Partnering Leadership
Mahan Tavakoli
Partnering Leadership is a top global podcast designed to help CEOs and senior leaders navigate the complexities of leadership, strategy, culture, and innovation. Hosted by Mahan Tavakoli—a seasoned leadership advisor with over 25 years of experience and recognized as a top thought leader in management—the podcast brings you real-world insights and practical advice to drive meaningful results.Mahan’s experience as a trusted advisor shapes each discussion, driving deeper insights that challenge conventional thinking and uncover innovative approaches. Drawing from his extensive advisory background, Mahan dives into candid conversations with purpose-driven CEOs and global thought leaders, exploring how they overcame their biggest challenges and achieved transformative success. Each episode provides actionable strategies, real-world examples, and proven approaches to help you navigate change, align teams, and drive lasting impact.Hear directly from top experts such as Ram Charan, Ken Blanchard, John Kotter, Stephen M.R. Covey, Hal Elrod, Carmine Gallo, Daniel Burrus, Garry Ridge, Jacob Morgan, Emily Field, Jonah Berger, Barbara Kellerman, Rich Diviney, Andrea Sampson, Ajay Agrawal, Dave Ulrich, Jerry Colonna, Renee Cummings, Brian Johnson, Warren Berger, Gustavo Razzetti, Azeem Azhar, David McRaney, Tim Clark, Jim Detert, Gary Bolles, Greg Satell, Robert Wolcott, Alden Mills, Minter Dial, Greg Wooldridge, Pete Steinberg, Joseph Fuller, Paul Roetzer, Whitney Johnson, Ron Adner, Bob Johansen, Leidy Klotz, Paul Smith, Louis Rosenberg, Rob Sadow, Dan Turchin, Steve Robinson, Park Howell, Mark Crowley, Maz Jobrani, LaTonya Wilkins, Rob Cross, Aiden McCullen, Eduardo Briceno, Jan Rutherford, Stephen Wunker, Charlene Li, Jon Levy, Anu Gupta, John Rossman, David Marquet, Tamsen Webster, Jack Phillips, Vanessa Bohns, Patrick McGinnis, Hakeem Oluseyi, Ed Hess, and Carolyn Dewar as well as renowned leaders like David Rubenstein, Jean Case, Tony Pierce, Linda Rabbitt, Paul Daugherty, Richard Bynum, John Veihmeyer, Howard Ross, Bill Novelli, Tien Wong, Stephanie Linnartz, Chuck Robb, Doug Dennerline, Charlene Drew Jarvis, Robert Rosenberg, Diane Hoskins, Deidre Paknad, David Gardner, and Marty Rodgers, and many more!Their insights, paired with Mahan's expertise, equip you to tackle complex challenges, foster a high-performance culture, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.Listen today to gain the tools, perspectives, and proven strategies that can transform your leadership journey. Available on all major podcast platforms or visit https://partneringleadership.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 20, 2022 • 52min
195 Leading to Provide Opportunities for All through Education with CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools, Dr. Monica Goldson | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer of Prince George's County Public Schools. In the conversation, Dr. Monica Goldson shared the source of her love for education and why she decided not to pursue accounting and become an educator. Monica Goldson also shared the many challenges in leading the school system during the pandemic and the role the school system had to play in supporting families throughout the pandemic. Finally, Dr. Goldson also shared her thoughts on the school system's role in supporting families and preparing young adults for the next stage of their lives. Some highlights:-Monica Goldson's upbringing and what led her to choose to study actuarial science-The significant impact that teachers can have on students' lives -The real reason why Monica Goldsons committed to becoming an educator-Finding the balance between being an educator and a parent-Dealing with the challenges of the pandemic one day at a time-Dr. Monica Goldson on the important role of communication to keep all stakeholders engaged with the school system-The fundamental problems that the school system needs to address-Dr. Monica Goldson's thoughts on career opportunities and education post-high school-What leaders and principals must do to be able to lead their teams and organizationsConnect with Dr. Monica Goldson:Prince George's County Public Schools Monica Goldson on TwitterMonica Goldson on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:https://mahantavakoli.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/ More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: https://www.partneringleadership.com/Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Sep 15, 2022 • 45min
194 The Power of Perception in Leadership with Dr. Maja Zelihic | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Maja Zelihic, Dean at the Forbes School of Business and Technology at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Dr. Maja Zelihic is coauthor along with Dr. Diane Hamilton of The Power of Perception: Eliminating Boundaries to Create Successful Global Leaders. In this conversation, Dr. Maja Zelihic talks about the power of perception, its influence on the working environment, and perception's role in leadership. Maja Zelihic also shared factors affecting our perceptions and how perception affects our behaviors. Finally, Dr. Maja Zelihic shared practical ideas on how leaders can better account for perceptions to communicate better and lead their teams more effectively. Some highlights:-Maja