Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli reconnects with his longtime friend Howard Ross, renowned thought leader and author of the acclaimed books Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart and Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives. With over 25 years of collaborating to help organizations foster inclusion, they have a powerful discussion on Ross' motivations for driving positive change, his wisdom on belonging versus polarization, and practical ways leaders can sustain diversity progress. Some Actionable Takeaways:- Hear Howard Ross' guidance to leaders in balancing employee belonging with complex stakeholder needs.- Discover how storytelling and sharing narratives can strengthen connections and understanding.- Find out Howard Ross' perspective on political polarization, social media impacts, and having courageous conversations across divides.- Get Howard Ross' advice on sustaining organizational diversity progress rather than short-lived reactions.Recommended Resources: - Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart by Howard Ross- Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives by Howard Ross - Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald -Partnering Leadership conversation with Howard Ross on his leadership journey Connect with Howard Ross:Howard Ross Website Howard Ross on LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Get ready to climb the mountain of vulnerability in leadership. In this engaging discussion with Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization, you’ll learn why vulnerability plus leadership can transform organizations. In the conversation, Jacob Morgan shares his personal journey of grappling with vulnerability, from a childhood with a “tough guy” father to panic attacks while writing this transformative book. His research includes interviews with 100 CEOs and a survey of 14,000 employees worldwide. Hear Jacob Morgan’s insights on the ROI of leading with vulnerability, how to “level the playing field” between leaders and employees, and practical ways to get started on your vulnerability journey. You’ll be convinced that, with intention and when done well, vulnerability in leadership is a superpower.  Some Actionable Takeaways:Learn the key distinction between vulnerability and leading with vulnerability.Hear why self-awareness is crucial for leading with vulnerability and how to become a more self-aware leader.Find out how leading with vulnerability can help you overcome imposter syndrome. Understand Jacob Morgan's metaphor of the "vulnerability mountain" and how to start small and build up to transform yourself and your organization.Learn why leading with vulnerability can "level the playing field" between leaders and employees. Understand the "Pratfall Effect" and its role in vulnerability in leadership.Connect with Jacob MorganJacob Morgan Website Jacob Morgan LinkedIn Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization on AmazonConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Are you strategic enough to survive the digital future? In this Partnering Leadership episode, global strategy expert Michael Lenox, UVA Professor and author of Strategy in the Digital Age: Mastering Digital Transformation shares indispensable insights to help leaders craft agile strategies in the age of AI. Drawing from decades of research and firsthand experience steering his own business school’s digital transformation, Mike Lenox reveals how to spot exponential change before it disrupts you, why strategy must drive technology (not vice versa), how to identify your unique competitive advantage, and the critical human skills machines will never replicate. If you’re anxious about AI, automation, and competing in the digital age, don’t miss Michael Lenox’s thoughtful perspectives and advice to help any organization build a strategy for long-term resilience.Some Actionable Takeaways:Learn why starting digital transformation with IT upgrades can run you into an iceberg quicker.Gain insights on monitoring technology adoption S-curves to see disruptive exponential change coming.Find out what competitive moves historically resilient companies make and how you can do the same.Discover how to empower “digital champions” throughout your organization to drive strategic adoption.Listen to discover which human skills will remain uniquely valuable in an AI-powered world.Learn how to combine judgment with data to avoid over-indexing on an unknowable future.Connect with Michael LenoxMichael Lenox Website Michael Lenox on LinkedIn Strategy in the Digital Age: Mastering Digital Transformation on Amazon  ResourcesPartnering Leadership conversation with Ajay Agrawal on Prediction Machines and Power & Prediction Partnering Leadership conversation with Azeem Azhar on the Exponential Age Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

This episode of Partnering Leadership features Mahan Tavakoli being interviewed on AI and its potential impact by David Gardner on the Rule Breaker Investing podcast.  