Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Joseph Fuller, Professor of Management Practice in General Management at the Harvard Business School and co-lead of HBS's Managing the Future of Work initiative. In the conversation, Professor Fuller addressed the shifting nature of work and how organizations can attract, retain, and improve the productivity of their human assets. Joseph Fuller then shared research on hidden workers, degree inflation, and the necessity for partnerships between colleges and employers to bridge the chronic skills gap. Finally, Professor Joseph Fuller spoke about the evolution of leadership and the skillsets necessary for CEOs and leaders to succeed in the age of A.I.   Some highlights:-Joseph Fuller on the impact of workforce trends on U.S. competitiveness-Why organizations will continue to struggle with finding talent until they change their approach to hiring-Professor Fuller on the barbellization of the U.S. workforce-Training and development's role in mitigating turnover rates-Why many workers use remote work as a proxy for what they really seek-How leaders can think about talent as a strategic differentiator-The leadership skills most needed in the C-Suite -How A.I. is changing the CEOs role and who is best suited to become a CEOConnect with Professor Joseph Fuller:Joseph B. Fuller Faculty Page Harvard Business School Joseph Fuller on LinkedInManaging the Future of Work PodcastConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Carolyn Dewar, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and co-author of CEO Excellence, shares insights on effective leadership. She identifies six key mindsets that distinguish top-performing CEOs, emphasizing the importance of corporate strategy and organizational alignment. Carolyn discusses the evolving role of CEOs, the need for high-functioning teams over individual performance, and highlights how empathy and coaching are essential in today's complex world. She also underlines the significance of trust and personal growth for lasting leadership success.

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli reflects on the impact of the accelerating speed of change due to artificial intelligence hitting the inflection point of its exponential curve. To discuss the latest in AI and how the developments will impact organizations, Mahan speaks with Tom Tulley, author of Artificial Intelligence Basics, who is also an investor and advisor to AI companies. First, Mahan and Tom discuss the significance of the release of GPT-4, its uses, and the importance of GPT-4 plugins. They also talk about Microsoft Bing, Microsoft's Co-Pilot, Google's Bard, and the impact of platforms incorporating AI technology into their office tools. Next, Tom and Mahan talked about how these tools will impact knowledge work and some of the concerns regarding the potential disruptive impact of AI. Then the discussion turns to how organizations and teams can approach experimentation with AI tools to take advantage of the opportunities and stay ahead of the competition. Finally, Tom Taulli shares what leaders must consider when implementing AI technology in their organizations.Some Highlights:- How the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence is transforming the world- The difference between GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 and the potential uses for GPT-4- Microsoft Co-pilot and examples of how to use generative AI in teams and organizations - Tom Taulli on using AI-based technologies to automate repetitive tasks and the use of chatbots in organizations- Potential applications of AI in knowledge management- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's concerns about AI and the need for conversation around AI's future applications- What generative AI doing well in various tests means for various professions- Generative AI's impact on jobs, including coding- AI applications in the workplace Additional Partnering Leadership episodes on Artificial Intelligence:Tom Taulli: AI Bootcamp for LeadersDan Turchin: AI & The Future of WorkMahan Tavakoli: AI & The Augmented Future of WorkLouis Rosenberg: AI, Augmented and Virtual RealityEmily Yu: AI Technology to Support Social ChangemakersConnect 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 episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dave Ulrich. Known as the Father of modern-day HR, Dave Ulrich is the Rensis Likert Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and a partner at the RBL Group, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations and leaders deliver value. Dave Ulrich has published over 30 leadership, organization, and human resource books.    The discussion with Dave Ulrich touches on measuring a leader's effectiveness, the difference between being a leader and leadership, and how HR has evolved to become more crucial to company success. Next, Dave Ulrich addresses why leaders should focus on certainty while leading through greater uncertainty. Dave Ulrich went on to talk about the importance of positive accountability and emphasized the value of creating leadership brands that cater to customers' expectations. Finally, Dave Ulrich shared why good leadership involves empowering others and building their brands rather than just promoting the leader's brand and how that connects to the concept of value creation for stakeholders.Some Highlights:- Dave Ulrich on the characteristics of good leaders--The role and importance of HR in creating value for stakeholders- How leaders can focus on creating value in uncertain times- -Why positive accountability is a necessity in outstanding leadership and how to do it well-Dave Ulrich on how to empower others to build their brands- Why the receiver defines value and the importance of that perspective in leadership- The role of human resources in creating value for stakeholders through talent, organization, and leadership.