Partnering Leadership

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 TakeawaysYou 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

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 HiattMeasure What Matters by John Doerr Connect with Ann Hiatt:Bet on Yourself WebsiteAnn Hiatt on LinkedInAnn Hiatt on TwitterAnn Hiatt on InstagramAnn Hiatt on Facebook Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Justin Evans, an accomplished executive with experience at Microsoft, NBCUniversal, and Paramount, discusses the strategic power of data as a leadership tool. He emphasizes the importance of integrating data into decision-making without needing to be a data scientist. Evans shares innovative stories, such as using data to combat senior loneliness and unlocking growth through unused operational data. He advocates for a mindset shift, urging leaders to embrace data for purpose-driven impact, highlighting its role in shaping a more informed and innovative organizational culture.

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.—MahanTrust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. CoveyCEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik MalhotraSimple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy ConleyLeading Change – John KotterHow to Lead – David RubensteinPrediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua GansThe Performance Paradox – Eduardo BriceñoHow Minds Change – David McRaneyHuman + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul SmithTurn the Ship Around! – L. David MarquetMagic 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 RavikantConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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.—MahanTrust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. CoveyCEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik MalhotraSimple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy ConleyLeading Change – John KotterHow to Lead – David RubensteinPrediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua GansThe Performance Paradox – Eduardo BriceñoHow Minds Change – David McRaneyHuman + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul SmithTurn the Ship Around! – L. David MarquetMagic 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 RavikantConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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.—MahanTrust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. CoveyCEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik MalhotraSimple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy ConleyLeading Change – John KotterHow to Lead – David RubensteinPrediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua GansThe Performance Paradox – Eduardo BriceñoHow Minds Change – David McRaneyHuman + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul SmithTurn the Ship Around! – L. David MarquetMagic 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 RavikantConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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.—MahanTrust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. CoveyCEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik MalhotraSimple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy ConleyLeading Change – John KotterHow to Lead – David RubensteinPrediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua GansThe Performance Paradox – Eduardo BriceñoHow Minds Change – David McRaneyHuman + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul SmithTurn the Ship Around! – L. David MarquetMagic 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 RavikantConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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.—MahanTrust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. CoveyCEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik MalhotraSimple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy ConleyLeading Change – John KotterHow to Lead – David RubensteinPrediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua GansThe Performance Paradox – Eduardo BriceñoHow Minds Change – David McRaneyHuman + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul SmithTurn the Ship Around! – L. David MarquetMagic 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 RavikantConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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.—MahanTrust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. CoveyCEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik MalhotraSimple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy ConleyLeading Change – John KotterHow to Lead – David RubensteinPrediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua GansThe Performance Paradox – Eduardo BriceñoHow Minds Change – David McRaneyHuman + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul SmithTurn the Ship Around! – L. David MarquetMagic 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 RavikantConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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.—MahanTrust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. CoveyCEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik MalhotraSimple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy ConleyLeading Change – John KotterHow to Lead – David RubensteinPrediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua GansThe Performance Paradox – Eduardo BriceñoHow Minds Change – David McRaneyHuman + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul SmithTurn the Ship Around! – L. David MarquetMagic 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 RavikantConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website