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 WebsterTamsen Webster WebsiteSay What They Can’t Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting ChangeTamsen Webster LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 TakeawaysExperience 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 complConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 activationRecommended ResourcesThe 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

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 LaplumeSpinout Ventures Website Andre Laplume LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 WunkerThe Innovative Leader Stephen Wunker LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 GuptaAnu Gupta Website Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 RutherfordJan 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

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 presentationsMentioned:Partnering Leadership conversation with David Rubenstein, Founder of the Carlyle Group David Rubenstein  Partnering Leadership conversation with John Rossman, author of The Amazon WayPartnering Leadership conversation with Ann Hiatt, author of Bet on YourselfPartnering Leadership conversation with Park Howell, author of Brand Bewitchery & The Narrative Gym for Business Connect with Carmine GalloCarmine 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

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 BaileySimon T Bailey Website      Simon T Bailey 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 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’ exerciseMentioned:-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 OlsonConnect with Park Howell:Brand Bewitchery on AmazonThe Narrative Gym for Business on AmazonPark Howell on LinkedInPark Howell on TwitterPark Howell on FacebookBusiness of Story WebsiteBusiness of Story CoursesConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website