Flourishing Leaders Podcast Episode 35: “Virtue, Practical Wisdom, and the Power of Presence in Education” with Professor Verónica Fernández
Jan 6, 2026
In this insightful conversation, Professor Verónica Fernández, a leading scholar in character education from Francisco de Vitoria University, uncovers the essence of flourishing leadership as a matter of integrity and purpose. She discusses her mission with the Virtues and Values Education Center to integrate character development in academia. Verónica emphasizes the importance of practical wisdom amid modern challenges like polarization and AI. Lastly, she highlights the transformative power of presence, love, and reflection in nurturing both educators and students alike.
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Use Dialogue And Phronesis In Pluralism
- Prioritize dialogue and practical wisdom to navigate pluralism instead of imposing a single moral framework.
- Find shared virtues expressed differently across cultures and adapt educational practices accordingly.
Shared Desire Across Diverse Systems
- Despite diverse languages and frameworks, educators across Europe share a desire to form character.
- Character education is moving from isolated projects toward collaborative European networks and shared practice.
Integrate Traditions With Intellectual Humility
- Different traditions (psychology, liberalism, Aristotelianism) each add valuable perspectives to character formation.
- Integration requires humility and collaboration to combine empirical evidence with moral philosophy.
