Partnering Leadership: Recent Episodes

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Welcome to the Summer Leadership Reset on Partnering Leadership.

We have more access to ideas than ever before.

More books. More podcasts. More articles. More insights.

The challenge isn’t finding more information. It’s spending enough time with the ideas that can change how we think, decide, and lead.

I have seen this in my own life. The books and conversations that have influenced me most aren’t the ones I rushed through and moved on from. They are the ones I returned to, wrestled with, and understood differently as my own experiences changed.

After more than 450 Partnering Leadership conversations with CEOs, researchers, authors, and leadership thinkers, there are a few I continue coming back to because the ideas become more valuable the more we sit with them.

Throughout July and August, I’ll be sharing 10 of those conversations.

They explore some of the questions I see leaders wrestling with most: adapting to change, building trust, making better decisions, rethinking work, using AI wisely, and creating organizations ready for what comes next.

Whether you are listening for the first time or revisiting these conversations, I hope they help you find an insight you can apply and a question worth thinking about long after the episode ends.

—Mahan

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Welcome to the Summer Leadership Reset on Partnering Leadership.

We have more access to ideas than ever before.

More books. More podcasts. More articles. More insights.

The challenge isn’t finding more information. It’s spending enough time with the ideas that can change how we think, decide, and lead.

I have seen this in my own life. The books and conversations that have influenced me most aren’t the ones I rushed through and moved on from. They are the ones I returned to, wrestled with, and understood differently as my own experiences changed.

After more than 450 Partnering Leadership conversations with CEOs, researchers, authors, and leadership thinkers, there are a few I continue coming back to because the ideas become more valuable the more we sit with them.

Throughout July and August, I’ll be sharing 10 of those conversations.

They explore some of the questions I see leaders wrestling with most: adapting to change, building trust, making better decisions, rethinking work, using AI wisely, and creating organizations ready for what comes next.

Whether you are listening for the first time or revisiting these conversations, I hope they help you find an insight you can apply and a question worth thinking about long after the episode ends.

—Mahan

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Welcome to the Summer Leadership Reset on Partnering Leadership.

We have more access to ideas than ever before.

More books. More podcasts. More articles. More insights.

The challenge isn’t finding more information. It’s spending enough time with the ideas that can change how we think, decide, and lead.

I have seen this in my own life. The books and conversations that have influenced me most aren’t the ones I rushed through and moved on from. They are the ones I returned to, wrestled with, and understood differently as my own experiences changed.

After more than 450 Partnering Leadership conversations with CEOs, researchers, authors, and leadership thinkers, there are a few I continue coming back to because the ideas become more valuable the more we sit with them.

Throughout July and August, I’ll be sharing 10 of those conversations.

They explore some of the questions I see leaders wrestling with most: adapting to change, building trust, making better decisions, rethinking work, using AI wisely, and creating organizations ready for what comes next.

Whether you are listening for the first time or revisiting these conversations, I hope they help you find an insight you can apply and a question worth thinking about long after the episode ends.

—Mahan

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Summer Leadership Reset on Partnering Leadership.

We have more access to ideas than ever before.

More books. More podcasts. More articles. More insights.

The challenge isn’t finding more information. It’s spending enough time with the ideas that can change how we think, decide, and lead.

I have seen this in my own life. The books and conversations that have influenced me most aren’t the ones I rushed through and moved on from. They are the ones I returned to, wrestled with, and understood differently as my own experiences changed.

After more than 450 Partnering Leadership conversations with CEOs, researchers, authors, and leadership thinkers, there are a few I continue coming back to because the ideas become more valuable the more we sit with them.

Throughout July and August, I’ll be sharing 10 of those conversations.

They explore some of the questions I see leaders wrestling with most: adapting to change, building trust, making better decisions, rethinking work, using AI wisely, and creating organizations ready for what comes next.

Whether you are listening for the first time or revisiting these conversations, I hope they help you find an insight you can apply and a question worth thinking about long after the episode ends.

—Mahan

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Summer Leadership Reset on Partnering Leadership.

We have more access to ideas than ever before.

More books. More podcasts. More articles. More insights.

The challenge isn’t finding more information. It’s spending enough time with the ideas that can change how we think, decide, and lead.

I have seen this in my own life. The books and conversations that have influenced me most aren’t the ones I rushed through and moved on from. They are the ones I returned to, wrestled with, and understood differently as my own experiences changed.

After more than 450 Partnering Leadership conversations with CEOs, researchers, authors, and leadership thinkers, there are a few I continue coming back to because the ideas become more valuable the more we sit with them.

Throughout July and August, I’ll be sharing 10 of those conversations.

They explore some of the questions I see leaders wrestling with most: adapting to change, building trust, making better decisions, rethinking work, using AI wisely, and creating organizations ready for what comes next.

Whether you are listening for the first time or revisiting these conversations, I hope they help you find an insight you can apply and a question worth thinking about long after the episode ends.

—Mahan

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Summer Leadership Reset on Partnering Leadership.

We have more access to ideas than ever before.

More books. More podcasts. More articles. More insights.

The challenge isn’t finding more information. It’s spending enough time with the ideas that can change how we think, decide, and lead.

I have seen this in my own life. The books and conversations that have influenced me most aren’t the ones I rushed through and moved on from. They are the ones I returned to, wrestled with, and understood differently as my own experiences changed.

After more than 450 Partnering Leadership conversations with CEOs, researchers, authors, and leadership thinkers, there are a few I continue coming back to because the ideas become more valuable the more we sit with them.

Throughout July and August, I’ll be sharing 10 of those conversations.

They explore some of the questions I see leaders wrestling with most: adapting to change, building trust, making better decisions, rethinking work, using AI wisely, and creating organizations ready for what comes next.

Whether you are listening for the first time or revisiting these conversations, I hope they help you find an insight you can apply and a question worth thinking about long after the episode ends.

—Mahan

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Many organizations have an AI strategy. Far fewer have built the organizational foundations needed for AI to create lasting business value.

Generative AI has made it easier than ever to experiment with AI. Yet many leaders are discovering that deploying AI tools and creating meaningful business value are two very different things.

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Fern Halper, internationally recognized AI and data strategist, founder of the AI Foundations Group, and author of Data Makes the World Go Round: The Data, Tech, and Trust Behind AI Success. Drawing on decades of experience in data, analytics, and AI, Fern explains why successful AI initiatives begin long before an organization deploys its first model.

Together, they explore why some organizations move beyond AI experimentation while others struggle to scale their efforts. Rather than focusing on the latest tools or technologies, the conversation examines the leadership, organizational, and data foundations that determine whether AI becomes a source of lasting business value or another initiative that falls short of expectations.

Whether you're shaping your organization's AI strategy, leading a transformation effort, or trying to separate today's AI hype from long-term reality, this conversation offers practical insights for building an organization that is prepared not just to adopt AI, but to create sustained value from it.

Actionable Takeaways

• You'll learn why an AI strategy should begin with a business problem rather than a technology initiative.
• Hear how organizations can avoid the "value ceiling" that prevents many AI efforts from delivering transformational business value.
• You'll discover why trusted, governed, and connected data has become one of the biggest differentiators in successful AI adoption.
• Hear how leaders can identify AI use cases that create measurable business impact instead of isolated productivity gains.
• You'll learn why governance is becoming an enabler of innovation rather than a barrier to it.
• Hear how leading organizations are responding to the rapid rise of shadow AI across every department.
• You'll discover why AI literacy is becoming an essential leadership capability for executives and boards.
• Hear why successful AI adoption depends as much on leadership, organizational readiness, and change management as it does on technology.

Connect with Fern Halper

Fern Halper Website

AI Foundations Group

Fern Halper LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Why do so many teams work harder than ever but still struggle to make meaningful progress?

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with organizational psychologist and bestselling author Liane Davey, author of Thoughtload: Manage the Madness and Free Your Team to Do Great Work, about why leaders need to rethink how they approach priorities, productivity, and performance.

Liane explains why the biggest challenge facing many organizations is not simply the amount of work people have to do. It is the invisible thought load created by competing demands, constant interruptions, emotional strain, and unclear priorities. Drawing on her work with leadership teams, she shares why many organizations are operating at full throttle but losing altitude because they keep adding effort instead of reducing drag.

In the conversation, Liane discusses why leaders often confuse activity and output with meaningful progress. She explores how organizations unintentionally reward busyness, why constant responsiveness can pull people away from their highest-value work, and how leaders can help teams focus on outcomes rather than simply doing more.

Liane also explores the impact of AI on leadership and the future of work. While AI can reduce some workload, she explains why it can also increase thought load by creating more information, more decisions, and more complexity. Her insights challenge leaders to think differently about human capacity, emotional energy, and creating the conditions where people can do their best work.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why teams can be working harder than ever and still fail to achieve the outcomes that matter most.
• Hear why Liane Davey believes leaders need to move beyond measuring activity and productivity to focus on true effectiveness.
• Discover how rewarding constant responsiveness can unintentionally reinforce distraction and prevent people from doing their most important work.
• You’ll learn the difference between workload and thought load and why the hidden mental burden on teams impacts performance, creativity, and collaboration.
• Hear why productivity can become a trap when organizations create more outputs without questioning whether those outputs create value.
• Discover why emotions are not separate from performance and how leaders can help teams process emotions before they create unnecessary friction.
• You’ll learn why a lack of conflict can be a warning sign and how healthy tension helps teams make better decisions.
• Hear how leaders can uncover the unseen work that drains people’s capacity and address the sources of overload.
• Discover how AI can reduce workload while increasing thought load, requiring leaders to rethink how people and technology work together.
• Learn why managing focus, energy, and human capacity will become even more important as organizations face greater complexity and faster change.

Connect with Liane Davey

Liane Davey Website

Thoughtload Website

Liane Davey LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Gustavo Razzetti, workplace culture strategist, founder of Fearless Culture, and author of Forward Talk: The Bold New Method for Getting Teams Unstuck. Gustavo shares why many leadership teams struggle not because they lack talent or commitment, but because they accumulate “conversational debt,” the cost of the conversations they avoid.

Gustavo explains why silence in organizations doesn’t always mean agreement. While leaders often focus on creating environments where people feel safe to speak up, many teams face a different challenge: people have stopped believing their input will make a difference. This “pointlessness paradox” creates hidden barriers to alignment, accountability, and execution.

Throughout the conversation, Gustavo explores how leaders can recognize the signs of conversational debt, from meetings that create more meetings to teams that move too quickly to agreement without surfacing different perspectives. He also challenges the assumption that harmonious teams are always healthy, showing how “too nice” cultures can unintentionally prioritize comfort over progress.

Mahan and Gustavo also discuss the changing dynamics of collaboration in the age of AI. They explore how AI can strengthen team conversations when used intentionally, but also how it can increase disconnection when people start trusting technology more than their colleagues. Gustavo shares practical ways leaders can create teams that challenge ideas, make better decisions, and move forward together.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why the conversations your team avoids might be creating hidden costs that slow execution and weaken alignment.

• Hear how leaders can identify conversational debt before it turns into missed opportunities, frustration, and organizational drift.

• Discover why people don’t always stay silent because they’re afraid, and what leaders often misunderstand about getting honest feedback.

• Learn why some “nice” cultures struggle with accountability and how prioritizing harmony can sometimes prevent teams from doing their best work.

• Hear how to recognize the warning signs that your leadership team might be agreeing too quickly without true alignment.

• Discover why reducing meetings alone rarely solves the real issue and how better conversations can improve decision-making.

• Learn how leaders can encourage productive tension and disagreement without damaging trust or relationships.

• Hear Gustavo’s perspective on how AI is changing collaboration and why teams need to think differently about integrating AI into how they work.

• Learn how forward-looking conversations help teams move from blame and obstacles toward ownership and action.

Connect with Gustavo Razzetti:

Gustavo Razzetti Website

Gustavo Razzetti LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What does it take to see opportunity where everyone else sees a commodity? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Monica Nassif, founder of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and author of I Bottled My Mother: Grit, Grime, and Growing a Business, The Mrs. Meyer’s Story, about building a category-defining brand by challenging the assumptions everyone else accepted.

Monica shares the leadership lessons behind transforming household cleaning from a purely functional category into an experience built around fragrance, design, authenticity, and emotional connection. Drawing from her upbringing as one of nine children, her early career at Target, and her entrepreneurial experience, Monica explores how curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to question industry norms helped her create a brand that stood apart.

In the conversation, Monica discusses the strategic decisions behind scaling Mrs. Meyer’s, including the choice to disrupt her own successful premium brand before competitors could, the importance of preserving culture while adding operational discipline, and why leaders must recognize when the capabilities that got them started are not enough for the next stage of growth.

Monica also reflects on the human side of leadership: learning to communicate the vision more clearly, hiring people who complement your strengths, creating a culture of ambitious goals, and knowing when it’s time to let go. Her insights offer valuable lessons for leaders in any industry who want to build organizations capable of adapting, growing, and reinventing themselves.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why “different is better than better” and how leaders can move beyond incremental improvements to create meaningful differentiation.
• Hear how Monica Nassif and her team asked one powerful question that helped them disrupt themselves before competitors had the chance.
• Discover why deep industry experience can sometimes become a barrier to innovation and how outsider thinking can reveal overlooked opportunities.
• You’ll learn how Monica scaled Mrs. Meyer’s by balancing entrepreneurial creativity with the operational discipline needed for growth.
• Hear how leaders can recognize their own strengths and build teams with people who bring the capabilities needed for the next stage.
• Learn why preserving culture during rapid growth requires more than values on a page and how Monica kept Mrs. Meyer’s connected to its identity.
• Discover the communication lesson Monica learned as a founder: why leaders need to make sure others can “see their taillights” rather than assuming the vision is obvious.
• Hear how Monica approached investors, partnerships, and eventually the decision to sell by asking what others could bring that the company couldn’t create on its own.
• Learn why ambitious goals, ownership, and a sense of fun became essential parts of the culture behind Mrs. Meyer’s growth.

Connect with Monica Nassif

Monica Nassif Website

Monica Nassif LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Gardner—legendary investor, co-founder of The Motley Fool, and author of Rule Breaker Investing. Over the past three decades, David has not only beaten the market—he’s reshaped how long-term investing is understood and practiced.

David’s track record is extraordinary:

• He recommended Amazon in 1997 (up 86,000% since)
• Tesla in 2012 (up 80,000%)
• Netflix in 2004 (up 937,000%)
• And NVIDIA in 2005 (up a staggering 1.2 million percent)

But what’s even more compelling is how he did it—and how those principles translate far beyond investing. David shares a deeply thoughtful approach to decision-making, pattern recognition, and long-term conviction that applies to business leaders, not just individual investors.

The conversation ranges from why “indexing is the new active,” to how embracing joy, optimism, and curiosity has made him a better investor, entrepreneur, and human being. For CEOs and leaders navigating uncertainty, David’s blend of rigor, irreverence, and wisdom offers valuable takeaways on strategy, innovation, and leadership mindset.

Whether you’re responsible for growing an organization or stewarding your own portfolio, this is a rare chance to learn from someone who’s played the long game—successfully, repeatedly, and with purpose.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear why most people invest backward—and how a “Rule Breaker” mindset flips the script.
• Learn the six traits David looks for in exponential companies—and how those same traits show up in standout leaders and teams.
• See why long-term thinking is the ultimate competitive moat—for investors and CEOs alike.
• Explore how optimism, when grounded in conviction, becomes a leadership advantage—not a liability.
• Understand how joy and playfulness build trust, culture, and long-term performance.
• Hear how David picked Amazon, Tesla, Netflix, and NVIDIA early—and why the key wasn’t spreadsheets, but belief in innovation and people.
• Discover why bold action beats cautious consensus—and how to reframe fear of failure into fuel for success.
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at how The Motley Fool disrupted financial services—and what it taught David about culture, mission, and momentum.
• Why the best investors and leaders ignore the crowd—and how to strengthen your internal compass.

Connect with David Gardner

David Garnder LinkedIn

David Gardner X

Rule Breaker Investing: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World

Rule Breaker Investing Podcast

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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David Grossman joins Mahan Tavakoli on this episode of Partnering Leadership to explore one of the most uncomfortable truths in leadership today: the biggest threat to organizations is often not bad leadership. It is “good enough” leadership that quietly creates complacency, disengagement, and organizational drift beneath the surface.

David is the founder and CEO of The Grossman Group and the author of The Heart Work of Modern Leadership: Six Differentiators of Exceptional Leaders. Drawing on original research conducted with The Harris Poll, he shares what employees actually say they need from leaders in a period marked by AI disruption, uncertainty, burnout, and rapid change. The findings challenge many traditional assumptions about leadership effectiveness and reveal why so many organizations look stable externally while struggling internally.

Throughout the conversation, David and Mahan explore the widening gap between leadership intentions and employee experiences. They discuss why employees today are asking deeper questions about belonging, growth, safety, and meaning, and why many leaders are still relying on management approaches built for more predictable times. The discussion moves beyond generic conversations about empathy and “soft skills” and instead reframes these capabilities as strategic leadership requirements tied directly to performance, innovation, retention, and adaptability.

The conversation also takes a practical turn as David shares actionable frameworks leaders can use immediately. From creating psychological safety and handling difficult feedback to managing one’s own emotional state under pressure, the discussion connects neuroscience, organizational culture, and executive leadership in ways that are both deeply human and highly operational. One especially compelling section explores why AI may amplify the importance of human-centered leadership rather than diminish it.

This is a substantive conversation for CEOs, executives, board leaders, and anyone responsible for leading people through uncertainty and transformation. David Grossman offers both a compelling challenge and a hopeful path forward for leaders who want to move beyond “good enough” and build organizations where people feel heard, valued, safe, and capable of doing their best work.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why “good enough” leadership may be far more dangerous than openly poor leadership.

• Hear how organizations slowly drift into disengagement and complacency even when performance metrics appear healthy.

• Learn why employees today are asking deeper emotional questions that many leadership teams still fail to recognize.

• Hear David Grossman explain why psychological safety is not a culture initiative. It is a business performance issue.

• You’ll learn the hidden reason many employees do not speak up, even in organizations that claim to value feedback.

• Hear how exceptional leaders create trust by understanding the personal stories, motivations, and aspirations of their people.

• Learn why gratitude emerged as one of the strongest differentiators between exceptional leaders and everyone else.

• Hear the leadership lesson David learned while teaching his teenage daughter how to drive and why it applies directly to executive presence under pressure.

• You’ll learn why AI may increase the importance of human leadership rather than reduce it.

• Hear how flexibility becomes a trust builder when leaders approach it relationally rather than transactionally.

• Learn why many traditional leadership development programs fail to move the needle inside organizations.

• Hear practical ways leaders can create environments where employees feel safe enough to tell them the truth.

Connect with David Grossman

David Grossman Website

David Grossman LinkedIn

The Heart Work of Modern Leadership

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, futurists Bob Johansen and Jamais Cascio join the conversation to explore the ideas behind their new book, The Age of Chaos: A Sense-Making Guide to a BANI World That Doesn’t Make Sense. Both guests bring decades of deep foresight work, scenario planning, and leadership insight—Bob through more than 50 years with the Institute for the Future, and Jamais as the originator of the BANI framework (“brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible”). Their combined perspectives create a powerful lens for leaders facing a world where old assumptions and linear playbooks no longer hold.

Across the discussion, they argue that today’s disruptions are not isolated shocks. They are interconnected, compounding forces that make the environment fundamentally different from the “VUCA world” many leaders were trained for. Johansen and Cascio unpack how brittleness shows up in organizations disguised as efficiency, why anxiety has become a rational and necessary signal, and how nonlinearity rewrites traditional cause-and-effect expectations. They challenge leaders to rethink certainty, decision-making, and the stories they tell inside their organizations.

At the heart of the conversation is a clear message: leading in a BANI world requires a shift in mindset. The best leaders will cultivate clarity instead of certainty, ask better questions instead of providing fast answers, and build organizations that bend rather than break under pressure. Cascio highlights how empathy, diverse perspectives, and even “useful wrongness” serve as strategic advantages. Johansen pushes leaders to think farther into the future than they are comfortable with—then work backwards to create resilient clarity in the present.

The episode does not offer easy fixes. Instead, it gives listeners a framework for making sense of complexity, a set of practices to strengthen foresight, and a renewed understanding of the human side of leadership in chaotic times. For CEOs, board members, and senior executives navigating relentless uncertainty, this conversation provides both grounding and a challenge: to lead with more humility, more imagination, and more future-back discipline.

Actionable Takeaways* You’ll learn why “clarity beats certainty” and how leaders who project confidence without openness can miss critical signals in chaotic environments. * Hear how to spot brittleness in your systems—and why high efficiency often hides vulnerabilities that collapse under stress. * You’ll learn why a healthy level of anxiety is necessary and how leaders can use it to sharpen attention without slipping into dysfunction. * Hear how to apply foresight as a leadership practice, using scenarios not to predict the future but to “vaccinate” your organization against emerging risks. * You’ll learn why nonlinear environments break traditional planning, and how to cultivate neuro-flexibility and improvisational leadership. * Hear how storytelling becomes a strategic tool, helping leaders create meaning, focus attention, and align teams in moments of uncertainty. * You’ll learn why cross-generational leadership is becoming a competitive advantage, especially as digital natives bring new skills to nonlinear problem-solving.

Connect with Bob Johansen and Jamais Cascio

Book Website

Institute for the Future

Jamais Cascio LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Sangeet Paul Choudary, one of the world’s leading thinkers on digital strategy, platforms, and the future of value creation. Sangeet is the author of the acclaimed new book Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Transforms the Knowledge Economy, a work that reframes how leaders must think about artificial intelligence—not as a tool for faster workflows, but as a force that will rewrite the foundations of competition.

Across the conversation, Sangeet challenges the familiar narrative of automation and productivity gains. Drawing on decades of research into platforms, market structure, and shifting sources of advantage, he explains why AI’s real impact will not be felt at the task level but at the level of organizational identity, industry architecture, and the assumptions leaders use to define their business. For CEOs and senior executives, his message is clear: the companies that thrive in the years ahead will be those that reexamine what game they play before investing in how fast they play it.

Sangeet introduces the idea of building a “map”—a strategic view of how value is moving across your industry—before deploying AI to accelerate existing processes. He argues that leaders who rush to optimize current workflows risk becoming highly efficient at activities that no longer matter. Instead, organizations must continually reassess their model of the market, the basis of differentiation, and the capabilities that will matter one year out—a timeframe that now represents the new strategic horizon.

The discussion spans far beyond theory. Through examples ranging from mining and materials to chemicals, healthcare, and creative industries, Sangeet shows how knowledge work underpins value creation in nearly every sector—and how AI will reshape that work. He also explores the growing importance of sensemaking, the role of agency inside organizations, why incumbents struggle to adapt to new architectures, and what leaders must do to prepare their people for the jobs and capabilities of tomorrow.

For senior executives navigating unprecedented uncertainty, this episode offers a compelling lens on the future—not through hype, but through practical strategy. Sangeet’s insights help leaders see what they may have sensed but couldn’t yet articulate, and highlight the conversations they need to prioritize with their teams right now.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why “running faster” with AI may push your organization in the wrong direction—and how to build the right strategic map before accelerating.
• Hear how Sangeet reframes AI’s impact—not as workflow automation, but as a force that reshapes differentiation, identity, and industry structure.
• You’ll explore why knowledge work underpins value creation in far more sectors than most leaders assume—and what that means for your competitive position.
• Hear how to distinguish first-order effects of AI (automation) from second- and third-order effects that redefine entire markets.
• You’ll learn why sensemaking is no longer the job of a strategy team alone—and what leaders must do to distribute this capability across the organization.
• Discover how coordination, not autonomy, will become the real advantage inside AI-enabled organizations.
• Hear why incumbents often fail—not because they’re slow, but because they can’t shift to new architectures—and what leaders can do differently.
• You’ll learn why reskilling efforts fall short

Connect with Sangeet Paul Choudary

Sangeet Paul Choudary LinkedIn

Sangeet Paul Choudary Substack

Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Transforms the Knowledge Economy

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Marcus East has spent his career inside some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including Apple, Google, IBM, National Geographic, and Marks & Spencer. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, he joins Mahan Tavakoli to discuss the ideas behind his book, Working with Dinosaurs: How to Lead Technological Evolution from the C-Suite. The conversation goes far beyond technology. It gets to the heart of why successful organizations often struggle to adapt even when smart leaders can clearly see change coming.

Marcus shares lessons from leading large-scale transformations across both technology-native companies and legacy institutions. Drawing on experiences ranging from National Geographic’s digital reinvention to the resistance he encountered at Marks & Spencer, he explains why organizational inertia is rarely caused by a lack of intelligence or strategy. More often, the barriers come from success itself. The systems, incentives, habits, and leadership behaviors that once created growth can quietly become the very things preventing change.

The discussion also challenges much of the current AI hype. Marcus argues that AI will not magically fix broken organizations. In fact, organizations with weak data foundations, fragmented operating models, and outdated leadership structures may find their problems exposed even faster. The conversation explores why some companies accelerate through disruption while others become trapped defending processes, structures, and metrics that no longer fit the future they are entering.

Mahan and Marcus also explore the human side of transformation. They discuss why executives often resist the very changes they publicly support, how “legacy thinking” shapes decision making, and why many transformation efforts fail between the CEO’s vision and frontline execution. Marcus offers a candid look at what distinguishes organizations that adapt successfully, including the operating models, collaboration patterns, and leadership mindsets he observed inside companies like Apple and Google.

For CEOs and senior executives facing pressure to modernize while still delivering results today, this episode offers practical insight into the realities of organizational change, leadership alignment, and technological evolution. It is a thoughtful conversation about how leaders can avoid becoming trapped by the systems and successes of the past while preparing their organizations for what comes next.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You’ll learn why some of the biggest barriers to transformation come from leaders who were highly successful under the previous model.

• Hear why Marcus believes many AI investments will fail and what separates organizations that will actually benefit from AI adoption.

• You’ll hear the striking contrast between how National Geographic approached innovation versus the resistance Marcus encountered at Marks & Spencer.

• Learn why many organizations struggle not because the CEO lacks vision, but because execution breaks down deep inside the organization.

• Hear how legacy systems become emotional and political issues, not just technology problems.

• You’ll discover why leaders cannot take everyone along on a transformation journey and what it means to build a “coalition of the willing.”

• Learn the difference between organizations obsessed with process and those obsessed with customer outcomes.

• Hear why companies like Apple and Google organize engineers, designers, marketers, and business leaders differently from most traditional organizations.

• You’ll learn why many leadership teams measure activity and operational metrics instead of true business outcomes.

• Hear Marcus explain why incentives and compensation structures often quietly undermine transformation efforts.

Connect with Marcus East

Marcus East Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What makes a great CEO today won’t be enough tomorrow. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carolyn Dewar, McKinsey Senior Partner and coauthor of A CEO for All Seasons—a practical, research-backed roadmap for leaders navigating the full arc of CEO leadership. Building on her global work advising top executives and the success of her previous bestseller CEO Excellence, Carolyn offers a candid, timely, and deeply strategic perspective on how CEOs can lead—and let go—with clarity, discipline, and impact.

Carolyn and Mahan explore the four leadership “seasons” every CEO moves through: preparation, early tenure, sustained performance, and exit. But what sets this conversation apart is its real-world focus on what actually trips up leaders—misjudged transitions, misplaced confidence, and the false comfort of past success. This isn’t theoretical leadership advice—it’s practical insight shaped by years of advising CEOs and boards during high-stakes moments.

What emerges is a compelling case for fit over familiarity, foresight over reaction, and reinvention over complacency. Carolyn makes it clear that the best CEOs aren't simply great strategists—they're great at timing, sequencing, and knowing when to shift or step aside. She shares stories of leaders who planned their exits with grace and those who stayed too long—and why boards often get it wrong.

If you're a CEO, board member, or senior leader shaping the next phase of your organization, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership longevity and legacy. You’ll walk away with practical framing for making bold decisions and managing change—not just within your business, but within yourself.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how to recognize the brief “unfreezing moment” that gives new CEOs a rare chance to reshape direction, expectations, and ambition
• Learn why even the most successful CEOs must reinvent themselves—or risk becoming the barrier to future growth
• Discover why the best succession plans start in a CEO’s first year, not their last
• You’ll learn how boards often default to “more of the same”—and why that mindset leads to costly misalignment
• Explore Carolyn’s take on what only the CEO can and should do—and how over-functioning CEOs damage execution
• Hear how some leaders design in tension—reverse mentors, red teams, bold advisors—to avoid echo chambers
• Learn how to approach succession planning not as a person to pick, but as work to define
• Find out what CEOs should leave behind in their final year—and what mistakes lock in poor transitions
• You'll hear examples of how great CEOs sustain performance through S-curves while preparing for what’s next
• Gain perspective on how Carolyn sees AI as a CEO’s partner, not a proxy for real leadership

Connect with Carolyn Dewar

A CEO for All Seasons
Carolyn Dewar LinkedIn

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Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Executive presence is one of those concepts every leader knows matters, yet very few can clearly define or develop. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Alexa Chilcutt and Carl DuPont, co-authors of The Presence Principle: Embodying Executive Presence to Lead with Impact. Drawing on their work in executive education at Johns Hopkins University, they unpack what presence actually looks like in practice—and why most leaders get it wrong.

What makes this conversation stand out is the shift away from surface-level advice. This isn’t about “owning the room” or projecting confidence. Alexa and Carl go deeper, reframing executive presence as something that begins well before a leader speaks—and often shows up in ways they aren’t even aware of. From mindset and self-awareness to subtle behavioral cues, they highlight how leaders shape perceptions long before they intend to.

The conversation also challenges a common trap: trying to “perform” leadership rather than embody it. Many leaders, especially those stepping into more senior roles, feel pressure to adopt a version of executive presence that doesn’t fit who they are. Alexa and Carl make a strong case that this approach not only fails but erodes trust over time. Instead, they point to the discipline of aligning presence with authentic strengths, while still being intentional about how those strengths are expressed.

There’s also a practical edge throughout. Whether it’s understanding how the brain reacts under pressure, recognizing how attention and technology affect presence, or making small but meaningful adjustments in communication, the discussion stays grounded in real leadership behavior. These are not abstract ideas. They are habits leaders carry into every meeting, every interaction, and every decision.

For CEOs and senior executives, this episode offers a sharper lens on a topic that often feels vague. It’s a reminder that leadership impact is not just about strategy or decisions, but about how consistently and intentionally you show up in the moments that matter.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why executive presence starts long before you enter the room—and how leaders often miss the most important part of that preparation
• Hear how subtle, often unconscious signals—like voice, posture, and attention—shape how others interpret your leadership
• You’ll learn why trying to “act like a leader” can actually undermine your effectiveness, especially at senior levels
• Hear how top leaders build presence through small, consistent shifts rather than dramatic changes
• You’ll learn how the brain’s safety vs. danger response quietly influences how you show up under pressure
• Hear why multitasking may be eroding your leadership presence more than you realize
• You’ll learn how to balance collaboration with self-advocacy so your contributions are both recognized and trusted
• Hear how leaders can use reflection to close the gap between how they think they show up and how others actually experience them
• You’ll learn why consistency—not intensity—is what ultimately builds lasting executive presence
• Hear how presence directly connects to a leader’s ability to engage, align, and move people to act

Connect with Alexa Chilcutt and Carl DuPont

The Presence Principle Website

Alexa Chilcutt LinkedIn

Carl DuPont LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What does it really cost to lead when you’re expected to have all the answers, show no cracks, and carry the weight of everyone around you?

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Melissa Doman—organizational psychologist, leadership consultant, and author of Cornered Office: Why We Need to Talk About Leadership Mental Health. Drawing on her clinical background and deep work with leaders inside organizations, Melissa challenges one of the most persistent and damaging assumptions in leadership: that those in charge should somehow operate above the realities of being human.

The conversation goes beyond surface-level discussions of well-being and into the structural and cultural narratives that shape leadership behavior. Melissa unpacks how we’ve conditioned ourselves to expect leaders to be consistently strong, composed, and unaffected—and how that expectation not only isolates leaders but also undermines trust, performance, and long-term effectiveness. She introduces a more nuanced view of leadership—one that doesn’t abandon accountability or standards, but integrates self-awareness, intentional communication, and sustainable ways of managing pressure.

Importantly, this isn’t a theoretical conversation. Melissa offers practical ways leaders can begin shifting how they show up—without oversharing, without losing credibility, and without putting themselves at risk in environments that may not yet be ready for these conversations. From understanding when it’s safe to open up, to communicating with clarity so teams don’t misinterpret behavior, to building personal “non-negotiables” that protect mental well-being, the discussion is grounded in real-world leadership challenges.

For CEOs and senior executives, this episode is a chance to step back and reflect on a question that rarely gets asked directly: not just how you’re leading others, but what your current approach to leadership is costing you—and what it might take to lead more effectively without carrying it all alone.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why the long-standing expectation that leaders must always appear strong and unaffected may be doing more harm than good—and what to do instead.
• Hear how to strike the balance between maintaining credibility and showing enough humanity to build deeper trust with your team.
• You’ll learn why many leaders feel pressure to “hold everything” for their teams—and how to rethink that responsibility in a more sustainable way.
• Hear how small shifts in communication can prevent your team from misreading your behavior and creating unnecessary anxiety or confusion.
• You’ll learn how to approach conversations about mental health at work without oversharing or putting your role at risk.
• Hear why not every organizational environment is ready for these conversations—and how to assess what’s appropriate in your context.
• You’ll learn how to demonstrate that high performance and personal struggle can coexist—and why that matters more than ever for modern leadership.
• Hear how to create “mental wellbeing non-negotiables” that protect your effectiveness without taking time away from what matters most.
• You’ll learn why intentionality matters when leaders open up—and how to be clear about what you’re sharing and why.

Connect with Melissa Doman

Melissa Doman Website

Melissa Doman LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner, co-authors of The Octopus Organization. Drawing on decades of leadership experience across global organizations, they challenge one of the most deeply embedded assumptions in business: that organizations can still be run like machines.

At the heart of the conversation is a stark contrast between what they call “tinman” organizations and “octopus” organizations. Tinman organizations are built for efficiency, predictability, and control. They worked in a more stable world. But today’s environment is fundamentally different. It’s complex, fast-moving, and increasingly shaped by exponential technologies like AI. And in that world, the very structures that once drove performance are now holding organizations back.

Le-Brun and Werner don’t stay at the level of theory. They go deep into the patterns that keep leaders stuck, from false alignment at the top to the subtle ways leaders unintentionally kill ownership in their teams. They introduce the idea of “anti-patterns” and hold up a mirror to behaviors that feel normal but quietly undermine adaptability, speed, and innovation.

The discussion also pushes into what it actually takes to lead differently. Not slogans, but practical shifts. Moving from control to agency. From certainty to curiosity. From managing activity to enabling value creation. And critically, how leaders can begin making that shift without launching another top-down transformation that ultimately fails.

For senior leaders navigating AI, constant disruption, and increasing complexity, this conversation cuts through the noise. It offers a clear lens to diagnose what’s not working and a grounded path to start building organizations that can actually adapt and thrive.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why most leadership teams believe they’re aligned, yet create fragmentation and conflict across the organization.
• Hear how well-intentioned leaders unintentionally train their teams to avoid ownership and default to permission-seeking.
• You’ll discover the “anti-patterns” that quietly undermine transformation efforts, even in organizations that think they’re evolving.
• Hear why focusing on efficiency alone, especially with AI, may actually accelerate the wrong outcomes.
• You’ll learn how to spot whether your organization is still operating like a machine in a world that demands adaptability.
• Hear how leading organizations are shifting from control-based models to systems that enable distributed decision-making.
• You’ll discover why most change initiatives fail before they begin and what leaders do differently to create real momentum.
• Hear how to rethink failure, experimentation, and learning in a way that drives progress rather than fear.
• You’ll learn where to start if your organization is far from this model and why small, local changes often outperform large transformation plans.

Connect with Jana Werner and Phil Le-Brun

The Octopus Organization Website

Jana Werner LinkedIn

Phil Le-Brun LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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This episode offers a different lens on leadership in a time of accelerating change.

In this conversation, Mahan Tavakoli is interviewed by Vimi Appadoo and Akilesh Deerpalsingh, senior leaders working closely with CEOs and executive teams in Mauritius through their roles at Dale Carnegie Mauritius and Baker Tilly Mauritius. The discussion emerged as part of a broader set of conversations leading up to a C-suite dialogue with senior leaders in the region.

The questions they explore will sound familiar to many leadership teams right now. Not because there is a lack of information or tools, but because there is more than ever. More inputs, more options, and more pressure to act.

Which raises a different kind of challenge.

How do you decide what actually matters now?

Where do you focus when everything feels important?
And how do you move forward when the environment keeps shifting?

The conversation also touches on a deeper shift that many organizations are still working through. While much of the attention remains on growth and adoption of new technologies, there is a more fundamental question underneath it all.

Not just how to grow.

But whether value itself is moving.

Rather than offering simple answers, this discussion surfaces the kinds of tensions, trade-offs, and decisions leaders are navigating in real time, especially as AI and broader uncertainty reshape how organizations think, operate, and lead.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll hear why many leadership teams are not lacking ideas or tools, but are struggling to decide what actually deserves their focus

• Hear how the question leaders are asking is quietly shifting, and why “how do we grow?” may no longer be the most useful starting point

• You’ll hear the tension between speed and alignment, and why moving faster can sometimes create more friction, not less

• Hear how organizations are experimenting with AI, but still wrestling with what it means to change how they actually operate

• You’ll hear why adoption often stalls even when the technology is in place, and what leaders tend to underestimate about the people side of change

• Hear how executives are navigating decisions when there is no clear “return to normal,” and why that mindset shift matters

• You’ll hear how peer-level conversations can surface different perspectives that don’t emerge inside a single organization

• Hear how leaders are thinking about focus, prioritization, and trade-offs in environments where everything feels urgent

Connect and learn more:

Baker Tilly Mauritius
Dale Carnegie Mauritius

Vimi Appadoo LinkedIn

Akilesh Deerpalsingh LinkedIn

For those interested, more details and registration for the C-suite leadership conversation in Mauritius on May 18, 2026 can be found here: https://bit.ly/3O7Enjw

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Most leaders don’t struggle with strategy. They struggle with how people respond to it.

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Amy Jacobson, author of The Emotional Intelligence Advantage: Mastering Change and Difficult Conversations. Amy brings a practical, grounded perspective on emotional intelligence, shaped by her work with leadership teams navigating real organizational challenges, not theoretical models.

The conversation goes beyond the usual discussion of EQ as a “nice to have.” Amy reframes emotional intelligence as a learned skill that directly impacts a leader’s ability to drive change, handle resistance, and lead difficult conversations. She challenges a common assumption many leaders hold, that if a change is logical and beneficial, people should naturally get on board. In practice, that’s rarely what happens.

A central theme in the discussion is the hidden dimension of change. While leaders focus on what is being gained, employees focus on what they are losing. That gap creates resistance, even when the change itself is sound. Amy breaks down why this happens and how leaders unintentionally make it worse by overselling the positives and ignoring the emotional impact on their teams.

The conversation also explores why difficult conversations often fail before they even begin. Leaders walk in prepared to prove a point rather than understand a situation. That approach triggers defensiveness and shuts down productive dialogue. Amy offers a more effective way to approach these moments, one that balances clarity with emotional awareness to drive better outcomes.

This is a practical conversation for leaders who want to move beyond frameworks and understand what actually drives behavior inside their organizations.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why even the best-designed change initiatives fail when leaders overlook what people feel they are losing
• Hear how emotional intelligence shifts from a “soft skill” to a core leadership capability in driving execution
• You’ll learn why some of your most experienced and capable team members resist change the most
• Hear how leaders unintentionally create resistance by pushing logic before addressing emotion
• You’ll learn why self-awareness is often overestimated and how that gap impacts leadership effectiveness
• Hear how to approach difficult conversations in a way that reduces defensiveness and increases ownership
• You’ll learn why preparation for tough conversations often makes them worse, not better
• Hear how leaders can distinguish between employees who can grow and those who are not ready to change
• You’ll learn why balancing EQ and IQ is not optional, but essential for leadership impact

Connect with Amy Jacobson

Amy Jacobson Website

Amy Jacobson LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What if the “panic habits” leaders default to are the very things burning out their best people? In this Partnering Leadership episode, Mita Mallick—author of The Devil Emails at Midnight—joins Mahan to unpack practical ways senior leaders can replace performative urgency with clear operating rules that people can trust. You will hear why bad bosses are made, not born, and how pressure from markets, role models, and personal crises can turn ordinary leaders into micromanagers.

Mita gets specific about power dynamics. A 4:30 a.m. email from the CEO trains teams to jump, even when the intent is “no rush.” She explains how to set explicit after-hours rules and model them yourself. The goal is to stop the 4 a.m. back-and-forth and restore predictable rhythms for high-stakes work.

Calendars signal culture. Mita argues for a deliberate meeting cleanse, real breaks, and protected one-on-ones. You will hear why “we are not AI agents,” why canceling a meeting can be the kindest move you make this week, and how simple touch points create loyalty.

Leaders also get a playbook for honest feedback. Mita shares how to create safety, why alumni calls six to twelve months after someone leaves yield the most actionable insight, and how a short journaling habit helps you see patterns in your own behavior before they damage trust.

Finally, Mita challenges a core assumption: most work is not life or death. Treating it that way creates burnout. She closes with a frank read on the broken employee–employer contract and a likely shift toward more consultant-style work, which makes clarity, expectations, and operating rules even more important for CEOs and boards.

Actionable Takeaways* You will learn how to set a clear after-hours rule that stops the 4 a.m. reply spiral, including what “urgent” actually means in your context. * Hear how to replace micromanagement with outcomes and guardrails when life outside work feels out of control. * You will learn why your calendar is your culture, and how a simple meeting cleanse reveals time for deep work and real one-on-ones. * Hear how to protect one-on-ones without turning them into therapy. Mita shares a practical cadence and a simple check-in script that builds connection. * You will learn a low-cost feedback system: invite coaching, thank in the moment, follow up with changes, and never hunt “who said what.” * Hear how to get clearer truth with alumni calls six to twelve months after exit interviews, when the emotion is gone and facts are usable. * You will learn to write simple hybrid rules that reduce proximity bias and make global teams feel fair and seen. * Hear how to reset leader expectations about urgency and burnout, starting with this line: “Most of our work is not life or death.” * You will learn why culture becomes the worst behavior you tolerate and how to intervene when disengagement starts to spiral. * Hear how to prepare for a future with looser roles and project-based deployment, and why clarity and operating rules will be your retention edge.

Connect with Mita Mallick

Mita Mallick LinkedIn

The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses

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Trust sits at the center of every meaningful leadership conversation. Yet many leaders struggle to create the conditions where people feel comfortable sharing what they really think. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Brad Beeler, a former U.S. Secret Service agent and the author of Tell Me Everything: A Secret Service Agent’s Proven Strategies for Earning Trust, Revealing the Truth, and Communicating with Anyone. Drawing on more than two decades of experience conducting investigations, interrogations, and high-stakes conversations, Beeler shares insights that extend far beyond law enforcement and into the daily realities of leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Beeler reframes what most people believe about interrogation and influence. Rather than intimidation or pressure, he explains that the most effective approach centers on curiosity, respect, and genuine interest in the other person. Leaders often assume that communication improves when they speak more clearly or assert authority. Beeler argues the opposite: communication improves when leaders listen more deeply and create the psychological safety that encourages others to open up.

The discussion explores the subtle signals that shape every interaction long before words are spoken. From body language and first impressions to the role of environment and preparation, Beeler shares practical ways leaders can build trust quickly and authentically. He also highlights the risks of relying too heavily on digital communication, emphasizing how face-to-face interaction allows leaders to read cues, build connection, and understand what others may not explicitly say.

Beeler also shares memorable stories from his time in the Secret Service, including moments when leadership required humility, empathy, and the ability to see situations from another person’s perspective. These stories illustrate how principles developed in high-pressure investigative environments translate directly to leadership, negotiation, and organizational communication.

For CEOs and senior executives responsible for aligning teams, resolving conflict, and making high-stakes decisions, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on influence and trust. Beeler’s insights reveal why the fundamentals of communication—curiosity, listening, and human connection—remain the most powerful tools leaders have for understanding others and guiding organizations forward.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why curiosity may be the most underrated leadership skill—and how asking better questions unlocks deeper conversations and stronger relationships.

• Hear how former Secret Service agents build trust with people who initially have every reason not to talk—and what leaders can apply from those techniques.

• You’ll discover why the first moments of any interaction often determine the outcome of the entire conversation.

• Hear why the best communicators spend far more time listening than speaking—and how that changes the dynamic of leadership discussions.

• You’ll learn how subtle cues like posture, tone, and attention shape trust long before a leader says a word.

• Hear how leaders unintentionally shut down communication by shifting conversations back to themselves.

• You’ll discover why psychological safety is essential for honest dialogue—and how leaders can establish it quickly.

Connect with Brad Beeler

Brad Beeler Website

Brad Beeler LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling conversation, Raj Sisodia — co-founder of Conscious Capitalism and bestselling author of Firms of Endearment — joins the podcast to discuss his newest work, Healing Leaders. Widely recognized as one of the most influential voices reshaping modern business thinking, Raj brings decades of research, lived experience, and global perspective to a topic that sits at the center of organizational performance: the inner state of the leader.

Across the episode, Raj takes listeners on a journey from the origins of Conscious Capitalism to the growing backlash against stakeholder-focused leadership, explaining why this moment requires an even higher level of conviction, courage, and clarity from CEOs and senior executives. He argues that business has unrealized potential — not only to drive results, but to reduce suffering, strengthen communities, and elevate human wellbeing. And he makes the case that this potential cannot be unlocked without leaders who are self-aware, grounded, and healed themselves.

Raj also reveals the personal transformation that shaped Healing Leaders — including his unexpected immersion into silent retreats, deep spiritual work in the Himalayas, time with indigenous communities in the Amazon, and a series of insights that reframed how he views purpose, leadership, and responsibility. His stories connect directly to the pressures leaders face today: burnout, cynicism, disconnection, and the widening gap between organizational expectations and human capacity.