In the conversation, David and Mahan talk about the growing influence of artificial intelligence; they explore where we are on the AI exponential growth curve, how organizations can leverage AI strategically and operationally, and share predictions for AI's transformative impact and how individuals and organizations can take advantage of the opportunities ahead. Some of The Insights You will Gain from This Episode:Hear Mahan's answer to the question he has asked every one of his 250+ podcast guests (upbringing and its impact)Learn prompting strategies to unlock AI's true potential for your organizationFind out how to leverage AI to democratize information understanding, not just accessUse AI to future-proof your team through constant learning and skill development How AI could replace the web and change how you distribute informationLearn how to use AI to stress-test ideas and strengthen argumentsHear about resources to start experimenting with AI systems Recommended Resources:Partnering Leadership Conversation with Ajay Agrawal, coauthor of Prediction Machines and Power & PredictionPartnering Leadership Conversation with Paul Daugherty, coauthor of Human + Machine and Radically HumanPartnering Leadership Conversation with Azeem Azhar, author of The Exponential AgeRule Breaker Investing Podcast Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Stephen M.R. Covey. Stephen M.R. Covey is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of The Speed Of Trust,  former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, and author of Trust And Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others. Stephen shares why many leaders are still operating with a command and control mindset and the need to develop the mindset and capabilities of becoming trusting and inspiring leaders. Stephen M.R. Covey shares stories and frameworks on how we can better understand trust in leadership and how trust and inspire leaders can unleash the potential of their teams and organizations.    Some highlights:-Stephen M.R. Covey on the crucial role that parents play in teaching responsibility, commitment, and initiative and how his father, Stephen Covey, applied trust and inspire principles in his parenting-On why traditional leadership models do not work with the changing world and in the new work environment-Stephen M.R. Covey on the stewardships of leadership-How leaders can lead behavior change in their organizations -Stephen M.R. Covey on the role trust plays in leadership and how leaders can become more trusting -The power of inspiring others and its impact on leadership-What it takes to become a trust inspire leader Mentioned:- Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People- David Marquet (Listen to David Marquet episode on Partnering Leadership)- Frances Frei and Anne Morriss, author of Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You- Jim Collins, author of Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't  Connect with Stephen M.R. Covey:Trust and InspireTrust and Inspire on AmazonSpeed of Trust The Speed of Trust on AmazonStephen M.R. Covey on FacebookStephen M.R. Covey on TwitterStephen M.R. Covey on LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Middle managers often get a bad rap, seen as roadblocks to change and innovation. But Emily Field flips this narrative on its head. As a McKinsey partner, Emily saw firsthand how empowering middle managers unlocks an organization’s potential. In this insightful interview, Emily Field, McKinsey & Company partner and coauthor of Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work, debunks the middle manager myth. Hear why managers, not senior execs, hold the keys to the future of work. Emily shares research on the untapped power of middle managers to drive strategy, culture, and innovation. With compelling stories and data, Emily reveals how organizations can rethink the manager role for the future. You’ll learn how to remove bureaucracy, rebundle work, and achieve the “yin and yang” of performance and people.By listening to this conversation, you willDiscover how managers, not senior execs, execute strategy day-to-day through their teams. Learn why managers are burning out from misaligned priorities and administrative burdens. Find out how to measure and incentivize both performance and people leadership. Hear how managers can “rebundle” roles to navigate automation and AI. Get Emily Field’s framework to eliminate bureaucracy. Recommended ResourcesMcKinsey & Company Power to the Middle Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work on Amazon Connect with Emily FieldEmily Field McKinsey & Company Emily Field LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Eduardo Briceño, author of The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action. In the discussion, Eduardo dives into the transformative power of a growth mindset and how we can apply it to unlock our potential. He shares how a crippling physical injury early in his career led him to Carol Dweck's pioneering work on a growth mindset. This proved life-changing for Eduardo, setting him on a path to teaching individuals, teams, and organizations how to break free of chronic stagnation. In the conversation, Eduardo Briceno explains the performance paradox, where focusing solely on performing without learning leads to poor results. He offers strategies for leaders to get their teams to embrace a growth mindset. Some of the Growth Mindset Takeaways That Will Get You Thinking:Why integrating micro-learning into daily work trumps sporadic learning sessions. Learn how to distinguish positive stretch mistakes from dangerous high-stakes ones.  How leaders can model a growth mindset openly to influence their teams. The role a culture alignment and tweaking existing systems plays in helping teams adopt a growth mindset.The type of accountability that matters for both learning and performing. Connect with Eduardo BriceñoEduardo Briceno Website Eduardo Briceno LinkedIn The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