Zelihic's upbringing, becoming a refugee, and the importance of a healthy support system-How kind words can influence a person's perspective and life journey-Maja Zelihic on why perceptions matter-Critical factors that can impact our perceptions in a corporate setting-What leaders need to do to understand their own perceptions -Maja Zelihic on how empathy plays a role in predicting and understanding perceptions-The impact of hybrid work on perceptions of organizational leaders and colleagues Mentioned:Dr. Maja Zelihic's Tedx talk: Perception is an E.P.I.C. realityDr. Diane Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Tonerra, co-author of The Power of PerceptionLarry Robertson, author of Rebel Leadership (Listen to Larry Robertson’s episode on Partnering Leadership here) Connect with Maja Zelihic:Maja Zelihic WebsiteThe Power of Perception on AmazonMaja Zelihic on TwitterMaja Zelihic on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:https://mahantavakoli.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website:https://www.partneringleadership.com/Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Sep 13, 2022 • 45min
193 Relationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch for personal, professional and organizational success with Jason Levin | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jason Levin, Founder of Ready, Set, Launch and author of Relationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch. In the conversation, Jason Levin talks about the power of building authentic relationships and the importance of deep connections in the workplace. Jason also shares the importance of strengthening weak ties, reconnecting with dormant ties, and how to do it well. Jason also talks about social media's impact on how we form and maintain relationships and how to use it well. Finally, Jason lays out strategies for leaders to build a greater connection with and among team members. Some highlights:- Jason Levin on recognizing the impact of relationships early on- The importance of depth in relationships and how to achieve greater depth- Jason Levin shares a systematic approach to reconnecting with dormant ties- The self-imposed barriers to reaching out and how to remove them- Jason Levin on how leaders can use the art and science of relationship building to enable greater collaboration in their organizations- The power of connections and building a stronger social networkBooks Mentioned:The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm GladwellTo Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel H. Pink Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam Grant Connect with Jason Levin:Ready Set Launch WebsiteRelationships to Infinity: The Art and Science of Keeping in Touch on AmazonJason Levin on TwitterJason Levin on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:https://mahantavakoli.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website:https://www.partneringleadership.com/Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Sep 8, 2022 • 43min
192 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership and Empathy’s Role in the Future of Leadership with Sophie Wade | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Sophie Wade, founder of Flexcel Network, work futurist, speaker, and author of Empathy Works: The Key to Competitive Advantage in the New Era of Work. In the episode, Sophie Wade talks about why empathy is a crucial corporate value and how it enables workforce transformation. Sophie Wade also shared examples of leading with Empathy and Empathy's role in human collaboration. Finally, Sophie Wade talked about how leaders can gauge the appropriate level and role of empathy at work. Some highlights:- How culture influences empathy in the workplace- Sophie Wade's on how to develop greater empathy - How leaders can encourage greater empathy in their teams and organizations- Sophie Wade on whether there is a "right" amount of empathy in the workplace - Why the future of work requires even greater levels of empathy - Sophie Wade on the impact of hybrid work on team collaborationMentioned:- Satya Nadella, executive chairman and CEO of Microsoft Connect with Sophie Wade:Sophie Wade’s WebsiteEmpathy Works on Amazon Sophie Wade on TwitterSophie Wade on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMore information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: PartneringLeadership.comConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Sep 6, 2022 • 19min
191 How to Reduce Leadership Blind Spots and Nurture Deeper Connections through the Johari Window | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares thoughts on the importance of reducing our blind spots and letting others connect with our humanity. Then, Mahan briefly explains the Johari Window and how understanding it can help us better understand how to reduce blind spots and why showing more genuine vulnerability in leadership is crucial. Finally, Mahan shares specific actions we can take to reduce our blind spots and let others better connect with us as leaders. Some highlights:-Accepting the fact that we all have blind spots-Why do our blind spots tend to grow as we gain more experience and move up in leadership roles-Why general feedback tools and 360s are not helpful and often counter-productive in reducing blind spots-The questions to ask and the people to ask those questions of to start reducing our blind spots-Why it's important to reduce what we keep hidden from others through showing genuine vulnerability -The types of experiences to share that are relevant to showing greater vulnerability and helping others connect with our humanityMentioned:-Ed Hess (Listen to Ed Hess's episode on Partnering Leadership here)- Ken Blanchard (Listen to Ken Blanchard's episode on Partnering Leadership here)Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:https://mahantavakoli.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website:https://www.partneringleadership.com/Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Sep 1, 2022 • 43min