For CEOs and executives navigating complexity, volatility, and AI-driven change, this episode offers an opportunity to step back and reflect on a different kind of leadership advantage — one rooted not in tactics or frameworks, but in the inner quality of the leader. Raj’s insights challenge long-held assumptions about success, impact, and organizational culture, while opening the door to a richer and more sustainable way to lead.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why Raj sees this moment as a “moral recession” — and why conscious, values-driven leadership is becoming a strategic imperative rather than a philosophical choice.

• Hear how to rethink the purpose of business in a way that strengthens performance while reducing the hidden costs that erode trust, engagement, and wellbeing.

• You’ll learn what Raj discovered about the link between unhealed leaders and organizational dysfunction — and why the inner world of the leader shapes the outer world of the enterprise.

• Hear how to spot the leadership behaviors that signal unresolved trauma or unhealthy drivers, even in high performers or visionary founders.

• You’ll learn why personal healing and growth can become competitive advantages — especially when leading through disruption, transformation, or cultural change.

• Hear how to challenge profit-only mindsets with data and examples that show why purpose-driven companies outperform over time.

• You’ll learn how Raj evaluates the rise of AI through the lens of consciousness — and why the technology will amplify the character and values of its users.

• Hear how to incorporate meaningful “disequilibrating experiences” into your own leadership growth strategy, rather than relying solely on traditional development methods.

• You’ll learn the seven themes that form the backbone of Healing Leaders — and why they matter now more than any point in recent business history.

Connect with Raj Sisodia

Raj Sisodia Website

Raj Sisodia LinkedIn

Conscious Capitalism

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Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Steve Brown, a leading AI futurist and former executive at organizations including Intel and DeepMind. Brown brings a rare combination of technical depth and leadership perspective, shaped by decades at the forefront of technological change and his work advising leaders around the world on the implications of artificial intelligence.

The conversation centers on Brown’s book, The AI Ultimatum, and the core argument behind it: AI is not simply another productivity tool or IT upgrade. It represents a fundamental shift in how intelligence is created, scaled, and applied inside organizations. Leaders who treat AI as incremental technology risk missing the much larger transformation underway.

Brown explains why he believes we are entering an “intelligence age,” comparable in scope to the Industrial Revolution, but unfolding at a dramatically faster pace. As the cost of intelligence approaches zero, organizations will face new strategic choices about workforce design, value creation, leadership identity, and ethical responsibility. These choices, Brown argues, cannot be delegated or delayed without consequence.

Throughout the episode, Mahan challenges Brown to bridge theory and practice. They explore real organizational examples, from AI agents working alongside humans to scientific breakthroughs like AlphaFold, and examine how leaders can shift from efficiency-driven thinking toward value creation, judgment, and human amplification.

This is not a conversation about tools or trends. It is a candid discussion about leadership responsibility in a period of accelerated change, and what CEOs and senior executives must rethink now to ensure their organizations remain relevant, resilient, and human-centered.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why delaying AI decisions is itself a leadership choice, and how waiting for clarity can quietly erode organizational value.
• Hear how the “intelligence age” differs from previous technology shifts, and why its speed changes the role of senior leadership.
• You’ll learn why AI should be viewed as a digital workforce, not just software, and what that means for strategy, structure, and accountability.
• Hear how leaders must shift from being the source of answers to guiding exploration, judgment, and learning in uncertain conditions.
• You’ll learn why cost-cutting is the weakest use of AI, and where leaders should instead focus to create new value.
• Hear how AI changes the relevance of experience, narrowing gaps while raising expectations for judgment and insight.
• You’ll learn why ethics, bias, and responsibility do not belong to algorithms, but remain firmly in the domain of leadership.
• Hear how AI can amplify human capability rather than replace it, when leaders design work intentionally.

Connect with Steve Brown

Steve Brown Website

Steve Brown LinkedIn

The AI Ultimatum: Preparing for a World of Intelligent Machines and Radical Transformation

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Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

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Growth stalls in organizations far more often than leaders expect. Not because ambition fades, or talent disappears, but because focus drifts. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Kevin Lawrence, a long-time advisor to CEOs and executive teams, to explore why capable organizations lose their growth orientation and how leaders can recognize the warning signs early.

Kevin draws on decades of experience in boardrooms and leadership off-sites around the world, as well as insights from his book The Four Forces of Growth. He explains why most organizations become over-indexed on solving problems and optimizing what already exists, while unintentionally starving the very forces that drive future growth. The conversation challenges a deeply held leadership assumption: that fixing problems naturally leads to growth.

Together, Mahan and Kevin unpack the distinction between improvement and growth, and why confusing the two leads to stalled momentum even in well-run organizations. Kevin introduces the Four Forces framework as a way for leaders to re-orient themselves amid complexity, noise, and competing priorities, especially as organizations scale.

The episode also explores the role of courage and fear in leadership decision-making. Kevin shares why growth requires disciplined experimentation, not reckless bets, and why leaders must actively protect time, attention, and energy for opportunity when problems inevitably dominate the agenda.

This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for CEOs and senior leaders who sense their organizations are busy, capable, and committed, yet not moving forward fast enough and want a clearer way to understand why.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why organizations don’t lose ambition as they scale, but often lose orientation.
• Hear how problem-solving cultures quietly crowd out growth without leaders realizing it.
• You’ll learn the difference between improving what exists and creating new growth and why confusing the two stalls momentum.
• Hear how leadership calendars reveal more about growth priorities than strategy documents.
• You’ll learn why most incentive systems reward improvement but unintentionally punish growth.
• Hear how courage and fear shape decision-making speed and organizational momentum.
• You’ll learn what disciplined experimentation looks like and how it differs from reckless risk-taking.
• Hear how leaders can identify which problems deserve attention and which are costly distractions.
• You’ll learn why purpose-driven organizations should care deeply about growth as a path to greater impact.

Connect with Kevin Lawrence

Kevin Lawrence Website

Kevin Lawrence LinkedIn

The 4 Forces of Growth: Defy the Odds and Keep Your Company ScalingConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What does it take to build something that lasts—not just for years, but across generations? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Alfredo De Massis, a globally recognized expert on family enterprise and author of The Family Business Book: A Roadmap for Entrepreneurial Families to Prosper Across Generations. As one of the most cited scholars in the field and a trusted advisor to multi-generational family businesses around the world, De Massis offers a rare combination of academic rigor and real-world relevance.

But don’t expect a conversation limited to family-owned companies. This episode is about how all leaders—especially those responsible for long-term value—can rethink legacy, leadership, and innovation. De Massis argues that great leaders don’t just pass down businesses; they design systems that outlast them. From ownership mindsets to innovation strategy and governance architecture, the conversation provides a blueprint for building organizations that remain relevant and resilient across time.

A central theme of the discussion is the distinction between succession planning and legacy design. De Massis challenges the outdated belief that continuity depends on finding the next version of the current leader. Instead, he introduces the concept of the "family galaxy"—a flexible, multi-entity model that allows different generations to thrive in different ways, based on their talents and motivations. He also breaks down the three layers of governance essential for long-term success: business governance, family governance, and the often-overlooked interface between them.

For CEOs, board members, and senior executives thinking beyond quarterly results, this conversation delivers both intellectual depth and actionable insight. It’s a masterclass in how to lead with intention—not just for today, but for the future you won’t be around to control.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why the best leaders don’t plan succession—they design systems for continued relevance.
• Hear how to reframe ownership as a responsibility to be developed, not a status to be inherited.
• Explore the “family galaxy” model—and how to structure a system where multiple generations can create value.
• Understand how great organizations govern at three levels—and why ignoring the “interface” layer can derail everything.
• Discover why tradition can be a strategic asset when leaders know how to reinterpret—not resist—it.
• Learn how emotional dynamics influence strategic decisions in family and legacy enterprises.
• Find out why leadership earned through credibility—not entitlement—is key to generational success.
• Get practical insights into how to align governance, ownership, and innovation around shared purpose.
• Take away powerful questions to evaluate whether your legacy is built to evolve—or simply to endure.

Connect with Alfredo De Massis

Alfredo De Massis LinkedIn

Alfredo De Massis IMD

The Family Business Book

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Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Jen Fisher, one of the most influential voices shaping how leaders think about work, wellbeing, and human sustainability. Jen is the former Chief Wellbeing Officer at Deloitte, where she spent more than two decades helping leaders confront burnout, redesign work, and rethink what success actually means inside large, complex organizations.

The conversation centers on the ideas behind Jen’s book, Hope Is the Strategy, and challenges a deeply held leadership assumption: that hope is soft, naive, or something leaders turn to only when plans fall apart. Instead, Jen reframes hope as a disciplined leadership capability, one that becomes essential when teams feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or quietly disengaged.

Drawing on research, lived experience, and her work with senior executives, Jen explains why even the smartest strategies fail when people don’t believe their work will lead to a better future. She explores how leaders unintentionally drain hope through silence, false certainty, or performative wellbeing efforts, and why truth, agency, and credibility matter more than optimism.

The discussion also tackles the limits of traditional wellness programs, the growing tension leaders feel amid constant disruption and AI-driven change, and why many organizations are still solving the wrong problems. Throughout the episode, Jen offers a grounded, practical lens on what it really takes to lead human beings, especially when leaders themselves don’t have all the answers.

This is a thoughtful, candid conversation for CEOs and senior leaders who sense that something fundamental is missing in how organizations motivate, engage, and move people forward, and who want a more honest way to think about leadership in uncertain times.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why hope is not a feeling or slogan, but a leadership capability that requires clarity, agency, and follow-through.
• Hear how even well-designed strategies break down when leaders can’t articulate how change will improve people’s lives.
• Discover why silence and false certainty erode trust faster than difficult truths ever will.
• Hear how leaders can acknowledge burnout and uncertainty without becoming pessimistic or paralyzed.
• Learn why most corporate wellbeing efforts fail to move the needle, and what they overlook about daily work design.
• Explore how hope and wellbeing reinforce each other and why neither can be treated as a standalone initiative.
• Hear why leading humans in an AI-enabled workplace requires skills most organizations never train leaders to develop.
• Learn how credible hope helps teams move forward even when leaders don’t have clear answers or perfect plans.

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Hope Is the Strategy: The Underrated Skill That Transforms Work, Leadership, and Wellbeing

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As AI accelerates, many leadership conversations focus on tools, efficiency, and productivity. This episode of Partnering Leadership takes a different approach. Host Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Andrea Iorio, a global AI thought leader, former senior executive at Tinder and L’Oréal, and the author of Between You and AI.

Andrea brings a rare combination of global operating experience, deep technology fluency, and philosophical clarity to the conversation. Rather than asking how leaders can use AI better, he challenges a more uncomfortable question: what still belongs uniquely to human leadership when machines increasingly outperform us at speed, scale, and analysis.

Throughout the discussion, Andrea and Mahan explore why AI is not “coming for jobs,” but for tasks, and how that distinction changes the leadership equation. They examine the risks leaders face when productivity gains mask a deeper erosion of judgment, accountability, and strategic clarity. The conversation surfaces how easy it is for leaders to outsource responsibility to systems that feel objective, confident, and precise.

The episode also confronts the hidden consequences of hyper-optimization. While AI can dramatically increase control and efficiency, Andrea argues that leaders must decide where judgment, agency, and human responsibility still matter most. From decision-making and talent development to trust, empathy, and innovation, the discussion highlights the leadership work that cannot be automated without cost.

This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation for leaders who sense that AI is reshaping not just work, but the very nature of leadership itself—and who want to stay accountable, relevant, and human in the process.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why AI is changing leadership less by replacing people and more by redefining which tasks still require human judgment.
• Hear how relying on AI for productivity can quietly reduce differentiation when everyone has access to the same tools.
• Discover why leadership accountability cannot be delegated, even when decisions are automated.
• You’ll hear how past success can become a liability when leaders stop questioning assumptions that once worked.
• Learn why AI literacy is not technical mastery, but understanding where data, questions, and outputs can mislead.
• Hear how hyper-optimization can narrow what organizations notice and weaken learning over time.
• Understand why the “human-in-the-loop” is about responsibility, not distrust of technology.
• Explore how leaders can use time saved through automation to strengthen judgment rather than accelerate busywork.
• Learn what thriving organizations do differently as they design hybrid teams of humans and intelligent systems.

Connect with Andrea IorioAndrea Iorio Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Margie Warrell, a global leadership advisor and the author of The Courage Gap. The conversation goes beyond familiar ideas about confidence and resilience to explore what courage really looks like when leaders are facing uncertainty, fear, and high-stakes decisions.

Drawing on her upbringing on a small dairy farm in Australia and decades of work with senior leaders, Margie reframes courage not as bravado or fearlessness, but as a practical leadership capability. One that becomes essential when leaders are navigating disruption, AI-driven change, anxious workforces, and expectations to have answers they simply cannot have.

A central theme of the discussion is identity. Margie challenges leaders to stop asking only “What should I do?” and instead ask, “Who do I need to be right now?” She explains why leadership effectiveness often hinges less on technical expertise and more on emotional regulation, values-based decision-making, and the ability to act even when fear is present.

The conversation also tackles topics many executives experience but rarely discuss openly, including imposter syndrome, fear of judgment, and the pressure to project certainty. Margie offers grounded insights on why these experiences are common among high performers and how leaders can work with fear rather than being constrained by it.

This episode is a thoughtful, practical exploration of what courageous leadership looks like in real organizational contexts, not in theory, but in the moments where leaders are stretched, uncomfortable, and most needed by their teams.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why fear isn’t a leadership failure, and how ignoring it can quietly limit decision-making and impact.
• Hear how asking “Who do I need to be right now?” can bring clarity when priorities feel overwhelming.
• You’ll discover why imposter syndrome often shows up in capable, experienced leaders, and what actually helps move through it.
• Hear how courage expands a leader’s range of choices while fear tends to narrow it.
• You’ll learn why emotional regulation has become one of the most critical leadership skills in uncertain environments.
• Hear how values can serve as an anchor for leadership decisions when certainty is unavailable.
• You’ll explore what “one-minute brave” looks like in real leadership moments, not as a slogan, but as a practice.
• Hear how leaders can stabilize anxiety within their organizations rather than unintentionally amplifying it.

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The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Mohammad Anwar, founder and CEO of Softway and co-author of the book Love as a Change Strategy. Together, they take on one of the most misunderstood ideas in leadership: whether love has any place in driving performance, innovation, and large-scale change.

Mohammad’s perspective is not theoretical. He shares a deeply personal leadership story, tracing how a fear-driven, control-oriented approach nearly destroyed his company, and how a fundamental shift in how he treated people helped turn it around. The conversation challenges the assumption that tough leadership and human leadership sit in opposition to each other.

The discussion then moves into why so many organizational change efforts fail, despite heavy investments in process, technology, and change management frameworks. Mohammad argues that most leaders don’t actually have a change management problem. They have a change strategy problem, one that overlooks how humans respond to uncertainty, fear, and loss of control.

Mahan presses on a question many CEOs wrestle with privately: if fear-based leadership can produce results, why not use it? The answer isn’t moralistic. It’s practical. They explore sustainability, commitment, and the hidden costs leaders don’t see until it’s too late.

The episode also tackles AI and transformation through a people-first lens. Rather than framing AI as a threat or a productivity shortcut, Mohammad reframes it as a test of leadership maturity and an opportunity to restore humanity to work, if leaders are willing to change themselves first.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why fear can drive short-term performance but quietly undermines long-term results.
• Hear how most change initiatives fail before they even start because leaders focus on process instead of people.
• You’ll learn why humans don’t change through checklists, frameworks, or mandates, even when the strategy looks sound.
• Hear how trust, not urgency or pressure, determines the speed and success of transformation.
• You’ll learn what “love” actually means in a leadership context, and why it has nothing to do with being soft.
• Hear how leaders unintentionally create resistance by making decisions first and asking people to follow later.
• You’ll learn why AI adoption is less about technology readiness and more about human psychology and leadership example.
• Hear how effectiveness, not efficiency, becomes the real constraint when leading people through change.
• You’ll learn why the hardest leadership work often starts with changing yourself before asking others to change.

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Greg Shove, CEO of Section and a serial entrepreneur with a deep track record of leading transformative growth. Shove’s leadership journey includes multiple successful pivots, and in this conversation, he brings a uniquely grounded perspective on how AI is fundamentally changing the role of leaders and the structure of modern organizations. From board-level decision-making to frontline productivity, he doesn’t just speculate—he shares what he’s doing inside his own company to lead through the change.

Greg originally joined Section to turn it from a media startup into a next-gen education company. But when he first used ChatGPT, he knew instantly that business education itself needed to evolve. That insight led to a bold pivot: transforming Section from an online business school into an AI-powered academy focused on accelerating performance and capability at scale. It’s a rare look at what it really takes to lead a high-velocity pivot—one grounded not in hype, but in strategy, execution, and conviction.

Throughout the conversation, Greg challenges conventional thinking on AI adoption, leadership credibility, and the future of knowledge work. He breaks down why many leaders are stuck in experimentation mode—and what it takes to move into actual transformation. CEOs and boards will find his views on performance, upskilling, and AI decision support to be especially compelling and uncomfortably timely.

If you're tired of surface-level conversations about AI and want to understand what the shift actually looks like inside a company, this episode delivers. Whether you're leading a small team or a global enterprise, Greg's insights on using AI as a leadership advantage—not just a tech upgrade—will spark new thinking and bold action.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why Greg believes the greatest leadership returns come not from better execution—but from catching the right wave at the right time.
• Hear how AI is already matching 90% of the value delivered by human board members—and what that means for your next board meeting.
• Discover why most corporate training is already obsolete, and how AI can turn learning into personalized, outcome-driven coaching.
• Hear how Shopify’s CEO linked headcount approvals to AI productivity—and how that kind of thinking will soon become the norm.
• You'll gain perspective on how to model AI adoption as a leader, and why failing to do so erodes credibility at every level of the organization.
• Learn Greg’s approach to building AI habits inside leadership teams—and why small, visible systems often matter more than a “transformation plan.”
• Find out what question every CEO should be asking before making a major decision—and why it might be time to invite AI into the room.
• Hear why Greg believes business model innovation—not technology—will be the real competitive battleground in the age of AI.
• Understand the deeper threat AI poses to entry-level jobs and talent pipelines—and why CEOs need to rethink how organizations grow their future leaders.
• You’ll hear the provocative question Greg uses to challenge his own team—and how it might reshape your own strategy discussions.

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Negotiation and sales are often treated as tactical skills. Something leaders do at the end of the process, armed with tricks, pressure, and leverage. In this conversation, Todd Caponi makes the case that this mindset is outdated—and increasingly damaging for leaders operating in a world of transparency, information abundance, and long-term accountability.

Todd draws on his experience as a former Chief Revenue Officer, his deep study of the history of sales and negotiation, and his latest book, Four Levers Negotiating: The Simple, Counterintuitive Way to Higher Deal Values and Lasting Trust, to challenge conventional wisdom about how deals actually get done. His core argument is simple but provocative: people don’t make decisions because they’re convinced. They decide when they can predict outcomes. And most leadership behaviors unintentionally undermine that predictability.

The conversation explores why traditional negotiation tactics—holding cards close, creating artificial urgency, treating the deal as the finish line—erode trust precisely when it matters most. Todd explains how many of these practices emerged from a very different economic era and why they fail in today’s interconnected, reputation-driven environment.

At the center of the discussion is Todd’s Four Levers framework, which reframes negotiation as a leadership system rather than a personality trait. Instead of games and pressure, the framework focuses on transparency, trade-offs, and shared understanding—creating better decisions for both sides and reducing internal friction across leadership teams.

This episode is not about becoming a better negotiator in the traditional sense. It’s about how leaders create trust, predictability, and long-term value—whether they are working with customers, boards, partners, or their own leadership teams.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why leaders don’t win decisions by persuading harder—but by helping others predict outcomes more clearly.
• Hear how treating the deal as an “early milestone,” rather than the finish line, changes how leaders approach trust and accountability.
• Discover why many pricing and negotiation conflicts inside organizations have less to do with money and more to do with unclear decision logic.
• Learn how Todd’s Four Levers framework creates flexibility without sacrificing consistency or trust.
• Hear why fake urgency and short-term pressure often backfire, even when they appear to work in the moment.
• Explore how transparency speeds up the right decisions while quickly ending the wrong ones.
• Understand why predictability is an undervalued leadership asset—and how it affects forecasting, resourcing, and alignment.
• Learn how sharing constraints, rather than hiding them, can turn resistance into partnership.

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Four Levers Negotiating: The Simple, Counterintuitive Way to Higher Deal Values and Lasting Trust

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, futurists Bob Johansen and Jamais Cascio join the conversation to explore the ideas behind their new book, The Age of Chaos: A Sense-Making Guide to a BANI World That Doesn’t Make Sense. Both guests bring decades of deep foresight work, scenario planning, and leadership insight—Bob through more than 50 years with the Institute for the Future, and Jamais as the originator of the BANI framework (“brittle, anxious, nonlinear, incomprehensible”). Their combined perspectives create a powerful lens for leaders facing a world where old assumptions and linear playbooks no longer hold.

Across the discussion, they argue that today’s disruptions are not isolated shocks. They are interconnected, compounding forces that make the environment fundamentally different from the “VUCA world” many leaders were trained for. Johansen and Cascio unpack how brittleness shows up in organizations disguised as efficiency, why anxiety has become a rational and necessary signal, and how nonlinearity rewrites traditional cause-and-effect expectations. They challenge leaders to rethink certainty, decision-making, and the stories they tell inside their organizations.

At the heart of the conversation is a clear message: leading in a BANI world requires a shift in mindset. The best leaders will cultivate clarity instead of certainty, ask better questions instead of providing fast answers, and build organizations that bend rather than break under pressure. Cascio highlights how empathy, diverse perspectives, and even “useful wrongness” serve as strategic advantages. Johansen pushes leaders to think farther into the future than they are comfortable with—then work backwards to create resilient clarity in the present.

The episode does not offer easy fixes. Instead, it gives listeners a framework for making sense of complexity, a set of practices to strengthen foresight, and a renewed understanding of the human side of leadership in chaotic times. For CEOs, board members, and senior executives navigating relentless uncertainty, this conversation provides both grounding and a challenge: to lead with more humility, more imagination, and more future-back discipline.

Actionable Takeaways* You’ll learn why “clarity beats certainty” and how leaders who project confidence without openness can miss critical signals in chaotic environments. * Hear how to spot brittleness in your systems—and why high efficiency often hides vulnerabilities that collapse under stress. * You’ll learn why a healthy level of anxiety is necessary and how leaders can use it to sharpen attention without slipping into dysfunction. * Hear how to apply foresight as a leadership practice, using scenarios not to predict the future but to “vaccinate” your organization against emerging risks. * You’ll learn why nonlinear environments break traditional planning, and how to cultivate neuro-flexibility and improvisational leadership. * Hear how storytelling becomes a strategic tool, helping leaders create meaning, focus attention, and align teams in moments of uncertainty. * You’ll learn why cross-generational leadership is becoming a competitive advantage, especially as digital natives bring new skills to nonlinear problem-solving.

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Institute for the Future

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Louisa Loran, a seasoned executive advisor whose career spans legacy brands, global industrial giants, and one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Louisa brings a rare perspective shaped by leadership roles at Diageo, Maersk, and Google—giving her a front-row seat to how strategy, operating models, and leadership expectations shift across industries and eras.

The conversation centers on a hard truth many leadership teams avoid: strategy does not fail because leaders lack intelligence or effort—it fails because organizations try to adapt to a changing world without changing how they operate. Louisa challenges the assumption that transformation is about better plans or new tools. Instead, she reframes it as a question of movement, clarity, and leadership conviction in the absence of certainty.

Drawing from her book, Leadership Anatomy in Motion, Louisa explores how leaders can recognize patterns rather than chase trends, why digitizing the past rarely creates future value, and how AI often exposes deeper strategic blind spots instead of fixing them. She also addresses the uncomfortable leadership work of identity—when leaders must ask whether they are still the right person to lead the next phase of the organization.

Throughout the discussion, Mahan and Louisa examine collective intelligence, operating model shifts, succession readiness, and the real risks of mistaking activity for progress. This is not a conversation about leadership theory. It is a grounded, experience-based dialogue about what it actually takes to lead when the rules keep changing—and when the cost of waiting is higher than the cost of acting.

For CEOs, board members, and senior executives navigating uncertainty, this episode offers a candid look at the decisions, questions, and trade-offs that define effective leadership today.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why Louisa believes she can tell in a single conversation whether a transformation will succeed—and what she listens for.
• Hear how operating model clarity matters more than strategy decks when organizations face disruption.
• Discover why many AI investments fail before they start, even when the technology works.
• Learn how pattern recognition differs from reacting to headlines—and why this distinction matters for long-term relevance.
• Hear why leadership identity, not just capability, often becomes the hidden constraint in transformation.
• Explore how collective intelligence can accelerate execution—or quietly stall it—depending on leadership direction.
• Understand what it means to lead without certainty, and why waiting for clarity can be the most expensive decision.
• Learn why digitizing existing processes can create the illusion of progress while value quietly shifts elsewhere.

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Leadership Anatomy in Motion: Empowering You to Lead Through Technology and People

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Eric Termuende, leadership thinker, speaker, and author of Rethink Work: Finding & Keeping the Right Talent, for a grounded conversation about what actually holds teams together in times of uncertainty.

Rather than focusing on trends or surface-level engagement tactics, the discussion explores why trust, clarity, and human connection remain the real differentiators for leaders trying to reduce friction and sustain performance. Eric shares practical insights drawn from his work with organizations that have stopped chasing big transformation initiatives and instead focus on small, consistent shifts that compound over time.

Mahan and Eric examine why many leadership teams feel overwhelmed despite good intentions, and how blind spots, inaction, and excessive control quietly erode trust. The conversation challenges the idea that certainty is required to lead well, replacing it with a more realistic and resilient approach rooted in direction, psychological safety, and shared responsibility.

The episode also looks at what makes teams “unwavering” when the environment around them is anything but stable. Through concrete examples and memorable stories, Eric illustrates how leaders can build trust that lasts, reduce unnecessary friction, and create conditions where people contribute their best thinking.

This conversation is especially relevant for CEOs and senior executives who sense that the way work gets done needs to change, but who want practical leadership insight rather than abstract theory.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why organizations don’t suffer from survey fatigue as much as something far more damaging.
• Hear how small, intentional “one-degree shifts” outperform large transformation efforts over time.
• Discover what actually makes teams steady during turbulence, and why trust acts as the stabilizer.
• Learn why leaders often create friction without realizing it, especially through control and approvals.
• Hear a real example of how daily, employee-driven improvement can reshape culture and results.
• Understand why clarity of direction matters more than certainty in today’s leadership environment.
• Learn how shared language and experiences quietly strengthen connection and execution.
• Explore how trust in human judgment remains essential even as AI tools become part of everyday work.
• Hear why relationships, not systems, ultimately determine whether teams adapt or stall.

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Les Csorba — senior partner at Heidrick & Struggles and author of Aware: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly. Drawing on decades advising CEOs, boards, and leadership teams, Les makes a compelling case that self-awareness is not a soft skill but a strategic differentiator. With leaders facing complexity, speed, and pressure unlike anything in recent memory, Les argues that the ability to see yourself clearly has become a true competitive edge.

Throughout the conversation, Les breaks down why so many successful leaders overestimate their self-awareness — and why that gap grows as they ascend into larger roles. He draws from extensive leadership assessments, behavioral research, and personal experience to show how blind spots quietly shape decisions, team dynamics, and organizational culture. His insights on the “CEO bubble,” the tension between intent and impact, and the way digital validation dulls reflection will resonate with any executive navigating today’s environment.

The discussion also explores practical ways leaders can strengthen their self-awareness without resorting to vague platitudes or one-time exercises. Les shares stories from his own leadership journey, examples from well-known CEOs, and a grounded perspective on how to build cultures that make honest feedback possible. His framing of courage, humility, and reflection feels less like theory and more like leadership discipline.

Finally, the conversation touches on timely challenges — from AI’s influence on leader behavior to the importance of understanding one’s “shadow” as a driver of organizational culture. Les brings a balanced, seasoned voice to these issues, offering clarity without overconfidence. For CEOs and senior executives committed to leading with greater impact, this episode offers a set of insights that are as practical as they are thought-provoking.

Actionable Takeaways* You’ll learn why most leaders dramatically overestimate their self-awareness and why the gap between perception and reality grows as responsibilities increase. * Hear how to distinguish between internal awareness and external awareness, and why the difference between intent and impact is where many leadership breakdowns occur. * You’ll hear why honest feedback rarely reaches the top, and what the best CEOs do to counteract the “bubble” that forms around them. * Discover how small habits — reflection, solitude, and the “to-be list” — can sharpen judgment and strengthen leadership presence. * Hear how blind spots form and why naming them isn’t enough, and why building a “courage muscle” is essential for behavior change. * You’ll learn what leading researchers and leadership assessments reveal about the traits that help executives mobilize, execute, transform, and stay agile. * Hear how top leaders like Jamie Dimon, Warren Buffett, and Elon Musk approach their own blind spots — and what that means for every executive who wants to keep growing. * Discover why AI makes self-awareness more important, not less, and how understanding your wiring becomes a safeguard against unintended influence.

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Aware: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Bernard Harris, a leader whose extraordinary career trajectory—from physician to NASA astronaut to CEO and venture capitalist—offers rare insights into the inner work of leadership. Dr. Harris is the first African American to walk in space, and the author of Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential. His unique vantage point, shaped by science, space exploration, and C-suite leadership, gives him an extraordinary lens on what really limits potential—not just for individuals, but for teams and entire organizations.

This is not a conversation about space missions. It's a candid exploration of the hidden forces that hold even the most accomplished leaders back. Dr. Harris shares how fear, false identity, and overachievement can become barriers disguised as success—and how leaders can finally begin to let go. With disarming honesty, he recounts how constant validation once drove his every move, and how shedding that need was key to unlocking deeper effectiveness and personal alignment.

What makes this episode essential for executive listeners is not just the personal story—it’s the direct application to business and leadership contexts. Dr. Harris talks about leading teams under pressure, confronting blind spots in senior leadership, and what it really takes to receive feedback at the top. His reflections offer a masterclass in self-awareness and intentional leadership, especially for those navigating high-stakes roles where perception often replaces truth.

Whether you're leading a company, serving on a board, or mentoring the next generation of executives, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define success, strength, and growth. The conversation isn't about doing more—it’s about uncovering what’s driving your decisions, and whether it’s truly aligned with your values and long-term vision.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You’ll learn how Dr. Harris overcame fear—not through toughness, but by reframing what failure really means for leaders.
• Hear how overachievement can be a trap, even when it’s applauded—especially for those in senior roles.
• Discover why most CEOs stop getting meaningful feedback—and what to do to get the truth back on the table.
• Explore the performance identity leaders develop—and how it can silently limit their ability to lead authentically.
• Find out what happened when Dr. Harris was told by his team: “You’re a micromanager”—and what he did next.
• Learn why self-awareness is a strategic advantage, not just a personal virtue.
• Hear Dr. Harris describe how he applies the same mindset that got him into space to running businesses and investing.
• Explore how internal versus external drivers shape leadership clarity—and how to regain control of your narrative.
• Understand how success, when unchecked, can become an armor that distances leaders from their teams.

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Embracing Infinite Possiblities

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with David Ross, VUCA strategist and author of Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of Uncertainty. David is a renowned expert on VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environments and has spent his career advising organizations on how to thrive amidst complexity and disruption. With a background as an ecologist, David brings a unique perspective to leadership—one that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the issues facing businesses and society today. His deep understanding of wicked problems, those challenges with no straightforward solutions, forms the backbone of this engaging conversation.

The discussion centers around how leaders must adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape, where traditional approaches no longer work. David argues that the old leadership models—based on control and linear thinking—are ill-suited for the challenges we face today. Instead, he advocates for a more collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and resilient leadership style, one that embraces uncertainty rather than fighting it. He explains how technology, climate change, and societal shifts are creating a world that’s more BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible), and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.

Throughout the episode, David draws on his extensive experience advising CEOs and leadership teams, offering practical insights into how organizations can navigate the unpredictability of today’s environment. He also delves into the importance of hope and optimism, even in times of crisis, and how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why traditional leadership models based on control and linear thinking are no longer effective in today's VUCA world—and what you need to replace them with.
• Hear how embracing uncertainty and fostering resilience can transform how your organization responds to crises and wicked problems.
• Discover the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and why listening is just as important as speaking in today’s collaborative environments.
• Find out what David means by a BANI world (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) and how leaders can adapt to thrive in these unpredictable times.
• Explore the importance of hope and optimism in leadership and how turning crises into opportunities is key to long-term success.
• Understand why future literacy and foresight are critical tools for leaders looking to anticipate change and guide their organizations through complexity.
• Learn why David believes that normalcy has left the building and how leaders must evolve to lead effectively in this new reality.
• Hear David's insights on why collaboration—not isolation—is the future of leadership and how diverse perspectives fuel innovation.
• Gain insight into why scenario planning is a powerful tool for leaders to prepare for multiple futures and make better strategic decisions.

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Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of Uncertainty

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In this compelling episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mark Schaefer returns to share fresh, provocative insights from his latest book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. A globally respected marketing strategist, bestselling author, and deep observer of technological change, Schaefer brings sharp clarity to a pressing leadership question: what does it take to stay relevant when artificial intelligence makes intelligence itself abundant?

Rather than offering a simplistic take on AI, Schaefer challenges leaders to confront a more nuanced truth: AI doesn’t just change how we work—it redefines where we create value. In a world where intelligence is cheap and accessible to everyone, he argues, leaders must shift their organizations from knowledge accumulation to human differentiation.

The conversation dives into what “out-humaning” AI actually looks like. From designing moments of awe to fostering fearless creativity, Schaefer offers examples and frameworks that push beyond theory. He connects storytelling, community-building, and emotional resonance not just as marketing strategies—but as core leadership capabilities that machines can’t replicate.

This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and senior executives grappling with the implications of AI. It’s not about resisting the future—it’s about recognizing what only humans can do, and leading teams to do it with more clarity, urgency, and creativity than ever before.

Actionable Takeaways

• You'll learn why intelligence is no longer a competitive advantage—and what replaces it at the leadership level.
• Hear how to reframe your organizational structure and decision-making in a world where AI handles most of the “smart work.”
• Discover what Mark Schaefer means by “out-humaning AI” and why that’s now your most important leadership mandate.
• You'll learn why competence is no longer enough—and how leaders who rely on it alone risk irrelevance.
• Hear how to use awe, authenticity, and community as strategic tools to build trust and emotional engagement that AI can’t touch.
• You'll learn how to think about brand relevance and personal credibility when your audience knows AI could have written your content.
• Hear how to identify and overcome the fear that’s keeping your organization stuck in mediocrity.
• You'll learn what makes bold storytelling and immersive experience design the next frontier in business leadership.
• Hear how to embrace AI as a creative partner without outsourcing your strategic soul.

Connect with Mark Schaefer :

• Website: Businesses Grow
• Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn

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Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Alan Gregerman, innovation advisor and author of The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World. Gregerman has spent his career helping organizations rethink what expertise is, how innovation really happens, and why the answers leaders rely on can quietly become their biggest obstacles.

Alan’s core argument is simple but uncomfortable: what leaders don’t know matters more than what they do know. In a world defined by rapid change, shifting customer expectations, and new competitors emerging from outside traditional industry boundaries, Gregerman makes the case that uncertainty isn’t a threat to manage—it’s an advantage to use. Leaders who cling to knowledge, certainty, and past success miss the breakthroughs that come from curiosity, humility, and fresh eyes.

Throughout the conversation, Alan shows how relying on expertise alone limits an organization’s ability to see new possibilities. He highlights why new employees, outsiders, and even strangers to the industry often spot the best opportunities, and he shares a practical onboarding practice for tapping into those insights before they disappear. His message: innovation doesn’t come from doubling down on what you already know; it comes from intentionally opening the boundaries of where ideas can come from.

The episode also explores why most industries are disrupted by people who have no history in them, the discipline required to stay relevant, and the role of small experiments in uncovering what customers actually value. Alan connects all of this to the rise of AI, arguing that if the work is rooted in routine knowledge, machines will do it faster—and leaders must elevate imagination, sensemaking, and dot-connecting to stay ahead.

For CEOs and senior executives looking to build organizations that remain adaptable, curious, and competitive, this conversation offers a sharp, practical lens on what real innovation leadership looks like today.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why Alan believes not knowing can be a strategic advantage—and how leaders can use uncertainty to fuel innovation.

• You’ll hear how new employees reveal blind spots organizations no longer notice, and a simple onboarding practice that turns their insights into value.

• You’ll learn why most disruption comes from outsiders—and what that means for your planning, competitive scanning, and leadership mindset.

• You’ll hear how small, fast experiments outperform polished plans, especially when customer needs shift faster than internal decision cycles.

• You’ll learn how to widen your sources of insight by looking beyond your industry—and why this practice separates resilient organizations from stuck ones.

• You’ll hear how to hire for perspective, not just expertise, and build teams capable of seeing opportunities others overlook.

• You’ll learn why AI elevates the importance of imagination, creativity, and sensemaking—and what kinds of work will remain uniquely human.

• You’ll hear how humility shifts a leader’s impact, creating space for ideas that wouldn’t emerge if the team assumed the leader already knows the answer.

Connect with Alan Gregerman

Alan Gregerman Website
Alan Gregerman LinkedIn

The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Selena Rezvani invites leaders to rethink some of the most deeply ingrained assumptions about modern management. Drawing from her new book Quick Leadership and years of work with top-performing organizations, Selena challenges CEOs and senior leaders to examine the hidden forces shaping their teams’ behavior—especially the unspoken power dynamics that still drive command-and-control cultures even when leaders insist they’ve moved past them. Her insights land squarely in the real world: where expectations are rising, trust is fragile, and employees—especially Gen Z—expect to be led very differently than generations before them.

Selena begins with a powerful personal story that shaped her mission: reducing unnecessary suffering at work. From there, she unpacks how overwork culture became a badge of honor in many organizations, and why leaders who continue to glorify exhaustion will struggle to build sustainable, innovative teams. More importantly, she explains what leaders can celebrate instead—and how to shift the “hero stories” that quietly define organizational norms.

A major throughline in the conversation is psychological safety, but not in abstract terms. Selena offers practical, high-signal markers leaders can use to assess whether their teams truly feel safe speaking up: signs in the spoken, unspoken, and silent moments of meetings. She also challenges leaders to examine how they may unintentionally shut down dissent, even while believing they are approachable and open.

The episode also dives into modern leadership skill sets—filtering urgency rather than amplifying it, protecting teams from noise, resisting meeting overload, and embracing “selective excellence” instead of perfectionism. Selena offers pragmatic tools leaders can use immediately, from rethinking meeting dynamics to redesigning feedback routines that are informal, frequent, and genuinely useful.

The conversation closes with one of the most important themes for today’s executive teams: the disproportionate impact managers have on employees’ mental health. Selena brings data and perspective that will push leaders to rethink their weekly rhythms, their one-on-one structures, and their responsibility to the people they lead.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why today’s “hero stories” inside organizations matter—and how changing them shifts what people believe earns respect, promotion, and recognition.
• Hear how Gen Z’s participatory mindset is reshaping expectations for leadership, communication, and power-sharing inside modern teams.
• You’ll understand the subtle power dynamics leaders often overlook—and the specific behaviors that signal whether dissent is truly welcome.
• Hear Selena explain how to spot the real indicators of psychological safety in meetings, including what to look for in silence, hesitation, or discomfort.
• You’ll learn practical ways leaders can counter urgency culture by acting as a “filter,” not an amplifier, and why this dramatically improves team performance.
• Hear how to rethink meetings using a simple question: “Is this worth pulling people away from their strategic work?”—and what great leaders do in the first five minutes to change the tone.
• You’ll learn why “selective excellence” is a competitive advantage for leaders—and how to decide what deserves your very best and what doesn’t.
• Hear Selena describe how to build a feedback culture that is regular, informal, and honest—instead of formal, rare, and disconnected from real performance.
• You’ll learn new ways to structure one-on-ones so employees always know where they stand—and why this is one of the biggest drivers of engagement and retention.

Connect with Selena Rezvani

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli hosts Andrea Sampson, an expert in strategic storytelling and the co-founder of Talk Boutique. Andrea Sampson talks about the fascinating intersection of brain science and storytelling, emphasizing why humans are hardwired to respond to stories. As an experienced speaker's coach for TEDx Toronto and a thought leader in her own right, Andrea shares her journey from the advertising world to helping change-makers communicate their ideas effectively.

Andrea highlights the critical role storytelling plays in leadership and organizational success. She explains how stories, unlike mere data, engage multiple parts of the brain, making messages more memorable and impactful. Leaders are often trained to prioritize facts and figures, but Andrea argues that integrating storytelling into their communication strategies can significantly enhance their influence and connection with their audience.

Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores the importance of starting with a clear strategic message before crafting the narrative. She shares practical insights on how leaders can identify and refine their core messages, ensuring that their stories are not only engaging but also aligned with their organizational goals. By drawing on examples from iconic brands like Apple and Disney, Andrea illustrates how a singular focus can drive brand consistency and loyalty.

Moreover, Andrea addresses the challenge of vulnerability in leadership. She advocates for sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds, enabling leaders to convey authenticity and empathy without retraumatizing themselves or their audience.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the Brain Science Behind Storytelling: Understand why humans are neurologically hardwired to respond to stories and how this can be leveraged in leadership.
• Engage Multiple Parts of the Brain: Learn how integrating sensory details into your narratives can make your messages more memorable.
• Start with a Strategic Message: Hear why it's crucial to begin with a clear idea before crafting your story to ensure alignment with your goals.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Find out how sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds can enhance authenticity and connection.
• Consistency is Key: Learn from iconic brands like Apple and Disney on the importance of maintaining a singular focus in your storytelling.
• The Role of Community in Thought Leadership: Understand the importance of building a supportive community to amplify your personal brand and core message.
• Overcome Storytelling Fears: Hear how leaders can overcome the fear of storytelling by refining their skills and embracing their unique experiences.
• Practical Storytelling Techniques: Discover actionable tips on how to use storytelling to deliver difficult messages and inspire your team.

Connect with the Andrea Sampson:

Talk Boutique Website

Andrea Sampson LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Sangeet Paul Choudary, one of the world’s leading thinkers on digital strategy, platforms, and the future of value creation. Sangeet is the author of the acclaimed new book Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Transforms the Knowledge Economy, a work that reframes how leaders must think about artificial intelligence—not as a tool for faster workflows, but as a force that will rewrite the foundations of competition.

Across the conversation, Sangeet challenges the familiar narrative of automation and productivity gains. Drawing on decades of research into platforms, market structure, and shifting sources of advantage, he explains why AI’s real impact will not be felt at the task level but at the level of organizational identity, industry architecture, and the assumptions leaders use to define their business. For CEOs and senior executives, his message is clear: the companies that thrive in the years ahead will be those that reexamine what game they play before investing in how fast they play it.

Sangeet introduces the idea of building a “map”—a strategic view of how value is moving across your industry—before deploying AI to accelerate existing processes. He argues that leaders who rush to optimize current workflows risk becoming highly efficient at activities that no longer matter. Instead, organizations must continually reassess their model of the market, the basis of differentiation, and the capabilities that will matter one year out—a timeframe that now represents the new strategic horizon.

The discussion spans far beyond theory. Through examples ranging from mining and materials to chemicals, healthcare, and creative industries, Sangeet shows how knowledge work underpins value creation in nearly every sector—and how AI will reshape that work. He also explores the growing importance of sensemaking, the role of agency inside organizations, why incumbents struggle to adapt to new architectures, and what leaders must do to prepare their people for the jobs and capabilities of tomorrow.

For senior executives navigating unprecedented uncertainty, this episode offers a compelling lens on the future—not through hype, but through practical strategy. Sangeet’s insights help leaders see what they may have sensed but couldn’t yet articulate, and highlight the conversations they need to prioritize with their teams right now.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why “running faster” with AI may push your organization in the wrong direction—and how to build the right strategic map before accelerating.
• Hear how Sangeet reframes AI’s impact—not as workflow automation, but as a force that reshapes differentiation, identity, and industry structure.
• You’ll explore why knowledge work underpins value creation in far more sectors than most leaders assume—and what that means for your competitive position.
• Hear how to distinguish first-order effects of AI (automation) from second- and third-order effects that redefine entire markets.
• You’ll learn why sensemaking is no longer the job of a strategy team alone—and what leaders must do to distribute this capability across the organization.
• Discover how coordination, not autonomy, will become the real advantage inside AI-enabled organizations.
• Hear why incumbents often fail—not because they’re slow, but because they can’t shift to new architectures—and what leaders can do differently.
• You’ll learn why reskilling efforts fall short when they assume today’s skills will still matter tomorrow, and what capability development should look like now.
• Hear how to rethink your own role and your team’s roles on a one-year horizon—now the new planning cycle for meaningful strategic shifts.
• You’ll learn why approaching AI as a board of advisor

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What if the greatest risk to your organization isn't economic uncertainty, market volatility, or disruptive technology—but the decisions being made in your own boardroom?

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Didier Cossin, IMD professor and global expert in board governance, whose book High Performance Boards has become a must-read for senior leaders looking to elevate board effectiveness. Drawing from decades of research, real-world consulting, and cross-disciplinary experience—including economics, risk management, and even poetry—Cossin brings a powerful lens to what leadership at the top should really look like.

Cossin argues that governance has been misunderstood by many organizations as a compliance function, rather than what it truly is: a system that shapes the quality of executive decisions. He challenges CEOs and board members to rethink how they engage with one another, what information they rely on, and who actually owns governance performance. The result is a compelling case for boards as enablers of transformation—not just overseers of risk.

Throughout the conversation, Cossin shares examples and frameworks that translate theory into practice. He offers clarity on how boards can evolve to meet the complexity of today’s environment while helping CEOs make better, faster, and more strategic decisions. From the role of the chair to the structure of board packs to the power of informal intelligence, every element of this conversation is designed to elevate how boards contribute to long-term success.

