they lead. Dr. Kilner shares insights on how character shapes a leader’s ability to inspire, guide, and serve their teams.From there, the discussion shifts to moral injury—the psychological and spiritual wounds that occur when leaders act in ways that violate their own moral compass or harm their subordinates. The hosts and Dr. Kilner delve into the profound responsibility leaders carry, exploring how breaches of integrity can damage trust, create lasting harm, and undermine the very fabric of leadership.Join us for a deep dive into the qualities that define great leaders and the moral complexities they face, offering guidance on how to lead with both courage and compassion.