- The necessity of focusing on customer expectations in creating successful leadership models.- Dave Ulrich on the one trait that all great leaders have in commonConnect with Dave Ulrich:The RBL Group Website Dave Ulrich on LinkedIn Dave Ulrich at University of Michigan Ross Dave Ulrich books on AmazonConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Emily Yu, Founder & CEO of AI Priori. AI Priori is a technology startup that offers social changemakers a compelling new way to understand and address the world's most pressing challenges using AI technology. Emily Yu talked about how her background made her passionate about social change and using technology to understand better and address social needs. Emily Yu finally shared her vision for AI Priori and the positive potential of AI applications in the social sector to surface insights and drive action for a more significant positive impact.Some Highlights:- From Georgetown School of Foreign Service to pursuit of culinary arts- Emily Yu on working at Ogilvy on the  Heart Truth Campaign- The Case Foundation--at the intersection of technology & innovation for social good- The importance of taking calculated risks to create more robust programs to generate ideas for social good- Emily Yu on the benefits of entrepreneurial approaches in philanthropy- The value of taking risks with intention in order to push the envelope with programs- The challenges that philanthropy faces in addressing inequity- Emily Yu on the dynamics of trust-based philanthropy- The potential for philanthropy to scale its impact through AI-driven social change - AI Priori's vision and potential for foundations and program officers- AI and bias in social sector funding - How to leverage AI to tackle social challengesMentioned:Partnering Leadership conversation with Jonah Berger on Magic WordsPartnering Leadership conversation with Jean Case on Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and PurposePartnering Leadership episode  Augmented Future of Work with Artificial Intelligence, Going Beyond the AI Hype to Visualizing & Embracing Possibilities with 10 AI ToolsHuman + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI by Paul R. Daugherty and H. James Wilson on AmazonAndrew Ng Website and AI Resources Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Connect with Emily Yu:AI Priori Website Emily Yu on LinkedIn Emily Yu on Twitter Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Louis Rosenberg. Louis Rosenberg is a pioneer in virtual and augmented reality with over 300 patents; he has started multiple businesses, including Founder Immersion Corp, Founder Outland Research, and Unanimous A.I., for which he currently serves as CEO and Chief Scientist.     Louis Rosenberg has focused his work on the boundary between technology and human perception, aiming to enhance human performance with technology. In the conversation, Louis Rosenberg shared why he is wary of the potential for technology to dehumanize people and works to push the boundaries to augment rather than replace human intelligence.   Louis Rosenberg shared why he believes A.R. will be the primary way people access digital lives, replacing mobile phones with eyewear that spatially registers content to the real world. In addition, augmented reality and mixed reality will become more prevalent as society progresses. Finally, Louis Rosenberg shared his perspectives on the power of human swarm intelligence through Swarm technology as an example of the potential positives for the future of humanity in the collaborative use of artificial intelligence.  Some Highlights:- Louis Rosenberg on the Potential of Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Technologies- The inevitability of Augmented and Mixed Reality in the digital age- Use of Augmented Reality in the medical space - The impact of Augmented Reality on different professions - Louis Rosenberg on Augmented Reality's potential in education and training - Why there is a need for policy solutions in Augmented Reality - The positive potential of the Metaverse- Dangers of unregulated AI-driven persuasion in the Metaverse- Louis Rosenberg on using Swarm Intelligence for smarter decision making - The use of Swarm Technology to forecast the future - How to use A.I. to harness the power of the human brain and the knowledge and information it containsMentioned:Partnering Leadership conversation with Tom Taulli on A.I. Bootcamp for LeadersPartnering Leadership conversation with Dan Turchin on A.I. & The Future of WorkConnect with Louis Rosenberg:Unanimous A.I. Website Louis Rosenberg's articles on BIG THINK Louis Rosenberg's articles on Venture BeatLouis Rosenberg on LinkedIn Louis Rosenberg's TEDx Talk New hope for humans in an A.I. worldConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Paul Rothenberg.  In the conversation, Paul Rothenberg shared why he came to Washington DC, how his career led him to an executive search career, and Paul joined the McCormick Group in 1994.   Paul Rothenberg went on to talk about his active involvement in the community, including serving as Chairman of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind; Chairman of Goodwill of Greater Washington; Executive Committee of the Rosslyn Business Improvement District (RBID); Chair of the RBID Urban Design Committee; Co-Chairman of TechMatch; Vice Chairman, United Negro College Fund; and member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Leadership Greater Washington, Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, D.C. Chamber of Commerce, and Big Brothers of Washington.  Finally, Paul Rothenberg shared the common attributes of the most successful CEOs and leadership lessons he has learned from his career in recruitment.  