If you are a CEO, board member, or executive leader committed to high-performance leadership and long-term impact, this episode offers both insight and challenge to help you lead more effectively—starting at the top.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how Didier Cossin reframes governance as a driver of decision quality—not just risk oversight or compliance.
• Learn why the chair, not the CEO, is ultimately responsible for board performance—and why that distinction matters.
• Discover how most boards are overwhelmed with information but still lack the intelligence needed for high-quality decisions.
• Understand the four levers of board performance—people, information, structure, and culture—and how each one shapes outcomes.
• Explore how the CEO-chair relationship must be intentionally designed, not assumed, for true alignment and accountability.
• Find out why board materials should be curated like an executive dashboard—and how overstuffed board books hinder strategic conversations.
• Learn how boards should evolve from approving strategy to actively shaping it—especially in complex and fast-moving environments.
• Reflect on how strong governance creates the organizational capacity to adapt, lead, and perform over the long term.

Connect with Didier CossinDidier Cossin at IMD

Didier Cossin LinkedIn

High Performance Boards

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Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

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What if creativity isn’t a gift possessed by a few—but a skill every leader already has? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden, co-authors of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World. Drawing from their work at Stanford and Harvard, they share how innovation is less about genius and more about discipline, collaboration, and the willingness to see differently.

Forshaw and Braden dismantle the myth of the lone genius, showing how the best ideas rarely come from one person’s brilliance but from diverse teams willing to challenge each other’s assumptions. They unpack the concept of “cognitive caution”—that natural human tendency to play it safe—and explain how leaders can create the psychological conditions that make creativity thrive.

The conversation explores why traditional brainstorming often fails, why “innovation theater” gives the illusion of progress without impact, and what leaders can do to make innovation an everyday practice rather than a one-off event. From developing the muscles of divergent and convergent thinking to understanding how fear, hierarchy, and bias stifle creative problem-solving, this dialogue offers a roadmap for embedding innovation deeply into leadership and culture.

Braden and Forshaw also discuss the responsibility that comes with innovation—how thoughtful leaders must consider both the intended and unintended consequences of new ideas. And in a world reshaped by AI, they offer a refreshing reminder: technology can amplify human creativity, but it cannot replace the curiosity, humility, and judgment at the heart of real leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for CEOs and senior leaders who want to foster innovation that’s not performative, but practical—and who see creativity not as a department, but as a leadership imperative.

Actionable Takeaways

• You'll learn why everyone—not just “creative types”—is capable of breakthrough thinking, and how leaders can help teams rediscover that confidence.
• Hear how to replace “innovation theater” with daily practices that embed creativity into decision-making and culture.
• Discover the concept of cognitive caution—and how to reduce the fear and hesitation that quietly shut down new ideas in organizations.
• Explore the difference between divergent, convergent, and executive thinking—and how each contributes to effective innovation.
• Find out why the myth of the lone genius hurts innovation, and what truly collaborative creativity looks like inside high-performing teams.
• Learn how to ask better questions—the kind that expand perspective, reveal blind spots, and lead to better solutions.
• Hear why humility may be a leader’s most powerful innovation skill, enabling curiosity and openness across the organization.
• Understand why short-term performance pressures often block creative problem-solving—and what leaders can do to make space for exploration.

Connect with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden

Innovationish Website

Innovationish Substack

Tessa Forshaw LinkedIn

Rich Braden LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with futurist and strategist Dr. Mark van Rijmenam to explore how leaders can thrive in an era defined by exponential change. Known for his sharp insights into emerging technologies and their impact on society, van Rijmenam shares a grounded yet urgent view of the transformation reshaping every aspect of our world—from business and education to governance and human interaction.

Van Rijmenam argues that the shifts underway are not just technological but also ecological and geopolitical, converging into what he calls a “tsunami of change.” Unlike past revolutions that unfolded over centuries, today’s convergence of AI, robotics, blockchain, quantum computing, and biotechnology is remaking industries and organizations in mere years. He urges leaders to recognize the pace and scale of disruption and to evolve their thinking beyond the limits of linear strategy.

Throughout the conversation, van Rijmenam challenges executives to rethink traditional leadership models. Short-term metrics and hierarchical control, he warns, are relics of a slower age. To lead effectively in exponential times, leaders must decentralize decision-making, empower teams to act with trust, and adopt a long-term mindset that includes future generations in their calculus of success. The future will belong to those who can combine adaptability with ethical awareness—who understand not only what technology can do but what it should do.

This discussion also dives into the human dimensions of the digital revolution. From reimagining education and lifelong learning to confronting the erosion of trust in a world of deepfakes and misinformation, van Rijmenam calls for a new kind of leadership—one that cultivates critical thinking and moral courage as much as technical fluency. His perspective is both sobering and optimistic: chaos is inevitable, but it can also be a catalyst for renewal if leaders are willing to reimagine how organizations and societies operate.

Whether you’re leading a global enterprise or a mission-driven organization, this episode will expand your view of what it means to lead in exponential times—and why the leaders of tomorrow must become what van Rijmenam calls “architects of the future,” building systems that serve humanity as much as innovation.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why Mark van Rijmenam believes this era of transformation is unlike any in history—and why leaders who mistake exponential change for incremental evolution risk falling behind fast.
• Hear how the convergence of multiple technologies—not just AI—is creating a ripple effect that is reshaping industries and leadership itself.
• Discover what it takes to move from linear to exponential thinking, and why our evolutionary wiring makes that shift so difficult.
• Explore the limits of short-termism and why CEOs must adopt a long-term perspective that considers future generations, not just next-quarter results.
• Find out why traditional education models are failing to prepare the next generation—and what leaders can do to foster critical thinking and lifelong learning inside their organizations.
• Learn how decentralized decision-making and empowered cultures build resilience in times of disruption—and what happens to companies that cling to control.
• Hear the story of how one company’s culture of challenge and trust prevented a multimillion-dollar fraud—and what it reveals about leadership in the age of

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a powerful conversation with Lior Arussy, renowned author, speaker, and expert in organizational transformation and customer experience. Lior is the author of the thought-provoking book Dare to Author: Take Charge of the Narrative of Your Life. In this episode, he brings his compelling insights to life, challenging leaders to rethink how they approach storytelling, organizational change, and leadership in an era of rapid disruption.

Lior shares his journey of discovering the power of stories—not just in shaping customer experiences but in transforming individual and organizational mindsets. Drawing on decades of working with global companies, he unpacks why so many people resist change, how leaders can overcome that resistance, and why the ability to craft and evolve personal and organizational narratives is critical for thriving in uncertainty.

Listeners will be inspired by Lior's insights on how leaders can empower their teams to embrace change without feeling judged, how to separate purpose from tools to drive transformation, and why storytelling is no longer a nice-to-have skill but a necessity for effective leadership. His approach combines practical frameworks with deeply human insights, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to unlock their team’s potential and elevate their leadership impact.

From redefining leadership as navigating the unknown to exploring how gratitude fuels resilience and innovation, this conversation is rich with actionable ideas.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You’ll learn why storytelling is not just a communication tool but a leadership necessity in driving transformation and engagement.
• Hear how to overcome resistance to change by reframing it as evolution rather than judgment of past efforts.
• Discover why separating purpose from tools can help you and your team embrace innovation with less fear and more confidence.
• Gain insights into why victimhood is a choice—and how to rise to the higher version of yourself as a leader.
• Learn the surprising connection between gratitude and resilience, and how embracing gratitude can fuel your team’s energy for change.
• Understand why the leadership practices you inherited 30 years ago may no longer serve you in today’s fast-paced, dynamic workplace.
• Explore the concept of cultural readiness and why leaders must take responsibility for their organization’s capacity to adapt and thrive.
• Find out why perfectionism paralyzes teams—and how to give your people permission to experiment and innovate.
• Hear why the biggest companies miss the biggest trends and how to avoid the ‘best practices trap.’
• Learn how to author your own leadership story and turn past successes and failures into tools for future growth.

Connect with the Lior Arussy

Lior Arussy Website

Lior Arussy LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What if the greatest leadership blind spot isn’t about people at all, but about the space between them?

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Ferrell, renowned leadership thinker and author of You and We: The Relational Rethinking of Work, Life, and Leadership. Known for co-authoring the international bestseller Leadership and Self-Deception, Ferrell’s latest work shifts the lens from managing individuals to managing the relationships that determine whether strategies succeed or fail.

Ferrell explains why execution often falters not inside functions, but at the seams — the handoffs, dependencies, and connections that link people, teams, and departments. He challenges leaders to rethink the org chart: while boxes and reporting lines are visible, the real value is created or lost in the white space between them. CEOs and boards who fail to see and lead that space risk blind spots, stalled strategies, and underperformance.

In the conversation, Ferrell outlines a framework of “levels of connectivity” that helps leaders diagnose whether relationships are dividing, subtracting, siloed, multiplying, or compounding results. He shares why leaders at the top often get the worst data, how systems and incentives frequently reinforce silos, and what it takes to truly lead at the relational level.

Whether you lead a global enterprise, a nonprofit, or a government agency, Ferrell’s insights invite you to rethink what leadership demands today: not simply inspiring individuals, but intentionally managing the relational field that drives execution, culture, and long-term performance.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear why execution fails most often at the seams, not inside the silos—and what this means for how leaders should focus their attention.
• Learn how to spot the blind spot on your org chart and why the white space between boxes matters more than the boxes themselves.
• Discover Jim Ferrell’s “levels of connectivity” and how each level determines whether relationships subtract value, add value, or compound it.
• Find out why CEOs at the top often receive the worst data—and what kind of leadership it takes to cultivate candor and real feedback.
• Explore how system design and incentives can quietly sabotage collaboration even among well-intentioned people.
• Understand how mapping connections across teams can reveal hidden risks and opportunities for acceleration.
• Learn practical moves senior leaders can make to strengthen critical relationships across teams, functions, and business units.
• Hear how leaders can build an organization where success is shared and compounded, rather than siloed and slowed.

Connect with Jim Ferrell

Jim Ferrell LinkedIn

You and We

Withiii Leadership

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Benjamin Tasker, an AI learning strategist who has applied artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges in healthcare and education. From predicting cancer risks in rural communities to improving student success rates through early intervention, Tasker has firsthand experience showing leaders how to harness AI for measurable impact.

In their conversation, Tasker pulls back the curtain on what executives need to know before chasing the latest AI headlines. He challenges the idea that AI itself is the solution, underscoring that without clean, reliable data, even the most advanced systems will fail — and fail in ways that can damage trust, reputation, and long-term value.

The discussion goes beyond the hype to explore the dual responsibility leaders face today: mastering the technical fundamentals that make AI work, while doubling down on the human skills that will differentiate leaders in an AI-enabled world. Tasker shares why empathy, communication, and decision-making under uncertainty will become more—not less—important as AI takes over more of the knowledge work inside organizations.

Mahan and Ben also look ahead to the risks on the horizon, including what Tasker calls an inevitable “shock event” in AI — a moment that will test organizational resilience, stakeholder trust, and leadership credibility. The episode is packed with insights for CEOs and senior executives navigating AI’s potential and its pitfalls, making it essential listening for leaders committed to staying ahead in a rapidly shifting environment.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear why jumping into AI without a clear data strategy can undermine your entire initiative — and what leaders must fix first.
• Learn how Tasker helped predict cancer risk factors using AI and what that example reveals about solving complex organizational challenges.
• Discover why clean, structured, and trustworthy data is the true competitive advantage in AI adoption.
• Understand the balance between building AI-related technical skills and strengthening human leadership capabilities.
• Find out which human skills will define leadership success as AI becomes more deeply embedded in decision-making.
• Get Tasker’s take on the “AI shock” that could change public trust overnight and how leaders should prepare for it.
• Hear how universities and organizations need to shift from time-based credentialing to competency-based skill validation.
• Learn the steps Tasker recommends for creating a personal and organizational learning plan to stay ahead in the AI era.

Connect with Benjamin Tasker

Benjamin Tasker Website

Benjamin Tasker LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What happens when the playbook for leadership no longer applies? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by futurist Steve Fisher and behavioral scientist Ja-Nae Duane, co-authors of Super Shifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn, and Work in the Age of Intelligence. With decades of experience in executive foresight, systems thinking, and organizational transformation, the duo brings clarity and urgency to what senior leaders must confront in this new era.

Rather than relying on trend-chasing or tech hype, Fisher and Duane challenge leaders to understand the structural shifts reshaping leadership, work, and society. From AI-driven augmentation to generational drift and collapsing institutional trust, the conversation explores how exponential change is converging across systems—and why most organizations are woefully unprepared.

What makes this episode stand out is its strategic lens on real leadership adaptation. The guests don’t just talk about what’s coming—they focus on how executives should respond. They offer a framework for leadership in the age of intelligence and make a powerful case for why foresight, anti-fragility, and systemic thinking aren’t optional—they’re now prerequisites.

You’ll walk away from this episode with a deeper understanding of the nine “super shifts” shaping the future—and a sharpened sense of what your organization and leadership team must start doing now. If you’re serious about designing future-ready strategy and building adaptive leadership capability, this episode is essential listening.

Actionable Takeaways

• You'll learn why your past leadership success patterns could now be liabilities—and what to do about it
• Hear how to build anti-fragility into your team’s mindset, especially during uncertainty and disruption
• You'll explore the five traits of future-fit leadership, and why adaptability matters more than control
• Discover how to integrate AI not just as a tool—but as a collaborative force inside your team
• Hear why scenario planning must evolve into “spectrum foresight”—and how the best leaders are already using it
• You'll be challenged to rethink your assumptions about leadership structure, generational norms, and centralized power
• Learn what “the paralysis of the present” means—and how it silently stalls innovation at the highest levels
• See how real leaders are designing for flexibility at the system level—not just reacting to tech shifts
• Explore ways to confront fear inside your organization—and turn it into a driver for learning and growth
• Understand why leaders who wait for certainty are falling behind—and what it takes to move without a map

Connect with Ja-Nae Duane and Steve Fisher

Super Shifts Book Website

Ja-Nae Duane LinkedIn

Steve Fisher LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Most executives still chase superstar hires, assuming great individuals will automatically form great teams. In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Dr. Vanessa Druskat brings research depth and field-tested experience to make a different case. She is the author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups that Outperform the Rest and a leading voice on how team norms drive performance. Her central claim is practical and testable. Outperformance comes from a clear system of team norms that reliably produce trust, candor, and real debate.

Druskat explains why experienced leadership teams underdeliver even with strong résumés. Status and power dominate airtime. Quiet voices go unheard. The organization leaves talent on the table. Her work shows that ordinary teams become extraordinary when leaders codify the right norms, invite every voice, and convert distributed knowledge into better decisions.

The episode organizes Team Emotional Intelligence into three buckets you can put to work fast. First, Belonging. People feel known, valued, and supported. Second, Learning Together. The team reviews what is working and what is not, and every voice participates in the analysis. Third, Outside In. The team seeks ideas and pressure tests beyond the group, including customers and friendly skeptics. Druskat ties these norms to psychological safety and faster, higher quality decisions, with concrete examples like 60-second check-ins, round-robins on live decisions, and five-minute debriefs.

For time-pressed CEOs, the playbook is efficient. Start with an all-voices baseline to gauge current norms. Leaders often see a rosier picture than the team. Then pilot small behaviors in leadership meetings. Shift time from presenting to exchanging information and deciding. Add a short debrief after key moments. Druskat shares examples from executive teams and clinical settings where simple routines quickly lifted collaboration and results.

She closes by tackling a stubborn myth. Hiring matters, but interactions matter more. Teams with average talent and superior norms outperform star teams with poor interactions. If your board expects speed, quality decisions, and execution, engineer the team’s operating system, not just its org chart.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn a practical definition of Team Emotional Intelligence that senior leaders can measure and manage, not a feel-good idea.
• Hear how to use three buckets of norms to raise decision quality and execution speed. Belonging. Learning together. Outside in.
• You’ll learn a quick baseline method that surfaces blind spots by including every voice, not only senior voices.
• Hear how to convert meetings into decision labs. Less presenting to impress, more exchanging information and deciding.
• You’ll learn why five-minute debriefs after key moments create rapid learning without adding meeting bloat.
• Hear how to invite customers, operators, or a friendly skeptic to improve strategy accuracy and foresight.
• You’ll learn why teams that include every voice unlock more talent than teams focused on individual star power.

Connect with Vanessa Druskat

Vanessa Druskat Website

Vanessa Drustkat LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What makes a great CEO today won’t be enough tomorrow. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carolyn Dewar, McKinsey Senior Partner and coauthor of A CEO for All Seasons—a practical, research-backed roadmap for leaders navigating the full arc of CEO leadership. Building on her global work advising top executives and the success of her previous bestseller CEO Excellence, Carolyn offers a candid, timely, and deeply strategic perspective on how CEOs can lead—and let go—with clarity, discipline, and impact.

Carolyn and Mahan explore the four leadership “seasons” every CEO moves through: preparation, early tenure, sustained performance, and exit. But what sets this conversation apart is its real-world focus on what actually trips up leaders—misjudged transitions, misplaced confidence, and the false comfort of past success. This isn’t theoretical leadership advice—it’s practical insight shaped by years of advising CEOs and boards during high-stakes moments.

What emerges is a compelling case for fit over familiarity, foresight over reaction, and reinvention over complacency. Carolyn makes it clear that the best CEOs aren't simply great strategists—they're great at timing, sequencing, and knowing when to shift or step aside. She shares stories of leaders who planned their exits with grace and those who stayed too long—and why boards often get it wrong.

If you're a CEO, board member, or senior leader shaping the next phase of your organization, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership longevity and legacy. You’ll walk away with practical framing for making bold decisions and managing change—not just within your business, but within yourself.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how to recognize the brief “unfreezing moment” that gives new CEOs a rare chance to reshape direction, expectations, and ambition
• Learn why even the most successful CEOs must reinvent themselves—or risk becoming the barrier to future growth
• Discover why the best succession plans start in a CEO’s first year, not their last
• You’ll learn how boards often default to “more of the same”—and why that mindset leads to costly misalignment
• Explore Carolyn’s take on what only the CEO can and should do—and how over-functioning CEOs damage execution
• Hear how some leaders design in tension—reverse mentors, red teams, bold advisors—to avoid echo chambers
• Learn how to approach succession planning not as a person to pick, but as work to define
• Find out what CEOs should leave behind in their final year—and what mistakes lock in poor transitions
• You'll hear examples of how great CEOs sustain performance through S-curves while preparing for what’s next
• Gain perspective on how Carolyn sees AI as a CEO’s partner, not a proxy for real leadership

Connect with Carolyn Dewar:

A CEO for All Seasons
Carolyn Dewar LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What separates truly exceptional leaders from the rest? According to Kurt Strovink, it’s not just strategy, execution, or decision-making—it’s the ability to lead from within. As a senior partner at McKinsey & Company and a global advisor to CEOs, Kurt has spent decades studying the patterns of the most successful executives. In his latest book, The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead from the Inside Out, he reveals what the best leaders do differently and why self-awareness is at the core of transformative leadership.

In this insightful conversation, Kurt unpacks the critical contradictions every CEO must navigate—balancing short-term and long-term priorities, managing gut instincts with data-driven analysis, and fostering trust while making tough calls. He also explores the human-centric aspects of leadership, showing why the most effective CEOs focus not just on financial performance but on culture, dissent, and psychological safety to drive long-term success.

Mahan Tavakoli and Kurt also discuss practical frameworks for leadership development, including how CEOs can create cultures that encourage truth-telling, manage their energy instead of just their time, and make bold decisions that define their legacies. Drawing on insights from 500+ CEO forums and top leaders worldwide, Kurt shares the strategies that help executives avoid common pitfalls and unlock their full leadership potential.

Actionable Takeaways from This Episode

• You'll learn why leading others starts with leading yourself—and how the best CEOs develop self-awareness as a core leadership skill.
• Hear how top leaders institutionalize truth-telling and dissent within their organizations to avoid blind spots and drive better decision-making.
• Find out why managing energy is just as important as managing time—and how CEOs structure their schedules for peak performance.
• Discover how to make bold, differentiating moves early in your leadership tenure to set the tone for lasting impact.
• Learn why the most effective CEOs challenge their own organizations like an activist investor, forcing teams to rethink assumptions and drive transformation.
• Explore the power of leadership storytelling—how CEOs use analogies and language to shape culture and inspire action.
• Uncover strategies for navigating the inevitable contradictions of leadership—short-term vs. long-term, data vs. intuition, and control vs. delegation.
• Hear how great CEOs build leadership factories, ensuring a pipeline of strong leaders while avoiding the distractions of succession politics.
• Understand why the best leaders don’t just execute strategy—they create the conditions for others to thrive and innovate.
• Find out when it’s time to step away and transition leadership—and how great CEOs prepare for what’s next.

Connect with Kurt Strovink

Kurt Strovink LinkedIn

Kurt Strovink McKinsey & Company

The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead from the Inside Out

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Gardner—legendary investor, co-founder of The Motley Fool, and author of Rule Breaker Investing. Over the past three decades, David has not only beaten the market—he’s reshaped how long-term investing is understood and practiced.

David’s track record is extraordinary:

• He recommended Amazon in 1997 (up 86,000% since)
• Tesla in 2012 (up 80,000%)
• Netflix in 2004 (up 937,000%)
• And NVIDIA in 2005 (up a staggering 1.2 million percent)

But what’s even more compelling is how he did it—and how those principles translate far beyond investing. David shares a deeply thoughtful approach to decision-making, pattern recognition, and long-term conviction that applies to business leaders, not just individual investors.

The conversation ranges from why “indexing is the new active,” to how embracing joy, optimism, and curiosity has made him a better investor, entrepreneur, and human being. For CEOs and leaders navigating uncertainty, David’s blend of rigor, irreverence, and wisdom offers valuable takeaways on strategy, innovation, and leadership mindset.

Whether you’re responsible for growing an organization or stewarding your own portfolio, this is a rare chance to learn from someone who’s played the long game—successfully, repeatedly, and with purpose.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear why most people invest backward—and how a “Rule Breaker” mindset flips the script.
• Learn the six traits David looks for in exponential companies—and how those same traits show up in standout leaders and teams.
• See why long-term thinking is the ultimate competitive moat—for investors and CEOs alike.
• Explore how optimism, when grounded in conviction, becomes a leadership advantage—not a liability.
• Understand how joy and playfulness build trust, culture, and long-term performance.
• Hear how David picked Amazon, Tesla, Netflix, and NVIDIA early—and why the key wasn’t spreadsheets, but belief in innovation and people.
• Discover why bold action beats cautious consensus—and how to reframe fear of failure into fuel for success.
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at how The Motley Fool disrupted financial services—and what it taught David about culture, mission, and momentum.
• Why the best investors and leaders ignore the crowd—and how to strengthen your internal compass.

Connect with David Gardner

David Garnder LinkedIn

David Gardner X

Rule Breaker Investing: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World

Rule Breaker Investing Podcast

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by one of the most sought-after advisors to Fortune 100 CEOs and boards—Ram Charan. Named “the most influential consultant alive” by Fortune, Charan draws on decades of boardroom experience and over 30 books—Execution, What the CEO Wants You to Know, The Amazon Management System, and more—to offer a timely and provocative leadership lens.

As the global environment becomes permanently uncertain, Charan urges leaders to stop relying on outdated models of strategy and execution. Instead, he argues, CEOs must build adaptive systems—grounded in real-time data, rapid decision-making, and leadership accountability. And if you're still thinking of AI as a support tool rather than a core business model, you may already be falling behind.

Throughout the conversation, Charan shares why execution—not strategy decks—is the true differentiator of high-performing organizations. He explains how to identify and elevate the top 2% of talent that drive exponential value. And he doesn’t shy away from calling out boards that repeatedly miss critical cues in CEO succession and pivot capability.

This episode is essential listening for CEOs, senior executives, and board leaders who want a sharper edge in today’s environment. If you’re ready to rethink how your organization operates—and leads—in real time, Ram Charan offers a clear-eyed, actionable framework that cuts through the noise.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear why Ram Charan believes uncertainty is now the default—and what that means for how leaders must think and act.
• Learn why strategy without execution is useless, and what it takes to lead execution at the pace of change.
• Discover how AI is becoming a business model, not just a technology platform—and what CEOs must do to embrace this shift.
• You'll learn how to identify and invest in your top 2% of talent—those who drive outsized returns in an AI-powered world.
• Hear how to build real-time execution systems that outperform lagging, traditional performance reviews.
• Explore why CEO succession often fails—and what boards consistently overlook in evaluating pivot capability.
• Gain insight into why fast feedback loops and live dashboards are now essential for senior teams and boards alike.
• Hear how Ram Charan thinks about amplifying imagination through AI, and why efficiency alone isn’t enough.
• Understand the behaviors that distinguish leaders who “get it” when it comes to execution, talent, and transformation.

Connect with Ram Charan

Ram Charan Website

Ram Charan LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this thought-provoking conversation, former nuclear submarine commander and bestselling author David Marquet returns to the Partnering Leadership podcast to discuss the core ideas behind his new book: Distancing: How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions. Known globally for Turn the Ship Around, Marquet once again challenges traditional leadership assumptions—this time taking aim at a problem many leaders don’t realize they have: they’re too close to their decisions.

Drawing from cognitive psychology, real-world leadership failures, and hard-earned lessons from the military to the boardroom, Marquet introduces a powerful framework he calls “distancing.” At its core: the idea that our best decisions often require us to stop thinking like ourselves. Whether it's asking, “What would my replacement do?” or considering how a future version of yourself might evaluate today’s choice, Marquet offers tactical ways leaders can gain clarity, reduce bias, and improve judgment under pressure.

Host Mahan Tavakoli guides the conversation toward the real-world application of these ideas, especially for senior executives navigating complexity, volatility, and the weight of past decisions. Marquet’s insights are sharp, often counterintuitive, and supported by both research and field-tested leadership practices.

Rather than offering platitudes or yet another leadership model, this conversation digs into the cognitive traps leaders fall into—and how to build the mental discipline to lead with more perspective and fewer blind spots. If you’re responsible for high-stakes decisions, leading through uncertainty, or shaping organizational strategy, this episode delivers the kind of clarity that shifts how you think about thinking.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why “being present” isn’t always good advice—and how it can narrow your thinking at the worst possible time
• Hear how one shift in language (“What would you do if you were me?”) led to better decisions from Marquet’s submarine crew—and how it applies to leadership teams today
• Discover why ego isn’t about arrogance—it’s about how your brain rewrites reality to protect your self-image
• Learn the three dimensions of strategic distancing—and how each one can improve executive judgment under pressure
• Hear how asking “What would my replacement do?” helped Intel’s Andy Grove overcome years of legacy inertia
• Find out why most retrospectives fall flat—and how to reframe them so people tell the truth without getting defensive
• Learn how stress shortens your mental lens—and what leaders can do to create space (not just speed) in decision-making
• Explore why decision hygiene matters more in volatile times—and what most leaders get wrong about intuition
• You’ll learn why leadership isn’t a conceptual exercise—and why Marquet compares it to learning a new language
• Hear the low-stakes practice Marquet recommends for building real-world empowerment habits—starting at your next restaurant meal

Connect with David Marquet

David Marquet Website

David Marquet LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What if the “panic habits” leaders default to are the very things burning out their best people? In this Partnering Leadership episode, Mita Mallick—author of The Devil Emails at Midnight—joins Mahan to unpack practical ways senior leaders can replace performative urgency with clear operating rules that people can trust. You will hear why bad bosses are made, not born, and how pressure from markets, role models, and personal crises can turn ordinary leaders into micromanagers.

Mita gets specific about power dynamics. A 4:30 a.m. email from the CEO trains teams to jump, even when the intent is “no rush.” She explains how to set explicit after-hours rules and model them yourself. The goal is to stop the 4 a.m. back-and-forth and restore predictable rhythms for high-stakes work.

Calendars signal culture. Mita argues for a deliberate meeting cleanse, real breaks, and protected one-on-ones. You will hear why “we are not AI agents,” why canceling a meeting can be the kindest move you make this week, and how simple touch points create loyalty.

Leaders also get a playbook for honest feedback. Mita shares how to create safety, why alumni calls six to twelve months after someone leaves yield the most actionable insight, and how a short journaling habit helps you see patterns in your own behavior before they damage trust.

Finally, Mita challenges a core assumption: most work is not life or death. Treating it that way creates burnout. She closes with a frank read on the broken employee–employer contract and a likely shift toward more consultant-style work, which makes clarity, expectations, and operating rules even more important for CEOs and boards.

Actionable Takeaways* You will learn how to set a clear after-hours rule that stops the 4 a.m. reply spiral, including what “urgent” actually means in your context. * Hear how to replace micromanagement with outcomes and guardrails when life outside work feels out of control. * You will learn why your calendar is your culture, and how a simple meeting cleanse reveals time for deep work and real one-on-ones. * Hear how to protect one-on-ones without turning them into therapy. Mita shares a practical cadence and a simple check-in script that builds connection. * You will learn a low-cost feedback system: invite coaching, thank in the moment, follow up with changes, and never hunt “who said what.” * Hear how to get clearer truth with alumni calls six to twelve months after exit interviews, when the emotion is gone and facts are usable. * You will learn to write simple hybrid rules that reduce proximity bias and make global teams feel fair and seen. * Hear how to reset leader expectations about urgency and burnout, starting with this line: “Most of our work is not life or death.” * You will learn why culture becomes the worst behavior you tolerate and how to intervene when disengagement starts to spiral. * Hear how to prepare for a future with looser roles and project-based deployment, and why clarity and operating rules will be your retention edge.

Connect with Mita MallickMita Mallick LinkedIn

The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ann Hiatt, Leadership Strategist & Consultant and Author of the book Bet on Yourself. Ann Hiatt shared the many lessons she learned while working alongside the world's top tech CEOs—Google's Eric Schmidt, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Yahoo's Marissa Meyer. In addition to the story of her reinvention, Ann Hiatt shared common practices and approaches of these and other top-performing leaders.

Some highlights:

• Ann Hiatt on how she ended up working at Amazon and supporting Jeff Bezos

• How Ann Hiatt handled the crisis when the helicopter she booked for Jeff Bezos ended up crashing

• The leadership models, habits, thought processes Ann Hiatt learned from working closely with Jezz Bezos and Eric Schmidt

• Ann Hiatt on how to hire people who are value-aligned and a good culture fit for your company

• Why you should and how you can Bet on Yourself.

Also mentioned in this episode:

-Jeff Bezos, Founder and Executive Chairman of Amazon

-Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google

-Andy Jassy, President and CEO of Amazon

-John Doerr, Venture Capitalist at Kleiner Perkins, an early investor in companies including Amazon & Google, and OKR advocate

Book Recommendations:

Bet on Yourself by Ann Hiatt

Measure What Matters by John Doerr

Connect with Ann Hiatt:

Bet on Yourself Website

Ann Hiatt on LinkedIn

Ann Hiatt on Twitter

Ann Hiatt on Instagram

Ann Hiatt on Facebook

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Justin Evans, a seasoned executive and author of The Little Book of Data. With a career spanning leadership roles at major media and tech firms including Microsoft, NBCUniversal, and Paramount, Evans brings a rare combination of commercial acumen and data fluency to the conversation. His insights offer a refreshing—and deeply practical—framework for how senior leaders should think about data, not as a technical layer, but as a strategic lens.

Far too often, CEOs and boards delegate “data” to specialists, only to find themselves disconnected from the systems shaping growth, innovation, and increasingly, AI-driven decision-making. Evans challenges that mindset. He argues that data is now a core leadership discipline—and avoiding it is no longer an option. But here’s the twist: embracing data doesn’t require becoming a data scientist. It requires leading with the right posture, questions, and level of clarity.

Throughout the conversation, Evans offers real-world stories, from nonprofits reducing senior loneliness using conversational analytics, to multinationals unlocking hidden growth by surfacing unused operational data. What sets his thinking apart is not just the depth of his data expertise, but how convincingly he ties it back to purpose, impact, and leadership judgment.

This is not a technical conversation. It’s a strategic one. And for leaders wondering how to navigate a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, dashboards, and machine learning, this episode is both a wake-up call and a guidepost. If you’ve ever felt a step behind in the data conversation—or feared being sidelined in the age of AI—this dialogue will help you reframe and reengage with confidence.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how Justin Evans reframes data as a leadership language, not a technical specialty—and what that means for the C-suite
• You’ll learn why humility and confidence are the twin mindsets leaders need to lead well in a data-driven world
• Hear how to spot the untapped 8% of growth potential that may be hiding in your organization’s existing data
• Discover how great leaders crystallize complexity—and why that’s the superpower that separates insight from noise
• You’ll learn what to do when you feel out of your depth in technical conversations—and why that moment can be your greatest advantage
• Hear why delegating understanding can quietly erode strategic control—and how to reclaim it without micromanaging
• Learn the real reason some executives quietly bounce off data-driven initiatives—and what to do to avoid it
• Gain a framework for using data as a force multiplier for purpose and innovation, not just reporting
• Hear how AI is beginning to create its own data streams—and what leaders must do to ensure alignment with mission and impact
• Discover the kinds of questions leaders should be asking of their data teams—and why asking better questions is more important than knowing the answers

Connect with Justin Evans

Justin Evans LinkedIn

The Little Book of Data: Understanding the Powerful Analytics that Fuel AI, Make or Break Careers, and Could Just End Up Saving the World

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership.

While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking.

I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author.

Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it.

We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas.

Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference.

—Mahan

Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey

CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra

Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Leading Change – John Kotter

How to Lead – David Rubenstein

Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans

The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño

How Minds Change–David McRaney

Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson

10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith

Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet

Magic Words – Jonah Berger

"I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership.

While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking.

I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author.

Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it.

We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas.

Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference.

—Mahan

Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey

CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra

Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Leading Change – John Kotter

How to Lead – David Rubenstein

Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans

The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño

How Minds Change–David McRaney

Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson

10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith

Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet

Magic Words – Jonah Berger

"I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership.

While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking.

I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author.

Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it.

We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas.

Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference.

—Mahan

Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey

CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra

Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Leading Change – John Kotter

How to Lead – David Rubenstein

Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans

The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño

How Minds Change–David McRaney

Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson

10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith

Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet

Magic Words – Jonah Berger

"I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership.

While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking.

I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author.

Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it.

We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas.

Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference.

—Mahan

Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey

CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra

Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Leading Change – John Kotter

How to Lead – David Rubenstein

Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans

The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño

How Minds Change–David McRaney

Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson

10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith

Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet

Magic Words – Jonah Berger

"I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership.

While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking.

I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author.

Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it.

We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas.

Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference.

—Mahan

Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey

CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra

Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Leading Change – John Kotter

How to Lead – David Rubenstein

Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans

The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño

How Minds Change–David McRaney

Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson

10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith

Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet

Magic Words – Jonah Berger

"I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership.

While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking.

I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author.

Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it.

We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas.

Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference.

—Mahan

Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey

CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra

Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Leading Change – John Kotter

How to Lead – David Rubenstein

Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans

The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño

How Minds Change–David McRaney

Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson

10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith

Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet

Magic Words – Jonah Berger

"I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

View Details

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership.

While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking.

I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author.

Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it.

We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas.

Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference.

—Mahan

Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey

CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra

Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Leading Change – John Kotter

How to Lead – David Rubenstein

Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans

The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño

How Minds Change–David McRaney

Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson

10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith

Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet

Magic Words – Jonah Berger

"I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership.

While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking.

I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author.

Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it.

We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas.

Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference.

—Mahan

Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey

CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra

Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Leading Change – John Kotter

How to Lead – David Rubenstein

Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans

The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño

How Minds Change–David McRaney

Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson

10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith

Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet

Magic Words – Jonah Berger

"I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Aidan McCullen, the host and founder of The Innovation Show and author of the book Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life. Aidan shares examples on how organizations and individuals can embrace reinvention in order to become undisruptable.

Some highlights:

● Aidan McCullen talks about the reason why most change initiatives fail.

● The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly and lessons for leaders.

● How Amazon reinvented a failed product and transformed it into a killer product.

● Aidan McCullen shares how seeing life as cyclical rather than linear helps us with a reinvention mindset.

Also mentioned in this episode:

● Rita McGrath author of The end of competitive advantageand Seeing around corners

● Scott D. Anthony author of The Little Black Book Of Innovation: How it works, How to do itand co-author of Eat, Sleep, Innovate: How to Make Creativity an Everyday Habit Inside Your Organization

● Daniel Z. Lieberman author of The Molecule of More

● Robert Sapolsky author of Behave

Buy Aidan McCullen’s Book:

Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life

Connect with Aidan McCullen:

Aidan McCullen @ theinnovationshow.io

Aidan McCullen LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Emmanuel Daniel, global thought leader, futurist, founder of The Asian Banker, and author of The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here. Emmanuel brings a wealth of experience from decades of engaging with top financial leaders and institutions worldwide, and his expertise shines through in this engaging conversation. With a deep understanding of how technology is reshaping the financial industry, Emmanuel challenges the status quo and offers a thought-provoking vision for the future of business, finance, and society.

The episode centers on Emmanuel’s book, The Great Transition, where he explores how finance is being fundamentally transformed by the rise of personalization and decentralization. Emmanuel provides a compelling argument that technology is empowering individuals like never before, enabling them to bypass traditional financial institutions. But this is just the beginning—he reveals that this transition is not limited to finance but is reshaping the fabric of society itself.

Throughout the conversation, Emmanuel goes into the “network effect,” explaining how it is changing the rules of engagement for businesses, institutions, and individuals. As industries face increasing pressure from disruptive technologies, Emmanuel highlights the critical need for leaders to embrace these changes or risk becoming obsolete. His insights are especially relevant for senior executives navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation and leadership in an interconnected world.

Listeners will come away from this episode with a renewed understanding of how technology is disrupting not just finance but every facet of society. Emmanuel’s observations about the power of networks, the personalization of industries, and the decentralization of control are crucial for leaders seeking to stay ahead in today’s fast-changing business environment. This episode offers actionable insights and thought leadership that will resonate with CEOs, executives, and anyone interested in the future of leadership and finance.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how the "personalization of finance" is putting unprecedented control in the hands of individuals and what that means for the future of traditional financial institutions.
• Hear how the network effect is disrupting industries by shifting power from large institutions to decentralized communities, changing the rules of business and finance.
• Discover why blockchain and crypto aren't just financial tools but represent a deeper shift toward decentralization and individual empowerment.
• Find out why executives need to embrace the network effect in their leadership strategies to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• Explore how the future of work is being redefined by self-employment and the critical role of building your personal network to thrive in a networked economy.
• Gain insights into why platforms like Facebook are losing their dominance and how new technologies are enabling individuals to create their own platforms and communities.

Connect with Emmanuel Daniel

Emmanuel Daniel Website and Blog

The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here

Emmanuel Daniel LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Greg Satell, writer, speaker, innovation advisor, an expert on transformational change, and author of Cascades, shares lessons on how leaders can lead transformation in their organizations and the community. Greg Satell shares lessons learned from past transformations and how leaders can help lead change in organizations, especially through ongoing disruption.

Some highlights:

-Why Greg Satell moved to Poland and what it was like living in a post-communist country

-How the Orange Revolution transformed Greg Satell’s perspective on change

-‘Viral cascades’ and how leaders can use the understanding to drive transformational change in organizations

-Greg Satell on the value of shared Purpose and Shared Values

-How to best deal with fierce oppositions when driving change

-How to empower people to succeed on their own terms

-Gregg Satell on why Blockbuster failed to adapt and change and lessons for leaders of transformation

Mentioned in this episode:

Duncan J. Watts, sociologist

Steven Strogatz, mathematician

Albert-László Barabási, physicist

Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire byRebecca M. Henderson

Prosperity: Better Business Makes the Greater Good by Colin Mayer

Louis V. Gerstner Jr., former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of IBM

Immanuel Kant, philosopher

Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Stanley A. McChrystal and Chris Fussell

One Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams by Charles Goodyear and Chris Fussell

John F. Antioco, former CEO of Blockbuster and chairman of Red Mango

Carl Icahn, former CEO of Blockbuster and founder and controlling shareholder of Icahn Enterprises

Mapping Innovation: A Playbook for Navigating a Disruptive Age by Greg Satell

Adversaries Into Allies: Win People Over Without Manipulation Or Coercion by Bob Burg

The Halo Effect by Phil Rosenzweig

Connect with Greg Satell:

Cascades on Amazon

Greg Satell’s Website

Digital Tonto Website

Greg Satell on LinkedIn

Greg Satell on Clubhouse

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by David Espindola, a futurist and strategic advisor with deep expertise in technology, AI, and leadership. As the author of The Exponential Era and Soulful, Espindola brings a unique lens to the conversation—one that blends exponential technology insight with a deep understanding of human-centered leadership. His background, which spans Silicon Valley startups and CIO roles, grounds his perspective in both vision and practicality.

Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is no longer just a functional tool—it’s a force that’s reshaping how organizations operate and how leaders must lead. Espindola challenges the outdated mental models that many executives still rely on and explains why thinking exponentially—not linearly—is now a leadership imperative. The speed of change, he argues, requires not just faster decision-making, but a fundamental rewiring of strategic planning itself.

Beyond urgency, the conversation offers a thoughtful framework for action. Espindola urges leaders to see AI not as a threat, but as a collaborator—a sparring partner that, when used well, can expand creativity, sharpen insight, and unlock new value. At the same time, he issues a warning about over-delegating thought and judgment to machines. The leaders who thrive, he says, will be those who bring a uniquely human edge to this new era.

The episode also dives into the qualities that will define great leadership in an AI-powered world—empathy, intrinsic motivation, and adaptability. Espindola makes the case for “soulful strategy”—an approach rooted not just in efficiency but in meaning and trust. For CEOs, board members, and senior leaders rethinking their relevance and impact in a fast-moving world, this episode delivers timely insights and a powerful call to lead differently.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why most strategic plans are outdated before they’re even executed—and what kind of strategic thinking leaders need instead
• Hear how to shift from using AI as an assistant to engaging it as a thought partner that challenges and elevates your ideas
• Discover why exponential change breaks traditional leadership models—and how to respond without falling behind
• Hear why the ability to ask good questions is becoming more valuable than having the right answers
• Learn how AI is disrupting entry-level pathways—and what that means for how leaders must develop talent
• Explore why AI can mimic empathy, but trust and meaning still require human leadership
• Hear how leaders can design organizations that adapt, experiment, and continuously learn
• Learn how ungoverned AI usage across your organization may already be exposing you to risk
• Discover why AI must move from a tech issue to a board-level strategy conversation
• Hear why talking to your frontline may be the most important move for understanding how AI is already shaping your business

Connect with David Espindola

David Espindola Website

David Espindola LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Bernard Harris, a leader whose extraordinary career trajectory—from physician to NASA astronaut to CEO and venture capitalist—offers rare insights into the inner work of leadership. Dr. Harris is the first African American to walk in space, and the author of Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential. His unique vantage point, shaped by science, space exploration, and C-suite leadership, gives him an extraordinary lens on what really limits potential—not just for individuals, but for teams and entire organizations.

This is not a conversation about space missions. It's a candid exploration of the hidden forces that hold even the most accomplished leaders back. Dr. Harris shares how fear, false identity, and overachievement can become barriers disguised as success—and how leaders can finally begin to let go. With disarming honesty, he recounts how constant validation once drove his every move, and how shedding that need was key to unlocking deeper effectiveness and personal alignment.

What makes this episode essential for executive listeners is not just the personal story—it’s the direct application to business and leadership contexts. Dr. Harris talks about leading teams under pressure, confronting blind spots in senior leadership, and what it really takes to receive feedback at the top. His reflections offer a masterclass in self-awareness and intentional leadership, especially for those navigating high-stakes roles where perception often replaces truth.

Whether you're leading a company, serving on a board, or mentoring the next generation of executives, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define success, strength, and growth. The conversation isn't about doing more—it’s about uncovering what’s driving your decisions, and whether it’s truly aligned with your values and long-term vision.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You’ll learn how Dr. Harris overcame fear—not through toughness, but by reframing what failure really means for leaders.
• Hear how overachievement can be a trap, even when it’s applauded—especially for those in senior roles.
• Discover why most CEOs stop getting meaningful feedback—and what to do to get the truth back on the table.
• Explore the performance identity leaders develop—and how it can silently limit their ability to lead authentically.
• Find out what happened when Dr. Harris was told by his team: “You’re a micromanager”—and what he did next.
• Learn why self-awareness is a strategic advantage, not just a personal virtue.
• Hear Dr. Harris describe how he applies the same mindset that got him into space to running businesses and investing.
• Explore how internal versus external drivers shape leadership clarity—and how to regain control of your narrative.
• Understand how success, when unchecked, can become an armor that distances leaders from their teams.

Connect with Dr. Bernard Harris

Bernard Harris LinkedIn

Embracing Infinite Possiblities

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Greg Shove, CEO of Section and a serial entrepreneur with a deep track record of leading transformative growth. Shove’s leadership journey includes multiple successful pivots, and in this conversation, he brings a uniquely grounded perspective on how AI is fundamentally changing the role of leaders and the structure of modern organizations. From board-level decision-making to frontline productivity, he doesn’t just speculate—he shares what he’s doing inside his own company to lead through the change.

Greg originally joined Section to turn it from a media startup into a next-gen education company. But when he first used ChatGPT, he knew instantly that business education itself needed to evolve. That insight led to a bold pivot: transforming Section from an online business school into an AI-powered academy focused on accelerating performance and capability at scale. It’s a rare look at what it really takes to lead a high-velocity pivot—one grounded not in hype, but in strategy, execution, and conviction.

Throughout the conversation, Greg challenges conventional thinking on AI adoption, leadership credibility, and the future of knowledge work. He breaks down why many leaders are stuck in experimentation mode—and what it takes to move into actual transformation. CEOs and boards will find his views on performance, upskilling, and AI decision support to be especially compelling and uncomfortably timely.

