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 LeadersPartnering 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 BeatLouis 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

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 TrimboliOscar Trimboli Website Oscar Trimboli LinkedIn  Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 CummingsRenee Cummings on LinkedIn Renee Cummings at UVA Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 WebsiteTricia Brouk’s free visualization guide to becoming an influential voiceTricia BroConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 TakeawaysYou'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 GothelfJeff Gothelf WebsiteJeff 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

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 strategiesLearn how to become anticipatory and proactively identify and solve problems before they occurUnderstand the importance of embracing the "both/and" principle for accurate predictions and innovative thinkingExplore the "ideal use" principle and how it can help you cut through the hype surrounding new technologies and innovationsGain insights into the power of disrupting yourself and your business before others doUncover the potential of AI and how to harness its benefits while protecting against its risksDiscover why humans are infinitely upgradable and the importance of staying open-minded to learning new thingsLearn how to apply the "both/and" principle to various scenarios, from paper vs. digital to gas vs. electric carsConnect with Daniel BurrusThe 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

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 TakeawaysDiscover 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 GloubermanMisha Glouberman Website Misha Glouberman LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 acceptanceLearn why companies founded after 2010 have a competitive edge in the era of flexible workUncover the challenges faced by people managers in the transition to hybrid work and strategies for overcoming themHear how successful companies take an iterative approach to implementing hybrid work policiesExplore the role of cities in adapting to the shift towards hybrid work and the importance of investing in smart policiesGain insights into the common pitfalls of viewing hybrid work as merely a policy change and the need for a holistic approachFind out how to leverage data and benchmarking to make informed decisions about office space and employee experienceUnderstand the potential impact of AI on the future of work and its interaction with hybrid work modelsLearn how to foster a culture of collaboration, documentation, and outcome-based management in a hybrid settingConnect 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

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 JainBrand Transgressions Website Shailendra Pratap Jain LinkedIn Shalini Sarin Jain LinkedIn  Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 witConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website