190 The Impact of Blockchain & Web 3 on Organizations (DeFi, Crypto, NFTs, DAOs & more!) with Richard Carthon of Crypto Current Podcast |Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Richard Carthon, CEO of Crypto Current and host of the Crypto Current podcast. Richard Carthon talks about blockchain technology, Web3, DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), DeFi (Decentralised Finance), NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and cryptocurrency. Richard shares the basics of the technology behind each and their impact on the future of organizations. Finally, Richard Carthon discusses how leaders can use blockchain to transform business operations. Some highlights:- Richard Carthon on his upbringing and connecting with people of different cultures and perspectives- The conversation that started Richard Carthon’s path to understanding the blockchain and cryptocurrency- Richard Carthon on the definitions of blockchain and metaverse- How organizations and businesses are currently using blockchain technology and potential future applications- Richard Carthon shares examples of organizations from various industries and how they are using blockchain technology - Cryptocurrencies (including Bitcoin & Ethereum), NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), DeFi (Decentralized Finance), and the five elements of blockchain technology- Richard Carthon on DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) Mentioned:Azeem Azhar (Listen to Azeem Azhar’s episode on Partnering Leadership here)Connect with Richard Carthon:Crypto Current Podcast Richard Carthon on TwitterRichard Carthon on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:https://mahantavakoli.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/ More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: https://www.partneringleadership.com/Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Aug 30, 2022 • 46min
189 [BEST OF] The Influencer’s Influencer Leading for Community Impact with Akin Gump’s Tony Pierce | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tony Pierce. Tony Pierce is Akin Gump's Washington DC office partner in charge. He has more than three decades of experience in trial and litigation. In addition to his leadership at Akin Gump and impactful work on behalf of his clients, Tony Pierce has played a crucial leadership role in advancing business and philanthropic initiatives in the Greater Washington DC DMV region. Tony Pierce has served as past chair of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, serves on the Greater Washington Partnership board, and has played a leadership role in other civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Legal Aid Society of District of Columbia. In this conversation, Tony Pierce shares his leadership journey and the reason for his involvement to give back to the community through his involvement with many regional organizations. Some highlights:- Tony Pierce on why he decided to become a lawyer and his initial successes in litigation- Why Washington DC DMV region put together a bid for the 2024 Olympics and the reasons the region didn't get the Olympics- Why Tony Pierce initiated a strategic review at the Greater Washington Board of Trade - The role of the Greater Washington Partnership in the Greater Washington DC DMV regional ecosystem- How nurturing talent in the Greater Washington DC DMV region can attract more business to the region- Tony Pierce's leadership of Akin Gump through challenging times- The importance of in-person connections and interaction to organizational culture and talent development Also mentioned in this episode:- Vernon Jordan, former adviser to President Bill Clinton- Robert “Bob” Strauss, founder of Akin Gump- Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Owner of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards- Linda Rabbitt, founder and chairman of Rand Construction (Listen to Linda’s episode on Partnering Leadership)- Rosie Allen Herring, CEO of the United Way (Listen to Rosie’s episode on Partnering Leadership) - Trond Undheim, author and futurist (Listen to Trond’s episode on Partnering Leadership)- Below Deck, reality television series- Married at First Sight, reality television seriesConnect with Tony Pierce:Tony Pierce on LinkedInAkin Gump Official WebsiteConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMore information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: PartneringLeadership.comConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Aug 25, 2022 • 60min