If you're tired of surface-level conversations about AI and want to understand what the shift actually looks like inside a company, this episode delivers. Whether you're leading a small team or a global enterprise, Greg's insights on using AI as a leadership advantage—not just a tech upgrade—will spark new thinking and bold action.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why Greg believes the greatest leadership returns come not from better execution—but from catching the right wave at the right time.
• Hear how AI is already matching 90% of the value delivered by human board members—and what that means for your next board meeting.
• Discover why most corporate training is already obsolete, and how AI can turn learning into personalized, outcome-driven coaching.
• Hear how Shopify’s CEO linked headcount approvals to AI productivity—and how that kind of thinking will soon become the norm.
• You'll gain perspective on how to model AI adoption as a leader, and why failing to do so erodes credibility at every level of the organization.
• Learn Greg’s approach to building AI habits inside leadership teams—and why small, visible systems often matter more than a “transformation plan.”
• Find out what question every CEO should be asking before making a major decision—and why it might be time to invite AI into the room.
• Hear why Greg believes business model innovation—not technology—will be the real competitive battleground in the age of AI.
• Understand the deeper threat AI poses to entry-level jobs and talent pipelines—and why CEOs need to rethink how organizations grow their future leaders.
• You’ll hear the provocative question Greg uses to challenge his own team—and how it might reshape your own strategy discussions.

Connect with Greg Shove:

Greg Shove Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Simon T. Bailey, a renowned speaker, leadership expert, and author of Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. Simon is best known for his work on personal and professional brilliance, with a focus on resilience—key themes that he passionately explores in his latest book. Throughout the discussion, Simon shares profound lessons from his experiences, including his time at Disney Institute, where he honed his leadership philosophy. He dives into the essence of what it means to be a leader who inspires others to discover their own potential while maintaining humility and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.

Simon emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling the behaviors they wish to see in their teams, drawing from his Disney experience where leaders were expected to "pick up the trash" as a metaphor for taking responsibility beyond their titles. He also discusses the critical role of coaching in leadership, explaining why many managers fail to do it effectively and offering practical advice on how to make coaching a regular and impactful part of leadership practice. Simon’s approach to leadership is refreshingly candid, focusing on the need for intellectual humility and the ability to connect deeply with team members.

Listeners will also gain valuable insights into the evolving nature of work, particularly in the context of hybrid environments and the rise of AI. Simon highlights the challenges and opportunities these changes present for leaders, urging them to foster a culture of learning and adaptability. His emphasis on resilience and brilliance as twin pillars of success in today’s fast-paced world offers a powerful framework for executives aiming to lead their organizations through uncertainty and change.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover Simon’s key leadership principles drawn from his Disney Institute experience that emphasize the importance of modeling the right behaviors in any leadership role.
• Learn why intellectual humility is crucial for leaders who want to truly engage and empower their teams, and how this mindset can transform organizational culture.
• Hear how coaching can be a game-changer for managers, and why a regular cadence of one-on-one meetings is essential for building trust and ensuring alignment.
• Understand the concept of “catch and release in leadership—how training your team members to outgrow their roles can actually strengthen your organization.
• Explore the twin pillars of resilience and brilliance and why combining problem-solving with creativity is essential for unlocking your team’s potential.
• Gain insights into managing hybrid teams effectively, including strategies for maintaining connection and engagement in a remote or partially remote environment.
• Learn how to balance the demand for results with the need for resilience and flexibility, ensuring your team stays motivated and focused on long-term success.
• Discover the importance of continuous learning, and how scheduling your personal development like a vacation can lead to sustained growth in both your career and leadership capabilities.

Connect with Simon T Bailey

Simon T Bailey Website

Simon T Bailey LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What if your employees appear engaged, but aren’t truly committed? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dave Garrison, an experienced CEO, board member, and author of The Buy-In Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring and How Great Leaders Inspire Commitment. Drawing on his work with companies like Ameritrade and his experience advising leaders across sectors, Dave explains why engagement metrics are often misleading—and how leaders can create the conditions for real buy-in.

The conversation begins by examining the gap between how leaders think about motivation and how people actually commit to meaningful work. Dave offers a compelling distinction between surface-level engagement and genuine buy-in, the kind that drives ownership, initiative, and sustained performance. He challenges the assumptions behind many well-intended leadership practices and makes the case for a more human, purpose-driven approach.

Together, Mahan and Dave explore how leadership habits—especially those rooted in control or speed—can unintentionally suppress the very commitment leaders are trying to cultivate. Dave shares practical ways to shift the dynamic: asking catalytic questions, reframing roles, and creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and responsible for the outcomes they help shape.

This is not a conversation about perks or communication plans. It’s about understanding the deeper dynamics of commitment in today’s evolving workplace—and how great leaders create clarity, connection, and accountability. Whether you’re leading a boardroom, a leadership team, or a transformation effort, this episode will reframe how you think about performance, trust, and the leadership behaviors that unlock both.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why engagement scores can mislead leaders—and what they fail to measure about actual commitment.
• Hear how high-performing leaders create emotional buy-in that drives discretionary effort, not just attendance.
• Discover why most organizations leave their team’s passion and ownership “in the parking lot,” and how to bring it into Monday morning meetings.
• Learn what questions to ask that help people feel valued, challenge assumptions, and inspire initiative.
• Hear how the most effective leaders reframe their role from directive to catalytic—without sacrificing speed or results.
• Understand why buy-in starts before the hire and how purpose and values can shape more successful recruiting.
• Explore how to lead through uncertainty as a Chief Reassurance Officer, and why clarity and repetition matter more than inspiration.
• Learn how to avoid the common leadership trap of solving problems too quickly—and what to do instead to spark commitment.

Connect with Dave Garrison

Dave Garrisson Website

The Buy-In Advantage Book

Dave Garrison LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What happens when even the most powerful leaders pull every lever they’ve been taught to use—bonuses, metrics, training—and nothing changes? That’s the question that set Mike Mears, former CIA Chief of Human Capital, on a mission to rethink leadership from the inside out. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mike joins Mahan Tavakoli to share deeply practical insights on why traditional leadership systems fall short—and what truly drives performance and innovation.

As the founder of the CIA’s Leadership Academy, Mike brings a unique combination of experience in intelligence, government, and corporate leadership. His ideas are grounded in neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and decades of operational leadership. Rather than focusing on leadership theory, he focuses on how leaders can create psychological certainty for their people—even amid external volatility.

Throughout the conversation, Mike challenges long-held assumptions, including the overreliance on performance systems and leadership training that don’t account for human nature. He reveals why emotional clarity and trust are more valuable than process, and how small, consistent actions from leaders—like weekly check-ins and genuine recognition—can transform team dynamics and unlock discretionary effort.

This conversation is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and senior leaders who want to move beyond abstract leadership models and build real engagement, alignment, and trust. With memorable stories and tested frameworks, Mike Mears offers a practical guide to leadership that resonates at every level of an organization.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how a senior CIA leader’s frustration with ineffective levers led to a deep reevaluation of leadership systems
• Learn why many leadership tools—still rooted in industrial-era thinking—don’t reflect how the brain actually works
• Discover how emotional uncertainty impacts employee performance and what leaders can do to restore clarity and direction
• Understand the behavioral progression that effective leaders follow: safety, trust, clarity, and only then challenge
• Learn why short, consistent check-ins often outperform more complex performance systems
• Hear Mike’s candid reflection on the value of feedback—and why he wishes he had given far more of it as a leader
• Explore how “soft accountability” can help embed new leadership habits without adding bureaucracy
• Understand the long-term damage of poor leadership selection—and why choosing the right managers matters more than developing the wrong ones
• Learn why culture is local, and why the team leader—not the organization—defines most of the employee experience
• Discover how to align leadership actions with human nature to build teams that perform better under pressure and change

Connect with Mike MearsMike Mears LinkedIn

Mike Mears Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this timely and compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes back Rich Diviney, retired Navy SEAL Commander and bestselling author of The Attributes. This conversation focuses on Rich’s latest book, Mastering Uncertainty, and delivers insights highly relevant to leaders navigating today’s volatile, complex environment.

With more than 20 years of experience in the SEAL teams—including leading training within SEAL Team Six—Rich draws from intense operational settings to explain how high performers build the ability to stay composed, decisive, and effective when the plan breaks down. But this isn’t just about special forces. It’s a conversation about how CEOs and senior leaders can rewire how they think about pressure, performance, and leadership itself.

Rich introduces powerful concepts, including the brain’s need for Duration, Pathway, and Outcome (DPO) to maintain composure in chaos. He breaks down how stress affects decision-making, why “calm is contagious,” and how great teams shift leadership dynamically to the person best positioned to lead in the moment. These lessons are deeply human and directly applicable to organizational leadership.

This episode goes beyond resilience into practical training for leaders who want to move through uncertainty with clarity and help their teams do the same. Whether you're leading a fast-scaling business, a mission-driven nonprofit, or a complex enterprise under stress, this conversation offers actionable perspective and tools for performing when nothing goes as planned.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how Rich Diviney defines mastery of uncertainty—and why it starts with managing your own physiological stress response.
• Learn how elite performers prepare for unpredictable environments and why your team can develop that same capability.
• Discover why the brain’s search for Duration, Pathway, and Outcome is the key to clarity in moments of stress.
• Explore the concept of dynamic subordination and how the best teams allow leadership to shift based on proximity to the problem.
• Understand the limits of traditional planning—and why too much planning can become a form of leadership paralysis.
• Gain perspective on why attempts to control more tightly often erode trust, especially in high-stakes or ambiguous situations.
• Examine how the identities leaders carry—consciously or not—shape how they respond under pressure.
• Learn why building trust requires more than competence and consistency—and how character and compassion complete the equation.
• Find out how focusing your team on smaller, achievable horizons (instead of long-range uncertainty) improves decision-making and morale.
• Get practical strategies for applying these tools immediately—both in your own leadership and across your team.

Connect with Rich Diviney

The Attributes Website

Rich Diviney LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mark Schaefer returns to share fresh, provocative insights from his latest book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. A globally respected marketing strategist, bestselling author, and deep observer of technological change, Schaefer brings sharp clarity to a pressing leadership question: what does it take to stay relevant when artificial intelligence makes intelligence itself abundant?

Rather than offering a simplistic take on AI, Schaefer challenges leaders to confront a more nuanced truth: AI doesn’t just change how we work—it redefines where we create value. In a world where intelligence is cheap and accessible to everyone, he argues, leaders must shift their organizations from knowledge accumulation to human differentiation.

The conversation dives into what “out-humaning” AI actually looks like. From designing moments of awe to fostering fearless creativity, Schaefer offers examples and frameworks that push beyond theory. He connects storytelling, community-building, and emotional resonance not just as marketing strategies—but as core leadership capabilities that machines can’t replicate.

This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and senior executives grappling with the implications of AI. It’s not about resisting the future—it’s about recognizing what only humans can do, and leading teams to do it with more clarity, urgency, and creativity than ever before.

Actionable Takeaways

• You'll learn why intelligence is no longer a competitive advantage—and what replaces it at the leadership level.
• Hear how to reframe your organizational structure and decision-making in a world where AI handles most of the “smart work.”
• Discover what Mark Schaefer means by “out-humaning AI” and why that’s now your most important leadership mandate.
• You'll learn why competence is no longer enough—and how leaders who rely on it alone risk irrelevance.
• Hear how to use awe, authenticity, and community as strategic tools to build trust and emotional engagement that AI can’t touch.
• You'll learn how to think about brand relevance and personal credibility when your audience knows AI could have written your content.
• Hear how to identify and overcome the fear that’s keeping your organization stuck in mediocrity.
• You'll learn what makes bold storytelling and immersive experience design the next frontier in business leadership.
• Hear how to embrace AI as a creative partner without outsourcing your strategic soul.

Connect with Mark Schaefer :

• Website: Businesses Grow
• Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Eduardo Briceño, author of The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action. In the discussion, Eduardo dives into the transformative power of a growth mindset and how we can apply it to unlock our potential. He shares how a crippling physical injury early in his career led him to Carol Dweck's pioneering work on a growth mindset. This proved life-changing for Eduardo, setting him on a path to teaching individuals, teams, and organizations how to break free of chronic stagnation. In the conversation, Eduardo Briceno explains the performance paradox, where focusing solely on performing without learning leads to poor results. He offers strategies for leaders to get their teams to embrace a growth mindset.

Some of the Growth Mindset Takeaways That Will Get You Thinking:

• Why integrating micro-learning into daily work trumps sporadic learning sessions.
• Learn how to distinguish positive stretch mistakes from dangerous high-stakes ones.
• How leaders can model a growth mindset openly to influence their teams.
• The role a culture alignment and tweaking existing systems plays in helping teams adopt a growth mindset.
• The type of accountability that matters for both learning and performing.

Connect with Eduardo Briceño

Eduardo Briceno Website

Eduardo Briceno LinkedIn

The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Detert, John L. Colley Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business and author of Choosing Courage: The Everyday Guide to Being Brave at Work. In this conversation, Jim Detert shares how we can become more courageous by developing our courage capabilities. Jim Detert also shares how leaders can nurture a psychologically safe organizational culture, enabling and encouraging more courageous interactions and decisions at work.

Some highlights:

-Why attributing courage just to historical figures can be counterproductive

-The importance of being more courageous and how to develop our courage muscle

-Jim Detert on the benefits of courage at work

-How leaders can create a psychologically safe environment that encourages team members to speak up and contribute their best at work

Mentioned:

-Amy Edmondson, Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School and author of Fearless Organization and Creating Psychological Safety

-Vanessa Bohns (Listen to Partnering Leadership conversation with Vanessa Bohns)

-Gary Bolles (Listen to Partnering Leadership conversation with Gary Bolles)

-Difficult Conversations by Bruce Patton, Douglas Stone, and Sheila Heen

-Radical Candor by Kim Scott

-Giving Voice to Values by Mary C. Gentile

-The Silent Language Of Leaders by Carol Goldman

Connect with Jim Detert:

Jim Detert Website

Choosing Courage on Amazon

Jim Detert on Facebook

Jim Detert on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Laura Hamill, organizational psychologist, startup co-founder, and author of The Power of Culture. Laura shares how her early experiences and leadership journey at Microsoft shaped her passion for understanding the hidden forces that drive organizational behavior and business outcomes.

Laura emphasizes that culture is not a branding exercise or an HR initiative — it is a core leadership responsibility and a strategic lever for success. She discusses the disconnect many organizations face between their stated values and the actual employee experience, warning of the costly "cultural betrayal" that can occur when leaders aren't intentional about culture.

Drawing from real-world examples, Laura outlines how power dynamics, leadership behavior, and systematic feedback are crucial to building a culture that truly supports business goals. Whether you're leading a global company or managing a key division, this conversation offers pragmatic strategies to turn culture from an abstract idea into a business advantage.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how Laura’s early life and career experiences built her deep expertise in organizational culture.
• Learn why executives — not just HR — must lead culture initiatives for real impact.
• Find out how to avoid "cultural betrayal" and strengthen employee trust.
• Discover why behavior modeling, not slogans, is essential to culture change.
• Learn simple ways to assess culture health in your teams without massive initiatives.
• Understand how hybrid work is reshaping how leaders must communicate culture.

Connect with the Guest

• Website: Paris Phoenix Group
• LinkedIn: Laura Hamill
• Book: The Power of Culture available on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What does it take to build something that lasts—not just for years, but across generations? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Alfredo De Massis, a globally recognized expert on family enterprise and author of The Family Business Book: A Roadmap for Entrepreneurial Families to Prosper Across Generations. As one of the most cited scholars in the field and a trusted advisor to multi-generational family businesses around the world, De Massis offers a rare combination of academic rigor and real-world relevance.

But don’t expect a conversation limited to family-owned companies. This episode is about how all leaders—especially those responsible for long-term value—can rethink legacy, leadership, and innovation. De Massis argues that great leaders don’t just pass down businesses; they design systems that outlast them. From ownership mindsets to innovation strategy and governance architecture, the conversation provides a blueprint for building organizations that remain relevant and resilient across time.

A central theme of the discussion is the distinction between succession planning and legacy design. De Massis challenges the outdated belief that continuity depends on finding the next version of the current leader. Instead, he introduces the concept of the "family galaxy"—a flexible, multi-entity model that allows different generations to thrive in different ways, based on their talents and motivations. He also breaks down the three layers of governance essential for long-term success: business governance, family governance, and the often-overlooked interface between them.

For CEOs, board members, and senior executives thinking beyond quarterly results, this conversation delivers both intellectual depth and actionable insight. It’s a masterclass in how to lead with intention—not just for today, but for the future you won’t be around to control.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why the best leaders don’t plan succession—they design systems for continued relevance.
• Hear how to reframe ownership as a responsibility to be developed, not a status to be inherited.
• Explore the “family galaxy” model—and how to structure a system where multiple generations can create value.
• Understand how great organizations govern at three levels—and why ignoring the “interface” layer can derail everything.
• Discover why tradition can be a strategic asset when leaders know how to reinterpret—not resist—it.
• Learn how emotional dynamics influence strategic decisions in family and legacy enterprises.
• Find out why leadership earned through credibility—not entitlement—is key to generational success.
• Get practical insights into how to align governance, ownership, and innovation around shared purpose.
• Take away powerful questions to evaluate whether your legacy is built to evolve—or simply to endure.

Connect with Alfredo De Massis

Alfredo De Massis LinkedIn

Alfredo De Massis IMD

The Family Business Book

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What if the greatest risk to your organization isn't economic uncertainty, market volatility, or disruptive technology—but the decisions being made in your own boardroom?

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Didier Cossin, IMD professor and global expert in board governance, whose book High Performance Boards has become a must-read for senior leaders looking to elevate board effectiveness. Drawing from decades of research, real-world consulting, and cross-disciplinary experience—including economics, risk management, and even poetry—Cossin brings a powerful lens to what leadership at the top should really look like.

Cossin argues that governance has been misunderstood by many organizations as a compliance function, rather than what it truly is: a system that shapes the quality of executive decisions. He challenges CEOs and board members to rethink how they engage with one another, what information they rely on, and who actually owns governance performance. The result is a compelling case for boards as enablers of transformation—not just overseers of risk.

Throughout the conversation, Cossin shares examples and frameworks that translate theory into practice. He offers clarity on how boards can evolve to meet the complexity of today’s environment while helping CEOs make better, faster, and more strategic decisions. From the role of the chair to the structure of board packs to the power of informal intelligence, every element of this conversation is designed to elevate how boards contribute to long-term success.

If you are a CEO, board member, or executive leader committed to high-performance leadership and long-term impact, this episode offers both insight and challenge to help you lead more effectively—starting at the top.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how Didier Cossin reframes governance as a driver of decision quality—not just risk oversight or compliance.
• Learn why the chair, not the CEO, is ultimately responsible for board performance—and why that distinction matters.
• Discover how most boards are overwhelmed with information but still lack the intelligence needed for high-quality decisions.
• Understand the four levers of board performance—people, information, structure, and culture—and how each one shapes outcomes.
• Explore how the CEO-chair relationship must be intentionally designed, not assumed, for true alignment and accountability.
• Find out why board materials should be curated like an executive dashboard—and how overstuffed board books hinder strategic conversations.
• Learn how boards should evolve from approving strategy to actively shaping it—especially in complex and fast-moving environments.
• Reflect on how strong governance creates the organizational capacity to adapt, lead, and perform over the long term.

Connect with Didier Cossin

Didier Cossin at IMD

Didier Cossin LinkedIn

High Performance Boards

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, humanitarian, and author of Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now. Greg shares how his upbringing in a small Connecticut town with nontraditional parents helped shape his views on purpose, disruption, and transformation. Through vivid personal stories—including a near-death experience involving a truck crashing into a bookstore—Greg explores the chaos of modern life, the influence of technology, and the power of reclaiming presence and humanity.

Together, Mahan and Greg dive deep into themes of self-awareness, leadership, kindness, and the role of meaningful relationships in navigating an increasingly noisy and fast-paced world. With humor and humility, Greg invites listeners to rethink success, stay grounded, and embrace possibility—both in life and leadership.

Highlights from the Conversation

• Why noise and chaos dominate our lives—and who benefits from it
• How modern technology hijacks our attention and focus
• Reclaiming the now in a world driven by spectacle and distraction
• The near-death bookstore experience that led Greg to rediscover purpose
• Believing in the possibility of kindness to escape the trap of pessimism
• Why leaders must stop assuming the worst and start cultivating trust
• The importance of emotional buy-in and meaningful work connections
• Reverberation vs. ripple effect in leadership and idea-sharing
• Critique of traditional self-help and Greg’s human-first philosophy
• Daily practices that help Greg stay authentic and focused
• The role of relationships in countering isolation and building purpose
• Asking whether we are using technology—or being used by it

Connect with Greg Bennick:

Greg Bennick on LinkedIn

Greg Bennick's Official Website

"Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now"

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Mark Schaefer, a renowned bestselling author of popular marketing books. The conversation focuses on Mark Schaefer's latest book, Belonging to the Brand: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy.

During the discussion, Mark Schaefer shares valuable insights on personal branding, courageous leadership, and the power of humility. Emphasizing the significance of community in marketing, he explores how organizations can successfully build and nurture thriving communities. Mark also discusses the shift from traditional advertising to social media and how creating a sense of community among audiences leads to stronger emotional connections.

The conversation includes compelling examples of companies effectively engaging their customers through community-building initiatives. Mahan and Mark explore the psychological bonds within a community and how these connections translate to heightened brand loyalty.

• Discover the leadership insights of the legendary Peter Drucker and how his ability to distill complexity can transform your approach to management.
• Uncover the power of community in marketing and how it can drive revenue, heal, and create a sense of purpose.
• Learn from real-life examples of big and small companies that have successfully built communities and generated massive success.
• Explore the challenges of leading a community while maintaining alignment and discover the breakthrough ideas and innovation that can arise from a thriving community.
• Understand how the pandemic has highlighted the importance of community in marketing and how it can serve as a powerful healing force in society.
• Gain insights into the importance of purpose in building a community and how involving customers or fans can create a better world together.
• Learn how to build a personal brand in the digital age, leveraging the power of the internet to attract a supportive audience.
• Understand the importance of community and purpose in building thriving communities and how they can engage loyal customers and build on each other.
• Gain insights into building a community and personal brand, focusing on trust and collaboration.
• Explore the power of creating meaningful moments and connections within a community and how it can lead to stronger emotional relationships with your audience.
• Uncover the overlooked value of community in brand marketing and the power of user-generated content and brand advocacy.

Connect with Mark Schaefer

Mark Schaefer Website

Mark Schaefer on LinkedIn

Belonging to the Brand: Why Community Is the Last Great Marketing Strategy on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rajeev Kapur, a seasoned technology executive, AI innovator, and author of AI Made Simple. With decades of leadership experience, including his time as CEO of a leading B2B marketing and media technology company, Rajeev shares invaluable insights on how generative AI is reshaping business, leadership, and decision-making.

Leaders today are navigating the rapid rise of AI, facing both unprecedented opportunities and daunting challenges. Rajeev brings clarity to the conversation, offering practical perspectives on how executives can embrace AI without falling behind. From understanding the distinction between machine learning and generative AI to adopting a mindset of experimentation, his guidance is tailored for CEOs and senior leaders determined to future-proof their organizations.

Through this engaging conversation, listeners will gain actionable insights on how AI can drive business growth, enhance strategic decision-making, and optimize operations. Rajeev also addresses common fears around AI adoption and reveals how leaders can use it to multiply their impact, rather than merely cutting costs.

Whether you’re a technology-savvy executive or someone just beginning to explore AI's potential, this episode offers a compelling roadmap for leading in the age of AI. Tune in to learn how to shift from apprehension to action and gain the confidence to make AI a leadership advantage.

Actionable Takeaways

• AI Leadership Mindset: Learn why Rajeev believes AI isn’t just a tool but a leadership test, and how executives can shift their perspective to thrive in an AI-driven world.
• Data as a Competitive Advantage: Hear why controlling and leveraging your organization’s data is critical to unlocking AI’s true potential.
• Efficiency vs. Innovation: Discover how AI can free up leadership time by automating mundane tasks, allowing greater focus on strategy and innovation.
• Decision-Making Reinvented: Gain insights into how AI can transform decision-making by providing predictive insights and surfacing patterns that humans may miss.
• Common Pitfalls: Understand the biggest mistakes companies make when implementing AI and how to avoid them.
• Future-Proofing Your Organization: Learn why waiting for AI to “mature” could be a costly mistake and how early adopters are gaining significant advantages.
• Real-World Examples: Rajeev shares how leading organizations are applying AI to solve complex business challenges and uncover new opportunities.
• AI and Talent: Explore how leaders can empower their teams to work alongside AI, creating a more productive and engaged workforce.
• The First Step: Hear Rajeev’s advice on how executives can get started with AI, even without a technical background.
• Long-Term AI Strategy: Learn how to think beyond short-term automation and consider AI’s role in long-term value creation.

Connect with Rajeev Kapur

Rajeev Kapur Website

Rajeev Kapur LinkedIn

AI Made Simple : A Beginner’s Guide to Generative Intelligence

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Barbara Kellerman, a renowned expert in leadership, Harvard Kennedy School Professor, and a prolific author. Kellerman's latest book, Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers, serves as the focal point of this discussion. With decades of research and a unique perspective on the dynamics of leadership, Kellerman challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on often-overlooked aspects of leadership and followership.

From the outset, Kellerman captivates with her critical examination of why the leadership industry tends to ignore the darker sides of leadership. She goes into the complex interplay between leaders and followers, emphasizing that bad leadership is seldom the result of one individual's actions alone. Her insights into the roles of enablers and the broader context within which leaders operate offer a fresh and necessary perspective for today's CEOs and senior executives.

Kellerman's engaging anecdotes and examples, ranging from corporate boardrooms to political arenas, illustrate the intricate dance between power, authority, and influence. She highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics to navigate the increasingly complex leadership landscape effectively.

The conversation also explores the diminishing power and authority of leaders in modern organizations, replaced by the need to master influence. Kellerman offers actionable insights on how leaders can cultivate this skill by deeply understanding their followers and the contexts in which they operate. This episode is not just a discussion; it is a masterclass in rethinking leadership in the 21st century.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why the leadership industry often avoids discussing bad leadership and the implications of this oversight.
• Hear how understanding the role of followers is crucial in holding leaders accountable and driving positive change.
• Discover the importance of examining the entire leadership system, including enablers and context, to truly understand leadership failures.
• Understand why leadership cannot be reduced to a few simple lessons and the importance of lifelong learning in leadership development.
• Explore the diminishing authority of leaders and the rising importance of influence in effective leadership today.
• Gain insights into the challenges of leading in a world where power dynamics have drastically shifted due to cultural and technological changes.
• Find out how leaders can balance accessibility and authority to maintain effective leadership.
• Learn about the critical role of followership in both enabling and challenging bad leadership.
• Discover strategies for creating an organizational culture that supports transparency and accountability in leadership.
• Hear examples of how successful leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership environments.

Connect with Barbara Kellerman

Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers

Barbara Kellerman Website

Barbara Kellerman LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What can today’s executives and business leaders learn from a ruler who lived 2,500 years ago? As it turns out, quite a lot. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Darius Lahoutifard, a seasoned entrepreneur, leadership expert, and the author of Leadership by Cyrus the Great: Unlocking Xenophon’s Cyropaedia. Drawing on the remarkable leadership legacy of Cyrus the Great, one of history’s most effective and visionary leaders, Darius reveals how Cyrus’s principles of governance, strategy, and influence remain strikingly relevant in today’s fast-changing business environment.

In this insightful conversation, Darius shares how Cyrus built and sustained one of the most diverse and resilient empires in history—not through brute force, but through strategic leadership, trust-building, and cultural intelligence. Unlike many rulers of his time, Cyrus understood that power was not about control but about creating unity through shared purpose. His ability to win wars without fighting, empower his people while maintaining oversight, and earn loyalty rather than demand it makes him a leadership model worth studying today.

Mahan and Darius also discuss how leaders today struggle with many of the same challenges Cyrus faced—gaining trust, balancing autonomy with accountability, and inspiring people to commit to a vision bigger than themselves. Through historical insights and modern applications, this episode explores how executives can apply Cyrus’s timeless leadership strategies to navigate uncertainty, foster high-performing cultures, and lead with clarity and purpose.

Whether you’re a CEO, an entrepreneur, or a leader guiding a team through transformation, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership. Listen in to discover how an ancient leader’s wisdom can help you make smarter strategic decisions, inspire your people, and build an organization that thrives beyond your tenure.

Actionable Takeaways:

🔹 What made Cyrus the Great one of history’s most effective leaders—and why his leadership principles are still relevant today.

🔹 The hidden leadership advantage of winning without war—how Cyrus secured victories through intelligence and strategy rather than brute force.

🔹 How to build unwavering trust as a leader—Cyrus’s secret to getting people to follow him willingly, and how modern leaders can apply it to earn loyalty and drive engagement.

🔹 The power of leading by example—why Cyrus’s discipline and personal ethics were key to his influence, and what leaders today can learn about credibility and consistency.

🔹 The balance between trust and oversight—Cyrus knew that empowering people didn’t mean letting go of accountability. Hear how he managed both—and how you can too.

🔹 Why repetition is a leadership necessity, not a weakness—Cyrus constantly reinforced his vision and values. Learn why leaders must repeat key messages far more than they think.

Connect with Darius Lahoutifard

Darius Lahoutifard Website

Darius Lahoutifard Linkedin

Leadership by Cyrus the Great: Unlocking Xenophon’s Cyropaedia

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In today’s fast-changing world, leaders are expected to navigate complexity, make high-stakes decisions, and provide clarity—even when certainty is impossible. But how can leaders embrace ambiguity without losing their strategic edge? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Jennifer Garvey Berger, a world-renowned leadership expert and the author of Changing on the Job: How Leaders Become Courageous, Wise, and Steady in an Anxious World.

Jennifer has spent decades studying leadership development, complexity theory, and the psychological barriers that hold leaders back. She challenges conventional leadership wisdom, arguing that the strategies that once worked—providing clear-cut answers, setting rigid goals, and optimizing efficiency—are now outdated. Instead, she offers a compelling vision for leaders who want to increase their adaptability, enhance their decision-making, and transform uncertainty into opportunity.

In this conversation, Jennifer and Mahan explore why leaders feel overwhelmed by complexity, how our brains instinctively react to uncertainty, and what it takes to break free from reactive leadership patterns. She introduces the three stages of leadership mindset evolution and explains why some leaders stay stuck in old ways of thinking while others thrive. Jennifer also discusses the pitfalls of chasing externally defined success and offers powerful questions leaders should be asking themselves to ensure they are driving meaningful impact.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to have all the answers, struggled to balance clarity with ambiguity, or wondered how to lead when the future feels unpredictable, this episode is packed with insights designed to shift your perspective. Jennifer Garvey Berger’s expertise provides a practical and thought-provoking roadmap for leaders looking to navigate complexity with confidence.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Why "business as usual" leadership fails in today’s world – Hear how traditional leadership habits are making it harder for executives to succeed in complexity.
• The biggest mistake leaders make when facing uncertainty – Learn what top leaders do differently to remain agile and adaptive.
• How your brain is working against you in complexity – Discover how your nervous system reacts to uncertainty and how to retrain your thinking for better decision-making.
• Are you chasing success—or someone else’s version of it? – Jennifer shares a powerful framework for reassessing your goals and ensuring they align with what truly matters.
• The three leadership mindsets—and why most leaders never evolve past the second stage – Understand what keeps some leaders stuck and how to unlock the mindset shift needed to lead in complexity.
• Why AI won’t replace leadership—but will change what great leaders must do – Explore how the rise of AI is reshaping leadership and what skills will become essential.
• The feedback paradox—why leaders avoid it and why they must embrace it – Hear why feedback is the most underutilized tool for leadership growth and how to create a feedback-rich culture.
• The balancing act: providing clarity without false certainty – Learn how to communicate a strong vision while staying open to change.
• A simple shift to improve your leadership today – Try this one practical exercise to increase your strategic thinking and avoid reactive decision-making.

Connect with Jennifer Garvey Berger

Jennifer Garvey Berger Web

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli hosts Andrea Sampson, an expert in strategic storytelling and the co-founder of Talk Boutique. Andrea Sampson talks about the fascinating intersection of brain science and storytelling, emphasizing why humans are hardwired to respond to stories. As an experienced speaker's coach for TEDx Toronto and a thought leader in her own right, Andrea shares her journey from the advertising world to helping change-makers communicate their ideas effectively.

Andrea highlights the critical role storytelling plays in leadership and organizational success. She explains how stories, unlike mere data, engage multiple parts of the brain, making messages more memorable and impactful. Leaders are often trained to prioritize facts and figures, but Andrea argues that integrating storytelling into their communication strategies can significantly enhance their influence and connection with their audience.

Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores the importance of starting with a clear strategic message before crafting the narrative. She shares practical insights on how leaders can identify and refine their core messages, ensuring that their stories are not only engaging but also aligned with their organizational goals. By drawing on examples from iconic brands like Apple and Disney, Andrea illustrates how a singular focus can drive brand consistency and loyalty.

Moreover, Andrea addresses the challenge of vulnerability in leadership. She advocates for sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds, enabling leaders to convey authenticity and empathy without retraumatizing themselves or their audience.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the Brain Science Behind Storytelling: Understand why humans are neurologically hardwired to respond to stories and how this can be leveraged in leadership.
• Engage Multiple Parts of the Brain: Learn how integrating sensory details into your narratives can make your messages more memorable.
• Start with a Strategic Message: Hear why it's crucial to begin with a clear idea before crafting your story to ensure alignment with your goals.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Find out how sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds can enhance authenticity and connection.
• Consistency is Key: Learn from iconic brands like Apple and Disney on the importance of maintaining a singular focus in your storytelling.
• The Role of Community in Thought Leadership: Understand the importance of building a supportive community to amplify your personal brand and core message.
• Overcome Storytelling Fears: Hear how leaders can overcome the fear of storytelling by refining their skills and embracing their unique experiences.
• Practical Storytelling Techniques: Discover actionable tips on how to use storytelling to deliver difficult messages and inspire your team.

Connect with the Andrea Sampson:

Talk Boutique Website

Andrea Sampson LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Anders Indset, a renowned business philosopher, leadership thinker, and author of The Viking Code. As organizations navigate the rapid rise of AI, economic volatility, and shifting workforce dynamics, Indset challenges leaders to rethink how they lead, make decisions, and create value in a world that increasingly rewards speed over wisdom.

Drawing on insights from The Viking Code and his broader work on leadership and philosophy, Indset explores why many leaders today are trapped in reaction mode—constantly responding to crises instead of shaping the future. He argues that leadership must evolve beyond traditional models of efficiency and optimization, as AI will always outperform humans in those areas. Instead, he makes a compelling case for leaders to cultivate deep thinking, creativity, and the ability to balance trust with friction—elements that AI cannot replicate.

Indset also introduces the idea of a “Declaration of Interdependence,” where leadership is no longer about individual success but the ability to foster collaboration, challenge assumptions, and navigate uncertainty. He breaks down how leaders can create high-performance cultures that embrace both collective intelligence and individual growth, ensuring that organizations don’t just keep up but stay ahead in an era of transformation.

Throughout the conversation, Indset and Tavakoli dive into how CEOs and senior executives can develop the mental models, frameworks, and mindset shifts needed to lead effectively in the years ahead.

Actionable Takeaways:

🔹 The Leadership Crisis: Why Most Executives Are Stuck in Reaction Mode – Hear why instant decision-making is overvalued, and why deep thinking and reflection are the new competitive edge.

🔹 The Optimization Trap – Discover why chasing efficiency is a losing game for human leaders—and where real leadership value lies in an AI-driven world.

🔹 Beyond Individualism: The Declaration of Interdependence – Learn why collaboration, trust, and friction are the key leadership forces shaping high-performing teams.

🔹 The Future Won’t Wait—How Leaders Must Anticipate, Not React – Find out why leaders who think in scenarios and prepare for multiple futures will outlast those who rely on past strategies.

🔹 Teaching People How to Think, Not What to Think – Explore how education and corporate training have failed to create adaptable leaders, and what needs to change.

🔹 Trust + Friction = Innovation – Hear why leaders must create environments where disagreement is encouraged, rather than feared.

🔹 How to Become an Uncatchable – Learn how elite leaders and organizations stay ahead by constantly learning, evolving, and thinking beyond their industry norms.

🔹 Why Leaders Must Prioritize Meaning Over Metrics – Understand why purpose, culture, and human insight matter more than data-driven decision-making alone.

Connect with Anders Indset

Anders Indset Website
Anders Indset LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What separates truly exceptional leaders from the rest? According to Kurt Strovink, it’s not just strategy, execution, or decision-making—it’s the ability to lead from within. As a senior partner at McKinsey & Company and a global advisor to CEOs, Kurt has spent decades studying the patterns of the most successful executives. In his latest book, The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead from the Inside Out, he reveals what the best leaders do differently and why self-awareness is at the core of transformative leadership.

In this insightful conversation, Kurt unpacks the critical contradictions every CEO must navigate—balancing short-term and long-term priorities, managing gut instincts with data-driven analysis, and fostering trust while making tough calls. He also explores the human-centric aspects of leadership, showing why the most effective CEOs focus not just on financial performance but on culture, dissent, and psychological safety to drive long-term success.

Mahan Tavakoli and Kurt also discuss practical frameworks for leadership development, including how CEOs can create cultures that encourage truth-telling, manage their energy instead of just their time, and make bold decisions that define their legacies. Drawing on insights from 500+ CEO forums and top leaders worldwide, Kurt shares the strategies that help executives avoid common pitfalls and unlock their full leadership potential.

Actionable Takeaways from This Episode

• You'll learn why leading others starts with leading yourself—and how the best CEOs develop self-awareness as a core leadership skill.
• Hear how top leaders institutionalize truth-telling and dissent within their organizations to avoid blind spots and drive better decision-making.
• Find out why managing energy is just as important as managing time—and how CEOs structure their schedules for peak performance.
• Discover how to make bold, differentiating moves early in your leadership tenure to set the tone for lasting impact.
• Learn why the most effective CEOs challenge their own organizations like an activist investor, forcing teams to rethink assumptions and drive transformation.
• Explore the power of leadership storytelling—how CEOs use analogies and language to shape culture and inspire action.
• Uncover strategies for navigating the inevitable contradictions of leadership—short-term vs. long-term, data vs. intuition, and control vs. delegation.
• Hear how great CEOs build leadership factories, ensuring a pipeline of strong leaders while avoiding the distractions of succession politics.
• Understand why the best leaders don’t just execute strategy—they create the conditions for others to thrive and innovate.
• Find out when it’s time to step away and transition leadership—and how great CEOs prepare for what’s next.

Connect with Kurt Strovink

Kurt Strovink LinkedIn

Kurt Strovink McKinsey & Company

The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead from the Inside Out

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Culture is often cited as a competitive advantage, yet many leaders fail to shape it with intention. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Chris Dyer, a globally recognized company culture expert and the author of The Power of Company Culture. With years of hands-on experience advising leaders on how to build high-performance organizations, Chris shares why most leaders think they have a great culture—until cracks begin to show.

Many executives believe culture is about mission statements, values, and engagement surveys—but Chris breaks down why it’s really about what leadership tolerates, ignores, and reinforces on a daily basis. Through sharp insights and real-world examples, he reveals the biggest blind spots CEOs and leadership teams have when it comes to culture and why those blind spots can lead to disengaged employees, stalled innovation, and underperformance.

Rather than offering theoretical concepts, Chris lays out practical, high-impact shifts that any leader can implement—starting with transparency, accountability, and a relentless focus on amplifying what’s working instead of constantly fixing what’s broken. He also challenges leaders to rethink how they approach mistakes, talent retention, and performance management, emphasizing that protecting top performers is just as critical—if not more—than managing struggling employees.

This conversation is packed with actionable leadership insights that go beyond culture as a buzzword and get into how leaders can build workplaces that drive engagement, innovation, and results. Whether you're leading a fast-growing company or steering an established organization through transformation, this episode will leave you with immediately applicable strategies to strengthen your leadership and build a culture that delivers.

Actionable Takeaways from This Episode:

• The biggest culture myth leaders believe—and why it’s costing their organizations talent, engagement, and innovation.
• Why culture isn’t defined by what leaders say—but by what they tolerate, reinforce, and ignore.
• The 1% culture shift that compounds into massive organizational change—and why most leaders overlook it.
• How transparency can be a leadership superpower—and why withholding information creates disengaged teams.
• The accountability mistake that erodes culture—and what great leaders do differently.
• Why most organizations spend too much time fixing underperformers—and how to build a culture that protects and empowers top performers.
• The difference between a mistake and an error—and why knowing this distinction is essential for driving innovation.
• How the best cultures don’t happen by accident—and the leadership habits that create lasting impact.
• What leaders should focus on instead of “fixing” culture—and how to measure real progress.
• A simple but powerful reflection every CEO and executive team should ask themselves about their culture.

Connect with Chris Dyer

Chris Dyer Website

Chris Dyer LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steve Cadigan, renowned talent strategist, leadership advisor, and author of the acclaimed book Workquake. Steve brings decades of experience shaping talent strategies for some of the most innovative companies in the world, including Cisco, Electronic Arts, and LinkedIn, where he played a pivotal role as the company’s first Chief HR Officer during its meteoric rise.

Steve Cadigan explores the seismic shifts reshaping the workplace, from the unprecedented power shift toward employees to the increasing necessity for organizations to embrace agility in a high-turnover world. In a lively and insightful conversation, he challenges traditional leadership paradigms, emphasizing the importance of rethinking outdated systems designed for a workforce that no longer exists. Whether it's hiring for potential, fostering cultures of continuous learning, or preparing for the impacts of AI, Steve delivers actionable strategies for CEOs and senior executives navigating the future of work.

As the world moves at an accelerating pace, Steve highlights the critical need for organizations to adapt to the realities of shorter employee tenure and heightened workforce expectations. He shares stories and examples from his extensive career to illustrate how leaders can position their organizations to thrive by creating environments where people want to stay—not because they have to, but because they’re inspired to.

Actionable Takeaways

• "You'll learn why the war for talent is over—and why talent has already won."
  Hear Steve Cadigan explain how the power dynamic has shifted to employees and what leaders must do to create an environment where people want to stay.
• "Discover why long-term employee tenure is a thing of the past."
  Explore how leaders can move away from outdated systems and embrace agile workforce strategies for a high-turnover reality.
• "Hear how to attract top talent without relying on higher salaries or perks."
  Learn why building a culture of meaningful work and belonging is the ultimate competitive advantage in today’s job market.
• "Find out why hiring for potential beats hiring for experience."
  Steve shares why adaptability and learning velocity are more valuable than traditional resumes in a fast-changing world.
• "Explore how leaders can thrive in high-turnover environments."
  Steve reveals strategies used by innovative companies like Google and Tesla to foster creativity and innovation despite short employee tenures.
• "Learn how to build alumni networks that amplify your brand."
  Discover why staying connected with former employees is a powerful strategy for recruitment, collaboration, and long-term success.
• "Uncover the true role of AI in reshaping work."
  Hear why AI should be used to enhance jobs and unlock human creativity rather than simply cutting costs and headcount.
• "Get actionable insights on fostering learning ecosystems."
  Steve discusses how organizations can invest in continuous learning to remain competitive and retain talent.
• "Understand the importance of rewriting job descriptions for today’s workforce."
  Learn how to craft roles that inspire candidates and reflect the dynamic realities of modern work.
• "Discover why culture is the most powerful recruiting tool you have."
  Steve emphasizes the importance of creating workplaces where people feel

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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John Livesay, The Pitch Whisperer and author of best-selling books, including Better Selling Through Storytelling and The Sale is In the Tale, joins Mahan Tavakoli on the Partnering Leadership podcast to share his insights on storytelling for leaders. In the conversation, John Livesay shares practical techniques to craft compelling stories that motivate teams, win business, and drive change. Additionally, John provides memorable examples and easy-to-apply storytelling frameworks, including the 3Cs model and four-part story structure.

Storytelling Takeaways from This Episode:

• Telling your origin story and values-in-action stories to establish trust

• Structuring pitches around client-focused stories, not just facts

• Using analogies and vulnerability to smoothly guide teams through change

• Capturing relatable stories from your team to build connection and brand loyalty

• Applying the "5-5-5" model to reframe challenges and build resilience rapidly

• Practicing consistently to hone your skills as a persuasive communicator

Connect with John Livesay

John Livesay Website

John Livesay on LinkedIn

The Sale is In the Tale on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes James Lawrence, a seasoned entrepreneur, leadership expert, and the driving force behind Happy Companies. With a dynamic career that includes founding multiple successful businesses, James has developed a passion for blending behavioral science, leadership, and innovative technology to create stronger, more aligned organizations. As the co-creator of Happy Companies, an AI-powered coaching platform, James shares his expertise on democratizing leadership development, creating meaningful manager-employee relationships, and building cultures where people and productivity thrive.

In this engaging conversation, James reflects on the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership and why he believes the relationship between a manager and their employee is the single most important factor in an organization’s success. He also shares personal leadership lessons, revealing the mistakes he made early in his career and how he transformed his approach to focus on individual team members’ unique strengths and motivations. From adapting leadership styles to investing in your people, James delivers a treasure trove of actionable insights for senior executives seeking to build lasting organizational impact.

James also delves into the power of technology in leadership, explaining how Happy Companies leverages AI to provide real-time, personalized coaching for every employee in an organization. He challenges traditional notions of coaching as exclusive to senior leaders and instead advocates for a holistic approach that empowers every individual to grow. Throughout the episode, James shares practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives that will inspire leaders to rethink how they build and lead their teams.

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear why the manager-employee relationship is the most critical driver of engagement, satisfaction, and organizational success—and how to strengthen it.
• Discover the fatal leadership mistake of assuming everyone works and thrives like you do, and learn how to adapt your approach to individual team members.
• Explore how James transformed his leadership style by understanding what truly motivates his team—and how you can do the same.
• Learn how to assess whether you have the right people on your team and in the right roles by focusing on motivation, capability, and alignment.
• Hear how AI is democratizing coaching, making leadership development accessible to every employee—not just senior executives.
• Find out why traditional approaches to coaching fail to scale and how Happy Companies bridges the gap with real-time, personalized insights.
• Understand why building a people-first culture is the key to long-term organizational success and how leaders can invest in their team without overcomplicating processes.
• Hear James’s thoughts on adapting to the new workforce mindset and why flexibility, autonomy, and trust are essential for today’s leaders.
• Learn why personal growth and development are ultimately the responsibility of the individual—and how leaders can foster that ownership within their teams.
• Uncover James’s practical advice for tackling leadership challenges, from remote work dynamics to aligning organizational culture with technology adoption.