John Livesay, The Pitch Whisperer and author of best-selling books, including Better Selling Through Storytelling and The Sale is In the Tale, joins Mahan Tavakoli on the Partnering Leadership podcast to share his insights on storytelling for leaders. In the conversation, John Livesay shares practical techniques to craft compelling stories that motivate teams, win business, and drive change.  Additionally, John provides memorable examples and easy-to-apply storytelling frameworks, including the 3Cs model and four-part story structure. Storytelling Takeaways from This Episode:- Telling your origin story and values-in-action stories to establish trust - Structuring pitches around client-focused stories, not just facts- Using analogies and vulnerability to smoothly guide teams through change- Capturing relatable stories from your team to build connection and brand loyalty- Applying the "5-5-5" model to reframe challenges and build resilience rapidly- Practicing consistently to hone your skills as a persuasive communicator  Connect with John Livesay John Livesay WebsiteJohn Livesay on LinkedInThe Sale is In the Tale on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership episode, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Amri B. Johnson, inclusion strategist and author of Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable. In the conversation, Amri Johnson emphasizes the need for a more inclusive view of diversity that goes beyond marginalized groups and includes everyone. Amri also explores the concept of meritocracy and how it should be approached in organizations, highlighting the importance of recognizing potential and providing development opportunities. Additionally, Amri Johnson addresses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in DEI, emphasizing the need for transparency and mindful use of AI systems to ensure they enhance humanity rather than compromise it. Finally, Amri Johnson emphasizes the importance of creating accessible and equitable DEI practices that allow all individuals to thrive. In this episode:Understand the importance of taking an honest and introspective approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work.Explore the concept of diversity as a mixture of similar and different attributes and the importance of managing tension and complexity within organizations.Challenge the traditional view of diversity as solely benefiting marginalized groups and embrace a more inclusive perspective.Reconstruct the notion of inclusion by creating conditions for everyone to thrive and making DEI accessible to all.Recognize the need to move beyond isolated interventions and events in DEI work and focus on long-term strategies and actions.Embrace systems thinking in DEI efforts and understand the interdependencies and interconnections within organizations.Acknowledge that everyone has a role to play in DEI, from top leadership to individuals at all levels of the organization.Understand the potential harm of a narrow focus on meritocracy and the importance of inclusion and development in recognizing and nurturing talent.Consider the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on DEI and the need for transparency, accountability, and mitigation of biases in AI systems.Reflect on the potential of AI to enhance humanity when used mindfully and with a focus on positive outcomes.Recognize the differences in how DEI is approached in Europe compared to the United States, with a greater emphasis on race in the US and a broader focus on diversity in Europe.Embrace a multi-dimensional approach to DEI that goes beyond single identities and encompasses the richness and complexity of human diversity.Reflect on the importance of ongoing learning, experimentation, and collaboration in DEI work.Be motivated to take action and contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable organizations and societies.Connect with Amri JohnsonInclusion Wins Website Amri Johnson on LinkedIn Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable on Amazon Mentioned in this episode:Partnering Leadership conversation with Howard Ross Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Peter Scott, Futurist & Founder of Next Wave Institute and author of Artificial Intelligence and You: What AI Means for Your Life, Your Work, and Your World. In the conversation, Peter Scott shares his insights on the impact of AI on our lives and organizations, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand and navigate this technological disruption. He challenges leaders to reflect on their reactions to AI and encourages them to use AI to enhance their humanity rather than replace it.Throughout the conversation, Peter Scott highlights the importance of ethics in AI and the potential for bias in AI systems. He urges leaders to be mindful of the biases that can be perpetuated by AI and emphasizes the need for responsible use of the technology. Peter also discusses the role of policymakers in guiding the development and regulation of AI, acknowledging the challenges they face in keeping up with the fast pace of technological advancements.In this episode:Discover how AI is holding a mirror up to humanity, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses as leaders and organizations.Uncover the potential of AI to enhance human creativity, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be creative.Explore the ethical implications of AI and the importance of addressing bias in AI systems.Understand the impact of AI on different industries and sectors and how specific roles may be more prone to automation.Learn how AI can help organizations focus on their core purpose and delegate tasks they don't enjoy or excel at.Recognize the need for policymakers to navigate the fast-paced world of AI and strike a balance between regulation and innovation.Gain insights from experts in the field of AI ethics and understand the role they play in guiding businesses toward responsible AI use.Embrace becoming a conscious futurist, actively shaping the future rather than being passive observers.Reflect on the societal implications of AI, including its impact on jobs, mental health, and social media.Consider the role of AI in decision-making processes, such as strategic decision-making by CEOs, and the need for human judgment and empathy.Connect with Peter ScottWebsite LinkedIn TEDx talk on Empathetic AI: Unlocking Trust Between Humans and Machines TEDx talk on How to Save Us from Being Left Behind by AI AI & You Podcast Artificial Intelligence and You: What AI Means for Your Life, Your Work, and Your World on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website