188 [BEST OF] How You Can Prepare for The Acceleration and Lead in The Exponential Age with Azeem Azhar | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Azeem Azhar - writer, technology analyst, and creator of the acclaimed Exponential View newsletter. Azeem Azhar is a senior advisor to PwC and is an investor in early-stage startups in AI, renewable energy, female health tech, self-driving cars, and marketplaces.In the conversation, Azeem Azhar shared perspectives from his book The Exponential Age: How Accelerating Technology is Transforming Business, Politics, and Society. Azeem shared how our societies and ways of life will change due to exponential technologies, why it's essential to understand the exponential changes better ahead, and how to thrive through the many changes ahead.Some highlights:- Azeem Azhar explained the impacts of technology on society, politics, and business- Why many people find it hard to understand and keep up with the pace of technological change- Understanding exponential growth and its potential impact on all aspects of life- The rise of AI, automation, and other exponential technologies, such as renewable energy, 3D printing, and synthetic biology- The impact of old tech regulations and approaches in a new digital world - How leaders can effectively lead through exponential change- The dilemma of understanding technology in policymakingAlso mentioned in this episode:- The Exponential Age: How Accelerating Technology is Transforming Business, Politics and Society by Azeem Azhar- Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil- Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez- The innovator's dilemma by Clayton Christensen- Brave New World by Aldous HuxleyConnect with Azeem Azhar:Exponential View Official WebsiteAzeem Azhar on TwitterAzeem Azhar on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMore information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: PartneringLeadership.comConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Aug 23, 2022 • 49min
187 [BEST OF] Leading with Purpose and Designing the Future of Collaboration and Work with Gensler Co-CEO Diane Hoskins | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Diane Hoskins. Diane Hoskins serves as co-CEO and chair of the board of directors for Gensler. As an MIT-trained architect and an MBA from The Anderson School at UCLA, Diane's career has touched architecture, design, real estate, and business. She has broad responsibility for running the company, which spans over 6,000+ employees across the globe.Diane Hoskins shared how her upbringing impacted her professional and leadership choices as well as leadership lessons from her career at Gensler and the challenges of leading Gensler through the pandemic. Diane Hoskins also addressed how Gensler focuses on purpose by aligning actions, big and small. Finally, Diane shared insights on rethinking collaborative spaces and the future of work.Some Highlights:- Diane Hoskins on choosing MIT and becoming an architect- Why Diane Hoskins decided to go to business school - How business and architecture connect- Diane Hoskins on leading people to collaborate on a purpose-driven mission- The impact of the design of workspaces on work performance- The influences of technology on workplace experience - Diane Hoskins on purpose-driven leadership- Future of work: connecting and bringing people back together through renegotiating and reimagining the work environment Also Mentioned:- Linda Rabbit, Founder and chairman of rand* construction corporation (Listen to Linda’s episode on Partnering Leadership here)Connect with Diane Hoskins:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianehoskinsGensler: https://www.gensler.com/people/co-ceosConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: PartneringLeadership.comConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Aug 18, 2022 • 49min
186 [BEST OF] How to lead your organization through change to achieve hard to imagine results in uncertain and volatile times with John Kotter | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with John Kotter, professor emeritus at Harvard Business School, co-founder of a management consulting firm Kotter International and a pioneer in organizational change. John Kotter is the author of 22 books on change, including his most recent book, Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile times. John Kotter talks about the struggles leaders and teams face when it comes to change and how to transform organizations to adapt to change effectively and rapidly.Some highlights:-John Kotter on the role of human nature on our resistance to change-The essential components for initiating change in the organization-Understanding the Survive and Thrive mode and how it impacts our ability to change-The power of Guiding Coalition to help bring expertise, energy, and perspective across the organization-The difference between management and leadershipAlso mentioned in this episode:Kelly King, Chairman, and CEO of Truist FinancialBook by John Kotter:Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile TimesConnect with John Kotter:John Kotter - Kotter International IncJohn Kotter on LinkedInJohn Kotter on FacebookJohn Kotter on TwitterConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMore information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: PartneringLeadership.comConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
