Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rich Diviney, author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance. Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL commander with 20+ years of experience as a Navy SEAL Officer, having completed more than thirteen overseas deployments, including serving as the officer in charge of training for a specialized command. During his service, Rich Diviney was intimately involved in the highly specialized SEAL selection process and spearheaded the creation of a directorate that fused physical, mental, and emotional disciplines. Since his retirement, Rich Diviney has worked as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant with the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute and Simon Sinek Inc., teaching leadership and optimal performance for teams and organizations. Some highlights:- Rich Diviney explained the role of mindset matters and how it helped him during his Navy SEAL Trainings- How to effectively deal with uncertainty, change, challenge and stress- The difference between attributes and skills - Why understanding attributes is essential in the hiring process and putting together a high performing team- Rich Diviney on how to determine attributes in the hiring process- The role humor plays in high performing teams- Rich Diviney on how leaders and teams can nurture trust and teamwork- The concept of dynamic subordination and its importance to leadership excellence - Rich Diviney talks about Resilience vs. AntifragilityAlso mentioned in this episode:- Simon Sinek, author- Bob Johansen, renowned futurist and author (Listen to Bob’s episode on Partnering Leadership Podcast) Book Recommendations:The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance by Rich DivineyEverybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by  Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas TalebThe Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How by Daniel Coyles Connect with Rich Diviney:The Attributes Official WebsiteRich Diviney on LinkedInRich Diviney on InstagramRich Diviney on TwitterConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Partnering Leadership conversation between Mahan Tavakoli and Tom Taulli focuses on applying artificial intelligence (AI) in leading teams and organizations. Tom Taulli is a technology investor, advisor, and author of Artificial Intelligence Basics and a brand new book, Generative AI: How ChatGPT and Other AI Tools Will Revolutionize Business. Mahan begins the conversation by talking about the five critical areas for organizational leaders to consider concerning AI: strategic applications, operational efficiencies, changes in leadership approaches, tactical applications, and societal impacts. This conversation with Tom Taulli starts with a couple of critical updates and then focuses on the tactical applications of AI by executives, teams, and organizations.  Some Highlights:- Why AI will impact all organizations from across industries- How AI will impact leadership in organizations- Concerns raised by Jeff Hinton, Sam Altman, and other AI experts- The impact of regulation of Black Box Models on innovation- The latest in AI tools from Google and Microsoft - How to encourage experimentation with AI in teams- Why companies are investing billions of dollars in the AI space- Where executives and teams can start experimenting with AI- The impact of AI on streamlining business processes- Where to go to find the best credible resources on AI- How to do better prompt engineering with ChatGPT- Safety and security concerns to consider when using generative AI- How AI will impact the workplace of the futureMentioned:Tom Taulli’s brand new book on generative AI:: Generative AI: How ChatGPT and Other AI Tools Will Revolutionize Businessandreeson horrowitz AI Canon OpenAI Best Practices for Prompt Engineering Connect with Tom Taulli:Tom Taulli Website Tom Taulli 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 Lee Benson, Founder of Execute to Win (ETW) and author of Your Most Important Number: Increase Collaboration, Achieve Your Strategy, and Execute to Win. In the conversation, Lee Benson shares his origin story, from his early days as a musician to his rise as a successful CEO, and the inspiration that led him to start ETW. Lee then breaks down the concept of value creation, showing its three forms and how focusing on it can significantly improve an organization's culture and results. Next, using clear examples, Lee Benson explains how companies can set up operating systems that bring teams together and keep everyone focused on creating value. Wrapping up the episode, Lee Benson shares practical advice on overcoming obstacles and setting up effective value-creation systems in all types of organizations. Some Highlights:- From Rock and Roll to Aerospace: Lee Benson's Unconventional Journey- Shaping Value Creation: How Lee Benson's Upbringing Impacted His Perspective- Turning the Tide: Leading an Underperforming Organization to Success- Aligned Decision-Making: Its Crucial Role in Organizations and How to Master It- The Need for Transparency: Lee Benson's Insights on Openness in Business- Unveiling the MIND Methodology: How to Leverage a Team's Most Important Number- Driving Success: How Leaders Can Encourage the Right Behaviors in Their Teams- Alignment and Value Creation: Understanding their Powerful Interplay- Performance Improvement Strategies: Practical Tips to Enhance Organizational Performance- The Twin Pillars of Leadership: The Vital Importance of Clarity and AccountabilityConnect with Lee Benson: Mind Methodology Website Execute to Win Website Lee Benson on LinkedIn Your Most Important Number: Increase Collaboration, Achieve your Strategy, and Execute to Win on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Professor Ajay Agrawal, the Geoffrey Taber Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. Ajay Agrawal is also the founder of the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), a not-for-profit program for early-stage, science-based