Connect with James Lawrence

Happy Companies

James Lawrence LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli dives into a fascinating conversation with Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter, authors of Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. As leaders at Stanford's d.school, Scott and Carissa bring a wealth of expertise on design thinking, adaptability, and systems thinking that is uniquely relevant for CEOs and senior executives facing today’s complex challenges. Their insights are a timely reminder of the importance of embracing curiosity, imperfection, and collaboration to lead effectively in a fast-changing world.

Throughout the conversation, Scott and Carissa reveal how design principles can transform the way leaders think, act, and guide their teams. They delve into practical strategies for noticing what others might miss, addressing systemic challenges, and preparing for uncertainty. Their unique perspectives on shaping leadership in turbulent times challenge conventional approaches and inspire listeners to adopt new mindsets that drive innovation and adaptability.

As the conversation unfolds, Scott and Carissa explore topics like “shape-shifting” leadership, balancing confidence with curiosity, and harnessing discomfort as a powerful design tool. They share practical advice and real-world examples, making the conversation rich with actionable insights. Whether you’re looking to improve your team’s creativity, foster systems thinking, or simply become a more intentional leader, this episode offers ideas and strategies you can apply immediately.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how curiosity—not certainty—can redefine leadership confidence and lead to more adaptable and innovative decision-making.
• Discover why “noticing the unseen” is a critical skill for leaders, and learn how to develop this often-overlooked ability.
• Find out how to use shape-shifting leadership techniques to adapt your style to different situations and inspire your team in new ways.
• Learn why embracing imperfection is essential in complex systems and how leaders can balance risk with resilience.
• Hear Scott’s take on how lowering cognitive load for your team can unlock creativity and drive better problem-solving.
• Unpack the surprising role of emotions in leadership decision-making and how acknowledging emotional triggers can lead to better choices.
• Explore Carissa’s approach to leveraging discomfort as a design tool to find hidden opportunities and innovate in uncertain environments.
• Find out why focusing on multiple perspectives, or “many Norths,” can help leaders tackle today’s messy, interconnected challenges.
• Discover how to make time for reflection and intentional noticing in an always-on, fast-paced work environment—and why it pays off exponentially.
• Understand how to prepare your organization for the ripple effects of change by designing for healing and adaptability.

Connect with Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter:

Stanford d. School Website

Scott Doorley LinkedIn

Carissa Carter LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a powerful conversation with Lior Arussy, renowned author, speaker, and expert in organizational transformation and customer experience. Lior is the author of the thought-provoking book Dare to Author: Take Charge of the Narrative of Your Life. In this episode, he brings his compelling insights to life, challenging leaders to rethink how they approach storytelling, organizational change, and leadership in an era of rapid disruption.

Lior shares his journey of discovering the power of stories—not just in shaping customer experiences but in transforming individual and organizational mindsets. Drawing on decades of working with global companies, he unpacks why so many people resist change, how leaders can overcome that resistance, and why the ability to craft and evolve personal and organizational narratives is critical for thriving in uncertainty.

Listeners will be inspired by Lior's insights on how leaders can empower their teams to embrace change without feeling judged, how to separate purpose from tools to drive transformation, and why storytelling is no longer a nice-to-have skill but a necessity for effective leadership. His approach combines practical frameworks with deeply human insights, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to unlock their team’s potential and elevate their leadership impact.

From redefining leadership as navigating the unknown to exploring how gratitude fuels resilience and innovation, this conversation is rich with actionable ideas.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You’ll learn why storytelling is not just a communication tool but a leadership necessity in driving transformation and engagement.
• Hear how to overcome resistance to change by reframing it as evolution rather than judgment of past efforts.
• Discover why separating purpose from tools can help you and your team embrace innovation with less fear and more confidence.
• Gain insights into why victimhood is a choice—and how to rise to the higher version of yourself as a leader.
• Learn the surprising connection between gratitude and resilience, and how embracing gratitude can fuel your team’s energy for change.
• Understand why the leadership practices you inherited 30 years ago may no longer serve you in today’s fast-paced, dynamic workplace.
• Explore the concept of cultural readiness and why leaders must take responsibility for their organization’s capacity to adapt and thrive.
• Find out why perfectionism paralyzes teams—and how to give your people permission to experiment and innovate.
• Hear why the biggest companies miss the biggest trends and how to avoid the ‘best practices trap.’
• Learn how to author your own leadership story and turn past successes and failures into tools for future growth.

Connect with the Lior Arussy

Lior Arussy Website

Lior Arussy LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli welcomes back world-renowned futurist, best-selling author, and innovation expert Daniel Burrus. Known for his groundbreaking book The Anticipatory Organization, Daniel has spent decades helping leaders navigate transformative change by teaching them to anticipate disruptions and turn them into opportunities. As the author of numerous reports on hard trends and future technologies, including his latest on the hard trends shaping 2025 and beyond, Daniel offers a unique blend of clarity, practicality, and vision for leaders striving to stay ahead in a fast-changing world.

Daniel begins by distinguishing between two types of trends—hard trends, which are future certainties, and soft trends, which are based on assumptions. This crucial framework empowers leaders to confidently identify opportunities and mitigate risks. Through compelling examples, Daniel explains how focusing on hard trends enables organizations to shift from reactive crisis management to proactive opportunity management, transforming challenges into competitive advantages.

The conversation also dives into the productivity revolution fueled by generative AI, digital twins, and other technological advancements that are reshaping industries at exponential speeds. Daniel shares how leaders can harness these tools—not as overwhelming innovations but as accessible enablers of growth and transformation. His actionable insights will help listeners uncover opportunities, refine focus, and elevate their organizations’ relevance in a time of disruption.

Finally, Daniel challenges leaders to embrace the mindset of a positive disruptor. With a sharp focus on innovation, clarity in decision-making, and the courage to lead transformations and he emphasizes the importance of becoming an anticipatory leader.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how distinguishing between hard and soft trends can revolutionize your strategic planning by revealing certainties and shaping possibilities.
• Learn why focusing on one area of transformation can unlock hidden opportunities and drive exponential results.
• Discover how generative AI is driving a productivity revolution—and what leaders must do to harness its potential for their teams.
• Explore the power of digital twins in testing, predicting, and solving problems before they happen, saving time and resources.
• Find out why waiting for your competitors to disrupt you is a recipe for failure—and how to proactively disrupt yourself.
• Hear Daniel’s framework for refining overwhelming choices into actionable opportunities with maximum impact.
• Learn how to combine trends like AI, robotics, and augmented reality to create transformative solutions for your organization.
• Gain insight into why the boundaries between industries are breaking down—and how leaders can leverage cross-industry innovation.
• Discover the leadership mindset required to move from reactive agility to anticipatory decision-making in a time of exponential change.
• Understand how augmented thinking—where AI enhances human cognition—will shape the future of leadership and decision-making.

Connect with the Daniel Burrus:

Daniel Burrus Website

Daniel Burrus LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Jeremy Caplan, an expert in innovation and productivity and the author of "Wonder Tools," shares transformative insights into how leaders can leverage AI to amplify creativity, streamline processes, and empower their teams. As the creator of the popular "Wonder Tools" Substack and a thought leader in using AI to enhance productivity, Jeremy offers a practical and inspiring approach to integrating technology into leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Jeremy dives deep into the practical applications of AI in the workplace. From improving strategic planning and communication to fostering creativity, he demonstrates how leaders can harness AI to enhance their decision-making and drive impactful outcomes. Part of the discussion also focuses on the wide range of AI tools available for executives, offering actionable ways to boost productivity and simplify complex workflows.

Listeners will hear about Jeremy’s unique approach to using AI as a "cognitive sparring partner" and how leaders can foster a culture of experimentation within their organizations. By highlighting real-world examples and actionable strategies—including recommendations for tools that can transform productivity—he provides a roadmap for leaders to navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover how AI can act as a cognitive sparring partner to expand your strategic thinking and enhance decision-making.
• Hear how leaders can overcome barriers to AI adoption, including time constraints and fear of complexity, and create space for experimentation.
• Learn why fostering a culture of shared learning and collaboration is critical for unlocking AI’s potential in your organization.
• Find out how AI tools can elevate creativity and productivity by generating multiple solutions and enabling higher-quality outcomes.
• Explore Jeremy’s top productivity tool recommendations for executives, from email management to presentation creation, and learn how to simplify your workflows.
• Understand the transformative power of AI in strategic planning and how it can help leaders avoid common pitfalls.
• Hear practical examples of AI tools that can streamline email management, enhance presentations, and improve team collaboration.
• Gain insights into the AI adoption curve and what it means for leaders navigating the technological shift.
• Discover how to use AI for high-value tasks, like board communication and competitive analysis, to save time and improve outcomes.
• Learn about simple, actionable steps to start experimenting with AI today and why dedicating just 10 hours can make a significant difference.

Connect with the Jeremy Caplan

Jeremy Caplan Website

Wonder Tools Substack

Jeremy Caplan LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Louis Rosenberg. Louis Rosenberg is a pioneer in virtual and augmented reality with over 300 patents; he has started multiple businesses, including Founder Immersion Corp, Founder Outland Research, and Unanimous A.I., for which he currently serves as CEO and Chief Scientist. Louis Rosenberg has focused his work on the boundary between technology and human perception, aiming to enhance human performance with technology. In the conversation, Louis Rosenberg shared why he is wary of the potential for technology to dehumanize people and works to push the boundaries to augment rather than replace human intelligence. Louis Rosenberg shared why he believes A.R. will be the primary way people access digital lives, replacing mobile phones with eyewear that spatially registers content to the real world. In addition, augmented reality and mixed reality will become more prevalent as society progresses. Finally, Louis Rosenberg shared his perspectives on the power of human swarm intelligence through Swarm technology as an example of the potential positives for the future of humanity in the collaborative use of artificial intelligence.

Some Highlights:

• Louis Rosenberg on the Potential of Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Technologies

• The inevitability of Augmented and Mixed Reality in the digital age

• Use of Augmented Reality in the medical space

• The impact of Augmented Reality on different professions

• Louis Rosenberg on Augmented Reality's potential in education and training

• Why there is a need for policy solutions in Augmented Reality

• The positive potential of the Metaverse

• Dangers of unregulated AI-driven persuasion in the Metaverse

• Louis Rosenberg on using Swarm Intelligence for smarter decision making

• The use of Swarm Technology to forecast the future

• How to use A.I. to harness the power of the human brain and the knowledge and information it contains

Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership conversation with Tom Taulli on A.I. Bootcamp for Leaders

Partnering Leadership conversation with Dan Turchin on A.I. & The Future of Work

Connect with Louis Rosenberg:

Unanimous A.I. Website

Louis Rosenberg's articles on BIG THINK

Louis Rosenberg's articles on Venture Beat

Louis Rosenberg on LinkedIn

Louis Rosenberg's TEDx Talk New hope for humans in an A.I. world

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Get ready for a fascinating discussion on the overlooked leadership skill of listening, featuring Oscar Trimboli, author of the book How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication. Oscar Trimboli draws on decades of research and over 24,000 workplace interviews to provide science-backed insights on how leaders can become exceptional listeners. You'll discover why most of us are only hearing 14% of what people actually say and how to tap into the other 86%. Learn simple but powerful techniques to tune into conversations, avoid assumptions, and strengthen relationships through mindful listening. Whether leading teams or tackling complex challenges, this episode provides leaders the tools to listen their way to better outcomes.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear Oscar's origin story and how a jaw condition as a teenager shaped his listening superpower.

• Learn why listening starts with focusing on yourself first, not the speaker.

• Discover Oscar's "listening battery" technique and how to recharge before conversations.

• Get simple meeting tweaks to arrive fully present and boost listening.

• Find out the three magic numbers behind listening dilemmas at work.

• Learn to recognize your listening orientation and when to shift approaches.

• Hear how self-assessment biases hinder our listening abilities.

• Discover questions to uncover what hasn't been said.

• Get Oscar's top recommended practice for better listening right away.

Recommended Resources

How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication

The Listening Quiz

How to Use Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas with the Author of A More Beautiful Question & The Book of Beautiful Questions with Warren Berger

Connect with Oscar Trimboli

Oscar Trimboli Website

Oscar Trimboli LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Renee Cummings, Data Science Professor of Practice at the University of Virginia. In the conversation, Professor Renee Cummings, a criminologist and AI ethicist discusses the importance of bringing responsible, ethical thinking to deploying AI technology. She stresses the need for due process, recognizing the various forms of bias, ethical use and transparency in deployment, and good governance and oversight. Renee Cummings also addresses the need for considering diversity, equity, and inclusion in AI development and deployment and how we can ensure that AI benefits society instead of harming it.

Some highlights:

• Why diversity of experience and perspective is crucial in AI

• The role that data plays in AI and data as a store of both positive and negative aspects of humanity.

differently, and the difference that makes in AI development and deployment

• Renee Cummings on the role AI has played in law enforcement for the past 20-plus years

• Why it's important to keep humans involved in the decision-making loop rather than allowing extreme decision-making autonomy for AI systems

• How to design technology ethically to avoid extreme prejudice and further persecution of certain groups

• Professor Renee Cummings on the many opportunities created by AI

Connect with Renee Cummings

Renee Cummings on LinkedIn

Renee Cummings at UVA

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Tricia Brouk, an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and leadership communication strategist. Tricia is the author of The Influential Voice: Saying What You Mean for Lasting Legacy, a powerful book that explores how leaders can use their voices to connect, inspire, and leave a meaningful impact. Drawing from her background as a professional dancer, choreographer, and director, Tricia shares how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership and communication, offering actionable advice to help leaders connect more authentically with their teams and audiences.

Throughout the conversation, Tricia emphasizes the importance of personal storytelling in leadership, showing how even the most accomplished CEOs and executives can strengthen their influence by sharing their authentic selves. She delves into how vulnerability and empathy, when paired with courage, create the foundation for building trust and inspiring others to follow. Tricia also highlights the transformative power of active listening—not just as a communication tool, but as a discipline that leaders must master to elevate their teams and drive meaningful results.

Leaders navigating today’s noisy and fast-paced world will appreciate Tricia's perspective on cutting through distractions and communicating with purpose. Her actionable insights on recognizing and overcoming limiting beliefs and leveraging feedback loops will resonate with executives looking to foster growth and innovation within their organizations. Whether you’re leading a boardroom discussion, presenting at a conference, or managing a team, this conversation offers a masterclass on how to elevate your voice and leadership impact.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn why personal storytelling is a leader’s most underutilized tool and how sharing your origin story can inspire trust and connection.
• Hear how active listening transforms leadership and why it’s not just about hearing words but creating a culture of understanding and empathy.
• Discover how to have courageous conversations with your team by balancing radical honesty with empathy to build trust and alignment.
• Find out why recognizing truth versus lies is critical for overcoming self-doubt and how reframing limiting beliefs can unlock your leadership potential.
• Understand the power of feedback loops in leadership and how to create a culture where feedback is freely given, received, and acted upon.
• Explore the art of cutting through noise and distractions to communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact in today’s fast-paced environment.
• Learn how to embrace vulnerability as a leadership strength, allowing you to foster deeper connections while maintaining credibility and authority.
• Hear Tricia’s advice on amplifying others’ voices and how supporting your team can naturally elevate your own leadership influence.
• Discover why active listening is the ultimate leadership discipline and how it can become your superpower for solving complex challenges.
• Gain actionable insights on leading with purpose, clarity, and authenticity in a world that demands more from leaders than ever before.

Connect with Tricia Brouk:

Tricia Brouk Website

Tricia Brouk’s free visualization guide to becoming an influential voice

Tricia Bro

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this engaging episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Jeff Gothelf, a globally recognized author, speaker, and coach known for his expertise in organizational agility, product design, and customer-centricity. Jeff is the co-author of the insightful book Who Does What By How Much? A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs. Drawing on decades of experience and collaboration with leading organizations, Jeff shares practical strategies to help leaders implement Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in ways that drive meaningful outcomes.

The conversation explores why OKRs, often misunderstood as just another goal-setting framework, are in fact a transformative tool for aligning teams, fostering collaboration, and focusing on outcomes that truly matter. Jeff delves into the critical difference between outputs and outcomes, highlighting how focusing on behavior changes in customers creates measurable impact. His practical advice is grounded in real-world examples, making this episode a must-listen for leaders seeking to elevate organizational performance.

Jeff also shares actionable steps for starting small with OKRs, experimenting with pilot teams, and scaling successful initiatives across the organization. He provides a nuanced perspective on the common pitfalls that derail OKR adoption, including the temptation to prioritize outputs over outcomes and the misalignment of accountability. This candid discussion offers a roadmap for leaders to overcome these challenges and create a culture of agility and continuous learning.

From balancing transparency with accountability to maintaining alignment with an organization’s brand promise, this episode equips CEOs and senior executives with the tools and frameworks needed to navigate strategic change effectively. Whether you're familiar with OKRs or exploring them for the first time, Jeff's insights will challenge conventional thinking and inspire leaders to rethink their approach to goal-setting and customer success.

Actionable Takeaways

• You'll learn why OKRs are more than just another framework—they're a mirror for your organization's ability to deliver on its brand promise.
• Hear how to differentiate between outputs (what you make) and outcomes (the changes you create) and why this shift is crucial for organizational success.
• Discover why starting small with OKR implementation—through pilot teams—leads to greater long-term success.
• Explore Jeff’s perspective on the most common mistake leaders make with OKRs and how avoiding it can transform your team's performance.
• Learn the secret to transparency in goal-setting without sacrificing accountability or collaboration within teams.
• Find out how OKRs enable agility, empowering organizations to adapt quickly to change while staying customer-focused.
• Uncover the importance of clarity, starting with the 'why' behind transformations, and how it strengthens buy-in from teams.
• Hear Jeff’s take on aligning OKRs with strategic priorities, even during moments of crisis or market disruption.
• Understand how OKRs differ from KPIs and how they serve as a bridge between strategy and execution.

Connect with Jeff Gothelf

Jeff Gothelf Website

Jeff Gothelf LinkedIn

Who Does What By How Much? A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli interviews Daniel Burrus, a world-renowned futurist, strategist, and author of The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity and Advantage.

In the conversation, Daniel Burrus shares his powerful framework for anticipating the future and shaping strategies accordingly, emphasizing the importance of identifying hard and soft trends to gain certainty in an uncertain world.

Throughout the conversation, Daniel Burrus dives deep into the principles and mindsets that enable leaders to become anticipatory rather than reactionary. He highlights the transformative power of the "both/and" principle, the "ideal use" principle, and the concept of disrupting yourself and your organization before others do. Daniel's expertise and engaging storytelling make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to create a better future for themselves and their organization.

Key Insights You'll Gain:

• Discover the difference between hard trends and soft trends and how they can help you develop low-risk, high-reward strategies
• Learn how to become anticipatory and proactively identify and solve problems before they occur
• Understand the importance of embracing the "both/and" principle for accurate predictions and innovative thinking
• Explore the "ideal use" principle and how it can help you cut through the hype surrounding new technologies and innovations
• Gain insights into the power of disrupting yourself and your business before others do
• Uncover the potential of AI and how to harness its benefits while protecting against its risks
• Discover why humans are infinitely upgradable and the importance of staying open-minded to learning new things
• Learn how to apply the "both/and" principle to various scenarios, from paper vs. digital to gas vs. electric cars

Connect with Daniel Burrus

The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity and Advantage

Daniel Burrus Website

Daniel Burrus LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Misha Glouberman, a celebrated expert in communication and collaboration, to explore the vital role of effective communication in leadership. Misha, author of The Chairs Are Where the People Go, draws on years of experience helping organizations improve team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and foster trust. His refreshing insights challenge traditional notions of leadership and offer a more human-centric approach to managing teams and driving change.

Throughout the conversation, Misha emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with values, both for individuals and organizations. He delves into the often-overlooked barriers to effective communication, from unspoken assumptions to misaligned priorities, and shares practical tools for overcoming these challenges. His nuanced approach to building trust, fostering collaboration, and addressing conflict resonates deeply with the complexities of modern leadership.

Misha's unique ability to break down abstract concepts into actionable steps sets this conversation apart. Whether it’s designing gatherings that truly connect people or addressing the hidden dynamics that fuel workplace silos, his advice is as practical as it is transformative. Leaders at all levels will find value in his guidance on how to create environments where feedback flows freely and trust becomes the foundation for success.

Actionable Takeaways

• Discover why most organizational problems are rooted in communication breakdowns—and how to address them.
• Hear how to create an environment where feedback is not only welcomed but becomes a cornerstone of team growth.
• Learn why trust isn’t built overnight and the consistent actions leaders must take to foster it.
• Explore Misha’s counterintuitive advice on breaking silos by letting go of control.
• Uncover the key to aligning team actions with their core values and principles for sustained success.
• Find out how to turn gatherings into meaningful experiences that drive connection and collaboration—not just more presentations.
• Gain insights on navigating team conflict by focusing on role clarity and accountability.
• Understand how leaders can model a growth mindset by owning their role in organizational dynamics.
• Hear Misha’s practical framework for aligning your leadership approach with the challenges and goals of today’s workforce.
• Learn why the best communication tools are built on transparency, curiosity, and empathy—and how to apply them.

Connect with Misha Glouberman

Misha Glouberman Website

Misha Glouberman LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Rob Sadow, the co-founder and CEO of Scoop and the mastermind behind The Flex Index. As a leading expert on the future of work, Rob shares his invaluable insights on navigating the seismic shift towards hybrid and flexible work arrangements. Drawing from his extensive experience and data-driven approach, Rob goes into the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformative change in the workplace.

Throughout the conversation, Rob Sadow highlights the importance of embracing flexibility and adapting office spaces to meet the evolving needs of both employees and organizations. He discusses the role of data in guiding decision-making processes and shares strategies for fostering productivity, engagement, and work-life balance in the new era of work.

Rob also sheds light on the impact of hybrid work on cities and the need for strategic planning to create more live-work-play environments. He emphasizes the significance of investing in smart policies to mitigate the long-term effects of this transition and set cities up for success in the coming decades.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the world of hybrid work and the key factors that contribute to the success or failure of companies as they navigate this uncharted territory.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the stages of grief executives go through when confronting the new reality of work and how to reach acceptance
• Learn why companies founded after 2010 have a competitive edge in the era of flexible work
• Uncover the challenges faced by people managers in the transition to hybrid work and strategies for overcoming them
• Hear how successful companies take an iterative approach to implementing hybrid work policies
• Explore the role of cities in adapting to the shift towards hybrid work and the importance of investing in smart policies
• Gain insights into the common pitfalls of viewing hybrid work as merely a policy change and the need for a holistic approach
• Find out how to leverage data and benchmarking to make informed decisions about office space and employee experience
• Understand the potential impact of AI on the future of work and its interaction with hybrid work models
• Learn how to foster a culture of collaboration, documentation, and outcome-based management in a hybrid setting

Connect with Rob Sadow

Flex Index

Flex Index Newsletter

Scoop Website

Rob Sadow LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Shailendra Pratap Jain and Shalini Sarin Jain, co-authors of the book Managing Brand Transgressions: 8 Principles to Transform Your Brand. With decades of research and leadership experience, the Jains share compelling insights into how organizations can navigate brand crises with integrity and build resilience for the long term.

The conversation dives deep into the principles that distinguish brands like Tylenol, Patagonia, and Ben & Jerry’s as models of authenticity and trust. Shailendra and Shalini reveal why managing brand transgressions goes beyond crisis management—it’s about embedding empathy, accountability, and transparency into the very fabric of leadership and culture. Drawing on examples from global brands, they dissect what happens when organizations prioritize profits over principles and offer actionable strategies to strike the right balance.

As CEOs and senior executives face an age of hyper-connected digital transparency, this episode offers practical lessons on how to build trust and recover from missteps while strengthening your organization’s brand identity. Whether you're leading a small team or steering a multinational corporation, Shailendra and Shalini's insights will inspire you to rethink your approach to brand management in today’s complex landscape.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover why addressing the pain of victims is the most critical first step in brand crisis management—and how few companies actually get it right.
• Learn the "gold standard" principles from Tylenol’s crisis response that can guide your organization in times of uncertainty.
• Hear how Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s have successfully aligned their brand values with their business strategies, creating deep loyalty and lasting impact.
• Uncover the risks of avoiding transparency in today’s digital age and why attempting to conceal mistakes often results in far greater consequences.
• Explore how leadership tone at the top shapes middle management and employee responses during crises, for better or worse.
• Find out how empowering employees with transparency and autonomy can turn them into frontline advocates for your brand, even during challenging times.
• Understand why balancing principles and profits is not just a moral dilemma but a strategic necessity in building sustainable brands.
• Learn how companies like Apple have turned public backlash into a moment to reinforce their brand authenticity and regain trust.
• Gain insights into the leadership actions that can prevent your organization from becoming a cautionary tale, even before a crisis hits.

Connect with Shailendra Pratap Jain and Shalini Sarin Jain

Brand Transgressions Website

Shailendra Pratap Jain LinkedIn

Shalini Sarin Jain LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Allen Adamson, an influential thought leader in branding and marketing strategy and the author of the book Seeing the How: Transforming What People Do, Not Buy, to Gain Market Advantage. Adamson, whose experience spans working with major brands such as Unilever and Pepsi, brings a fresh perspective on how companies can differentiate themselves through customer experience innovation rather than relying solely on product features. His insights reveal the shift from traditional product-focused branding to creating memorable, seamless customer experiences that drive brand loyalty and relevance in today’s hyper-competitive market.

The conversation dives into why product innovations alone are no longer enough to sustain a competitive edge, particularly as competitors replicate features almost instantly. Instead, Adamson stresses the need to understand and adapt to the evolving customer journey, observing how even subtle shifts in consumer expectations can present significant opportunities for organizations willing to lead in experience innovation. He shares stories from his career that illustrate why experience-focused brands consistently outperform those fixated on their products.

Adamson also addresses the challenges of driving innovation in risk-averse organizations. He explains why the middle layers of management are often the biggest hurdles to change and offers actionable ideas for leaders to build a culture where innovation is encouraged and embraced. With real-world examples and strategic advice, he unpacks the role of cognitive diversity, customer empathy, and fresh perspectives in helping organizations anticipate market shifts before competitors do.

Finally, Adamson explores the balance of human and AI interactions in customer experience, emphasizing that while technology can reduce friction, there is always a place for the human touch.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how experience innovation can sustain a competitive edge even in industries saturated with similar products and services.
• Learn why your brand’s future depends on understanding the customer journey and why even small changes in consumer expectations can open big opportunities.
• Discover why “ordinary” is never memorable and why exceptional moments in the customer experience are what will get your brand noticed and shared.
• Find out how cognitive diversity and fresh perspectives can help leaders spot market shifts that others miss—and why this is essential to staying relevant.
• Uncover strategies to break through middle management resistance to change, allowing innovation to flow more effectively across all levels of your organization.
• Understand the role of paranoia in leadership success and why being overly comfortable can be detrimental in today’s fast-paced business environment.
• Hear Allen’s insights on simplifying complex processes to improve customer satisfaction, transforming obstacles into competitive advantages.
• See how adopting a “focus on what stays the same” approach can help your organization innovate meaningfully without chasing every shiny new trend.
• Learn why balance is key when integrating AI into customer interactions, maintaining a human touch to deliver a memorable, personalized experience.

Connect wit

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli interviews philosopher, CEO, and bestselling author Brian Johnson on activating your organization's heroic potential. Having spent over half his career as a founder and business leader, Brian shares powerful insights on perseverance and excellence drawn from ancient wisdom and modern science.

In the conversation, Brian offers key lessons from his newest book, "Arete: Activate Your Heroic Potential," for overcoming adversity and leading teams through hardship. You'll discover Brian's fascinating concept of "anti-fragile confidence" and the rituals enabling leaders to cultivate it.

Hear how Brian trains his mind and body with world-class dedication - and why peak physical condition enables peak psychological performance when tackling stress. Finally, Brian defines the one "ultimate game" leaders must keep sight of in business and life.

In this conversation, you will learn:

• Why leaders should see adversity as a creative "wrestling partner" sent to build skills, like an ancient Greek hero
• The moment-by-moment visualizing tactic for closing gaps between your potential and reality
• How an elite military leader defined the key to emotional resilience (and how to develop more of this quality)
• Why protocols and checklists matter as much personally for CEOs as they do for pilots and surgeons
• The four timeframes for properly assessing progress while avoiding imposter syndrome
• How one trusted advisor coaches building "anti-fragile confidence" to thrive when problems intensify
• The critical question to ask when overwhelmed: "What's your protocol?" (and how to architect one)
• Why leaders should ask "What now?" rather than "Why me?" when adversity strikes

Connect with Brian Johnson

Heroic

Brian Johnson
Arete: Activate Your Heroic Potential

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with David Ross, VUCA strategist and author of Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of Uncertainty. David is a renowned expert on VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environments and has spent his career advising organizations on how to thrive amidst complexity and disruption. With a background as an ecologist, David brings a unique perspective to leadership—one that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the issues facing businesses and society today. His deep understanding of wicked problems, those challenges with no straightforward solutions, forms the backbone of this engaging conversation.

The discussion centers around how leaders must adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape, where traditional approaches no longer work. David argues that the old leadership models—based on control and linear thinking—are ill-suited for the challenges we face today. Instead, he advocates for a more collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and resilient leadership style, one that embraces uncertainty rather than fighting it. He explains how technology, climate change, and societal shifts are creating a world that’s more BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible), and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.

Throughout the episode, David draws on his extensive experience advising CEOs and leadership teams, offering practical insights into how organizations can navigate the unpredictability of today’s environment. He also delves into the importance of hope and optimism, even in times of crisis, and how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why traditional leadership models based on control and linear thinking are no longer effective in today's VUCA world—and what you need to replace them with.
• Hear how embracing uncertainty and fostering resilience can transform how your organization responds to crises and wicked problems.
• Discover the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and why listening is just as important as speaking in today’s collaborative environments.
• Find out what David means by a BANI world (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) and how leaders can adapt to thrive in these unpredictable times.
• Explore the importance of hope and optimism in leadership and how turning crises into opportunities is key to long-term success.
• Understand why future literacy and foresight are critical tools for leaders looking to anticipate change and guide their organizations through complexity.
• Learn why David believes that normalcy has left the building and how leaders must evolve to lead effectively in this new reality.
• Hear David's insights on why collaboration—not isolation—is the future of leadership and how diverse perspectives fuel innovation.
• Gain insight into why scenario planning is a powerful tool for leaders to prepare for multiple futures and make better strategic decisions.

Connect with David Ross

David Ross Website

Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of Uncertainty

David Ross LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Douglas Squirrel, co-author of Agile Conversations, a transformative book that dives deep into the art of having productive conversations in organizations. Douglas Squirrel, a seasoned technology leader and coach, shares his journey from struggling to communicate effectively with non-technical leaders to discovering frameworks that have radically changed how teams collaborate and make decisions. His passion for helping organizations unlock their potential through better conversations is palpable, and the strategies he presents are both practical and actionable.

At the core of the conversation is the idea that many leadership and business challenges stem from poor communication, especially when stakes are high. Douglas introduces the concept of "model two" reasoning, a method of shifting from defensive, closed-off thinking to open, curiosity-driven conversations. Throughout the episode, Squirrel outlines how leaders can build trust, foster collaboration, and make better decisions by focusing on the quality of their interactions, not just the content of their discussions.

Leaders in fast-paced industries, especially those leading technology or innovation-driven teams, will find Squirrel’s insights particularly relevant. His approach to improving communication is likened to practicing a sport—it requires effort and repetition, but the benefits are immense. From navigating difficult conversations to breaking down silos between departments, Douglas illustrates how leaders can transform the culture of their teams by mastering the art of meaningful conversations.

Whether you're a CEO striving to foster better communication within your leadership team or a senior executive looking for ways to enhance cross-functional collaboration, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Douglas Squirrel's methods have been honed through years of experience in leading technology teams, but his insights apply to anyone seeking to elevate their leadership effectiveness through the power of dialogue. Don’t miss this episode—it could very well change the way you approach conversations in your organization.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how to overcome communication barriers in cross-functional teams by focusing less on technical jargon and more on relationship-building.
• You'll learn why defensive reasoning is holding your team back and how to shift toward curiosity-driven conversations that foster collaboration.
• Discover how the right kind of questioning can unlock hidden insights that may be missing from your leadership discussions.
• Explore why ‘disagree and commit’ can sometimes be dangerous and how true alignment comes from genuine dialogue.
• Hear how to use 'back-briefing' to ensure accountability while giving your teams the freedom to innovate and solve problems their way.
• Find out why learning to have better conversations is like practicing a sport and why it’s essential for long-term leadership success.
• Get practical tips for identifying when a trust conversation is necessary to build stronger, more collaborative teams.
• Uncover the biggest mistake leaders make when trying to include everyone in decision-making and how to avoid it.

Connect with the Douglas Squirrel

Douglas Squirrel Website

Douglas Squirrel LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Emmanuel Daniel, global thought leader, futurist, founder of The Asian Banker, and author of The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here. Emmanuel brings a wealth of experience from decades of engaging with top financial leaders and institutions worldwide, and his expertise shines through in this engaging conversation. With a deep understanding of how technology is reshaping the financial industry, Emmanuel challenges the status quo and offers a thought-provoking vision for the future of business, finance, and society.

The episode centers on Emmanuel’s book, The Great Transition, where he explores how finance is being fundamentally transformed by the rise of personalization and decentralization. Emmanuel provides a compelling argument that technology is empowering individuals like never before, enabling them to bypass traditional financial institutions. But this is just the beginning—he reveals that this transition is not limited to finance but is reshaping the fabric of society itself.

Throughout the conversation, Emmanuel goes into the “network effect,” explaining how it is changing the rules of engagement for businesses, institutions, and individuals. As industries face increasing pressure from disruptive technologies, Emmanuel highlights the critical need for leaders to embrace these changes or risk becoming obsolete. His insights are especially relevant for senior executives navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation and leadership in an interconnected world.

Listeners will come away from this episode with a renewed understanding of how technology is disrupting not just finance but every facet of society. Emmanuel’s observations about the power of networks, the personalization of industries, and the decentralization of control are crucial for leaders seeking to stay ahead in today’s fast-changing business environment. This episode offers actionable insights and thought leadership that will resonate with CEOs, executives, and anyone interested in the future of leadership and finance.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how the "personalization of finance" is putting unprecedented control in the hands of individuals and what that means for the future of traditional financial institutions.
• Hear how the network effect is disrupting industries by shifting power from large institutions to decentralized communities, changing the rules of business and finance.
• Discover why blockchain and crypto aren't just financial tools but represent a deeper shift toward decentralization and individual empowerment.
• Find out why executives need to embrace the network effect in their leadership strategies to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• Explore how the future of work is being redefined by self-employment and the critical role of building your personal network to thrive in a networked economy.
• Gain insights into why platforms like Facebook are losing their dominance and how new technologies are enabling individuals to create their own platforms and communities.

Connect with Emmanuel Daniel

Emmanuel Daniel Website and Blog

The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here

Emmanuel Daniel LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in an insightful conversation with Tamsen Webster, a leading expert in strategic messaging, transformational change, and the author of Say What They Can’t Unhear: The Nine Principles of Lasting Change. Known for her innovative thinking and deep understanding of human psychology, Tamsen has spent years helping organizations and leaders communicate more effectively and drive lasting change. With her unique approach, she cuts through the noise, helping leaders make their messages resonate and stick in ways that foster true alignment and transformation.

Tamsen’s insights are particularly valuable for CEOs and senior executives who are looking to lead their teams through complex changes, whether it’s navigating organizational transformation, driving innovation, or aligning their teams around new strategic initiatives. She emphasizes that change isn’t just about getting people to say "yes" in the moment—it’s about creating long-term buy-in by connecting change to deep-seated beliefs and identities. In the episode, Tamsen explains the core principles from her book that help leaders unlock this deeper level of connection, ensuring their messages aren’t just heard but acted upon in meaningful ways.

Throughout the conversation, Mahan and Tamsen go into the concept of the "ding moment"—that powerful, almost unshakable realization when a message clicks with someone so deeply that they can’t forget it. For leaders, creating these moments is key to inspiring lasting change and commitment from their teams. Tamsen shares compelling examples of how leaders can leverage their team's existing beliefs to drive change that feels both natural and necessary rather than forced or manipulative.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why true leadership isn’t just about getting quick agreements but fostering long-term commitment to change by connecting with deep-seated beliefs.
• Hear how Tamsen’s concept of the "ding moment" can transform the way you communicate, ensuring your messages resonate and stick.
• Discover why many change initiatives fail because they don’t address the underlying beliefs of the people involved—and how you can avoid this common pitfall.
• Find out how leaders can reframe change as a reaction rather than an action, helping their teams respond positively and embrace the transformation.
• Understand the power of aligning new ideas with your team’s existing identity and values to create change that feels authentic and sustainable.
• Hear Tamsen explain why every decision your team makes is based on an internal story—and how you can leverage that to drive better alignment and execution.
• Uncover the key principle that change isn't about manipulation, but about guiding people to a new understanding of what’s possible, using what they already know and believe.
• Gain insights into how to avoid “believers’ remorse” and ensure that the changes you lead are seen as right decisions, even in hindsight.
• Learn strategies for avoiding resistance to change by focusing on shared principles that resonate across different teams or departments.

Connect with Tamsen Webster

Tamsen Webster Website

Say What They Can’t Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change

Tamsen Webster LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, explore the intersection of leadership development and cutting-edge AI as Mahan Tavakoli’s 4-Step Framework to unleash a team’s full potential comes to life in an unexpected way. Instead of a traditional discussion, Mahan uses Google’s Notebook LM to transform his framework into a dynamic conversation between two AI avatars. This engaging dialogue captures key leadership principles, demonstrating how AI can turn complex ideas into accessible, compelling insights for leaders.

Throughout the episode, the AI agents dive into Mahan’s framework, covering topics like how to set a compelling purpose, develop a bold strategy, foster an empowering culture, and ensure effective execution. But what’s most unique is the way the AI avatars dissect these principles—not just summarizing them but questioning, exploring, and unpacking the concepts in an engaging dialogue that mirrors a real conversation.

You’ll hear about how leaders can align their teams with a shared vision, build psychological safety to drive innovation and cultivate a culture of growth. Beyond the content itself, the episode is also a showcase of AI's potential to enhance how leaders and their teams engage with knowledge. It's a blend of actionable leadership insights and a firsthand demonstration of how AI can make learning both efficient and impactful.

To wrap up, Mahan reflects on how this AI-generated conversation exemplifies the growing role of AI in transforming leadership practices. This episode is not just about learning the framework—it's about understanding how AI tools like Notebook LM are reshaping the way leaders absorb, share, and apply critical information to drive team performance.

Actionable Takeaways

• Experience How AI Brings Leadership Insights to Life: Listen as two AI avatars engage in a dynamic discussion on the 4-Step Framework for team success, making complex ideas easy to digest.
• Aligning Teams Around Purpose: Hear how having a clear purpose serves as the foundation for decision-making and unites your team around a shared “why.”
• Bold Strategies for Today’s Leaders: Gain perspectives on developing a disciplined, talent-driven strategy that stays focused while embracing change and disruption.
• Building a Culture That Thrives: Learn how to cultivate psychological safety and a growth mindset to create a culture where innovation and performance go hand in hand.
• From Ideas to Execution: Discover the importance of execution and how to turn big concepts into concrete, actionable steps for your team to achieve results.
• See AI’s Power in Transforming Knowledge: Listen as Google’s Notebook LM turns Mahan’s leadership framework into a conversational experience, showing how AI makes complex information engaging and ready for practical use.
• AI as a Learning Tool for Leaders: Understand how AI isn’t just about speed or efficiency—it’s about enhancing how leaders absorb and share knowledge with their teams for better performance.
• Examples of Real-World Application: Hear the AI avatars discuss practical examples of how to implement the framework, helping you visualize how these principles can transform your team.
• Elevate Your Leadership Skills Through AI: Mahan’s reflections on AI show how embracing these tools can accelerate your growth, enhance team learning, and drive impactful results.
• A Glimpse Into the Future of Leadership Development: The conversation doesn’t just deliver insights on leadership; it reveals how AI is evolving to make compl

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Hal Elrod, the international bestselling author of The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life, which has been translated into 37 languages and has sold over 2.5 million copies, brings his unique perspectives on establishing daily practices that foster personal growth and leadership excellence based on his recently updated and expanded edition of The Miracle Morning.

Drawing on personal experiences overcoming adversity, including life-threatening events, Hal developed the acclaimed Miracle Morning methodology to optimize and actualize his full potential intentionally.

In this inspiring discussion, Hal shares the origins of Miracle Morning's "6 Saver" routine of silence, affirmation, visualization, exercise, reading, and writing. He offers compelling insights on leveraging these personal development pillars for individual growth to elevate teams and build organizational culture. From establishing new habits to sustainability tactics and the neuroscience validating this methodology, Hal provides an often overlooked formula to embody more empowered, activated life and leadership.

With insightful examples, Hal translates proven self-optimization techniques into accessible daily actions that yield exponential dividends over time for conscious, purposeful leaders ready to partner at higher levels.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear Hal's incredible story of personal tragedy becoming a transformational purpose

• Learn the "5 Minute Rule" for processing adversity and finding freedom

• Understand the power and common pitfalls of correctly practicing affirmations

• Apply visualization rehearsals to ensure execution and peak performance

• Realize how the Miracle Morning fuels individual and collective actualization

• Discover principles and strategies to shift from morning reluctance to ritual advocate

• Grasp how to customize and scaffold the 6 Saver practices for beginners to advanced

• Utilize emotional optimization meditation for programmed, on-demand mindset activation

Recommended Resources

The Miracle Morning Website

The Miracle Morning (Updated and Expanded Edition): The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) (Miracle Morning Book Series)

Connect with Hal Elrod

Hal Elrod Website

Hal Elrod LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Andre Laplume, co-author of Spinout Ventures: Transitioning from Employees to Entrepreneurs. Andre Laplume shares his research and perspectives on the dynamic world of spinouts—those entrepreneurial ventures born out of larger organizations when employees break away to pursue ideas that don’t quite fit within the corporate mold. From his own journey as a management consultant and professor to his experiences in researching the intricacies of spinouts, Andre offers a wealth of knowledge for both aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

The conversation goes into the critical role spinouts play in innovation and growth. Andre explains the unique advantages these ventures hold, from leveraging corporate resources to creating new opportunities for innovation that might be stifled within larger organizations. Drawing on examples from well-known companies like Apple, Zoom, and Zillow, the episode explores how spinouts emerge, the challenges they face, and the strategies that can lead to their success. Leaders will gain insights into how corporate dynamics often lead to frustration among entrepreneurial employees, sparking the drive to spin off and establish their own ventures.

Andre and Mahan explore the mindset shift required for employees to transition into spinout entrepreneurs and why some thrive while others remain within the corporate ecosystem. They also discuss how corporate leaders can better identify, support, and even benefit from entrepreneurial talent within their organizations—transforming potential conflict into opportunities for innovation. With discussions on real-world cases, current trends in employee mobility, and actionable strategies for leaders, this episode offers a deep dive into the complex relationship between established firms and spinout ventures.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how spinouts differ from typical startups** and why they have unique advantages—insights that could transform the way you view talent within your organization.
• Discover the pivotal moment when employees decide to become entrepreneurs.** Learn how mindset and exposure to a company's broader workings can drive the desire to spin out.
• Learn why many innovative ideas never thrive within corporate walls** and how strategic disagreements between employees and management often lead to the birth of successful spinouts.
• Understand the key factors that make spinouts more likely to succeed**—from leveraging corporate resources to differentiating effectively in the market.
• Hear stories of famous spinouts like Zoom, Apple, and Zillow,** and uncover the lesser-known factors that contributed to their successes and challenges.
• Explore how corporate policies, such as non-competes and restrictive covenants, are evolving** and what that means for employee mobility and the rise of new ventures.
• Discover what leaders can do to foster internal innovation** without stifling entrepreneurial spirit—creating an environment where intrapreneurship can thrive or spinouts can be supported.

Connect with Andre Laplume

Spinout Ventures Website

Andre Laplume LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Stephen Wunker, the renowned author of The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your Organization. Drawing from his extensive experience in innovation consulting and his collaboration with thought leaders like Clay Christensen, Steve shares practical insights on how organizations can cultivate a culture of innovation, build frameworks that support creative thinking, and navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.

Stephen Wuncker challenges the conventional myth of the 'lone genius' and emphasizes that true innovation is not about individual brilliance but about fostering a culture where ideas can thrive collectively. He explains how leaders can encourage this by adopting a systematic approach, asking the right questions, and creating an environment that values curiosity, empathy, and experimentation.

Throughout the conversation, Steve highlights powerful examples of innovative leadership from top companies like Microsoft, Princess Cruises, and Procter & Gamble, showing how these organizations have successfully integrated empathy, agile thinking, and strategic experimentation to stay ahead of market changes and disruptions. He also goes into the transformative potential of AI, arguing that businesses must maintain a balance between leveraging cutting-edge technology and preserving their human touch to remain competitive.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how to challenge the myth of the 'lone genius' and instead build a culture where every team member can contribute to innovation.
• Learn why empathy is the cornerstone of innovation and how leaders like Satya Nadella used it to transform Microsoft.
• Discover the two powerful questions you should be asking to drive innovation in your organization.
• Find out how successful companies build an innovative culture brick by brick, starting with practical steps you can take right now.
• Explore how to balance risk and reward in innovation, using lessons from venture capitalists and top corporate leaders.
• Uncover the secrets of integrating AI in a way that leverages technology while maintaining the human touch in your organization.
• Understand the importance of staying connected to your customers beyond just reading market research, with real-life examples from top executives.
• Learn how to build systems that support continuous innovation, from clear decision rights to effective resource allocation.
• Hear an inspiring story of crisis management and leadership from Princess Cruises during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Find out how to cultivate an innovative mindset by consistently asking 'why' and 'what if,' just like the greatest innovators in history.