Some highlights:- Why Paul Rothenberg joined the Marine Corps- The newspaper business and leading the Washington Times- Contributing to the community through service as well as executive search- Paul Rothenberg on the stories behind recruiting top-performing CEOs- Joining the first class of Leadership Greater Washington- Leadership lessons learned from board service as well as leading boards of directors- Paul Rothenberg on the importance of cultivating meaningful relationshipsMentioned:Partnering Leadership conversation with Lyles CarrPartnering Leadership conversation with Barbara Davis BlumPartnering Leadership conversation with Tony CancelociPartnering Leadership conversation with Catherine MeloyConnect with Paul Rothenberg:Paul Rothenberg at The McCormick Group Paul Rothenberg on 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 Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40.   In the conversation, Garry Ridge shared his origin story and how a quote from the Dalai Lama helped him focus on organizational purpose. Next, Garry explained his why and the how behind making WD-40 an organization where people can contribute, learn something new, and ultimately go home happy. Then, Garry Ridge shared the leadership wisdom he has gained from Ken Blanchard and Marshall Goldsmith and his focus on creating a ripple effect of happiness. Garry Ridge also laid out the leadership practices and approaches that led employee engagement at WD-40 to reach 93.5%, with 98% of the people working at the company loving to tell people they work there and 97% trusting or respecting their boss.   Finally, Garry Ridge talked about the importance of strategy and the most critical element in leading an organization to achieve its strategy and succeed.Some highlights:- How Garry Ridge ended up as CEO of WD-40 - The importance of authentic purpose in building a global brand- Creating a culture of engagement and accountability at WD-40- The role of coaching in the organization- Garry Ridge on leading WD-40 from a market cap of $300 million to over $2.5 billion.Timestamps- Hierarchy of values and how best to use them in decision making- How to embed organizational values- Garry Ridge on his approach to succession planning at WD-40- Building a culture that outlasts you- The difference made by leadershipMentioned:Partnering Leadership conversation with Dr. Ken Blanchard on Simple Truths of Leadership Connect with Garry RidgeGarry Ridge Website Garry Ridge on 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. Anne Kress, President of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the third-largest multi-campus community college in the United States and the largest educational institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the conversation, Anne Kress shares the origin of her passion for community college education and its impact on people's lives. Next, Anne Kress talked about the importance of bridging the gaps in the community by providing opportunities for more people to access education and onramps to rewarding careers. Anne Kress finally shared thoughts on partnerships to help develop the future workforce, meet business needs, and support a thriving community. Some highlights:-Anne Kress on the impact of her father's certificate from the Milwaukee Institute of Technology-The Paper Ceiling and why it's essential to break it!-Benefits of hiring based on skillsets rather than four-year degree-Anne Kress on leading NOVA through the pandemic -The role of community colleges in higher education and workforce development-Anne Kress on NOVA's comprehensive support for learners-The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of education-How NOVA is shifting its curriculum to keep pace with changes in the economy and the needs of employers -Innovative partnerships to support students and meet business as well as community needs-The importance of ensuring access to affordable, high-quality education and workforce trainingMentioned:Partnering Leadership conversation with Dan Turchin on AI and The Future of Work Partnering Leadership conversation with Tom Taulli on AI Essentials for Leaders Connect with Anne Kress:Northern Virginia Community College NOVA Presidents Office Anne Kress 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 Jonah Berger, Wharton School professor and internationally bestselling author of Magic Words, Contagious, Invisible Influence, and The Catalyst. In the conversation, Jonah Berger talked about the role of influence in our lives and leadership. He explained why influence is a tool and how to use it for positive impact. Jonah Berger then addressed the role of language in influencing others, and the six types of research supported magic words for influence. Next, Jonah Beger shared the role of confidence in influence and how to use it appropriately, depending on the situation. Finally, Jonah Berger talked about the power of storytelling, the language of similarity and difference, and how to use personal hedges to show openness to other perspectives.Some highlights:- Why influence is neither positive nor negative- How words influence behavior- The research behind the power of 'because'- How leaders can use influence for good- The six types of magic words to influence- How our environment impacts our behaviors- How the language used in emails can predict whether you are likely going to get promoted or get fired- The role that words can play in identity and agency- The importance of certainty to influence and how to do it right- How leaders can use influence to move their organization in a good direction. - The one type of question that makes you seem more intelligent and competent.- The Power of words in influencing others- Leaders should be aware of the power of words and their use in influencing others - The importance of follow-up questions and how to do them well- What do the best storytellers do differently than the others- How to lead for positive influence Connect with Jonah Berger:Jonah Berger Website Jonah Berger on LinkedIn Magic Words on Amazon Mentioned:Partnering Leadership conversation with Warren Berger on the Power of Questions and Questioning Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website