Partnering Leadership

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 accountabilityConnect with Jim McCormickResearch Institute for Risk Intelligence The First Time Manager on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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, authorGareth Lloyd, former supervisor at KodakJim Sheckler, former technician at KodakGilda Radner, actress and comedianJoy Marshall, former laboratory technician at KodakSteve Jobs, co-founder and former chairman and CEO of AppleSteve Wozniak, co-founder of AppleDr. Majid Rabbani, former fellow at KodakDr. Brad Paxton, former director at KodakRobert Hills, co-inventor of the first DSLR cameraJim McGarvey, former lead engineer at KodakGeorge M. C. Fisher, former CEO of KodakDaniel Allen Carp, former chairman and CEO of KodakAntonio M. Pérez, former CEO of KodakBarack Obama, 44th U.S. PresidentPete 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

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

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 BordasJuana 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

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 bystanderAlso 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 HolocaustBook Recommendations:Shores Beyond Shores: From Holocaust to Hope, My True Story by Irene Butter Connect with Irene Butter:Irene Butter WebsiteConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 RosenthalJR Communications Website      Julie Rosenthal LinkedIn     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

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

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 TakeawaysHear 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 DialMinter Dial Website Minter Dial LinkedIn Heartificial Empathy: Putting Heart into Business and Artificial Intelligence  Additional ConversationsLeading 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

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 WebsiteRandy Conley’s BlogThe Ken Blanchard Companies on LinkedInThe Ken Blanchard on FacebookConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website