Connect with Stephen Wunker

The Innovative Leader

Stephen Wunker LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Anu Gupta, a lawyer, social scientist, and author of the groundbreaking book, Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From and the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them. Anu shares his deeply personal journey from growing up in India to navigating bias and discrimination as an immigrant in the U.S., revealing how these experiences shaped his understanding of bias and motivated him to write his book. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of turning personal pain into a purpose-driven mission.

Anu explores the origins of bias, drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience to present a nuanced understanding of how biases are formed and how they can be dismantled. He discusses the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in recognizing our own biases and offers practical tools, such as his PRISM toolkit, to help individuals and organizations combat bias effectively. This conversation goes into how we can rewire our brains to unlearn biases, emphasizing that while bias is learned, it is not inevitable—it can be unlearned with the right approaches.

The discussion also addresses the broader impact of bias in organizational settings, exploring how unconscious prejudices can lead to significant inefficiencies and loss of talent. Anu argues that while AI and algorithms are often seen as solutions, they can perpetuate existing biases unless we actively work to understand and address the biases inherent in the data they use. He challenges leaders to foster environments of true inclusion rather than tokenistic diversity efforts, which can backfire if not handled with genuine intent and empathy.

Finally, Anu emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and inclusivity at all levels of leadership. He advocates for shifting from a mindset of exclusion to one of inclusion, recognizing that everyone—regardless of background—has experienced bias in some form.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how Anu Gupta’s personal journey shaped his understanding of bias and led to the creation of his book, Breaking Bias.
• Discover the science and ancient wisdom behind how biases are formed—and how they can be unlearned.
• Learn about the PRISM toolkit, a set of actionable strategies for leaders to address bias and foster inclusivity in their organizations.
• Understand why AI, if not carefully managed, can reinforce biases—and what leaders can do to prevent this.
• Explore the real costs of bias in organizations and why eliminating bias should be a top priority for business leaders.
• Hear Anu’s thoughts on why many diversity initiatives fail and how to make them more effective and impactful.
• Discover the emotional and neurological underpinnings of bias, and why it’s not just a rational problem but a deeply emotional one.
• Learn how to foster a culture of empathy and understanding by shifting from a mindset of exclusion to one of inclusion.
• Hear practical advice on bringing others along on the journey to breaking bias, from your immediate team to the entire organization.
• Gain insights into why traditional training methods often fall short and how to approach DEI initiatives in a way that genuinely engages and transforms.

Connect with Anu Gupta

Anu Gupta Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in a dynamic conversation with Jan Rutherford, a seasoned leadership expert and author of Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How Grit and Disciplined Duty Forge Indomitable Teams. With a rich background that includes serving as a Green Beret, leading Crucible expeditions, and coaching executives, Jan brings a unique perspective on leadership that combines military rigor with a deep understanding of human behavior.

Jan shares compelling stories from his own journey, from his humble beginnings and his time with the Green Berets to the profound lessons he learned about leadership in the wilderness and the boardroom. Throughout the discussion, Jan emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and authenticity in leading teams, drawing on real-world experiences and thoughtful reflections. He offers a fresh take on what it means to lead in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world.

Listeners will gain insight into Jan's philosophy on leadership, which challenges conventional wisdom and encourages leaders to rethink their approach. He explores critical questions like: What truly makes a leader? How can you build a team that is not only high-performing but also resilient and adaptable? And, why is it more important to select the right people over the best people?

Jan’s practical advice and unique approach, rooted in his own experiences and supported by his book, provide actionable strategies for CEOs and senior executives.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the Real Difference Between Rank and Influence: Hear Jan's take on why true leadership is not about titles but about how effectively you can inspire and mobilize others.
• Learn the Power of Perseverance in Leadership: Jan shares a compelling story about how persistence and not quitting in the face of adversity can define your success.
• Understand the Concept of ‘Slowing Down to Speed Up: Find out why Jan believes that leaders must take time to reflect and prioritize to create sustainable success in a fast-moving world.
• Explore How to Involve Your Team for Maximum Commitment: Jan discusses how giving up control and allowing your team to participate in decision-making can foster loyalty and engagement.
• Find Out Why Selecting the Right People is More Important than the Best People: Get insights into how aligning team members with your organization’s values can drive transformation and growth.
• Hear How to Define Your Organization’s Values Through Observable Behaviors: Jan explains the practical steps for making your core values meaningful and actionable within your team.
• Learn Why Personalized Leadership is Critical Today: Jan dives into the importance of tailoring leadership approaches to individual team members while maintaining fairness and consistency.
• Gain Insight into Building a Culture of Trust and Authenticity: Discover how creating an environment where people feel safe to be vulnerable can lead to stronger team dynamics and performance.

Connect with Jan Rutherford

Jan Rutherford Website

Jan Rutherford LinkedIn

Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How GritConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carmine Gallo. Carmine Gallo is a three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His books include Talk Like TED, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, The Storyteller's Secret, Five Stars, and his latest, The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World's Greatest Salesman. In the conversation, Carmine Gallo shared why many leaders struggle with telling their stories and why his latest research involved looking into how Jeff Bezos became such a powerful communicator and the lessons all leaders can learn from his communication practices. Carmine also shared how Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs became better communicators, why storytelling is not a soft skill, and how to become a better storyteller. Finally, Carmine shared communications practices that can help all leaders communicate more effectively and have a more significant impact.

Some Highlights:

• The importance of communication skills in leadership

• The power of storytelling and why the human brain seeks narrative

• Carmine Gallo on why executives struggle with storytelling and how to do it well

• How Jeff Bezos communicated and reinforced his vision for Amazon

• The Bezos shareholder letters and the power of simplicity

• Carmine Gallo on the CEO and leader as a repeater in chief

• How metaphors and symbols can play a role in supporting strategy

• Why Amazon became a writing culture rather than one reliant on Powerpoint presentations

Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership conversation with David Rubenstein, Founder of the Carlyle Group David Rubenstein

Partnering Leadership conversation with John Rossman, author of The Amazon Way

Partnering Leadership conversation with Ann Hiatt, author of Bet on Yourself

Partnering Leadership conversation with Park Howell, author of Brand Bewitchery & The Narrative Gym for Business

Connect with Carmine Gallo

Carmine Gallo Website

Carmine Gallo LinkedIn

The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World's Greatest Salesman on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Simon T. Bailey, a renowned speaker, leadership expert, and author of Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. Simon is best known for his work on personal and professional brilliance, with a focus on resilience—key themes that he passionately explores in his latest book. Throughout the discussion, Simon shares profound lessons from his experiences, including his time at Disney Institute, where he honed his leadership philosophy. He dives into the essence of what it means to be a leader who inspires others to discover their own potential while maintaining humility and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.

Simon emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling the behaviors they wish to see in their teams, drawing from his Disney experience where leaders were expected to "pick up the trash" as a metaphor for taking responsibility beyond their titles. He also discusses the critical role of coaching in leadership, explaining why many managers fail to do it effectively and offering practical advice on how to make coaching a regular and impactful part of leadership practice. Simon’s approach to leadership is refreshingly candid, focusing on the need for intellectual humility and the ability to connect deeply with team members.

Listeners will also gain valuable insights into the evolving nature of work, particularly in the context of hybrid environments and the rise of AI. Simon highlights the challenges and opportunities these changes present for leaders, urging them to foster a culture of learning and adaptability. His emphasis on resilience and brilliance as twin pillars of success in today’s fast-paced world offers a powerful framework for executives aiming to lead their organizations through uncertainty and change.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover Simon’s key leadership principles drawn from his Disney Institute experience that emphasize the importance of modeling the right behaviors in any leadership role.
• Learn why intellectual humility is crucial for leaders who want to truly engage and empower their teams, and how this mindset can transform organizational culture.
• Hear how coaching can be a game-changer for managers, and why a regular cadence of one-on-one meetings is essential for building trust and ensuring alignment.
• Understand the concept of “catch and release in leadership—how training your team members to outgrow their roles can actually strengthen your organization.
• Explore the twin pillars of resilience and brilliance and why combining problem-solving with creativity is essential for unlocking your team’s potential.
• Gain insights into managing hybrid teams effectively, including strategies for maintaining connection and engagement in a remote or partially remote environment.
• Learn how to balance the demand for results with the need for resilience and flexibility, ensuring your team stays motivated and focused on long-term success.
• Discover the importance of continuous learning, and how scheduling your personal development like a vacation can lead to sustained growth in both your career and leadership capabilities.

Connect with Simon T Bailey

Simon T Bailey Website

Simon T Bailey LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Park Howell, host of Business of Story Podcast, author of Brand Bewitchery, and co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business. Park Howell teaches one of the most powerful tools in storytelling: the And, But, and Therefore (ABT), going through the science behind it and how you can start crafting great stories and communicate more powerfully through the use of this framework. He also shares examples of ABT in history and pop culture and how they shaped and are continuing to shape our world as we know it.

Some highlights:

-How growing up in a large family impacted Park Howell

-What led Park Howell to the world of marketing and, eventually, the business of storytelling

-On learning how to tell great stories and “studying” alongside his son in film school

-And, But and Therefore: The DNA of impactful stories

-Park Howell gives a Crash Course on ABT

-Learning to spot ABTs, from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address to Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe

-Park Howell’s ‘horror story’ exercise

Mentioned:

-Robert Bies, professor and founder of the Executive Masters in Leadership program at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business (Listen to Robert Bies's Partnering Leadership podcast episode here)

-Randy Olson, scientist, filmmaker and co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business

-Red Ogan, founder of Wenatchee Petroleum

-Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero's Journey

-Yuval Noah Harari, historian and author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

-Christopher Lochhead, category designer and author

-Robert McKee, author, lecturer and story consultant

-Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President

-Edward Everett, former United States Secretary of State

-Ernest Hemingway, novelist, short-story writer and journalist

-The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler

-Bill D. Moyers’ PBS Special with Joseph Campbell

-Power of Myth, conversations between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell

-Houston, We Have a Narrative by Dr. Randy Olson

Connect with Park Howell:

Brand Bewitchery on Amazon

The Narrative Gym for Business on Amazon

Park Howell on LinkedIn

Park Howell on Twitter

Park Howell on Facebook

Business of Story Website

Business of Story Courses

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Eduardo Briceño, author of The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action. In the discussion, Eduardo dives into the transformative power of a growth mindset and how we can apply it to unlock our potential. He shares how a crippling physical injury early in his career led him to Carol Dweck's pioneering work on a growth mindset. This proved life-changing for Eduardo, setting him on a path to teaching individuals, teams, and organizations how to break free of chronic stagnation. In the conversation, Eduardo Briceno explains the performance paradox, where focusing solely on performing without learning leads to poor results. He offers strategies for leaders to get their teams to embrace a growth mindset.

Some of the Growth Mindset Takeaways That Will Get You Thinking:

• Why integrating micro-learning into daily work trumps sporadic learning sessions.
• Learn how to distinguish positive stretch mistakes from dangerous high-stakes ones.
• How leaders can model a growth mindset openly to influence their teams.
• The role a culture alignment and tweaking existing systems plays in helping teams adopt a growth mindset.
• The type of accountability that matters for both learning and performing.

Connect with Eduardo Briceño

Eduardo Briceno Website

Eduardo Briceno LinkedIn

The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Middle managers often get a bad rap, seen as roadblocks to change and innovation. But Emily Field flips this narrative on its head. As a McKinsey partner, Emily saw firsthand how empowering middle managers unlocks an organization’s potential. In this insightful interview, Emily Field, McKinsey & Company partner and coauthor of Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work, debunks the middle manager myth. Hear why managers, not senior execs, hold the keys to the future of work. Emily shares research on the untapped power of middle managers to drive strategy, culture, and innovation. With compelling stories and data, Emily reveals how organizations can rethink the manager role for the future. You’ll learn how to remove bureaucracy, rebundle work, and achieve the “yin and yang” of performance and people.

By listening to this conversation, you will

• Discover how managers, not senior execs, execute strategy day-to-day through their teams.
• Learn why managers are burning out from misaligned priorities and administrative burdens.
• Find out how to measure and incentivize both performance and people leadership.
• Hear how managers can “rebundle” roles to navigate automation and AI.
• Get Emily Field’s framework to eliminate bureaucracy.

Recommended Resources

McKinsey & Company Power to the Middle

Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work on Amazon

Connect with Emily Field

Emily Field McKinsey & Company

Emily Field LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Get ready to climb the mountain of vulnerability in leadership. In this engaging discussion with Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization, you’ll learn why vulnerability plus leadership can transform organizations. In the conversation, Jacob Morgan shares his personal journey of grappling with vulnerability, from a childhood with a “tough guy” father to panic attacks while writing this transformative book. His research includes interviews with 100 CEOs and a survey of 14,000 employees worldwide. Hear Jacob Morgan’s insights on the ROI of leading with vulnerability, how to “level the playing field” between leaders and employees, and practical ways to get started on your vulnerability journey. You’ll be convinced that, with intention and when done well, vulnerability in leadership is a superpower.

Some Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn the key distinction between vulnerability and leading with vulnerability.
• Hear why self-awareness is crucial for leading with vulnerability and how to become a more self-aware leader.
• Find out how leading with vulnerability can help you overcome imposter syndrome.
• Understand Jacob Morgan's metaphor of the "vulnerability mountain" and how to start small and build up to transform yourself and your organization.
• Learn why leading with vulnerability can "level the playing field" between leaders and employees.
• Understand the "Pratfall Effect" and its role in vulnerability in leadership.

Connect with Jacob Morgan

Jacob Morgan Website

Jacob Morgan LinkedIn

Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40. In the conversation, Garry Ridge shared his origin story and how a quote from the Dalai Lama helped him focus on organizational purpose. Next, Garry explained his why and the how behind making WD-40 an organization where people can contribute, learn something new, and ultimately go home happy. Then, Garry Ridge shared the leadership wisdom he has gained from Ken Blanchard and Marshall Goldsmith and his focus on creating a ripple effect of happiness. Garry Ridge also laid out the leadership practices and approaches that led employee engagement at WD-40 to reach 93.5%, with 98% of the people working at the company loving to tell people they work there and 97% trusting or respecting their boss. Finally, Garry Ridge talked about the importance of strategy and the most critical element in leading an organization to achieve its strategy and succeed.

Some highlights:

• How Garry Ridge ended up as CEO of WD-40

• The importance of authentic purpose in building a global brand

• Creating a culture of engagement and accountability at WD-40

• The role of coaching in the organization

• Garry Ridge on leading WD-40 from a market cap of $300 million to over $2.5 billion.Timestamps

• Hierarchy of values and how best to use them in decision making

• How to embed organizational values

• Garry Ridge on his approach to succession planning at WD-40

• Building a culture that outlasts you

• The difference made by leadership

Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership conversation with Dr. Ken Blanchard on Simple Truths of Leadership

Connect with Garry Ridge

Garry Ridge Website

Garry Ridge on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Hooman Motevalli, the author of, Don’t Be a Crab: A Practical Guide to Building Strong Joyful Relationships. Motevalli’s journey from the tumultuous backdrop of revolution and war in Iran to becoming a transformative thinker in leadership and personal development is nothing short of inspiring. His unique insights into internal dialogue, mindset, and the metaphorical 'crab bucket' mentality offer a fresh perspective on overcoming personal and professional challenges.

Motevalli shares how his early life experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of internal dialogue. He introduces the concept of the 'inner roommate,' a constant companion in our minds that can either propel us toward success or hold us back with negativity. His candid discussion about recognizing and addressing toxic internal conversations provides a roadmap for leaders seeking to cultivate a more positive and productive mindset.

Throughout the episode, Motevalli shares practical exercises and systems he devised to combat fears and self-doubt. His approach, which includes creating a 'not-to-do' list, is both innovative and actionable, offering leaders tangible strategies to improve their internal dialogues and, consequently, their leadership effectiveness. His focus on clarity and self-awareness resonates deeply with the challenges faced by today’s executives.

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Motevalli's exploration of the 'crab bucket' mentality in the workplace. He highlights how competitive environments can foster negative behaviors that undermine collective progress and shares his vision for a more supportive and collaborative work culture.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn about the transformative power of recognizing and addressing toxic internal conversations.
• Hear how to implement a 'not-to-do' list to eliminate negative self-talk and enhance your leadership.
• Discover the significance of the 'inner roommate' and how it impacts your daily decisions and interactions.
• Find out why clarity is crucial in leadership and how to achieve it through self-awareness and observation.
• Explore the concept of the 'crab bucket' mentality and its implications for workplace dynamics.
• Learn practical exercises to overcome the fear of failure and other common executive fears.
• Understand the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve true clarity and growth.
• Hear Motevalli’s recommendations for books that can further enhance your journey of self-discovery and leadership.
• Gain insights into creating a supportive work culture that counters the detrimental effects of hyper-competition.
• Uncover strategies for managing and analyzing your internal dialogues to become a more effective leader.

Connect with the Hooman Motevalli

Hooman Motevalli Website

Hooman Motevalli LinkedIn

Don't Be a Crab!: A Practical Guide to Building Strong, Joyful Relationships

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli hosts Andrea Sampson, an expert in strategic storytelling and the co-founder of Talk Boutique. Andrea Sampson talks about the fascinating intersection of brain science and storytelling, emphasizing why humans are hardwired to respond to stories. As an experienced speaker's coach for TEDx Toronto and a thought leader in her own right, Andrea shares her journey from the advertising world to helping change-makers communicate their ideas effectively.

Andrea highlights the critical role storytelling plays in leadership and organizational success. She explains how stories, unlike mere data, engage multiple parts of the brain, making messages more memorable and impactful. Leaders are often trained to prioritize facts and figures, but Andrea argues that integrating storytelling into their communication strategies can significantly enhance their influence and connection with their audience.

Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores the importance of starting with a clear strategic message before crafting the narrative. She shares practical insights on how leaders can identify and refine their core messages, ensuring that their stories are not only engaging but also aligned with their organizational goals. By drawing on examples from iconic brands like Apple and Disney, Andrea illustrates how a singular focus can drive brand consistency and loyalty.

Moreover, Andrea addresses the challenge of vulnerability in leadership. She advocates for sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds, enabling leaders to convey authenticity and empathy without retraumatizing themselves or their audience.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the Brain Science Behind Storytelling: Understand why humans are neurologically hardwired to respond to stories and how this can be leveraged in leadership.
• Engage Multiple Parts of the Brain: Learn how integrating sensory details into your narratives can make your messages more memorable.
• Start with a Strategic Message: Hear why it's crucial to begin with a clear idea before crafting your story to ensure alignment with your goals.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Find out how sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds can enhance authenticity and connection.
• Consistency is Key: Learn from iconic brands like Apple and Disney on the importance of maintaining a singular focus in your storytelling.
• The Role of Community in Thought Leadership: Understand the importance of building a supportive community to amplify your personal brand and core message.
• Overcome Storytelling Fears: Hear how leaders can overcome the fear of storytelling by refining their skills and embracing their unique experiences.
• Practical Storytelling Techniques: Discover actionable tips on how to use storytelling to deliver difficult messages and inspire your team.

Connect with the Andrea Sampson:

Talk Boutique Website

Andrea Sampson LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this special episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli, usually the host, is in the spotlight as he is interviewed by Enrique Acosta Gonzalez for the Developing the Leader Within podcast. Mahan, CEO of Strategic Leadership Ventures and a highly regarded thought leader shares profound insights on leadership, drawing from his extensive experience working with top executives and CEOs globally. The conversation explores the nuances of effective leadership, emphasizing the shift from positional power to influence in driving organizational success.

Mahan discusses the critical role of trust, authenticity, and vulnerability in leadership. He highlights the necessity for leaders to set an example by acknowledging their blind spots and actively seeking feedback, thereby creating an environment where team members feel safe to express their thoughts openly. This approach fosters team synergy and innovation, making it essential for modern leadership.

The interview also explores practical strategies for handling conflicts and disagreements within leadership teams. Mahan shares his admiration for the "disagree and commit" principle popularized by Jeff Bezos, underscoring its importance in achieving productive collaboration without the need for consensus. He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships and trust among team members to facilitate constructive conflict resolution.

Furthermore, Mahan illuminates the transformative impact of generative AI and asynchronous communication tools in contemporary organizations. He advocates leveraging these technologies to streamline communication, reduce meeting inefficiencies, and promote a culture of continuous learning and experimentation. By integrating these tools, leaders can foster a more agile and responsive organizational environment.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Unlock the Power of Influence: Discover why influence has become more crucial than positional power in modern leadership and how to cultivate it effectively.
• Embrace Authenticity and Vulnerability: Learn how showing authenticity and vulnerability can build trust and foster open communication within your team.
• Address Blind Spots: Hear strategies for recognizing and addressing your blind spots to enhance leadership transparency and effectiveness.
• Adopt the 'Disagree and Commit' Principle: Understand how this approach, championed by Jeff Bezos, can improve decision-making and collaboration in your leadership team.
• Build Strong Relationships: Find out why building trust and strong relationships among team members is vital for resolving conflicts and achieving team synergy.
• Utilize Generative AI: Explore practical ways to use generative AI as a cognitive sparring partner to enhance strategic discussions and decision-making.
• Implement Asynchronous Communication Tools: Learn how tools like Slack and Asana can reduce meeting overload and increase organizational efficiency.
• Encourage Continuous Experimentation: Discover the benefits of adopting a mindset of continuous learning and low-risk experimentation to stay competitive in a fast-paced environment.
• Challenge Traditional Meeting Norms: Get inspired by innovative strategies like 'meeting bankruptcy' to rethink and optimize your organization’s meeting culture.
• Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Understand the transformative impact of a growth mindset on organizational success, illustrated by Satya Nadella’s leadership at Microsoft.

This episode is a treasure tro

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick, an expert in leadership development and the author of Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership. Grant shares his journey from Toronto, Canada, to his extensive experience in Asia, where he has spent over two decades honing his leadership skills. Drawing on his diverse background, including a fascinating stint in the entertainment industry, Grant provides deep insights into the nuances of effective leadership.

Grant's book, Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, serves as the cornerstone of the conversation. He elaborates on the importance of self-leadership, emphasizing that true leadership starts from within. His unique perspective is influenced by the concept of 'choose your own adventure,' allowing leaders to tailor their development journey to their specific needs and contexts. This episode is packed with Grant's compelling anecdotes and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about elevating their leadership game.

One of the key themes explored is the distinction between intention and impact. Grant discusses how leaders often have good intentions but may unintentionally create negative impacts. He shares personal stories and examples to illustrate how self-awareness and feedback can bridge this gap, ultimately leading to more effective and empathetic leadership. The conversation also goes into the psychological needs that drive internal motivation, offering a fresh perspective on how leaders can foster a motivating and supportive environment.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You will learn how Grant's early leadership experiences shaped his approach to developing effective leadership skills.
• Hear how to distinguish between intention and impact and why understanding this difference is crucial for successful leadership.
• Discover the tailored approach to self-leadership inspired by the 'choose your own adventure' concept, allowing leaders to customize their growth journeys.
• Understand the ACRES model and how it can be used to assess and enhance team dynamics during organizational changes.
• Learn why internal motivation, driven by psychological needs, is more sustainable than external rewards and how to cultivate it within your team.
• Find out how empathy and trust are foundational to leadership and what happens when leaders operate under stress.
• Get insights on creating an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.
• Explore the balance between achieving goals and maintaining empathy to ensure sustainable and positive outcomes.
• Gain perspective on the importance of taking a step back to see the bigger picture, especially when under pressure.
• Discover practical techniques for enhancing focus and productivity through mental exercises and creative practices.

Connect with Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick

Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick Website

Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Retired US Navy Admiral Kyle Cozak shares his inspiring journey of resilience and leadership in this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast. From his upbringing in Las Vegas to his life-altering accident, Admiral Cozak's story is a testament to the power of trust, positive thinking, and determination. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, trust, and relatability in leadership and how these qualities can empower individuals to make the right decisions. Admiral Cozak's relentless positivity and unwavering belief in finding new opportunities, even in adversity, is truly inspiring. The conversation also delves into the evolution of leadership in the military, with Admiral Cozak highlighting the shift from commanding and telling people what to do to building trust and empowering individuals. Admiral Cozad shares his experiences as the 22nd senior director in the White House Situation Room, where he witnessed the importance of trust and effective decision-making. Admiral Cozak's insights on teaching leadership and cultural change in the military shed light on the challenges of instilling values and perspectives in a diverse group of recruits. Furthermore, Admiral Cozak's journey of overcoming a life-changing injury and determination to find a new purpose is remarkable. His positive mindset, support network, and belief in overcoming obstacles are lessons that can inspire anyone facing challenges in their own lives.

• Discover the power of the commander's intent and how it can transform decision-making.
• Uncover the evolution of leadership in the military and the lessons learned from that transformation.
• Hear the inspiring story of Admiral Kyle Cozad's life-altering accident and his remarkable mindset shift.
• Learn about the importance of trust and open communication in leadership.
• Gain insights into teaching leadership and cultural change in the US military.
• Find out how struggles and determination at the Naval Academy shaped a leader's path.
• Delve into the experience of serving as the 22nd senior director in the White House Situation Room.
• Understand the significance of active listening and conversations in developing young leaders.
• Discover the role of caregivers and a positive outlook in overcoming challenges.
• Explore the power of relentless positivity and its impact on leadership.

Connect with Admiral Kyle Cozad

Relentless Positivity: A Common Veteran Battling Uncommon Odds at The Naval Aviation Store

Admiral Kyle Cozad on LinkedIn

Relentless Positivity: A Common Veteran Battling Uncommon Odds on Amazon

Partnering Leadership conversations mentioned

David Marquet, Author of Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders & Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say--and What You Don't

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this captivating episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Greg Wooldridge, the only person to have led the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's renowned flight demonstration squadron, three times. With his unparalleled experience and unique insights, Greg Wooldridge shares valuable lessons on leadership, team dynamics, and the pursuit of excellence that is applicable not only in the cockpit but also in the boardroom.

Throughout the conversation, Greg Wooldridge discusses the core elements that make the Blue Angels a high-performing team despite the built-in turnover of members. He reveals how the squadron's culture, founded on humility, gratitude, and trust, is the bedrock of its success. Wooldridge also emphasizes the importance of effective debriefing, which he considers the "secret sauce" of the Blue Angels' continuous improvement.

Greg Wooldridge goes on to share his wisdom on the importance of selecting team members based on character rather than just skill and how to foster a sense of ownership and respect among all team members.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the three essential elements that form the foundation of a high-performance culture and how to cultivate them in your organization.
• Learn the secret behind the Blue Angels' exceptional teamwork and how you can apply it to your own team, regardless of size or industry.
• Hear how embracing vulnerability and transparency during debriefs can lead to breakthrough improvements and stronger trust among team members.
• Understand why selecting team members based on character and humility is just as important, if not more so, than technical skills alone.
• Gain insight into how small acts of respect and appreciation can have a profound impact on team morale and performance.
• Learn how to create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel empowered to speak openly and take ownership of their work.
• Discover the dangers of cockiness in leadership and how to foster a culture of humility and continuous learning instead.

Connect with Greg Wooldridge

Greg Wooldridge LinkedIn

Greg Wooldridge Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pete Steinberg, a seasoned rugby coach, leadership consultant, and author of the book, Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success. With a rich background in coaching women's rugby at Penn State and leading the U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team, Pete brings a unique perspective to organizational leadership, focusing on the parallels between sports coaching and business leadership.

Pete shares his journey from a mediocre rugby player to a celebrated coach, emphasizing the importance of empowering team members to make strategic decisions and manage their own culture. This approach, he explains, is crucial not only in sports but also in organizational settings where leaders must foster autonomy and accountability. His insights challenge the traditional notion of leadership, advocating for a shift from expertise-based selection to attribute-based selection for leadership roles.

Throughout the conversation, Pete discusses leadership shock, a phenomenon that occurs when leaders face unexpected changes or challenges in their roles. He provides actionable advice on how to navigate these shocks by aligning leadership actions with personal purpose and values. Pete's emphasis on self-awareness, time management, and intentionality offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can maintain effectiveness and resilience in dynamic environments.

Listeners will find Pete’s discussion on the role of luck in leadership particularly enlightening. He argues that acknowledging the impact of luck can lead to more balanced and fair assessments of performance, both in sports and business. Moreover, his insights on the democratization of coaching through AI present a forward-thinking approach to leadership development.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how Pete Steinberg’s journey from rugby player to national team coach informs his unique leadership philosophy.
• Hear how to empower your team members to take ownership of their decisions and culture, drawing parallels between sports and business leadership.
• Discover why selecting leaders based on attributes rather than past performance can lead to more effective leadership in your organization.
• Uncover the secrets to navigating leadership shock by aligning your leadership actions with your personal purpose and values.
• Find out why luck plays a crucial role in leadership and how acknowledging it can lead to fairer performance assessments.
• Learn the importance of self-awareness and time management in maintaining leadership effectiveness and resilience.
• Explore the future of leadership development through AI and how it can democratize coaching, making it accessible to leaders at all levels.
• Understand the critical difference between being an expert and being a leader and why effective delegation requires letting go of your expert identity.
• Gain insights into creating a leadership model that tells you what not to do, helping you prioritize and focus on what truly matters.

Connect with the Pete Steinberg

Pete Steinberg Website

Pete Steinberg LinkedIn

Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Scott Mautz, a renowned leadership expert and the author of The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors. Scott brings decades of experience from the corporate world, including a distinguished career at Procter & Gamble, to share profound insights on what it takes to build mental strength and lead effectively, especially in challenging times.

Scott's journey began in central New York, where early physical challenges instilled in him a deep sense of resilience and fortitude. These personal experiences laid the foundation for his exploration into mental strength, a quality he has seen that differentiates successful leaders from those who falter. In his book and during the conversation, Scott emphasizes the critical nature of regulating one's internal state to achieve external success, a lesson drawn from both his research and his own life.

Throughout the episode, Scott discusses the six mental muscles essential for mental strength: confidence, fortitude, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, and messaging. He shares actionable strategies for developing these muscles and highlights the importance of genuine inner confidence over the mere appearance of strength. His approach is both practical and deeply rooted in real-world applications, making it particularly relevant for today's high-pressure leadership environments.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how Scott Mautz's early life challenges shaped his understanding of resilience and mental strength.
• Hear how mental strength is defined as the ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors productively, even in adversity.
• Discover why many leaders feel pressured to appear strong and how this facade can erode genuine confidence.
• Learn the six mental muscles essential for developing true mental strength and practical ways to build them.
• Find out how to own your accomplishments and overcome imposter syndrome with specific, actionable steps.
• Hear Scott's unique lenses of resilience that help leaders transform setbacks into growth opportunities.
• Explore the balance between healthy doubt and overconfidence in leadership decision-making.
• Understand the importance of seeking feedback to gain a true perspective on your mental strength and leadership effectiveness.
• Learn about the customized mental strength training program Scott proposes, tailored to individual needs and goals.

Connect with Scott Mautz

Scott Mautz Website

Scott Mautz LinkedIn

The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this engaging episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli hosts NY Times Best Selling author and serial entrepreneur Dave Kerpen. The conversation focuses on Dave Kerpen’s most recent book, Get Over Yourself: How to Lead and Delegate Effectively for More Time, More Freedom, and More Success.

In the episode, Dave Kerpen emphasizes the importance of strategic delegation, sharing personal anecdotes and practical insights that underscore how effective delegation can lead to greater freedom and success professionally and personally.

The conversation explores common delegation pitfalls, such as leaders' reluctance to delegate or their tendency to micromanage once they do. Kerpen's share model is highlighted as a key framework, focusing on strategy, hiring, and resource management. By entrusting tasks to their teams and empowering them, leaders can concentrate on strategic priorities, fostering both organizational and personal growth.

Dave Kerpen also discusses the impact of the hybrid work environment on delegation, urging leaders to focus on outcomes rather than physical presence. This shift in mindset, along with embracing AI and other technological advancements, can enhance productivity and enable leaders to strike a better work-life balance.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how Dave Kerpen's challenging childhood shaped his unique leadership philosophy and work ethic.
• Hear how to avoid common delegation pitfalls and find a balance between micromanaging and doing everything yourself.
• Discover the three key areas every leader should focus on: strategy and vision, hiring the right people, and ensuring access to resources.
• Find out why failing to delegate effectively can impact your work-life balance and lead to personal regrets.
• Understand the importance of setting clear boundaries for work hours to prioritize life over work.
• Explore the benefits of delegating outcomes rather than tasks to foster creativity and ownership in your team.
• Learn the difference between managing and coaching, and how adopting a coaching mentality can support and encourage your team.
• Uncover practical strategies for building trust gradually with your team through small delegations and simple metrics.
• Get insights into how hybrid work environments and technological advancements like AI are transforming delegation practices.
• Discover how to use 'I' statements for giving corrective feedback, fostering a more supportive and constructive work environment.

Connect with the Dave Kerpen

Dave Kerpen Website

Dave Kerpen LinkedIn

Get Over Yourself: How to Lead and Delegate Effectively for More Time, More Freedom, and More Success Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jonah Berger, Wharton School professor and internationally bestselling author of Magic Words, Contagious, Invisible Influence, and The Catalyst. In the conversation, Jonah Berger talked about the role of influence in our lives and leadership. He explained why influence is a tool and how to use it for positive impact. Jonah Berger then addressed the role of language in influencing others, and the six types of research supported magic words for influence. Next, Jonah Beger shared the role of confidence in influence and how to use it appropriately, depending on the situation. Finally, Jonah Berger talked about the power of storytelling, the language of similarity and difference, and how to use personal hedges to show openness to other perspectives.

Some highlights:

• Why influence is neither positive nor negative

• How words influence behavior

• The research behind the power of 'because'

• How leaders can use influence for good

• The six types of magic words to influence

• How our environment impacts our behaviors

• How the language used in emails can predict whether you are likely going to get promoted or get fired

• The role that words can play in identity and agency

• The importance of certainty to influence and how to do it right

• How leaders can use influence to move their organization in a good direction.

• The one type of question that makes you seem more intelligent and competent.

• The Power of words in influencing others

• Leaders should be aware of the power of words and their use in influencing others

• The importance of follow-up questions and how to do them well

• What do the best storytellers do differently than the others

• How to lead for positive influence

Connect with Jonah Berger:

Jonah Berger Website

Jonah Berger on LinkedIn

Magic Words on Amazon

Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership conversation with Warren Berger on the Power of Questions and Questioning

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Barbara Kellerman, a renowned expert in leadership, Harvard Kennedy School Professor, and a prolific author. Kellerman's latest book, Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers, serves as the focal point of this discussion. With decades of research and a unique perspective on the dynamics of leadership, Kellerman challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on often-overlooked aspects of leadership and followership.

From the outset, Kellerman captivates with her critical examination of why the leadership industry tends to ignore the darker sides of leadership. She goes into the complex interplay between leaders and followers, emphasizing that bad leadership is seldom the result of one individual's actions alone. Her insights into the roles of enablers and the broader context within which leaders operate offer a fresh and necessary perspective for today's CEOs and senior executives.

Kellerman's engaging anecdotes and examples, ranging from corporate boardrooms to political arenas, illustrate the intricate dance between power, authority, and influence. She highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics to navigate the increasingly complex leadership landscape effectively.

The conversation also explores the diminishing power and authority of leaders in modern organizations, replaced by the need to master influence. Kellerman offers actionable insights on how leaders can cultivate this skill by deeply understanding their followers and the contexts in which they operate. This episode is not just a discussion; it is a masterclass in rethinking leadership in the 21st century.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why the leadership industry often avoids discussing bad leadership and the implications of this oversight.
• Hear how understanding the role of followers is crucial in holding leaders accountable and driving positive change.
• Discover the importance of examining the entire leadership system, including enablers and context, to truly understand leadership failures.
• Understand why leadership cannot be reduced to a few simple lessons and the importance of lifelong learning in leadership development.
• Explore the diminishing authority of leaders and the rising importance of influence in effective leadership today.
• Gain insights into the challenges of leading in a world where power dynamics have drastically shifted due to cultural and technological changes.
• Find out how leaders can balance accessibility and authority to maintain effective leadership.
• Learn about the critical role of followership in both enabling and challenging bad leadership.
• Discover strategies for creating an organizational culture that supports transparency and accountability in leadership.
• Hear examples of how successful leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership environments.

Connect with Barbara Kellerman

Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers

Barbara Kellerman Website

Barbara Kellerman LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Robert Wolcott, a renowned expert on innovation and the co-author of Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs in Just-in-Time Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life. In the conversation, Rob Wolcott shares his groundbreaking insights on how digital technologies are revolutionizing industries and reshaping the future of work, healthcare, and beyond.

Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking examples, Wolcott illustrates how the concept of "proximity" is driving a shift towards a more decentralized and responsive economy, where capabilities can be compressed into smaller packages and distributed closer to the moment and place of need. He explores the implications of this shift for leaders and organizations, offering practical advice on how to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by this new era of rapid change and uncertainty.

Wolcott also goes into the role of leadership in fostering innovation and adaptability, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions, crafting exploratory challenges, and empowering teams to find solutions. He shares invaluable insights on how leaders can cultivate a culture of continuous learning and iteration, embracing an agile approach to strategy and decision-making.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover how the concept of "proximity" is transforming industries and unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.

• You'll learn the key skills and mindsets leaders need to navigate an increasingly volatile and uncertain business landscape.

• Hear how to craft exploratory challenges that empower your teams to find innovative solutions and drive breakthrough results.

• Gain insights into the future of healthcare and how AI is shifting the focus from curing to preventing disease.

• Explore the potential of space and virtual reality as the two horizons of the 21st century and what they mean for your business.

• Learn how to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and iteration, embracing an agile approach to strategy and decision-making.

• Discover practical advice on how to keep up with rapid advancements and stay ahead of the curve in an age of exponential change.

Connect with Robert Wolcott

Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs in Just-in-Time Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life Robert Wolcott LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Rob Sadow, the co-founder and CEO of Scoop and the mastermind behind The Flex Index. As a leading expert on the future of work, Rob shares his invaluable insights on navigating the seismic shift towards hybrid and flexible work arrangements. Drawing from his extensive experience and data-driven approach, Rob goes into the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformative change in the workplace.

Throughout the conversation, Rob Sadow highlights the importance of embracing flexibility and adapting office spaces to meet the evolving needs of both employees and organizations. He discusses the role of data in guiding decision-making processes and shares strategies for fostering productivity, engagement, and work-life balance in the new era of work.

Rob also sheds light on the impact of hybrid work on cities and the need for strategic planning to create more live-work-play environments. He emphasizes the significance of investing in smart policies to mitigate the long-term effects of this transition and set cities up for success in the coming decades.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the world of hybrid work and the key factors that contribute to the success or failure of companies as they navigate this uncharted territory.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the stages of grief executives go through when confronting the new reality of work and how to reach acceptance
• Learn why companies founded after 2010 have a competitive edge in the era of flexible work
• Uncover the challenges faced by people managers in the transition to hybrid work and strategies for overcoming them
• Hear how successful companies take an iterative approach to implementing hybrid work policies
• Explore the role of cities in adapting to the shift towards hybrid work and the importance of investing in smart policies
• Gain insights into the common pitfalls of viewing hybrid work as merely a policy change and the need for a holistic approach
• Find out how to leverage data and benchmarking to make informed decisions about office space and employee experience
• Understand the potential impact of AI on the future of work and its interaction with hybrid work models
• Learn how to foster a culture of collaboration, documentation, and outcome-based management in a hybrid setting

Connect with Rob Sadow

Flex Index

Flex Index Newsletter

Scoop Website

Rob Sadow LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Tim Ringel, the visionary CEO of Meet the People, a trailblazing agency that's reshaping the advertising and marketing landscape. With a career spanning decades and continents, Tim Ringel brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the digital age.

Throughout the conversation, Tim shares his journey from a small town in Germany to the bustling streets of New York City, where he now leads a dynamic team of entrepreneurs and innovators. He goes into the evolving nature of consumer behavior and the critical importance of adapting marketing strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

Tim Ringel's insights on the impact of artificial intelligence on the advertising industry are particularly illuminating. He explores the potential risks and rewards of leveraging AI in creative processes and emphasizes the need for transparency and human refinement in delivering value to clients.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover how Tim Ringel's unconventional path from coding to advertising has shaped his approach to leadership and innovation.
• You'll learn why breaking down silos and fostering collaboration is crucial for success in today's fast-paced business environment.
• Hear how Meet the People is helping mid-sized businesses thrive in the digital age by offering integrated, generalist solutions tailored to their unique needs.
• Gain insights into the future of AI in advertising and learn how to leverage its power while maintaining transparency and human touch.
• Uncover the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset within your organization, regardless of its size or industry.
• Learn why stepping outside your echo chamber and seeking inspiration from diverse sources can lead to breakthrough ideas and strategies.
• You'll find out how to adapt your marketing strategies to keep pace with evolving consumer behaviors and expectations.
• Hear Tim's advice on navigating career transitions and embracing learning opportunities at every stage of your professional journey.

Connect with Tim Ringel

Meet the People Website

Tim Ringel Meet the People

Tim Ringel LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Cameron Herold, a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the book The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO. With a wealth of experience as a COO and having coached numerous companies worldwide, Cameron shares his invaluable insights on the critical role of the COO and how to create a high-performing CEO-COO dynamic.

Throughout the conversation, Cameron dives deep into the complexities of the COO role and the importance of finding the perfect match for the CEO. He emphasizes the need for clear communication, trust, and a shared vision to build a successful partnership that can navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

Drawing from his own experiences and the lessons learned from working with diverse organizations, Cameron Herold offers practical advice on how to identify the right COO for your company, onboard them effectively, and nurture a relationship that maximizes the potential of both the CEO and COO.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the key characteristics to look for when hiring a COO and how to ensure they complement your strengths and weaknesses as a CEO.
• Learn the secrets to building a strong CEO-COO relationship that can withstand the challenges of rapid growth and change.
• Hear how successful companies like Shopify have leveraged the CEO-COO dynamic to achieve incredible results.
• Gain insights into the evolving role of the COO and how to adapt your leadership approach to stay ahead of the curve.
• Understand the importance of clear communication and trust in fostering a productive partnership between the CEO and COO.
• Explore the concept of "yin and yang" leadership and how it can help you create a balanced and effective executive team.
• Learn how to navigate the challenges of onboarding a new COO and setting them up for success from day one.
• Discover the power of regular check-ins and "date nights" in maintaining a strong CEO-COO relationship over time.

Connect with Cameron Herold

Cameron Herold Website

COO Alliance

The Second in Command: Unleash The Power of Your COO

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dave Ulrich. Known as the Father of modern-day HR, Dave Ulrich is the Rensis Likert Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and a partner at the RBL Group, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations and leaders deliver value. Dave Ulrich has published over 30 leadership, organization, and human resource books. The discussion with Dave Ulrich touches on measuring a leader's effectiveness, the difference between being a leader and leadership, and how HR has evolved to become more crucial to company success. Next, Dave Ulrich addresses why leaders should focus on certainty while leading through greater uncertainty. Dave Ulrich went on to talk about the importance of positive accountability and emphasized the value of creating leadership brands that cater to customers' expectations. Finally, Dave Ulrich shared why good leadership involves empowering others and building their brands rather than just promoting the leader's brand and how that connects to the concept of value creation for stakeholders.

Some Highlights:

• Dave Ulrich on the characteristics of good leaders-

-The role and importance of HR in creating value for stakeholders

• How leaders can focus on creating value in uncertain times-

-Why positive accountability is a necessity in outstanding leadership and how to do it well

-Dave Ulrich on how to empower others to build their brands

• Why the receiver defines value and the importance of that perspective in leadership

• The role of human resources in creating value for stakeholders through talent, organization, and leadership.

• The necessity of focusing on customer expectations in creating successful leadership models.

• Dave Ulrich on the one trait that all great leaders have in common

Connect with Dave Ulrich:

The RBL Group Website

Dave Ulrich on LinkedIn

Dave Ulrich at University of Michigan Ross

Dave Ulrich books on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Jerry Colonna, CEO of Reboot.io and the renowned CEO coach known as the “CEO Whisperer.” Jerry Colonna is also the author of the groundbreaking books Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.

With his unique background as a successful venture capitalist turned executive coach, Jerry brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the discussion, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of modern leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Jerry shares his personal journey of self-discovery and transformation, highlighting the importance of radical self-inquiry and emotional authenticity in cultivating effective and purposeful leadership. He explores the paradoxical nature of success, discussing how the pursuit of external achievements can often lead to feelings of hollowness and disconnection from one's true self.

Drawing upon his extensive work with CEOs and executives, Jerry Colonna offers a fresh perspective on the role of business in society, arguing that purpose-driven leadership has the potential to create meaningful change and contribute to the healing of the world. He challenges listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths of our shared history and to embrace the power of vulnerability and empathy in building more inclusive and compassionate organizations.

With his trademark blend of wisdom, humor, and provocative questioning, Jerry invites leaders to embark on a journey of self-reflection and growth, offering practical guidance and transformative insights along the way.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the surprising connection between childhood experiences and adult leadership styles, and learn how to turn past challenges into sources of strength and resilience.
• Explore the power of radical self-inquiry to unlock your full potential as a leader and create more authentic and purposeful organizations.
• Gain insights into the paradoxical nature of success and learn strategies for navigating the dissonance between external achievements and internal fulfillment.
• Understand the importance of emotional authenticity in leadership and discover techniques for cultivating greater self-awareness and empathy in your interactions with others.
• Learn how to harness the power of purpose-driven leadership to create meaningful change and contribute to the healing of the world through your work.
• Hear why confronting uncomfortable truths and embracing vulnerability are essential for building more inclusive and compassionate organizations.
• Discover the transformative potential of coaching in helping leaders align their inner values with their outer actions and create more impactful and fulfilling careers.

Connect with Jerry Colonna

Reboot.io

Reunion: Leadership and Longing to Belong

Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up

Jerry Colonna LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Alden Mills, three-time Navy SEAL Platoon Commander and INC 500 CEO. Alden Mills is also the author of three books, the latest of which is Unstoppable Mindset: How to Use What You Have to Get What You Want. Throughout the conversation, Alden shares his insights on navigating change, fostering ownership, and cultivating a resilient mindset in both personal and professional contexts.

Throughout the conversation, Alden draws upon his unique experiences as a Navy SEAL and successful business leader to provide valuable lessons on leadership in the face of uncertainty. He discusses the importance of embracing discomfort, learning from failure, and maintaining faith in oneself and one's team.