companies, and coauthor of two outstanding books on Artificial Intelligence: Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence and Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence. In the conversation, Professor Agrawal shared the origin of his passion for studying the intersection of technology and economics and the increasing importance of artificial intelligence for organizations as a decision-making tool that brings down the cost of prediction. Ajay Agrawal then explained why this shift would significantly impact individuals, organizations, and industries as machines enable better predictions while humans focus on the judgment required for decision-making. Finally, Ajay Agrawal shared examples of the transformative impact of the reduction in the cost of prediction and how leaders can help guide their organizations through the significant changes ahead.Some highlights:- Three people that helped shape Ajay Agrawal's career path- Why looking at AI from an economic perspective clarifies its potential to transform organizations and industries- Ajay Agrawal on the role of predictions in artificial intelligence - The importance of human judgment in decision making- How AI decision-making will redefine roles in the workplace- The disruptive economics of artificial intelligence - How generative AI such as ChatGPT works and what causes mistakes and misstatements- Ajay Agrawal on the importance of upskilling professionals - How organizations can redesign their structures and processes to take into account the new predictive world- The impact of AI on systems-level change- How organizations can leverage AI for business success- Why we're on the brink of a set of transformations that none of us have seen in our lifetimes- How AI can help create a better futureConnect with Professor Ajay Agrawal:Ajay Agrawal website Ajay Agrawal at Rotman School of Management Ajay Agrawal on LinkedIn Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence on Amazon Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence 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 Lily Zheng, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategist and Consultant. Lily Zheng is also the author of DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right. In the conversation, Lily Zheng talked about their upbringing, education, and how it influenced their perspective on race and inequality. Next, Lily Zheng shared why they advocate for a systemic approach to tackling DEI, including outcome-oriented measurements and accountability. Lily Zheng also talked about meritocracy and why complex problems require complex solutions. Finally, Lily Zheng shared examples of how leaders can think about and act on DEI with an outcome orientation benefiting the organization and its team members.  Some Highlights:- The origin of Lily Zheng's sense of responsibility and gratitude- Why do so many diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives fail- How to increase the likelihood of success of DEI initiatives - Lily Zheng on why trying to change hearts and minds is not effective- The importance of creating inclusive environments and how to do it well- Why making the business case for diversity can be counterproductive- How to measure DEI efforts with accountability - What most leaders get wrong about meritocracy in the workplace Also Mentioned:Partnering Leadership Conversation with Jack Philips on Show the Value of What You Do: Measuring and Achieving Success in Any EndeavorConnect with Lily ZhengLily Zheng's Website Lily Zheng on LinkedIn DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right 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 Paul Roetzer, Founder & CEO of the Marketing AI Institute and Co-Author of Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business. After sharing his origin story, Paul shares why he became fascinated with AI in 2011 as a marketing agency owner. Next, Paul Roetzer explains how his curiosity led him to look deeper into AI, investigate it further, and speak to marketers about its potential, eventually leading him to found the Marketing AI Institute. Then Paul Roetzer shares his perspectives on where AI can be most helpful in content creation and how he believes that will impact organizations. Additionally, he shares thoughts on the potential concerns and opportunities that business and political leaders need to address as AI use proliferates. Finally, Paul Roetzer shares ideas on how organizations can experiment with AI to stay ahead of the curve and fully take advantage of opportunities.  Some Highlights:- AI's impact on content creation and marketing and AI's role as an indispensable writing assistant - The impact of AI-driven advancements on the workforce and various aspects of the job market- Why professionals must come to terms with the reality of potential job losses in specific sectors- Opportunity for new career paths that will eventually emerge as AI becomes more prevalent in various industries- The significance of responsible AI and maintaining focus on its impact within organizations- Implications of Bloomberg's groundbreaking generative AI tool and what it means for other organizations- Why organizations need to focus on responsible application of AI across all business functions- The importance of experimenting with AI tools and the concerns around copyright limitations- How marketing firms can differentiate their services in a world of AI-generated content- Why organizations need to pilot quick-win AI projects - Paul Roetzer on how to think about an AI roadmap for your organization- How professionals and leaders can stay ahead of AI developments - The importance of political and business leaders addressing the impactConnect with Paul Roetzer:Marketing AI Institute Website The Marketing AI Show Podcast Paul Roetzer on LinkedIn Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Join John Kotter, a renowned professor emeritus at Harvard Business School and co-founder of Kotter International, as he delves into the intricacies of organizational change. He