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

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 Briceño Eduardo 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

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

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 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 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 engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Hooman Motevalli, the author of, Don’t Be a Crab: A Practical Guide to Building Strong Joyful Relationships. Motevalli’s journey from the tumultuous backdrop of revolution and war in Iran to becoming a transformative thinker in leadership and personal development is nothing short of inspiring. His unique insights into internal dialogue, mindset, and the metaphorical 'crab bucket' mentality offer a fresh perspective on overcoming personal and professional challenges.Motevalli shares how his early life experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of internal dialogue. He introduces the concept of the 'inner roommate,' a constant companion in our minds that can either propel us toward success or hold us back with negativity. His candid discussion about recognizing and addressing toxic internal conversations provides a roadmap for leaders seeking to cultivate a more positive and productive mindset.Throughout the episode, Motevalli shares practical exercises and systems he devised to combat fears and self-doubt. His approach, which includes creating a 'not-to-do' list, is both innovative and actionable, offering leaders tangible strategies to improve their internal dialogues and, consequently, their leadership effectiveness. His focus on clarity and self-awareness resonates deeply with the challenges faced by today’s executives.One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Motevalli's exploration of the 'crab bucket' mentality in the workplace. He highlights how competitive environments can foster negative behaviors that undermine collective progress and shares his vision for a more supportive and collaborative work culture. Actionable Takeaways:You'll learn about the transformative power of recognizing and addressing toxic internal conversations.Hear how to implement a 'not-to-do' list to eliminate negative self-talk and enhance your leadership.Discover the significance of the 'inner roommate' and how it impacts your daily decisions and interactions.Find out why clarity is crucial in leadership and how to achieve it through self-awareness and observation.Explore the concept of the 'crab bucket' mentality and its implications for workplace dynamics.Learn practical exercises to overcome the fear of failure and other common executive fears.Understand the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve true clarity and growth.Hear Motevalli’s recommendations for books that can further enhance your journey of self-discovery and leadership.Gain insights into creating a supportive work culture that counters the detrimental effects of hyper-competition.Uncover strategies for managing and analyzing your internal dialogues to become a more effective leader.Connect with the Hooman MotevalliHooman Motevalli WebsiteHooman Motevalli LinkedIn Don't Be a Crab!: A Practical Guide to Building Strong, Joyful Relationships Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli hosts Andrea Sampson, an expert in strategic storytelling and the co-founder of Talk Boutique. Andrea Sampson talks about the fascinating intersection of brain science and storytelling, emphasizing why humans are hardwired to respond to stories. As an experienced speaker's coach for TEDx Toronto and a thought leader in her own right, Andrea shares her journey from the advertising world to helping change-makers communicate their ideas effectively.Andrea highlights the critical role storytelling plays in leadership and organizational success. She explains how stories, unlike mere data, engage multiple parts of the brain, making messages more memorable and impactful. Leaders are often trained to prioritize facts and figures, but Andrea argues that integrating storytelling into their communication strategies can significantly enhance their influence and connection with their audience.Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores the importance of starting with a clear strategic message before crafting the narrative. She shares practical insights on how leaders can identify and refine their core messages, ensuring that their stories are not only engaging but also aligned with their organizational goals. By drawing on examples from iconic brands like Apple and Disney, Andrea illustrates how a singular focus can drive brand consistency and loyalty.Moreover, Andrea addresses the challenge of vulnerability in leadership. She advocates for sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds, enabling leaders to convey authenticity and empathy without retraumatizing themselves or their audience. Actionable Takeaways:Discover the Brain Science Behind Storytelling: Understand why humans are neurologically hardwired to respond to stories and how this can be leveraged in leadership.Engage Multiple Parts of the Brain: Learn how integrating sensory details into your narratives can make your messages more memorable.Start with a Strategic Message: Hear why it's crucial to begin with a clear idea before crafting your story to ensure alignment with your goals.Embrace Vulnerability: Find out how sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds can enhance authenticity and connection.Consistency is Key: Learn from iconic brands like Apple and Disney on the importance of maintaining a singular focus in your storytelling.The Role of Community in Thought Leadership: Understand the importance of building a supportive community to amplify your personal brand and core message.Overcome Storytelling Fears: Hear how leaders can overcome the fear of storytelling by refining their skills and embracing their unique experiences.Practical Storytelling Techniques: Discover actionable tips on how to use storytelling to deliver difficult messages and inspire your team.Connect with the Andrea Sampson:Talk Boutique Website Andrea Sampson LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website