Partnering Leadership

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 Smith Turn 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

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 TakeawaysYou’ll learn why most strategic plans are outdated before they’re even executed—and what kind of strategic thinking leaders need insteadHear how to shift from using AI as an assistant to engaging it as a thought partner that challenges and elevates your ideasDiscover why exponential change breaks traditional leadership models—and how to respond without falling behindHear why the ability to ask good questions is becoming more valuable than having the right answersLearn how AI is disrupting entry-level pathways—and what that means for how leaders must develop talentExplore why AI can mimic empathy, but trust and meaning still require human leadershipHear how leaders can design organizations that adapt, experiment, and continuously learnLearn how ungoverned AI usage across your organization may already be exposing you to riskDiscover why AI must move from a tech issue to a board-level strategy conversationHear why talking to your frontline may be the most important move for understanding how AI is already shaping your businessConnect with David EspindolaDavid Espindola Website David Espindola 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 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 HarrisBernard Harris LinkedIn Embracing Infinite Possiblities Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website