discusses the human resistance to change and the importance of creating urgency positively. Kotter emphasizes the need for leadership to adapt and unify teams during uncertain times. Discover the crucial role of a Guiding Coalition and how effective leadership can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli first shares some of his perspectives on the transformation organizations and leaders will face due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Then Mahan welcomes Tom Taulli, AI author, investor, and advisor, to discuss the letter asking for a pause on the development of generative AI, the potential disruptive impact of generative AI, and the potential of AI agents built on top of Open AI's Chat GPT. They also discussed the need for serious conversations around AI ethics and the need for responsible AI. Next, Tom Taulli talked about the potential of generative AI, such as Chat GPT, for automation, customer service, and cybersecurity. He mentioned the concept of hallucination, where the AI can give false answers that seem convincing, and the importance of setting up prompts to get better responses. He also mentioned using generative AI for coding, image creation, and summarizing information. Mahan and Tom further discussed the implications of AI chat agents and voice cloning technology, including the potential for AI to deceive people and the need for regulation to protect privacy. Finally, Tom Taulli addressed some potential uses of AI in the workplace and what professionals need to do to stay ahead of the many changes resulting from AI applications in the workplace. Some Highlights:- Generative AI and its Potential Disruptions- Implications of the letter asking for a six months pause on the development of advanced generative AI- AI agents such as AutoGPT, BabyAGI, and their potential uses - Applications of generative AI in marketing, customer service, image creation, and cybersecurity- Rise of chat agents and potential social consequences - Implications of voice and video cloning technologies- The necessity for human input in AI systems- How and why professionals can develop new competencies as a result of advancements in artificial intelligence Connect with Tom Taulli:Tom Taulli Website Tom Taulli on LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Edward D. Hess. Ed Hess is a Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at the Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia. Ed Hess is the author of 15 books, including OWN YOUR WORK JOURNEY: The Path to Meaningful Work and Happiness in the Age of Smart Technology and Radical Change. In the conversation, Ed Hess shares why the rapid speed of technological change drastically differs from the previous eras and the impact it will have on companies and individuals.   Ed Hess then shares the importance of becoming adaptive learners, its value to organizations, and strategies on how individuals can do that. Finally, Ed Hess shares specific ideas on becoming adaptive learners to keep up with the speed of change and quiet our egos for greater happiness and resilience through turbulence.    Some Highlights: - The importance of being an adaptive learner- Ed Hess on three ways to add value in a way that technology can't- How to listen effectively and its importance- Why quieting the ego is hard and why it's so important- Ed Hess on three ways to add value in a way that technology can't - The importance of higher-order critical thinking - How to build caring, trusting, positive emotional relationships- Ed Hess on the value of mindfulness and meditation- How to become an iterative problem solver Mentioned in this episode:Partnering Leadership Conversation with Professor Edward Hess on How to Adapt to the Speed of Change Through Hyper Learning and HumilityConnect with Professor Edward Hess:OWN YOUR WORK JOURNEY!: The Path to Meaningful Work and Happiness in the Age of Smart Technology and Radical Change Ed Hess at the University of Virginia Darden School of BusinessEd Hess on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Yuval Atsman, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company. In the conversation, Yuval Atsman discusses the difference between good strategies and why many organizations have lousy strategies. Yuval Atsmon goes on to share why CEOs and executives must embrace and experiment with AI to improve decision-making in the strategic planning process. Yuval Atsman then shares potential applications of AI technologies, including generative AI. Finally, Yuval Atsmon talks about the importance of AI readiness for businesses and how CEOs and senior executives can move quickly on AI while bringing their team members along to align and effectively execute organizational strategy. Some Highlights:- The difference between good strategy and bad strategy and why so many organizations end up with a bad strategy- The most common mistakes with organizational strategy and how to avoid them- Yuval Atsmon on the most significant challenges in implementing strategic plans- How to use AI to support strategic meetings and conversations- Why team member awareness and readiness are critical factors that will determine the speed of AI adoption in organizations- Yuval Atsmon on AI-enabled business strategies- The importance of considering tolerance level for mistakes with generative AI - How to use AI to get insights on strategy relevance and align it to generate value-creation opportunities- Yuval Atsmon on why AI readiness will be crucial for businesses - The human factors that support the adoption of AI in organizations- How to use AI for a positive impact on the quality of decision-making in boardrooms.- Why companies that don't make AI a default approach will quickly fall behind - How companies can balance the potential benefits of AI with the need for human oversight and awareness- The most critical and time-sensitive actions CEOs and executives need to take on AIConnect with Yuval Atsmon:Yuval Atsmon at McKinsey & CompanyYuval Atsmon on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website