Alden also shares the concept of the "mindset horizon," explaining how leaders can encourage their teams to venture beyond their comfort zones and take ownership of their roles. He emphasizes the significance of trust and autonomy in building high-performing teams and shares practical strategies for implementing these principles in organizations.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the three levels of leadership and how they impact your organization's success
• Learn how to identify and overcome the fears that hold you back from venturing into the unknown
• Hear how to cultivate a culture of ownership and accountability within your team
• Understand the power of the "commander's intent" in setting clear boundaries while fostering autonomy
• Gain insights on building trust and faith among team members, a critical component of high-performance teams
• Explore the concept of the "mindset horizon" and how it can help you navigate change and uncertainty
• Learn how to reframe failure as an opportunity for growth and resilience
• Discover practical strategies for applying Navy SEAL leadership principles in civilian organizations
• Hear how to balance the need for structure with the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced business environment
• Gain valuable tips on seeking out strategic, emergency, and tactical advisors to support your leadership journey

Connect with the Alden Mills

Alden Mills Website

Be Unstoppable Website

Alden Mills on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Jason Gulya, a higher education AI Strategist, to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and organizations. As someone who initially resisted the idea of becoming a teacher, Jason's journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and embracing change.

Jason shares how his unique upbringing, with three brothers close in age, shaped his understanding of community and individual needs, laying the foundation for his approach to teaching and learning. He candidly discusses his initial skepticism towards ChatGPT, fearing it would enable plagiarism and undermine education. However, his willingness to approach the technology with an open mind led him to recognize its potential for enhancing learning experiences and driving organizational transformation.

Drawing from his experiences as the chair of the AI council at his college, Jason offers a fresh perspective on AI's role in education. He emphasizes the need to cultivate foundational skills while leveraging technology as a complementary tool. He advocates for a shift towards a more dynamic and relevant approach to teaching, where AI serves as a cognitive partner, challenging assumptions and fostering critical thinking.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how Jason uses ChatGPT in his English classes to facilitate engaging discussions and encourage students to critically analyze their beliefs, pushing back against AI-generated counterarguments.
• Hear how AI can be leveraged as a powerful brainstorming tool for organizational change and strategy development, allowing leaders to explore innovative solutions and break out of traditional silos.
• Discover Jason's advice on embracing adaptability and critical thinking as essential skills for navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape, where job roles and pipelines are constantly shifting.
• Understand the importance of allowing emotional reactions to new technologies while maintaining an open mindset and focusing on practical applications rather than getting caught up in hype or fear.
• Learn about Jason's approach to exploring AI's potential, starting with a single program and investing time to understand its capabilities and limitations before strategizing its implementation.

Connect with Jason Gulya

Jason Gulya LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with JJ (Projjal) Ghatak, a seasoned technology executive who has held key roles at companies like Uber and is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of OnLoop, a habit-forming, genAI-powered goals and feedback platform for high functioning teams. Projjal Ghatak shares his unique insights on building mission-driven cultures, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology to empower managers and drive organizational success.

Drawing from his experiences at Uber during its rapid growth phase, Projjal discusses how the company's decentralized structure and fighting spirit contributed to its success. He also delves into the importance of the founder's role in setting the tone for an organization's culture and attracting the right talent.

As the co-founder of OnLoop, JJ (Projjal) Ghatak is on a mission to "productize" management, making it simple and effective for every manager to bring out the best in their teams. He breaks down the key responsibilities of a manager and shares how OnLoop is using AI and habit-formation science to drive better management practices.

Throughout the conversation, Projjal touches on a range of topics relevant to today's leaders, from the challenges of hybrid work to the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover how Uber's early culture of decentralization and fighting spirit fueled its rapid growth and success

• Learn Projjal's framework for the five key responsibilities of a manager and how to excel at each one

• Explore the science behind habit formation and how it can be leveraged to drive better management practices

• Gain insights on the productivity challenges of hybrid work and strategies for building self-discipline in remote teams

• Hear Projjal's unconventional approach to recruiting, which prioritizes raw talent over years of experience

• Understand the importance of self-awareness for leaders and how to leverage resources for continuous learning and growth

Connect with JJ (Projjal) Ghatak

OnLoop Website

JJ (Projjal) Ghatak LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this engaging episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in an insightful conversation with Paul Daugherty, the group chief executive of technology and chief technology officer at Accenture. During the episode, Paul Daugherty emphasizes the criticality of adopting a technology-focused mindset and embracing constant reinvention and agility in the face of evolving technologies. He highlights the importance of organizations becoming learning organizations equipped with empathetic listening capabilities to navigate the era of generative AI effectively. The conversation delves into the significance of responsible AI and data ethics within organizations utilizing AI. Paul Daugherty underscores the need for CEOs to prioritize the implementation of responsible AI, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of business and society. Additionally, the episode touches on the transformative impact of the metaverse on business operations, the integral role of data in AI, and the necessity of rescaling individuals displaced by automation. Finally, Paul Daugherty shares his predictions on the future impact of AI on organizations.

• Discover the untapped potential of AI. Find out why reskilling is crucial for individuals affected by automation.
• Uncover the origins of the digital revolution and the birth of artificial intelligence.
• Gain insights into the transformation of every business into a technology company, and learn why technological prowess is indispensable for successful digital transformation and total enterprise reinvention.
• Explore how AI can support learning within organizations.
• Understand the importance of placing technology at your company's core and adopting a mindset of total enterprise reinvention.
• Dive into the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines and unlock the potential and value that AI offers when they work together.
• Delve into responsible AI, establishing structured policies and tools to ensure ethical and unbiased outcomes while appropriately handling data.
• Discover the transformative impact of generative AI, affecting 40% of working hours across companies.
• Explore the metamorphosis of the metaverse and its profound influence on business operations.
• Embrace the concept of a Technology Quotient (TQ) as an essential addition to IQ and EQ in every company, and recognize the importance of training all employees in various technologies.

Accenture Thought Leadership

Accenture Foresight App

Accenture Technology Vision 2023 When Atoms Meet Bits

Connect with Paul Daugherty

Paul Daugherty at Accenture

Paul Daugherty on LinkedIn

Also Referenced:

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Ajay Agrawal on Prediction Machines & Power and Prediction

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Rubenstein, co-founder & co-chairman of Carlyle Group & President of the Economic Club of Washington DC. In the conversation David Rubenstein shares his journey from working at the White House to starting one of the largest private equity investment firms globally. He also talks about his leadership lessons, philanthropy, Peer-to-Peer interviewing for the Economic Club of Washington DC and Bloomberg TV, and the legacy he plans to leave behind.

Some highlights:

• David Rubenstein’s childhood and how he became an avid reader

• David’s experience at the White House working for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

• The story behind David Rubenstein helping co-found the Carlyle Group

• On becoming Carlyle Group’s fundraiser and how David increased its visibility

• David Rubenstein’s leadership practices and values

• ‘Patriotic Philanthropy’ and David Rubenstein’s signing of the giving pledge

• David Rubenstein on the value of family and the importance of raising successful children

• Why David Rubenstein accepted to become the President of The Economic Club of Washington DC and then decided to change the format.

• Becoming a Peer-to-Peer interviewer: on self-deprecating humor, being a good listener, and more

• Leadership lessons from David Rubenstein’s book, How to Lead

• On his passion for capturing the ‘American experiment’ and his opinion on America today

• David Rubenstein’s desire for impact as he ‘sprints’ to leave a legacy

• Why David Rubenstein reads over 100 books a year and encourages others to read more

• On moving forward post-COVID with ongoing transformation and change

Connect with David Rubenstein

David Rubenstein Website

How to Lead by David Rubenstein

The Carlyle Group Website

The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer

The Economic Club of Washington D.C. Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this captivating episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Greg Wooldridge, the only person to have led the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's renowned flight demonstration squadron, three times. With his unparalleled experience and unique insights, Greg Wooldridge shares valuable lessons on leadership, team dynamics, and the pursuit of excellence that is applicable not only in the cockpit but also in the boardroom.

Throughout the conversation, Greg Wooldridge discusses the core elements that make the Blue Angels a high-performing team despite the built-in turnover of members. He reveals how the squadron's culture, founded on humility, gratitude, and trust, is the bedrock of its success. Wooldridge also emphasizes the importance of effective debriefing, which he considers the "secret sauce" of the Blue Angels' continuous improvement.

Greg Wooldridge goes on to share his wisdom on the importance of selecting team members based on character rather than just skill and how to foster a sense of ownership and respect among all team members.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the three essential elements that form the foundation of a high-performance culture and how to cultivate them in your organization.
• Learn the secret behind the Blue Angels' exceptional teamwork and how you can apply it to your own team, regardless of size or industry.
• Hear how embracing vulnerability and transparency during debriefs can lead to breakthrough improvements and stronger trust among team members.
• Understand why selecting team members based on character and humility is just as important, if not more so, than technical skills alone.
• Gain insight into how small acts of respect and appreciation can have a profound impact on team morale and performance.
• Learn how to create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel empowered to speak openly and take ownership of their work.
• Discover the dangers of cockiness in leadership and how to foster a culture of humility and continuous learning instead.

Connect with Greg Wooldridge

Greg Wooldridge LinkedIn

Greg Wooldridge Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli interviews Daniel Burrus, a world-renowned futurist, strategist, and author of The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity and Advantage.

In the conversation, Daniel Burrus shares his powerful framework for anticipating the future and shaping strategies accordingly, emphasizing the importance of identifying hard and soft trends to gain certainty in an uncertain world.

Throughout the conversation, Daniel Burrus dives deep into the principles and mindsets that enable leaders to become anticipatory rather than reactionary. He highlights the transformative power of the "both/and" principle, the "ideal use" principle, and the concept of disrupting yourself and your organization before others do. Daniel's expertise and engaging storytelling make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to create a better future for themselves and their organization.

Key Insights You'll Gain:

• Discover the difference between hard trends and soft trends and how they can help you develop low-risk, high-reward strategies
• Learn how to become anticipatory and proactively identify and solve problems before they occur
• Understand the importance of embracing the "both/and" principle for accurate predictions and innovative thinking
• Explore the "ideal use" principle and how it can help you cut through the hype surrounding new technologies and innovations
• Gain insights into the power of disrupting yourself and your business before others do
• Uncover the potential of AI and how to harness its benefits while protecting against its risks
• Discover why humans are infinitely upgradable and the importance of staying open-minded to learning new things
• Learn how to apply the "both/and" principle to various scenarios, from paper vs. digital to gas vs. electric cars

Connect with Daniel Burrus

The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity and Advantage

Daniel Burrus Website

Daniel Burrus LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Brad Zimmerman, a seasoned business consultant and coauthor of The Great Engagement: How CEOs Create Exceptional Cultures. With over thirty years of experience guiding businesses to success, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the table.

Throughout the conversation, Brad and Mahan delve into the critical importance of employee engagement and how leaders can effectively align individual purpose with organizational goals. They explore the shifting attitudes towards work in our society and the implications for leaders seeking to foster cultures of engagement and fulfillment.

Brad Zimmerman shares powerful examples and anecdotes from his work with clients, illustrating the transformative impact of a purpose-driven culture on employee motivation, retention, and overall organizational performance. He emphasizes the need for leaders to be intentional, conscious, and self-aware in their approach to engaging and empowering their teams.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the three essential tools of leadership - leading, managing, and coaching - and how mastering these skills can create a supportive and accountable environment where people thrive.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the three critical elements leaders must focus on to create a culture of engagement and purpose

• Learn how to overcome the invisible barriers that prevent employees from offering honest feedback and challenging ideas

• Hear powerful examples of organizations that have successfully navigated turbulent times by fostering a deep sense of purpose and pride among their teams

• Gain practical strategies for implementing "supportive accountability" and driving results through regular, forward-looking conversations

• Understand the importance of creating a coaching culture and how to model openness to feedback as a leader

• Explore the shifting attitudes towards work-life balance and how leaders can adapt to engage their teams in this new landscape

• Learn the key differences between leading, managing, and coaching and why all three are essential for effective leadership

• Discover how to use mission moments to consistently connect your team's work to a greater purpose

Connect with Brad Zimmerman

Phoenix Performance Partners Webpage with Additional Resources Including Free Download of Engaged Life Inventory

The Great Engagement: How CEOs Create Exceptional Cultures

Brad Zimmerman on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Professor Ajay Agrawal, the Geoffrey Taber Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. Ajay Agrawal is also the founder of the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), a not-for-profit program for early-stage, science-based companies, and coauthor of two outstanding books on Artificial Intelligence: Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence and Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence. In the conversation, Professor Agrawal shared the origin of his passion for studying the intersection of technology and economics and the increasing importance of artificial intelligence for organizations as a decision-making tool that brings down the cost of prediction. Ajay Agrawal then explained why this shift would significantly impact individuals, organizations, and industries as machines enable better predictions while humans focus on the judgment required for decision-making. Finally, Ajay Agrawal shared examples of the transformative impact of the reduction in the cost of prediction and how leaders can help guide their organizations through the significant changes ahead.

Some highlights:

• Three people that helped shape Ajay Agrawal's career path

• Why looking at AI from an economic perspective clarifies its potential to transform organizations and industries

• Ajay Agrawal on the role of predictions in artificial intelligence

• The importance of human judgment in decision making

• How AI decision-making will redefine roles in the workplace

• The disruptive economics of artificial intelligence

• How generative AI such as ChatGPT works and what causes mistakes and misstatements

• Ajay Agrawal on the importance of upskilling professionals

• How organizations can redesign their structures and processes to take into account the new predictive world

• The impact of AI on systems-level change

• How organizations can leverage AI for business success

• Why we're on the brink of a set of transformations that none of us have seen in our lifetimes

• How AI can help create a better future

Connect with Professor Ajay Agrawal:

Ajay Agrawal website

Ajay Agrawal at Rotman School of Management

Ajay Agrawal on LinkedIn

Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence on Amazon

Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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This episode of Partnering Leadership features Mahan Tavakoli in an interview on the Uncommodified podcast with host Tim Windsor. They explore AI's impact on leadership in an increasingly fast-changing world.

Mahan and Tim have an insightful dialogue around evolving leadership approaches for exponential times driven by technological advances like AI. They discuss the pitfalls of certainty and why leaders can no longer rely on having all the answers today to be successful.

Instead, they examine why perpetual curiosity, learning, and questioning are becoming competitive advantages to drive innovation. From analyzing biases ingrained by education systems to rediscovering childlike wonder, Tim and Mahan offer wisdom for leaders to "unlearn" outdated notions that will hamper future success.

They also explore why confidence must be balanced with humility. Modeling an appetite for life's uncertainties can inspire the same in teams.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear why the world's accelerating pace demands leaders evolve approaches rooted in the past
• Learn how to foster radical curiosity that invites insight over projecting certainty
• Discover leadership behaviors to model that ignite innovative thinking in teams
• Understand the risks leaders face by sticking to hubris versus humility
• Get tactics to encourage curiosity and unlearning within your culture
• Learn why leaders adept at questioning will thrive through greater uncertainty
• Hear how childlike wonder and imagination can fuel breakthrough leadership
• Get insights on how to apply insights from Brene Brown and Adam Grant for personal growth

Partnering Leadership Conversations Referenced

Leading Through The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence with Professor Ajay Agrawal

Connect with Tim Windsor

Tim Windsor Website

The Uncommodified Podcast

Tim Windsor on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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As the pace of digital change accelerates, how should leaders guide their organizations to stay ahead of disruption? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, author John Rossman makes the case that betting big on transformation is essential, though risky.

Drawing on his experience spearheading Amazon's bold expansions, Rossman argues that the coming era of "hyper-digital" will necessitate even bolder moves than we've seen.

In the conversation, John Rossman lays out a playbook for leading change with the same fearless spirit of innovation embodied by pioneers like Bezos, Musk, and Jobs. His new book, Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era, offers tools and frameworks to drive clarity, speed, and calculated risk-taking in your team. Listen as Rossman shares insider tips on writing focused memos, rapidly testing central assumptions, and clearly communicating to carry stakeholders through uncertainty.

You'll learn tangible systems to define the problems worth attacking and to design minimal viable tests that reveal which bold solutions show the most significant promise. Rossman also prescribes remedies for the cultural obstacles that often sideline transformative thinking. Get actionable methods to investigate multiple futures, facilitate critical debate, and budget in stages rather than over-committing.

In an exponential era where leaders must think big while mitigating existential risk, Rossman delivers the wisdom needed today to build resilient, adaptive organizations ready to lead the future.

In the episode, you will learn:
- How to frame your boldest ideas as "Big Bets" to spark smarter experiments
- Ways to accelerate and test transformational initiatives before overcommitting
- How Jeff Bezos's "Day 1" outlook drives fearless innovation
- How writing memos instead of slide decks uncovers flaws and misalignments
- Why Simon Sinek says leaders repeating messages drives progress
- How to balance dream-big thinking with de-risking core assumptions
- How to run small tests that reveal which big bets deserve doubling down

Connect with John Rossman
Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era
John Rossman Website
John Rossman LinkedIn
John Rossman Partnering Leadership episode on The Amazon Way

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli interviews philosopher, CEO, and bestselling author Brian Johnson on activating your organization's heroic potential. Having spent over half his career as a founder and business leader, Brian shares powerful insights on perseverance and excellence drawn from ancient wisdom and modern science.

In the conversation, Brian offers key lessons from his newest book, "Arete: Activate Your Heroic Potential," for overcoming adversity and leading teams through hardship. You'll discover Brian's fascinating concept of "anti-fragile confidence" and the rituals enabling leaders to cultivate it.

Hear how Brian trains his mind and body with world-class dedication - and why peak physical condition enables peak psychological performance when tackling stress. Finally, Brian defines the one "ultimate game" leaders must keep sight of in business and life.

In this conversation, you will learn:

• Why leaders should see adversity as a creative "wrestling partner" sent to build skills, like an ancient Greek hero
• The moment-by-moment visualizing tactic for closing gaps between your potential and reality
• How an elite military leader defined the key to emotional resilience (and how to develop more of this quality)
• Why protocols and checklists matter as much personally for CEOs as they do for pilots and surgeons
• The four timeframes for properly assessing progress while avoiding imposter syndrome
• How one trusted advisor coaches building "anti-fragile confidence" to thrive when problems intensify
• The critical question to ask when overwhelmed: "What's your protocol?" (and how to architect one)
• Why leaders should ask "What now?" rather than "Why me?" when adversity strikes

Connect with Brian Johnson

Heroic

Brian Johnson
Arete: Activate Your Heroic Potential

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Diversity, equity, and inclusion are more vital than ever for organizations today. But how can leaders move beyond good intentions to drive real impact? In this engaging episode, inclusion strategist Risha Grant, author of Be Better than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Workplace Culture of Inclusion, offers paradigm-shifting insights for leaders seeking to foster authentic belonging in their teams.

Drawing on over two decades of experience guiding executives, Risha dives into the key traps that derail well-meaning leaders. You'll hear surprising takeaways like why your company's implementation matters more than your intent. Risha also shares how a "BS check" can reveal blindspots and how transparency drives trust when handled right.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn why "validate and act" is vital after employees report issues. Hear the common leadership pitfall that invalidates people's experiences.
• Find out how a simple "BS check" can help leaders connect with frontline realities they miss from the top floor.
• Discover why listening without assuming you already know the answers is key for inclusion efforts to work.
• Get examples of how to challenge your own potentially outdated mental models and see situations through others' eyes.
• Hear Risha's perspective on balancing inclusion with constructive debate so neither is compromised.
• Learn small ways we can all extend "radical acceptance" through everyday interactions on the elevator, in the office, and beyond titles.

Recommended Resources

Be Better than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Workplace Culture of Inclusion

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Howard Ross on Belonging, Bias and Building Inclusive Cultures

Connect with Risha Grant

Risha Grant Website

Risha Grant LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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What if AI could free up bandwidth, spark creativity, and boost productivity for executives and teams? Jordan Wilson, Founder of Everyday AI and host of the Everyday AI podcast, joins Mahan Tavakoli, sharing pragmatic tips so leaders can harness cutting-edge generative AI. Jordan advises an agile, sprint-based approach to rapidly experiment rather than get stuck in opaque long-term AI projects that often trigger resistance. He recommends executives audit workflows to systematically evaluate where AI could automate tedious tasks - starting with their most time-consuming administrative work before expanding. Rather than reacting as generative AI enters offices, Jordan makes the case that executives can proactively embrace this change, unlocking new creative opportunities.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn a workflow auditing process to identify the fastest executive generative AI productivity gains
• Gain insights around behavioral change triggers that spark resistance to adopting these technologies
• Understand how to structure ethical governance models that proactively upskill staff for positive AI integration
• Discover real-world examples of sprint-based experimentation approaches to find replicable quick wins

Connect with Jordan Wilson

Everyday AI

Jordan Wilson on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with H.H. Leonards. H.H. Leonards is the founder and chair of the O Street Museum Foundation, headquartered in Washington, D.C., and the Mansion on O Street, where Mrs. Rosa Parks called her home-away-from-home for the last decade of her life. H.H. Leonards is also the author of the book Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership. Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. In the conversation, H.H. Leonards shares why they connected on a deep level when she met Rosa Parks. H.H. Leonards also shares both historical accounts recounted to her by Rosa Parks as well as her experience during the ten years Rosa Parks lived at the Mansion on O Street. Finally, H.H. Leonards shares what Rosa Parks felt it would take to end racism and her hope for future generations. The episode ends with the beautiful song “Enough” which was made to honor Rosa Parks. The song lyrics are by Oscar-winning songwriter Paul Williams, and the music was written by Mark Bryan (lead guitarist for Hootie & the Blowfish) and Ranky Tanky, both Grammy winners.

Some Highlights

-Why Rosa Parks came to Washington DC to live at the Mansion on O Street

-H.H. Leonards and Rosa Parks bonding over their shared values of family, love, and helping others

-Rosa Parks' role in the civil rights movement and the many challenges she faced after the Montgomery Bus Boycott

-The many myths surrounding Rosa Parks not giving up her seat on the bus and what really happened that fateful day and why

-H.H. Leonards on getting to know Rosa Parks even better, by accompanying her to meetings and through her touch

-Rosa Parks’ role in the founding of the National Organization for Women

-How Rosa Parks' meeting with Pope John Paul II came about and its significance

-Rosa Parks’ view on what it would take to help end racism

-The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom

-The three-city funeral for Rosa Parks

-A message that Rosa Parks would want to be passed on to future generations

Resources:

YouTube Video of Enough

Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership on Amazon

Connect with H.H. Leonards

The Mansion on O Street

H.H. Leonards on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli interviews strategic thinking expert Rich Horwath, author of six books on strategy, including his latest Strategic: The Skill to Set Direction, Create Advantage, and Achieve Executive Excellence.

Rich shares his decades of expertise, shining a light on common pitfalls that executives and leadership teams face as they approach strategic planning. He then outlines his practical 3A framework – Acumen, Allocation, Action – that leaders at any level can use to begin thinking and behaving more strategically daily.

The conversation explores important concepts around strategic agility, competitive advantage, customer insight, and leading change during times of greater uncertainty. With so many models and approaches promising the "secret formula" to developing winning strategic plans, Rich cuts through the noise with relevant and impactful principles and perspectives.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn why strategic plans often lack traction and how to avoid pitfalls
• Discover a simple yet powerful model for strategic thinking
• Identify key blindspots even seasoned leaders have around strategy
• Understand how competitive advantage stems from being different, not better
• See why you must create space for strategic reflection
• Gain insight on customer needs versus feedback
• Find out why continual iterations matter more than annual planning
• Hear how to leverage AI and data for strategic advantage
• Foster strategic thinking at all levels of an organization
• Use a tactical approach to uncover opportunities

Partnering Leadership Episodes Referenced

Innovative Thinking & Strategy by Tapping Into the Science of Subtraction with University of Virginia Professor Leidy Klotz

Winning the Right Game: How to Disrupt, Defend, and Deliver in a Changing World with Ron Adner

Leading Through The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence with Professor Ajay Agrawal

How to Lead and Innovate by Learning from The Amazon Way with John Rossman

Connect with Rich Horwath

Strategy Skills Website

Rich Horwath on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Michael Thatcher shares insights from his extensive leadership experience spanning the nonprofit and technology sectors. As the CEO of Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the U.S., he provides an inside look at leading this influential organization through a period of rapid growth and digital transformation.

Touching on topics from building trust with boards to measuring nonprofit impact, Michael Thatcher offers thoughtful perspectives on leadership. He discusses the journey of evolving Charity Navigator's rating system to provide more holistic assessments focused on transparency, accountability, and tangible outcomes.

With over 200,000 charities now rated, he looks ahead to further enhancing evaluation methods and considering international expansion. Thatcher also explores trends in philanthropy and optimistically envisions greater collaboration between sectors to drive social impact.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn how to gain board member trust as a new CEO
• Hear how to motivate staff and maintain culture while transitioning to fully remote work
• Discover effective strategies for measuring and improving nonprofit impact
• Learn the approach behind Charity Navigator's upgraded evaluation methods assessing transparency, responsibility, and outcomes
• Gain insights on trends in philanthropy like impact investing and effective altruism
• Understand opportunities and ethical considerations for applying AI in the social sector

Referenced Partnering Leadership Conversations

AI Ethics, Leadership & Governance with Renee Cummings, Professor of Practice in Data Science at UVA

Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, The Metaverse & AI's Impact on The Future of Work with Louis Rosenberg, AR/VR Pioneer & CEO Unanimous AI

Connect with Michael Thatcher

Charity Navigator Website

Michael Thatcher on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership episode, host Mahan Tavakoli speaks with clarity expert Steve Woodruff about the importance of clear communication for leaders. As the torrent of digital information competes for our attention, Steve emphasizes how leaders must craft focused messages that cut through the noise.

Drawing from decades of consulting experience, Steve shares the core principles from his book "The Point" on transmitting ideas effectively amidst the modern barrage of disruption. He outlines specific techniques like storytelling and analogies that make messages stick in the minds of listeners. With humor and humility, Steve advocates that the starting point begins with self-awareness – leaders first know their own strengths before trying to communicate them.

The conversation revolves around neuroscience, explaining why unclear communication fails. Steve offers research on how our brains filter information, only latching onto what seems immediately relevant. This biological filtering system demands that leaders prioritize clarity, first having a clear point themselves. Steve provides thought-provoking ideas on how to sequence messages, using illustrations and examples so others can readily comprehend key concepts.

Steve analyzes common communication pitfalls that prevent alignment and action. He shares wisdom on the clarity necessary for personal branding, settling on the right descriptive words and stories that capture individual uniqueness.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn the 4 core rules of effective communication and how to apply them to leadership messaging and meetings
• Understand why you need analytical clarity about your own strengths and story before trying to communicate personal branding
• Learn ways symbolic language through metaphors, analogies, and anecdotes can make messages more memorable
• Discover how sequencing information creates "brain-friendly" communications tuned to relevance
• Find out why specificity is key and how telling leadership stories gives life to ideas
• See how constructive personal branding comes through identifying and settling on just a few core descriptive keywords

Connect with Steve Woodruff

Steve Woodruff Website

Steve Woodruff LinkedIn

The Point: How to Win with Clarity-Fueled Communications Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership episode, host Mahan Tavakoli has an expansive dialogue on leadership and the future of work with serial entrepreneur and tech optimist Andy Tryba. As a 19x founder and CEO, Andy currently leads private equity firm Ionic Partners and two of its high-growth acquisitions, Gigster and Sparkrock.

Andy previously built and led software juggernaut Think3, acquiring and optimizing 12 SaaS companies. He also founded one of the world's largest online talent marketplaces, Crossover, which grew to over $500 million in revenue before its acquisition.

In addition, Andy served as an advisor to President Obama on spurring job creation and competitiveness.

Key Insights and Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn Andy's tactics for optimizing asynchronous decision-making in remote environments
• Hear Andy's perspective on the "human cloud" future of work and economic opportunity
• Understand why Andy sees global remote hiring as a gamechanger most companies fail to utilize
• Learn why hybrid work models are often "the worst of both worlds"
• Discover Andy's approach to acquiring and scaling companies through private equity
• Find out why reading classics on relating well to people is an unexpected Andy leadership habit
• Get Andy's optimistic view that AI will augment rather than replace most knowledge worker roles

Connect with Andy Tryba

Andy Tryba on X

Andy Tryba LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Marquet. David served as the commander of the US Navy nuclear submarine, USS Santa Fe. When he took over, he changed the command-and-control leadership style and empowered his crew to turn the lowest-performing sub into the best performer in the fleet. David Marquet shared leadership lessons from this experience, which he also wrote in his bestselling book Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders.

David Marquet also shared leadership insights from his latest book, Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say and What You Don't. In it, David Marquet highlights how choosing your words can dramatically improve organizational decision-making and execution.

Some Highlights:

• David Marquet on becoming the commander of the lowest-performing submarine in the US Navy

• Why it's not the lack of leadership but the wrong kind of leadership that results in poor team performance

• David Marquet on moving beyond the traditional approach to leadership

• How David Marquet shifted his own and his crew's mindset to transition from permission-based decision making to intent-based decision making

• Why leadership in most organizations still operates using outdated mindsets and approaches

• David Marquet on what all leaders can learn from the communications breakdowns on the El Farro

• The importance of language in leading organizations to better decision making and execution in the business

Books Mentioned:

• Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders - L. David Marquet

• Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say and What You Don't - L. David Marquet

Connect with L. David Marquet:

LinkedIn:

David Marquet

Intent-based Leadership International

Websites:

https://davidmarquet.com/

https://intentbasedleadership.com/what-is-intent-based-leadership/

YouTube:

Leadership Nudges

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Hal Elrod, the international bestselling author of The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life, which has been translated into 37 languages and has sold over 2.5 million copies, brings his unique perspectives on establishing daily practices that foster personal growth and leadership excellence based on his recently updated and expanded edition of The Miracle Morning.

Drawing on personal experiences overcoming adversity, including life-threatening events, Hal developed the acclaimed Miracle Morning methodology to optimize and actualize his full potential intentionally.

In this inspiring discussion, Hal shares the origins of Miracle Morning's "6 Saver" routine of silence, affirmation, visualization, exercise, reading, and writing. He offers compelling insights on leveraging these personal development pillars for individual growth to elevate teams and build organizational culture. From establishing new habits to sustainability tactics and the neuroscience validating this methodology, Hal provides an often overlooked formula to embody more empowered, activated life and leadership.

With insightful examples, Hal translates proven self-optimization techniques into accessible daily actions that yield exponential dividends over time for conscious, purposeful leaders ready to partner at higher levels.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear Hal's incredible story of personal tragedy becoming a transformational purpose

• Learn the "5 Minute Rule" for processing adversity and finding freedom

• Understand the power and common pitfalls of correctly practicing affirmations

• Apply visualization rehearsals to ensure execution and peak performance

• Realize how the Miracle Morning fuels individual and collective actualization

• Discover principles and strategies to shift from morning reluctance to ritual advocate

• Grasp how to customize and scaffold the 6 Saver practices for beginners to advanced

• Utilize emotional optimization meditation for programmed, on-demand mindset activation

Recommended Resources

The Miracle Morning Website

The Miracle Morning (Updated and Expanded Edition): The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) (Miracle Morning Book Series)

Connect with Hal Elrod

Hal Elrod Website

Hal Elrod LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Warren Berger. Warren is the author of multiple books on innovation and the power of questioning in leadership and everyday life. The conversation focused on Warren Berger's books A More Beautiful Question and The Book of Beautiful Questions. Warren shared thoughts on his study of the world's foremost innovators and creative thinkers, revealing what he has learned. Warren Berger also shared his insights into the natural tendency of questioning as a young child, the connection between curiosity and questioning, and why we suppress our questioning ability as we get older. Warren shared what leaders can do differently to encourage a culture of curiosity and tap into the power of inquiry. Finally, Warren Berger shared thoughts on developing the questioning skills critical for innovation, collaboration, and leading through uncertainty.

Some Highlights:

• Why we become more reluctant to ask questions as we grow up

• The external factors that shape our behavior and discourage us from asking questions

• Warren Berger on the power of questioning and how to do it well

• Reasons why we tend to want leaders to have answers

• The importance of questioning in the workplace

• How leaders can encourage more effective questioning in the workplace

• Warren Berger on the relationship between curiosity and questioning

• How to ask better questions and collaborate for innovation.

Referenced:

Partnering Leadership conversation with David McRaney on How Minds Change

Connect with Warren Berger:

Warren Berger Website

Warren Berger on LinkedIn

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas on Amazon

The Book of Beautiful Questions: The Powerful Questions That Will Help You Decide, Create, Connect, and Lead on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Leidy Klotz, a professor at the University of Virginia appointed in the Schools of Engineering, Architecture, and Business and author of the book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Leidy Klotz shares some of the reasons why we typically look to add rather than consider subtraction when looking to solve problems and improve systems. Leidy Klotz also discusses how subtraction can benefit leaders of organizations and managers of teams. Finally, Leidy Klotz shares how we can ensure that we don't overlook the power of subtraction in our organizations and daily lives.

Some highlights:

-Why Leidy Klotz left professional soccer to pursue his education and become a professor

-Leidy Klotz on finding patterns and how they impact the world

-Why do we typically miss subtraction and look first to addition

-Leidy Klotz on the biological and social contributors to a desire to add

-How organizations can benefit from the power of subtraction

-How leaders can use subtraction during the decision-making process

-Leidy Klotz on effectively achieving the organization's purpose through subtraction

Mentioned:

-Annie Paul, author of The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain

Connect with Leidy Klotz:

Leidy Klotz website

Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less on Amazon

Leidy Klotz on Twitter

Leidy Klotz on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Conor Grennan, Dean of Students at NYU Stern and co-host of the AI Applied Podcast. Conor shares insider perspectives on where generative AI is headed and how organizations, teams, and professionals can fully tap the opportunities it provides.

You’ll learn about the vital role change management plays in integrating generative AI across your company, how to prioritize AI fluency, govern usage responsibly, and stay on top of constant AI advancements. Conor makes a compelling case that developing AI capabilities needs to be urgent, providing tangible examples of techniques you can activate now. He sheds light on the sweeping impacts of AI on remaking talent strategies and even the nature of management roles themselves.

Key lessons you’ll take away include how to:

• Lead change initiatives that adapt workflows, job roles, and organizational structures for the AI age
• Create training programs focused on boosting AI fluency while tied to employee productivity goals
• Install appropriate guardrails and oversight that enable beneficial experimentation but ensure ethical AI use
• Pinpoint tasks and processes ripe for AI augmentation to accelerate value
• Continually learn about the latest generative AI advances to get in front of possibilities

Connect with Conor Grennan

Conor Grennan LinkedIn

AI Applied Podcast

Recommended Episodes

Leading Through The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence with Professor Ajay Agrawal Exploring AI's Impact on Business with Paul Daugherty: Accenture CTO & Co-author of Radically Human: How New Technology Is Transforming Business and Shaping Our Future AI’s Impact on Marketing and the Future of Business with Paul Roetzer, Founder & CEO, Marketing AI Institute & Co-Author of Marketing Artificial Intelligence Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talked with Dr. Timothy Clark, the founder and CEO of LeaderFactor and author of Four Stages of Psychological Safety. Dr. Clark has broken down the different stages to ensure psychological safety in teams. Dr. Timothy Clark shares how teams can build on the understanding of each stages in order to boost psychological safety in the workplace.

Some highlights:

-Dr. Timothy Clark on why leaders cannot be neutral

-The skills that leaders need to cultivate

-Dr. Timothy Clark on his definition of psychological safety

-The barriers to creating psychological safety in the workplace

-Improving the learning process by disconnecting fear from failure

-Dr. Timothy Clark on how leaders can ensure employee accountability

-How to achieve the highest level of psychological safety by challenging and changing the status quo

Also mentioned in this episode:

Partnering Leadership podcast conversation with Dr. Michelle McQuaid, best-seller author (Listen to Dr. Michelle McQuaid’s episode here)

The Four Stages of Psychological Safety Behavioral Guide

Four Stages of Psychological Safety Book

Connect with Dr. Timothy Clark:

LeaderFactor Official Website

Dr. Timothy Clark on LinkedIn

Dr. Timothy Clark on Twitter

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli explores the concept of agility with his guest, Joshua Kerievsky, CEO of Industrial Logic and author of Joy of Agility: How to Solve Problems and Succeed Sooner. They discuss why agility is far more than speed and how leaders can hone the mindset and skillset of agility.

Joshua Kerievsky provides a crisp definition of agility and shares why it highlights how agility is crucial in all aspects of business and life. He also shares balanced ways leaders can enable experimentation and learning without the hurry and pressure that leads to mistakes. Through sharing his agility mantras and powerful examples, Joshua Kerievsky makes agility accessible and practical for leaders across organizations.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how agility applies across industries and all of life.
• Learn the true meaning of agility beyond just speed.
• Understand balanced ways to experiment and adapt quickly.
• Discover how to drive out toxic fear hindering your team.
• Master mantras like "Be quick, don't hurry" for business and life.
• Find out how psychological safety enables prudent risk-taking.
• Learn how Amazon's culture empowered an intern to override an executive.
• Appreciate the role leaders play in enabling organizational agility.

Recommended Resources

The Joy of Agility by Joshua Kerievsky

Testing Business Ideas by David J. Bland

Connect with Joshua Kerievsky

The Joy of Agility Website

Industrial Logic Website

Joshua Kerievksy LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Jim McCormick, bestselling author of The First Time Manager, shares his decades of management wisdom perfected through diverse leadership roles. In addition to covering fundamentals vital for first-time managers, Jim's book provides essential insights for veteran leaders on managing well, covering critical practices like delegation, transparency, accountability, and confronting underperformance. Jim also details how mindsets and risk filters shape outcomes from his experience directing the Research Institute for Risk Intelligence. Finally, Jim McCormick addresses how managers can achieve work-life balance, prevent burnout contagion, and customize their management styles.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn a structured technique for confronting performance issues while maintaining empathy

• Discover tactics to empower your team through aligning individual development with organizational goals

• Gain insight into work-life balance tactics leveraged by legendary leaders like Eisenhower

• Understand when transparency versus confidentiality is appropriate with direct reports

• Appreciate why entrepreneurial risk-taking links to the intuitive decisiveness vital for successful CEOs

• Master ways to foster career motivation by connecting employee aspirations to company mission

• Become equipped to shift from micromanagement to supportive accountability

Connect with Jim McCormick

Research Institute for Risk Intelligence

The First Time Manager on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steven Sasson who invented the digital camera while working at Kodak, earning him The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award. Steven Sasson shares the story of how digital photography came to be, the many inventions that made it more accessible to eventually take the place of film photography. Steven Sasson also talks about the support for the invention at Kodak and the many cultural and leadership challenges that got in the way of Kodak taking full advantage of the technology.

Some highlights:

• Steven Sasson’s love for tinkering with technology

• Why Steven Sasson chose to work at Kodak

• Conceptualizing and envisioning the first handheld electronic camera

• The first image taken with the first prototype of the portable digital camera

• Kodak’s initial reaction to Steven Sasson’s invention and questions for the future of digital technology

• How the support and belief of Steven Sasson’s supervisor motivated him to push his idea forward despite doubts from Kodak executives

• Why Steven Sasson’s project was kept secret by Kodak for many years

• The story behind ECAM, the first operational DSLR camera

• The story behind QuickTake 100, Kodak’s collaboration with Apple

• Cultural and leadership challenges preventing Kodak from being able to take full advantage of digital photography

• How internal struggles, and short-sighted decisions impacted Kodak

• Steven Sasson’s experience receiving The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award from President Barack Obama in 2009

Mentioned:

Don Reinertsen, author

Gareth Lloyd, former supervisor at Kodak

Jim Sheckler, former technician at Kodak

Gilda Radner, actress and comedian

Joy Marshall, former laboratory technician at Kodak

Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chairman and CEO of Apple

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple

Dr. Majid Rabbani, former fellow at Kodak

Dr. Brad Paxton, former director at Kodak

Robert Hills, co-inventor of the first DSLR camera

Jim McGarvey, former lead engineer at Kodak

George M. C. Fisher, former CEO of Kodak

Daniel Allen Carp, former chairman and CEO of Kodak

Antonio M. Pérez, former CEO of Kodak

Barack Obama, 44th U.S. President

Pete Souza, former Chief Official White House Photographer

Connect with Steven Sasson:

Steven Sasson on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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The AI revolution promises to reshape business in the years ahead. Are you ready to lead your organization into this intelligence era? In this compelling episode, David DeWolf, President and Chief Executive Officer of Knownwell, shares invaluable insights to help leaders navigate the AI transformation. Having deeply researched AI's potential while launching his latest venture, David sees both tremendous opportunity and some real perils if AI is not stewarded responsibly.

You'll hear David bust myths about AI only impacting technical roles. He explains why AI readiness must start from the top, shaping strategy and culture. Tune in to discover why leaders shouldn't resist AI disruption but rather prepare employees to thrive alongside smart technology. David also reveals the keys to building an AI-ready culture, taking an experimentation mindset, and determining where human skills remain irreplaceable.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn why David urges leaders not to run from AI disruption but to prepare people for the workforce changes it will spur.

• Hear David explain how AI can automate internal business operations so humans can focus on irreplaceable strengths.

• Discover why David believes AI will spark a resurgence of nimble mid-market companies.

• Understand what an AI-ready culture looks like and why learning is a key ingredient.

• Get David's advice on taking an experimental approach to piloting AI rather than seeking the perfect solution.

• Find out why David says leaders need to incorporate more silence and reflection to discern the signals amidst the noise.

Resources:

Partnering Leadership Episode 215: How to Evolve as a Leader in a Fast-Growing Organization with David DeWolf

Connect with David DeWolf:

Knownwell

AI Knowhow Podcast

David DeWolf LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with diversity trailblazer Juana Bordas, author of The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution. Drawing from her inspiring journey, Juana provides a rare insider's view into leadership techniques forged through centuries of struggle. Juana Bordas makes a compelling case for the power of collective leadership in our multicultural age. From reconciling the past to preparing for the future, Juana provides a blueprint for leading beyond self-interest, grounded in timeless principles of care, service, and belonging.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear the wisdom behind why "a leader is equal" and how this evolves organizational culture.

• Learn how to shift from "I" to "we" in leadership to unlock greater cooperation and community.

• Understand why immigrants bring vital assets and how to embrace our multicultural opportunities.

• Discover principles to inspire leadership at all levels and by the many, not the few

• Appreciate how recalling history helps us reconcile the past to progress together.

• Realize why self-sacrifice and service are cornerstones of transformative leadership.

• Grasp how "power to the people" creates care, belonging, and organizations that uplift.

• Find out how intergenerational leadership can prepare and engage younger generations.

• See why stewarding the future matters more than self-interest in leadership roles.

Connect with Juana Bordas

Juana Bordas Website

Juana Bordas LinkedIn

The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Irene Butter, a professor, peace activist, and holocaust survivor. Irene Butter shares why she decided to break her silence and tell the story of her family's experience through the Holocaust, first by sharing her story on stages and at schools and by eventually publishing her book: Shores Beyond Shores - from Holocaust to Hope, My True Story: A Bergen-Belsen Survivor's story of Hope over Adversity. Irene ends the conversation with a powerful message for all!

Some highlights:

-Irene Butter’s memory of a happy childhood with her family in Berlin, Germany

-What a simple bar of chocolate represented for the Hasenberg family

-Irene Butter on the trauma, fear, and sadness in the Westerbork Camp

-Starvation and death in the Bergen-Belsen Camp

-Irene Butter on her encounter with Anne Frank

-How Irene Butter and the Hasenberg family managed to leave Bergen-Belsen

-What motivated Irene Butter finally to share her family’s holocaust experience

-Irene Butter on stories of triumph over trauma

-Irene Butter on why you should never be a bystander

Also mentioned in this episode:

-Werner Hasenberg, Irene Butter's older brother and Holocaust Survivor

-Hanneli Goslar, a close friend of Anne Frank, Holocaust Survivor

-Anne Frank, Annelies Marie Frank was a German-Dutch diarist. She gained fame posthumously with the 1947 publication of The Diary of a Young Girl documenting her life in hiding from 1942 to 1944, during the German occupation of the Netherlands.

-Elie Wiesel, Author, Philosopher, Humanist and World's leading spokesman on the Holocaust

Book Recommendations:

Shores Beyond Shores: From Holocaust to Hope, My True Story by Irene Butter

Connect with Irene Butter:

Irene Butter Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli interviews entrepreneur Julie Rosenthal, CEO of strategic communications agency JR Communications, about her 20-plus-year journey building her business. Julie candidly shares the story of starting the company after getting laid off and joining a leadership program that connected her with her first client.

Julie Rosenthal provides insights into pivoting her firm's offerings to stay relevant in a changing industry and forging trusted client partnerships over time. Julie reflects openly on mistakes made early on and how she transformed obstacles into growth opportunities.

Women leaders will especially appreciate Julie's transparent advice on setting boundaries with clients, seeking help from mentors, standing up for fair compensation, and evolving her leadership approach to empower others. Her journey offers an inspirational model for building an agile, purpose-driven services business.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how a significant career setback inspired Julie to launch her company and the surprising catalyst that brought her first client.

• Learn how Julie spearheaded a financial turnaround as board chair by seeking help, building consensus, and persevering.

• Discover Julie's approach to bringing value through relationship-building and intangibles like "providing therapy."

• Understand why women entrepreneurs must "think like men" and self-promote more.

• Get insights on Julie's tips for younger women leaders to "stick to your guns."

Connect with Julie Rosenthal

JR Communications Website

Julie Rosenthal LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Get ready for a fascinating discussion on the overlooked leadership skill of listening, featuring Oscar Trimboli, author of the book How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication. Oscar Trimboli draws on decades of research and over 24,000 workplace interviews to provide science-backed insights on how leaders can become exceptional listeners. You'll discover why most of us are only hearing 14% of what people actually say and how to tap into the other 86%. Learn simple but powerful techniques to tune into conversations, avoid assumptions, and strengthen relationships through mindful listening. Whether leading teams or tackling complex challenges, this episode provides leaders the tools to listen their way to better outcomes.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear Oscar's origin story and how a jaw condition as a teenager shaped his listening superpower.

