Flourishing Leaders Podcast Episode 38: "Chief Awesome Officer: Awe, Values, and Leading Well in Uncertain Times" with Niels Gott
What does it mean to be a flourishing leader when the world feels chaotic—and leadership often defaults to fear, scarcity, and burnout?
In this episode of The Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with Niels Gott, executive coach, positive psychology practitioner, and founder of Awesomer Coaching & Consulting—where his official title is Chief Awesome Officer (yes, really… and it’s as meaningful as it is playful).
Niels brings 22 years of military leadership experience and a deep grounding in positive psychology to a conversation that is both playful and profound. Together, they explore how flourishing leadership starts with self-awareness and presence and expands outward into creating the conditions where others can do their best work.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why flourishing leadership begins with being “in tune” with your values, presence, and needs
- How awe can be a transformational practice (and how to set the conditions for it)
- The difference between seeking beauty and encountering awe
- Why “pain is mandatory; suffering is optional” can reshape how we lead through hardship
- How leaders can normalize learning through failure—without lowering standards
- What it means to “wear your rank on behalf of your people”
- Burnout vs. burn-in—and why community is essential for resilience
- Niels’ closing message: “You are in choice… and there is always a gift.”
If you’re looking for a grounded, human, evidence-based approach to leadership—one that makes room for humor and depth—this conversation will stay with you.
Guest: Niels Gott
Niels Gott is a leadership development coach and positive psychology practitioner with extensive experience in executive coaching, resilience training, and positive leadership. He is the founder of Awesomer Coaching & Consulting and holds credentials including Applied Positive Psychology training, Master Resilience Training, and multiple coaching certifications. His mission is to help leaders and teams find more joy, resilience, and flourishing in their work.
Connect / Learn More
Niels Gott:
Awesomer Coaching & Consulting
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Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey.
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