• Learn why listening starts with focusing on yourself first, not the speaker.

• Discover Oscar's "listening battery" technique and how to recharge before conversations.

• Get simple meeting tweaks to arrive fully present and boost listening.

• Find out the three magic numbers behind listening dilemmas at work.

• Learn to recognize your listening orientation and when to shift approaches.

• Hear how self-assessment biases hinder our listening abilities.

• Discover questions to uncover what hasn't been said.

• Get Oscar's top recommended practice for better listening right away.

Recommended Resources

How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication

The Listening Quiz

How to Use Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas with the Author of A More Beautiful Question & The Book of Beautiful Questions with Warren Berger

Connect with Oscar Trimboli

Oscar Trimboli Website

Oscar Trimboli LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Leaders today face a barrage of daily decisions that shape careers and brands. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, veteran business leader Richard Moran makes the case that our constant minor choices represent pivotal moments. Drawing on decades of experience as a CEO, college president, venture capitalist, and corporate consultant, he explains why small decisions about “extra” tasks or meetings signal commitment. You’ll learn why Richard Moran believes accountability is a cure for organizational “whatevers” that drive talent away. Discover how self-awareness helps leaders know when to reinvent themselves professionally. Richard Moran offers insights on clarifying intentions so actions follow, and shares what every employee wants to know. Tune in for practical steps to build your leadership and avoid “never saying whatever” from Richard Moran’s book Never Say Whatever: How Small Decisions Make a Big Difference.

You’ll learn:

• Why Richard believes Covid made us apathetic in decision-making.

• How to avoid decision fatigue by tackling choices promptly.

• Why leaders need to be brutally honest about their strengths.

• How clarifying intentions eliminates ambiguity about actions.

• The three basic things every employee wants to know.

• Why accountability cures organizational “whatevers.”

• How self-awareness enables reinvention as a leader.

Connect with Richard Moran:

Richard Moran Website

Never Say Whatever: How Small Decisions Make a Big Difference Recommended Resources:

The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

Partnering Leadership podcast episode with Patrick McGinnis on Decision Making

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Get ready for a fascinating conversation on artificial empathy and putting more heart into business and AI. In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Minter Dial, award-winning author and renowned international keynote speaker, shares insights from the significantly expanded and modified edition of his award-winning book Heartificial Empathy, 2nd Edition: Putting Heart into Business and Artificial Intelligence. In the conversation, Minter reflects on essential developments in artificial intelligence and the new context post-pandemic of the future of work. He shares why empathy can be a competitive advantage, how to cultivate it authentically in your organization, and the right mindset for leveraging AI. Minter Dial goes on to explain the evolution of AI and the rise of generative AI. He discusses the need for empathy in our lives and workplaces and how empathy and ethics must be intertwined in AI systems. You'll hear unique perspectives on how reading fiction develops empathy muscles and Minter's illuminating experience bonding with an empathetic AI named JJ.

If you want to foster more meaningful connections and inject heart into your leadership and business, this episode is for you!

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how generative AI like ChatGPT reflects humanity based on the data we provide it.
• Learn why Minter focuses on embedding cognitive empathy versus emotional empathy in AI systems.
• Understand the difference between the deliverer and receiver of empathy.
• Discover how reading fiction helps build empathy by seeing through someone else's eyes.
• Find out why Minter believes we must get back to more human interactions versus purely digital relationships.

Connect with Minter Dial

Minter Dial Website

Minter Dial LinkedIn

Heartificial Empathy: Putting Heart into Business and Artificial Intelligence

Additional Conversations

Leading Through The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence with Professor Ajay Agrawal Exploring AI's Impact on Business with Paul Daugherty: Accenture CTO & Co-author of Radically Human: How New Technology Is Transforming Business and Shaping Our Future Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley. Ken is the founder of the Ken Blanchard Companies and has co-authored more than 65 books on leadership, including all-time classics such as The One Minute Manager and Who Moved My Cheese, each with over 20 million copies sold. In this conversation, Ken Blanchard is joined by Randy Conley, Vice President of global professional services for the Ken Blanchard Companies. The discussion focuses on the leadership lessons from Ken Blancard and Randy Conley's latest book: Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust, which he co-wrote with Randy Conley. Ken and Randy share how to apply the leadership principles to build trust and become the kind of leader others would want to follow.

Some Highlights:

• Ken Blanchard on the impact of his upbringing on his leadership thinking and approach

• Randy Conley on models for servant leadership

• The importance of humility in leadership

• Randy Conley on the complexity of leadership and the need to focus on fundamental principles

• Ken Blanchard on how to build on your team's desire to contribute

• Randy Conley on authenticity and its importance to servant leadership

• Ken Blanchard on why "love" powers leadership

• Randy Conley on extending trust

• How leaders can encourage feedback from their teams

• The ABCD model of trust

• Ken Blanchard's breakdown of the servant leadership mindset

• Putting situational leadership into practice

• Ken Blanchard on having the reflective self versus the task-oriented self

• Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley on the future of work

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Jim Collins, Level 5 Leadership

• Garry O. Ridge, Chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of the WD-40 Company

• Dale Carnegie, author

• Rick Tate, author

Books Mentioned:

• Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust by Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley

• The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

• The Power of Ethical Management by Ken Blanchard & Norman Vincent Peale

• 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times: Coaching Your Team Through Immense Change and Challenge by Ken Blanchard and Zig Ziglar

• Everyone's a Coach by Ken Blanchard and Don Shula

Connect with Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley:

Ken Blanchard Official Website

Randy Conley’s Blog

The Ken Blanchard Companies on LinkedIn

The Ken Blanchard on Facebook

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli reconnects with his longtime friend Howard Ross, renowned thought leader and author of the acclaimed books Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart and Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives. With over 25 years of collaborating to help organizations foster inclusion, they have a powerful discussion on Ross' motivations for driving positive change, his wisdom on belonging versus polarization, and practical ways leaders can sustain diversity progress.

Some Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear Howard Ross' guidance to leaders in balancing employee belonging with complex stakeholder needs.

• Discover how storytelling and sharing narratives can strengthen connections and understanding.

• Find out Howard Ross' perspective on political polarization, social media impacts, and having courageous conversations across divides.

• Get Howard Ross' advice on sustaining organizational diversity progress rather than short-lived reactions.

Recommended Resources:

• Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart by Howard Ross

• Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives by Howard Ross

• Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald

-Partnering Leadership conversation with Howard Ross on his leadership journey

Connect with Howard Ross:

Howard Ross Website

Howard Ross on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Get ready to climb the mountain of vulnerability in leadership. In this engaging discussion with Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization, you’ll learn why vulnerability plus leadership can transform organizations. In the conversation, Jacob Morgan shares his personal journey of grappling with vulnerability, from a childhood with a “tough guy” father to panic attacks while writing this transformative book. His research includes interviews with 100 CEOs and a survey of 14,000 employees worldwide. Hear Jacob Morgan’s insights on the ROI of leading with vulnerability, how to “level the playing field” between leaders and employees, and practical ways to get started on your vulnerability journey. You’ll be convinced that, with intention and when done well, vulnerability in leadership is a superpower.

Some Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn the key distinction between vulnerability and leading with vulnerability.
• Hear why self-awareness is crucial for leading with vulnerability and how to become a more self-aware leader.
• Find out how leading with vulnerability can help you overcome imposter syndrome.
• Understand Jacob Morgan's metaphor of the "vulnerability mountain" and how to start small and build up to transform yourself and your organization.
• Learn why leading with vulnerability can "level the playing field" between leaders and employees.
• Understand the "Pratfall Effect" and its role in vulnerability in leadership.

Connect with Jacob Morgan

Jacob Morgan Website

Jacob Morgan LinkedIn

Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Are you strategic enough to survive the digital future? In this Partnering Leadership episode, global strategy expert Michael Lenox, UVA Professor and author of Strategy in the Digital Age: Mastering Digital Transformation shares indispensable insights to help leaders craft agile strategies in the age of AI. Drawing from decades of research and firsthand experience steering his own business school’s digital transformation, Mike Lenox reveals how to spot exponential change before it disrupts you, why strategy must drive technology (not vice versa), how to identify your unique competitive advantage, and the critical human skills machines will never replicate. If you’re anxious about AI, automation, and competing in the digital age, don’t miss Michael Lenox’s thoughtful perspectives and advice to help any organization build a strategy for long-term resilience.

Some Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn why starting digital transformation with IT upgrades can run you into an iceberg quicker.
• Gain insights on monitoring technology adoption S-curves to see disruptive exponential change coming.
• Find out what competitive moves historically resilient companies make and how you can do the same.
• Discover how to empower “digital champions” throughout your organization to drive strategic adoption.
• Listen to discover which human skills will remain uniquely valuable in an AI-powered world.
• Learn how to combine judgment with data to avoid over-indexing on an unknowable future.

Connect with Michael Lenox

Michael Lenox Website

Michael Lenox on LinkedIn

Strategy in the Digital Age: Mastering Digital Transformation on Amazon

Resources

Partnering Leadership conversation with Ajay Agrawal on Prediction Machines and Power & Prediction

Partnering Leadership conversation with Azeem Azhar on the Exponential Age

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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This episode of Partnering Leadership features Mahan Tavakoli being interviewed on AI and its potential impact by David Gardner on the Rule Breaker Investing podcast. In the conversation, David and Mahan talk about the growing influence of artificial intelligence; they explore where we are on the AI exponential growth curve, how organizations can leverage AI strategically and operationally, and share predictions for AI's transformative impact and how individuals and organizations can take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

Some of The Insights You will Gain from This Episode:

• Hear Mahan's answer to the question he has asked every one of his 250+ podcast guests (upbringing and its impact)
• Learn prompting strategies to unlock AI's true potential for your organization
• Find out how to leverage AI to democratize information understanding, not just access
• Use AI to future-proof your team through constant learning and skill development
• How AI could replace the web and change how you distribute information
• Learn how to use AI to stress-test ideas and strengthen arguments
• Hear about resources to start experimenting with AI systems

Recommended Resources:

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Ajay Agrawal, coauthor of Prediction Machines and Power & Prediction

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Paul Daugherty, coauthor of Human + Machine and Radically Human

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Azeem Azhar, author of The Exponential Age

Rule Breaker Investing Podcast

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Stephen M.R. Covey. Stephen M.R. Covey is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of The Speed Of Trust, former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, and author of Trust And Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others. Stephen shares why many leaders are still operating with a command and control mindset and the need to develop the mindset and capabilities of becoming trusting and inspiring leaders. Stephen M.R. Covey shares stories and frameworks on how we can better understand trust in leadership and how trust and inspire leaders can unleash the potential of their teams and organizations.

Some highlights:

-Stephen M.R. Covey on the crucial role that parents play in teaching responsibility, commitment, and initiative and how his father, Stephen Covey, applied trust and inspire principles in his parenting

-On why traditional leadership models do not work with the changing world and in the new work environment

-Stephen M.R. Covey on the stewardships of leadership

-How leaders can lead behavior change in their organizations

-Stephen M.R. Covey on the role trust plays in leadership and how leaders can become more trusting

-The power of inspiring others and its impact on leadership

-What it takes to become a trust inspire leader

Mentioned:

• Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

• David Marquet (Listen to David Marquet episode on Partnering Leadership)

• Frances Frei and Anne Morriss, author of Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You

• Jim Collins, author of Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't

Connect with Stephen M.R. Covey:

Trust and Inspire

Trust and Inspire on Amazon

Speed of Trust

The Speed of Trust on Amazon

Stephen M.R. Covey on Facebook

Stephen M.R. Covey on Twitter

Stephen M.R. Covey on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Middle managers often get a bad rap, seen as roadblocks to change and innovation. But Emily Field flips this narrative on its head. As a McKinsey partner, Emily saw firsthand how empowering middle managers unlocks an organization’s potential. In this insightful interview, Emily Field, McKinsey & Company partner and coauthor of Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work, debunks the middle manager myth. Hear why managers, not senior execs, hold the keys to the future of work. Emily shares research on the untapped power of middle managers to drive strategy, culture, and innovation. With compelling stories and data, Emily reveals how organizations can rethink the manager role for the future. You’ll learn how to remove bureaucracy, rebundle work, and achieve the “yin and yang” of performance and people.

By listening to this conversation, you will

• Discover how managers, not senior execs, execute strategy day-to-day through their teams.
• Learn why managers are burning out from misaligned priorities and administrative burdens.
• Find out how to measure and incentivize both performance and people leadership.
• Hear how managers can “rebundle” roles to navigate automation and AI.
• Get Emily Field’s framework to eliminate bureaucracy.

Recommended Resources

McKinsey & Company Power to the Middle

Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work on Amazon

Connect with Emily Field

Emily Field McKinsey & Company

Emily Field LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Eduardo Briceño, author of The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action. In the discussion, Eduardo dives into the transformative power of a growth mindset and how we can apply it to unlock our potential. He shares how a crippling physical injury early in his career led him to Carol Dweck's pioneering work on a growth mindset. This proved life-changing for Eduardo, setting him on a path to teaching individuals, teams, and organizations how to break free of chronic stagnation. In the conversation, Eduardo Briceno explains the performance paradox, where focusing solely on performing without learning leads to poor results. He offers strategies for leaders to get their teams to embrace a growth mindset.

Some of the Growth Mindset Takeaways That Will Get You Thinking:

• Why integrating micro-learning into daily work trumps sporadic learning sessions.
• Learn how to distinguish positive stretch mistakes from dangerous high-stakes ones.
• How leaders can model a growth mindset openly to influence their teams.
• The role a culture alignment and tweaking existing systems plays in helping teams adopt a growth mindset.
• The type of accountability that matters for both learning and performing.

Connect with Eduardo Briceño

Eduardo Briceno Website

Eduardo Briceno LinkedIn

The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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John Livesay, The Pitch Whisperer and author of best-selling books, including Better Selling Through Storytelling and The Sale is In the Tale, joins Mahan Tavakoli on the Partnering Leadership podcast to share his insights on storytelling for leaders. In the conversation, John Livesay shares practical techniques to craft compelling stories that motivate teams, win business, and drive change. Additionally, John provides memorable examples and easy-to-apply storytelling frameworks, including the 3Cs model and four-part story structure.

Storytelling Takeaways from This Episode:

• Telling your origin story and values-in-action stories to establish trust

• Structuring pitches around client-focused stories, not just facts

• Using analogies and vulnerability to smoothly guide teams through change

• Capturing relatable stories from your team to build connection and brand loyalty

• Applying the "5-5-5" model to reframe challenges and build resilience rapidly

• Practicing consistently to hone your skills as a persuasive communicator

Connect with John Livesay

John Livesay Website

John Livesay on LinkedIn

The Sale is In the Tale on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership episode, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Amri B. Johnson, inclusion strategist and author of Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable. In the conversation, Amri Johnson emphasizes the need for a more inclusive view of diversity that goes beyond marginalized groups and includes everyone. Amri also explores the concept of meritocracy and how it should be approached in organizations, highlighting the importance of recognizing potential and providing development opportunities. Additionally, Amri Johnson addresses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in DEI, emphasizing the need for transparency and mindful use of AI systems to ensure they enhance humanity rather than compromise it. Finally, Amri Johnson emphasizes the importance of creating accessible and equitable DEI practices that allow all individuals to thrive.

In this episode:

• Understand the importance of taking an honest and introspective approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work.
• Explore the concept of diversity as a mixture of similar and different attributes and the importance of managing tension and complexity within organizations.
• Challenge the traditional view of diversity as solely benefiting marginalized groups and embrace a more inclusive perspective.
• Reconstruct the notion of inclusion by creating conditions for everyone to thrive and making DEI accessible to all.
• Recognize the need to move beyond isolated interventions and events in DEI work and focus on long-term strategies and actions.
• Embrace systems thinking in DEI efforts and understand the interdependencies and interconnections within organizations.
• Acknowledge that everyone has a role to play in DEI, from top leadership to individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Understand the potential harm of a narrow focus on meritocracy and the importance of inclusion and development in recognizing and nurturing talent.
• Consider the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on DEI and the need for transparency, accountability, and mitigation of biases in AI systems.
• Reflect on the potential of AI to enhance humanity when used mindfully and with a focus on positive outcomes.
• Recognize the differences in how DEI is approached in Europe compared to the United States, with a greater emphasis on race in the US and a broader focus on diversity in Europe.
• Embrace a multi-dimensional approach to DEI that goes beyond single identities and encompasses the richness and complexity of human diversity.
• Reflect on the importance of ongoing learning, experimentation, and collaboration in DEI work.
• Be motivated to take action and contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable organizations and societies.

Connect with Amri Johnson

Inclusion Wins Website

Amri Johnson on LinkedIn

Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable on Amazon

Mentioned in this episode:

Partnering Leadership conversation with Howard Ross

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Peter Scott, Futurist & Founder of Next Wave Institute and author of Artificial Intelligence and You: What AI Means for Your Life, Your Work, and Your World. In the conversation, Peter Scott shares his insights on the impact of AI on our lives and organizations, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand and navigate this technological disruption. He challenges leaders to reflect on their reactions to AI and encourages them to use AI to enhance their humanity rather than replace it.

Throughout the conversation, Peter Scott highlights the importance of ethics in AI and the potential for bias in AI systems. He urges leaders to be mindful of the biases that can be perpetuated by AI and emphasizes the need for responsible use of the technology. Peter also discusses the role of policymakers in guiding the development and regulation of AI, acknowledging the challenges they face in keeping up with the fast pace of technological advancements.

In this episode:

• Discover how AI is holding a mirror up to humanity, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses as leaders and organizations.
• Uncover the potential of AI to enhance human creativity, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be creative.
• Explore the ethical implications of AI and the importance of addressing bias in AI systems.
• Understand the impact of AI on different industries and sectors and how specific roles may be more prone to automation.
• Learn how AI can help organizations focus on their core purpose and delegate tasks they don't enjoy or excel at.
• Recognize the need for policymakers to navigate the fast-paced world of AI and strike a balance between regulation and innovation.
• Gain insights from experts in the field of AI ethics and understand the role they play in guiding businesses toward responsible AI use.
• Embrace becoming a conscious futurist, actively shaping the future rather than being passive observers.
• Reflect on the societal implications of AI, including its impact on jobs, mental health, and social media.
• Consider the role of AI in decision-making processes, such as strategic decision-making by CEOs, and the need for human judgment and empathy.

Connect with Peter Scott

Website

LinkedIn

TEDx talk on Empathetic AI: Unlocking Trust Between Humans and Machines

TEDx talk on How to Save Us from Being Left Behind by AI

AI & You Podcast

Artificial Intelligence and You: What AI Means for Your Life, Your Work, and Your World on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Paul Smith, business storytelling coach and bestselling author of Lead with A Story, Sell with A Story, and The 10 Stories. In this episode, Paul Smith shares how leaders can use storytelling as a powerful business tool. Paul Smith also shared specific stories leaders need to tell to improve the clarity of their communications and motivate their teams.

Some highlights:

-Paul Smith on why many leaders are not good at telling stories

-Defining a story and what makes a good story

-Paul Smith on clarity of communication objectives

-Understanding the process of compelling storytelling

-What leaders can do to influence their organization through storytelling

-Paul Smith on the importance of storytelling skills

-How you can turn a good story into a great one

Connect with Paul Smith:

Lead With A Story Website

Lead With A Story on Amazon

The 10 Stories on Amazon

Sell With A Story on Amazon

Paul Smith on Facebook

Paul Smith on Instagram

Paul Smith on YouTube

Paul Smith on Twitter

Paul Smith on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Will Bachman, host of the Unleashed Podcast, interviews Mahan Tavakoli. Will Bachman is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Umbrex, a global community for top-tier management consultants. During the interview, Mahan Tavakoli discusses his work with CEOs and leadership teams, providing insightful examples of his strategies for fostering team collaboration and alignment to execute organizational strategy effectively. Listeners will gain valuable insights into Mahan Tavakoli's journey as a leadership coach and consultant, from his early days as a trainer and salesperson at Dale Carnegie to his role as the chief strategy officer. Mahan also discusses a personal decision that led him to focus his initial consulting and coaching work on the Greater Washington, D.C. DMV region.

Additionally, he shares tips on how leaders can become more effective storytellers and lessons he has learned from the most successful CEOs he has worked with and interviewed for his podcast. Drawing from his experiences, Mahan highlights patterns and behaviors observed among successful leaders. Whether you want to enhance your content strategy, improve your storytelling skills, or gain insights from successful CEOs, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

• Discover the secrets to promoting content in a noisy world and reaching different audiences.
• Gain valuable knowledge from Mahan's experience as the chief strategy officer at Dale Carnegie Training.
• Learn effective storytelling techniques from recommended books and resources.
• Get tips on promoting a podcast and leveraging the platform's audience for maximum impact.
• Gain insights from interviews with CEOs and authors, including their unique perspectives on leadership.

Connect with Will Bachman

Umbrex

Unleashed Podcast

Will Bachman on LinkedIn

Referenced

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Mark Schaefer on the Power of Community

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Mark Schaefer, a renowned bestselling author of popular marketing books. The conversation focuses on Mark Schaefer's latest book, Belonging to the Brand: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy.

During the discussion, Mark Schaefer shares valuable insights on personal branding, courageous leadership, and the power of humility. Emphasizing the significance of community in marketing, he explores how organizations can successfully build and nurture thriving communities. Mark also discusses the shift from traditional advertising to social media and how creating a sense of community among audiences leads to stronger emotional connections.

The conversation includes compelling examples of companies effectively engaging their customers through community-building initiatives. Mahan and Mark explore the psychological bonds within a community and how these connections translate to heightened brand loyalty.

• Discover the leadership insights of the legendary Peter Drucker and how his ability to distill complexity can transform your approach to management.
• Uncover the power of community in marketing and how it can drive revenue, heal, and create a sense of purpose.
• Learn from real-life examples of big and small companies that have successfully built communities and generated massive success.
• Explore the challenges of leading a community while maintaining alignment and discover the breakthrough ideas and innovation that can arise from a thriving community.
• Understand how the pandemic has highlighted the importance of community in marketing and how it can serve as a powerful healing force in society.
• Gain insights into the importance of purpose in building a community and how involving customers or fans can create a better world together.
• Learn how to build a personal brand in the digital age, leveraging the power of the internet to attract a supportive audience.
• Understand the importance of community and purpose in building thriving communities and how they can engage loyal customers and build on each other.
• Gain insights into building a community and personal brand, focusing on trust and collaboration.
• Explore the power of creating meaningful moments and connections within a community and how it can lead to stronger emotional relationships with your audience.
• Uncover the overlooked value of community in brand marketing and the power of user-generated content and brand advocacy.

Connect with Mark Schaefer

Mark Schaefer Website

Mark Schaefer on LinkedIn

Belonging to the Brand: Why Community Is the Last Great Marketing Strategy on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Eric Lamarre, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company and co-author of the book Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI. Eric Lamarre shares his fascinating journey from engineering and oceanography to becoming an expert in data, analytics, and AI as a consultant for McKinsey. He discusses the importance of digital transformations in organizations and the pitfalls many companies face in achieving their desired results.

Throughout the episode, Eric Lamarre emphasizes the crucial role of alignment in AI and digital transformation. He highlights the need for organizations to align control functions and operational procedures to manage risk and capture value effectively. Using examples from the airline and banking industries, Eric Lamarre illustrates how failure to align these aspects can hinder the success of technological implementation in support of organizational strategy.

Eric Lamarre emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination among teams, such as supply chain, sales, HR, finance, and risk management, to successfully implement the transformation. Eric Lamarre then delves into the importance of business problem-solving, building and transforming IT organizations, rethinking digital strategy, and the significance of people transformation in digital transformation. Finally, Eric Lamarre provides valuable insights and practical advice for leaders on how to get started on their digital and AI transformation.

Some Highlights:

• Why unlocking the potential of AI and digital transformation requires alignment across all aspects of the organization, making it the ultimate corporate team sport.

• Understanding the root causes of digital transformation failures and what leaders need to do to achieve their transformation goals.

• How starting with the problem and then finding the right technology solution can support successful digital transformation.

• Why building a solid bench of talent within the organization is essential for successful digital transformation.

• The most common reasons for the failure of digital transformation initiatives.

• Why people transformation is a critical component of digital transformation and how to do it right.

• How to embed technology in the organization's strategy and culture rather than treat it as a special project.

• The importance of effective organizational structure and mindset to digital transformation.

• The value of visiting and studying companies outside of your industry.

• Why collaboration and accountability are key in digital and AI transformation.

Connect with Eric Lamarre

Eric Lamarre at McKinsey & Company

Eric Lamarre on LinkedIn

Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI on McKinsey.com

Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI on Amazon

Additional Partnering Leadership Conversations Referenced:

CEO Excellence: T

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Seth Early, CEO & Founder at Earley Information Science and Award Winning Author of The AI-Powered Enterprise. In the discussion, Seth Earley, an expert in knowledge strategy and artificial intelligence, emphasizes the crucial role of understanding processes and use cases in successfully integrating AI tools within organizations. Seth Earley goes on to highlight why there is a need for organizations to build libraries of use cases and stresses that AI alone cannot solve complex business problems. Then Seth Earley shares why, despite AI advancements, organizing and sharing information effectively through information architecture is still essential, increasing the significance of data models and accurate data for optimal algorithm performance. Finally, Seth Earley discusses the potential dangers of generative AI, such as the proliferation of misinformation and deep fakes. However, he also highlights the productivity-enhancing potential of generative models when used in conjunction with human expertise.

Some Highlights:

• Discover the power of understanding processes and use cases in implementing AI tools. Learn how building libraries of use cases can impact and influence organizational processes.

• Uncover the crucial role of information architecture (IA) in the age of AI. Despite advances in AI, IA is still necessary for organizing and sharing information effectively.

• Understand the importance of having good enough data for AI applications. Learn how to evaluate data and determine what is valuable for solving problems and providing insights.

• Explore the impact of generative AI on humans and society. Discover the potential dangers of misinformation, deep fakes, and the productivity benefits of automating specific tasks.

• Understand the role of automation and human expertise in copywriting and AI. When using automated tools, discover the importance of asking the right questions and providing enough detail.

• Learn why AI is not the ultimate solution for knowledge management but rather a tool in the toolkit to enhance human effectiveness.

• Discover the significance of knowledge graphs and ontologies in organizing and managing organizational data. Learn how they can improve data quality, ownership, and usage.

• Learn the importance of understanding the customer journey and digital body language to make informed decisions. Discover how organizing information through ontologies and knowledge graphs can create seamless experiences.

• Explore the potential of AI in transforming organizations and the need to measure outcomes and communicate insights effectively.

• Discover the potential consequences of not involving the business side early enough in AI initiatives. Learn the importance of a real business case and relevant data collection for successful AI projects.

Connect with Seth Earley

Earley Information Science

Seth Earley on LinkedIn

The AI-Powered Enterprise: Harness the Power of Ontologies to Make Your Business Smarter, Faster, and More Profitable on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In today's episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan speaks with Whitney Johnson. Whitney is the CEO of Disruption Advisors, a tech-enabled talent development company. She also co-founded Disruptive Innovation Fund with Clayton Christensen, is the host of the Disrupt Yourself podcast, and is the author of the book Smart Growth: How To Grow Your People To Grow Your Company. Whitney Johnson talked about the S-curve of personal, leadership, and organizational growth. Whitney also discussed creating a corporate culture that encourages continuous learning and development and leaders pursuing new S-curves of growth.

Highlights:

• Why disruption is about more than products and services

• The three phases of the S-curve of growth

• Whitney Johnson on the neuroscience behind the S-curve

• How leaders can encourage growth in their organizations

• How to use S-curve as a recruiting and retention tool

• Whitney Johnson on the CEO mindset needed for growth

• How to deal with underperforming team members

• The importance of shadow values and how to use them in guiding your growth

Mentioned:

• Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School professor, author, and co-founded Disruptive Innovation Fund

• Everette Rogers, originated the diffusion of innovations theory

• Juan Carlos Mendez-Garcia, co-author of Throw Your Life A Curve

• Patrick Pichette, former CFO of Google

• Sumeet Shetty, Development Manager at SAP

• Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen

• Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson

• Dare, Deam, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare To Dream by Whitney Johnson

• Build an A-Team by Whitney Johnson

• The Burnout Epidemic by Jennifer Moss

• How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton Christensen

Connect with Whitney Johnson:

Smart Growth Book Website

Disrupt Yourself Podcast

Whitney Johnson Website

Whitney Johnson Twitter

Whitney Johnson Instagram

Whitney Johnson LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Retired US Navy Admiral Kyle Cozak shares his inspiring journey of resilience and leadership in this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast. From his upbringing in Las Vegas to his life-altering accident, Admiral Cozak's story is a testament to the power of trust, positive thinking, and determination. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, trust, and relatability in leadership and how these qualities can empower individuals to make the right decisions. Admiral Cozak's relentless positivity and unwavering belief in finding new opportunities, even in adversity, is truly inspiring. The conversation also delves into the evolution of leadership in the military, with Admiral Cozak highlighting the shift from commanding and telling people what to do to building trust and empowering individuals. Admiral Cozad shares his experiences as the 22nd senior director in the White House Situation Room, where he witnessed the importance of trust and effective decision-making. Admiral Cozak's insights on teaching leadership and cultural change in the military shed light on the challenges of instilling values and perspectives in a diverse group of recruits. Furthermore, Admiral Cozak's journey of overcoming a life-changing injury and determination to find a new purpose is remarkable. His positive mindset, support network, and belief in overcoming obstacles are lessons that can inspire anyone facing challenges in their own lives.

Some Highlights:

• Discover the power of the commander's intent and how it can transform decision-making.
• Uncover the evolution of leadership in the military and the lessons learned from that transformation.
• Hear the inspiring story of Admiral Kyle Cozad's life-altering accident and his remarkable mindset shift.
• Learn about the importance of trust and open communication in leadership.
• Gain insights into teaching leadership and cultural change in the US military.
• Find out how struggles and determination at the Naval Academy shaped a leader's path.
• Delve into the experience of serving as the 22nd senior director in the White House Situation Room.
• Understand the significance of active listening and conversations in developing young leaders.
• Discover the role of caregivers and a positive outlook in overcoming challenges.
• Explore the power of relentless positivity and its impact on leadership.

Connect with Admiral Kyle Cozad

Relentless Positivity: A Common Veteran Battling Uncommon Odds at The Naval Aviation Store

Admiral Kyle Cozad on LinkedIn

Relentless Positivity: A Common Veteran Battling Uncommon Odds on Amazon

Partnering Leadership conversations mentioned

David Marquet, Author of Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders & Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say--and What You Don't

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking discussion with John Smart, a globally renowned futurist, foresight consultant, and successful entrepreneur. As the author of Introduction to Foresight, Executive Edition: Personal, Team, and Organizational Adaptiveness, John Smart shares valuable insights on the criticality of foresight and adaptiveness in the face of exponential change. Delving deeper, he explores the importance of building practical skills and employing techniques to enhance foresight in daily planning and review. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of networks in adapting to complex systems, emphasizing the necessity of diversity in decision-making. Finally, John Smart expertly delves into the essential skills and capabilities leaders require to navigate the challenges of complex organizations through greater uncertainty.

Some highlights:

• The Surprising Power of Positive Thinking and Organizing Past Experiences.

• Discovering the Hidden Art of Foresight: Predicting, Steering, and Shaping the Future.

• Foresight: The Journey of Learning, Seeing, Doing, and Reviewing.

• Unleashing Passion: How Your 20s and 30s Can Shape a Lifelong Calling.

• How to Apply the Four Steps of Foresight.

• Unveiling the Rewarding Secrets to Mastering Change and Adaptation.

• Supercharge Your Skills: Unleashing the Potential of Digital Tools and Human-Machine Teaming.

• The Game-Changer: Diversity in Decision-Making for Unleashing Team Power.

• Empathy and Ethics: The Backbone of Thriving in Networked Environments.

• Leadership Secrets: When Great Leaders Transform Complexity Into Character.

Connect with John Smart

John Smart on LinkedIn

The Foresight Guide

Introduction to Foresight, Executive Edition: Personal, Team, and Organizational Adaptiveness

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this engaging episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in an insightful conversation with Paul Daugherty, the group chief executive of technology and chief technology officer at Accenture. During the episode, Paul Daugherty emphasizes the criticality of adopting a technology-focused mindset and embracing constant reinvention and agility in the face of evolving technologies. He highlights the importance of organizations becoming learning organizations equipped with empathetic listening capabilities to navigate the era of generative AI effectively. The conversation delves into the significance of responsible AI and data ethics within organizations utilizing AI. Paul Daugherty underscores the need for CEOs to prioritize the implementation of responsible AI, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of business and society. Additionally, the episode touches on the transformative impact of the metaverse on business operations, the integral role of data in AI, and the necessity of rescaling individuals displaced by automation. Finally, Paul Daugherty shares his predictions on the future impact of AI on organizations.

• Discover the untapped potential of AI. Find out why reskilling is crucial for individuals affected by automation.
• Uncover the origins of the digital revolution and the birth of artificial intelligence.
• Gain insights into the transformation of every business into a technology company, and learn why technological prowess is indispensable for successful digital transformation and total enterprise reinvention.
• Explore how AI can support learning within organizations.
• Understand the importance of placing technology at your company's core and adopting a mindset of total enterprise reinvention.
• Dive into the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines and unlock the potential and value that AI offers when they work together.
• Delve into responsible AI, establishing structured policies and tools to ensure ethical and unbiased outcomes while appropriately handling data.
• Discover the transformative impact of generative AI, affecting 40% of working hours across companies.
• Explore the metamorphosis of the metaverse and its profound influence on business operations.
• Embrace the concept of a Technology Quotient (TQ) as an essential addition to IQ and EQ in every company, and recognize the importance of training all employees in various technologies.

Accenture Thought Leadership

Accenture Foresight App

Accenture Technology Vision 2023 When Atoms Meet Bits

Connect with Paul Daugherty

Paul Daugherty at Accenture

Paul Daugherty on LinkedIn

Also Referenced:

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Ajay Agrawal on Prediction Machines & Power and Prediction

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Renee Cummings, Data Science Professor of Practice at the University of Virginia. In the conversation, Professor Renee Cummings, a criminologist and AI ethicist discusses the importance of bringing responsible, ethical thinking to deploying AI technology. She stresses the need for due process, recognizing the various forms of bias, ethical use and transparency in deployment, and good governance and oversight. Renee Cummings also addresses the need for considering diversity, equity, and inclusion in AI development and deployment and how we can ensure that AI benefits society instead of harming it.

Some highlights:

• Why diversity of experience and perspective is crucial in AI

• The role that data plays in AI and data as a store of both positive and negative aspects of humanity.

differently, and the difference that makes in AI development and deployment

• Renee Cummings on the role AI has played in law enforcement for the past 20-plus years

• Why it's important to keep humans involved in the decision-making loop rather than allowing extreme decision-making autonomy for AI systems

• How to design technology ethically to avoid extreme prejudice and further persecution of certain groups

• Professor Renee Cummings on the many opportunities created by AI

Connect with Renee Cummings

Renee Cummings on LinkedIn

Renee Cummings at UVA

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rich Diviney, author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance. Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL commander with 20+ years of experience as a Navy SEAL Officer, having completed more than thirteen overseas deployments, including serving as the officer in charge of training for a specialized command. During his service, Rich Diviney was intimately involved in the highly specialized SEAL selection process and spearheaded the creation of a directorate that fused physical, mental, and emotional disciplines. Since his retirement, Rich Diviney has worked as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant with the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute and Simon Sinek Inc., teaching leadership and optimal performance for teams and organizations.

Some highlights:

• Rich Diviney explained the role of mindset matters and how it helped him during his Navy SEAL Trainings

• How to effectively deal with uncertainty, change, challenge and stress

• The difference between attributes and skills

• Why understanding attributes is essential in the hiring process and putting together a high performing team

• Rich Diviney on how to determine attributes in the hiring process

• The role humor plays in high performing teams

• Rich Diviney on how leaders and teams can nurture trust and teamwork

• The concept of dynamic subordination and its importance to leadership excellence

• Rich Diviney talks about Resilience vs. Antifragility

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Simon Sinek, author

• Bob Johansen, renowned futurist and author (Listen to Bob’s episode on Partnering Leadership Podcast)

Book Recommendations:

The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance by Rich Diviney

Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia

Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How by Daniel Coyles

Connect with Rich Diviney:

The Attributes Official Website

Rich Diviney on LinkedIn

Rich Diviney on Instagram

Rich Diviney on Twitter

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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Partnering Leadership conversation between Mahan Tavakoli and Tom Taulli focuses on applying artificial intelligence (AI) in leading teams and organizations. Tom Taulli is a technology investor, advisor, and author of Artificial Intelligence Basics and a brand new book, Generative AI: How ChatGPT and Other AI Tools Will Revolutionize Business. Mahan begins the conversation by talking about the five critical areas for organizational leaders to consider concerning AI: strategic applications, operational efficiencies, changes in leadership approaches, tactical applications, and societal impacts. This conversation with Tom Taulli starts with a couple of critical updates and then focuses on the tactical applications of AI by executives, teams, and organizations.

Some Highlights:

• Why AI will impact all organizations from across industries

• How AI will impact leadership in organizations

• Concerns raised by Jeff Hinton, Sam Altman, and other AI experts

• The impact of regulation of Black Box Models on innovation

• The latest in AI tools from Google and Microsoft

• How to encourage experimentation with AI in teams

• Why companies are investing billions of dollars in the AI space

• Where executives and teams can start experimenting with AI

• The impact of AI on streamlining business processes

• Where to go to find the best credible resources on AI

• How to do better prompt engineering with ChatGPT

• Safety and security concerns to consider when using generative AI

• How AI will impact the workplace of the future

Mentioned:

Tom Taulli’s brand new book on generative AI::

Generative AI: How ChatGPT and Other AI Tools Will Revolutionize Business

andreeson horrowitz AI Canon

OpenAI Best Practices for Prompt Engineering

Connect with Tom Taulli:

Tom Taulli Website

Tom Taulli LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Lee Benson, Founder of Execute to Win (ETW) and author of Your Most Important Number: Increase Collaboration, Achieve Your Strategy, and Execute to Win. In the conversation, Lee Benson shares his origin story, from his early days as a musician to his rise as a successful CEO, and the inspiration that led him to start ETW. Lee then breaks down the concept of value creation, showing its three forms and how focusing on it can significantly improve an organization's culture and results. Next, using clear examples, Lee Benson explains how companies can set up operating systems that bring teams together and keep everyone focused on creating value. Wrapping up the episode, Lee Benson shares practical advice on overcoming obstacles and setting up effective value-creation systems in all types of organizations.

Some Highlights:

• From Rock and Roll to Aerospace: Lee Benson's Unconventional Journey

• Shaping Value Creation: How Lee Benson's Upbringing Impacted His Perspective

• Turning the Tide: Leading an Underperforming Organization to Success

• Aligned Decision-Making: Its Crucial Role in Organizations and How to Master It

• The Need for Transparency: Lee Benson's Insights on Openness in Business

• Unveiling the MIND Methodology: How to Leverage a Team's Most Important Number

• Driving Success: How Leaders Can Encourage the Right Behaviors in Their Teams

• Alignment and Value Creation: Understanding their Powerful Interplay

• Performance Improvement Strategies: Practical Tips to Enhance Organizational Performance

• The Twin Pillars of Leadership: The Vital Importance of Clarity and Accountability

Connect with Lee Benson:

Mind Methodology Website

Execute to Win Website

Lee Benson on LinkedIn

Your Most Important Number: Increase Collaboration, Achieve your Strategy, and Execute to Win on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Professor Ajay Agrawal, the Geoffrey Taber Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. Ajay Agrawal is also the founder of the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), a not-for-profit program for early-stage, science-based companies, and coauthor of two outstanding books on Artificial Intelligence: Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence and Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence. In the conversation, Professor Agrawal shared the origin of his passion for studying the intersection of technology and economics and the increasing importance of artificial intelligence for organizations as a decision-making tool that brings down the cost of prediction. Ajay Agrawal then explained why this shift would significantly impact individuals, organizations, and industries as machines enable better predictions while humans focus on the judgment required for decision-making. Finally, Ajay Agrawal shared examples of the transformative impact of the reduction in the cost of prediction and how leaders can help guide their organizations through the significant changes ahead.

Some highlights:

• Three people that helped shape Ajay Agrawal's career path

• Why looking at AI from an economic perspective clarifies its potential to transform organizations and industries

• Ajay Agrawal on the role of predictions in artificial intelligence

• The importance of human judgment in decision making

• How AI decision-making will redefine roles in the workplace

• The disruptive economics of artificial intelligence

• How generative AI such as ChatGPT works and what causes mistakes and misstatements

• Ajay Agrawal on the importance of upskilling professionals

• How organizations can redesign their structures and processes to take into account the new predictive world

• The impact of AI on systems-level change

• How organizations can leverage AI for business success

• Why we're on the brink of a set of transformations that none of us have seen in our lifetimes

• How AI can help create a better future

Connect with Professor Ajay Agrawal:

Ajay Agrawal website

Ajay Agrawal at Rotman School of Management

Ajay Agrawal on LinkedIn

Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence on Amazon

Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Lily Zheng, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategist and Consultant. Lily Zheng is also the author of DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right. In the conversation, Lily Zheng talked about their upbringing, education, and how it influenced their perspective on race and inequality. Next, Lily Zheng shared why they advocate for a systemic approach to tackling DEI, including outcome-oriented measurements and accountability. Lily Zheng also talked about meritocracy and why complex problems require complex solutions. Finally, Lily Zheng shared examples of how leaders can think about and act on DEI with an outcome orientation benefiting the organization and its team members.

Some Highlights:

• The origin of Lily Zheng's sense of responsibility and gratitude

• Why do so many diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives fail

• How to increase the likelihood of success of DEI initiatives

• Lily Zheng on why trying to change hearts and minds is not effective

• The importance of creating inclusive environments and how to do it well

• Why making the business case for diversity can be counterproductive

• How to measure DEI efforts with accountability

• What most leaders get wrong about meritocracy in the workplace

Also Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Jack Philips on Show the Value of What You Do: Measuring and Achieving Success in Any Endeavor

Connect with Lily Zheng

Lily Zheng's Website

Lily Zheng on LinkedIn

DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Paul Roetzer, Founder & CEO of the Marketing AI Institute and Co-Author of Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business. After sharing his origin story, Paul shares why he became fascinated with AI in 2011 as a marketing agency owner. Next, Paul Roetzer explains how his curiosity led him to look deeper into AI, investigate it further, and speak to marketers about its potential, eventually leading him to found the Marketing AI Institute. Then Paul Roetzer shares his perspectives on where AI can be most helpful in content creation and how he believes that will impact organizations. Additionally, he shares thoughts on the potential concerns and opportunities that business and political leaders need to address as AI use proliferates. Finally, Paul Roetzer shares ideas on how organizations can experiment with AI to stay ahead of the curve and fully take advantage of opportunities.

Some Highlights:

• AI's impact on content creation and marketing and AI's role as an indispensable writing assistant

• The impact of AI-driven advancements on the workforce and various aspects of the job market

• Why professionals must come to terms with the reality of potential job losses in specific sectors

• Opportunity for new career paths that will eventually emerge as AI becomes more prevalent in various industries

• The significance of responsible AI and maintaining focus on its impact within organizations

• Implications of Bloomberg's groundbreaking generative AI tool and what it means for other organizations

• Why organizations need to focus on responsible application of AI across all business functions

• The importance of experimenting with AI tools and the concerns around copyright limitations

• How marketing firms can differentiate their services in a world of AI-generated content

• Why organizations need to pilot quick-win AI projects

• Paul Roetzer on how to think about an AI roadmap for your organization

• How professionals and leaders can stay ahead of AI developments

• The importance of political and business leaders addressing the impact

Connect with Paul Roetzer:

Marketing AI Institute Website

The Marketing AI Show Podcast

Paul Roetzer on LinkedIn

Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with John Kotter, professor emeritus at Harvard Business School, co-founder of a management consulting firm Kotter International and a pioneer in organizational change. John Kotter is the author of 22 books on change, including his most recent book, Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile times. John Kotter talks about the struggles leaders and teams face when it comes to change and how to transform organizations to adapt to change effectively and rapidly.

Some highlights:

-John Kotter on the role of human nature on our resistance to change

-The essential components for initiating change in the organization

-Understanding the Survive and Thrive mode and how it impacts our ability to change

-The power of Guiding Coalition to help bring expertise, energy, and perspective across the organization

-The difference between management and leadership

Also mentioned in this episode:

Kelly King, Chairman, and CEO of Truist Financial

Book by John Kotter:

Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times

Connect with John Kotter:

John Kotter - Kotter International Inc

John Kotter on LinkedIn

John Kotter on Facebook

John Kotter on Twitter

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli first shares some of his perspectives on the transformation organizations and leaders will face due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Then Mahan welcomes Tom Taulli, AI author, investor, and advisor, to discuss the letter asking for a pause on the development of generative AI, the potential disruptive impact of generative AI, and the potential of AI agents built on top of Open AI's Chat GPT. They also discussed the need for serious conversations around AI ethics and the need for responsible AI. Next, Tom Taulli talked about the potential of generative AI, such as Chat GPT, for automation, customer service, and cybersecurity. He mentioned the concept of hallucination, where the AI can give false answers that seem convincing, and the importance of setting up prompts to get better responses. He also mentioned using generative AI for coding, image creation, and summarizing information. Mahan and Tom further discussed the implications of AI chat agents and voice cloning technology, including the potential for AI to deceive people and the need for regulation to protect privacy. Finally, Tom Taulli addressed some potential uses of AI in the workplace and what professionals need to do to stay ahead of the many changes resulting from AI applications in the workplace.

Some Highlights:

• Generative AI and its Potential Disruptions

• Implications of the letter asking for a six months pause on the development of advanced generative AI

• AI agents such as AutoGPT, BabyAGI, and their potential uses

• Applications of generative AI in marketing, customer service, image creation, and cybersecurity

• Rise of chat agents and potential social consequences

• Implications of voice and video cloning technologies

• The necessity for human input in AI systems

• How and why professionals can develop new competencies as a result of advancements in artificial intelligence