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
Jul 12, 2022 • 36min
175 [BEST OF] Resilient Leadership with a Drive for Excellence and Impact With Ridgwell’s CEO Susan Lacz | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Susan Lacz, principal, and chief executive officer of Ridgewells Catering, shared her leadership journey with Mahan Tavakoli. Susan Lacz spoke about how she has managed the obstacles in her life and has built a successful business that needs to continue changing and adapting through disruption. Susan Lacz also shared why she is so committed to giving back to the community through Ridgwell Catering's support and giving her time and energy to many institutions and organizations, including Marymount University and Junior Achievement of Greater Washington.Some Highlights:-How Susan Lacz's Polish culture influenced her love of entertaining-Susan Lacz on overcoming a significant setback early in life-Rebranding strategies contributing to Ridgewells Catering's continued growth and expansion-Growth opportunities through Young President's Organization. -How Susan Lacz led her team through the most brutal stretch of the pandemic. -Susan Lacz embracing an antifragile mindset in leadership and life-Why mentorship is essential to becoming more impactful leadersAlso mentioned in this episode:-Linda Rabbit, founder and Chairman of Rand Construction Corporation (Listen to Linda’s episode on Partnering Leadership here)-Marymount University (Listen to Marymount’s President Dr. Irma Bacerra on Partnering Leadership here)Connect with Susan Lacz :Ridgewells CateringSusan Lacz 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
Jul 7, 2022 • 43min
174 How to Build Inclusion and Collaboration by Designing for Belonging with Susie Wise | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Susie Wise, founder and former director of the K12 Lab Network at the Stanford d.school. Dr. Susie Wise is a co-creator of Liberatory Design and author of Design for Belonging. Susie Wise shares the crucial role leaders play in creating feelings of inclusion within their organizations. She also shared practices for reducing chances of othering and increasing a sense of belonging in teams and organizations. Finally, Dr. Susie Wise shared perspectives on how managers can redesign their meetings for a greater sense of belonging. Some highlights:-Susie Wise on how we can better understand people and work together towards a common goal-What it means to be a full member of the community-Susie Wise on the definition of belonging and how it relates to organizational culture -How leaders can design better gatherings and meetings-How to achieve a greater sense of belonging in the organizationMentioned:- Sarah Stein Greenberg, author and executive director of Stanford D.school (Listen to Sara's episode on Partnering Leadership)- John Powell, African, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute and Professor of Law- Emergent Strategy by Adrian Marie BrownConnect with Susie Wise:Design for Belonging Website Design for Belonging on AmazonSusie Wise 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
Jul 5, 2022 • 10min
173 The Selfie CEO and the Impact of Selfie Culture on Leadership | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks about the impact of selfie culture on leadership. Mahan shares thoughts on selfie leadership, servant leadership, and partnering leaders' fundamental mindset and behaviors. From storytelling to the pictures on social media, how we think about leadership impacts attitudes and behaviors. Some highlights:-What contributes to selfie leadership-Servant leadership's role in countering selfie leadership-The impact of selfie leaders on their team and organization-The need for a more balanced view and practices of leadership-How to be a partner leader rather than a selfie leader Mentioned:- Ken Blanchard (Listen to Ken Blanchard’s episode on Partnering Leadership here)- Joseph Campbell, author of "The Hero's Journey”- David Fagiano (Listen to David Fagiano’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
Jun 30, 2022 • 51min
172 Innovate Like the Best with Kapil Kane, Former Leader of Apple’s Product Design on MacBook, iMac, iPad and Current Head & Co-Founder of Intel’s Growth Accelerator | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Kapil Kane, Director of Innovation at Intel China and co-founder of GrowthX- an award-winning corporate innovation accelerator. Kapil Kane shares lessons from his experience at the intersection of technology and innovation working for Apple and Intel. Kapil Kane also shared lessons learned and how teams and organizations of all sizes can encourage innovation and intrapreneurship. Some highlights:-Kapil Kane's start in design and innovation-The importance of not being afraid of failures-Organizational leadership and innovation lessons learned first as an intern and then as a design lead at Apple -Kapil Kane on why he left Apple to work for Intel and the differences in the two organizations' cultures and practices -How Patrick Gelsinger changed the trajectory of Intel and brought the Grovian culture back to the organization, as well as reinstituting OKRs (Objectives & Key Results)-Kapil Kane on co-founding and running GrowthX in China-How organizations can encourage greater intrapreneurship and innovation-Kapil Kane's perspectives on the different leadership and managerial approaches between Chinese and American executives Mentioned:John Rossman (Listen to John Rossman’s episode on Partnering Leadership)Books Mentioned:The Lean Enterprise by Trevor Owens and OB FernandezZero to One by Peter ThielAutobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa YoganandaConnect with Kapil Kane:Kapil Kane on Tedx TalksKapil Kane 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
Jun 28, 2022 • 46min
171 Innovative Thinking & Strategy by Tapping Into the Science of Subtraction with University of Virginia Professor Leidy Klotz| Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Leidy Klotz, a professor at the University of Virginia appointed in the Schools of Engineering, Architecture, and Business and author of the book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Leidy Klotz shares some of the reasons why we typically look to add rather than consider subtraction when looking to solve problems and improve systems. Leidy Klotz also discusses how subtraction can benefit leaders of organizations and managers of teams. Finally, Leidy Klotz shares how we can ensure that we don't overlook the power of subtraction in our organizations and daily lives. Some highlights:-Why Leidy Klotz left professional soccer to pursue his education and become a professor-Leidy Klotz on finding patterns and how they impact the world-Why do we typically miss subtraction and look first to addition-Leidy Klotz on the biological and social contributors to a desire to add -How organizations can benefit from the power of subtraction -How leaders can use subtraction during the decision-making process-Leidy Klotz on effectively achieving the organization's purpose through subtractionMentioned:-Annie Paul, author of The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain Connect with Leidy Klotz:Leidy Klotz websiteSubtract: The Untapped Science of Less on AmazonLeidy Klotz on TwitterLeidy Klotz 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
Jun 23, 2022 • 47min
170 Winning the Right Game: How to Disrupt, Defend, and Deliver in a Changing World with Ron Adner | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ron Adner, professor, keynote speaker, advisor, and author of Winning the Right Game: How to Disrupt, Defend, and Deliver in a Changing World and The Wide Lens: What Successful Innovators See That Others Miss. Ron Adner talks about his research on why companies fail and what they can do to advance in an era of ecosystem-based disruption. Professor Ron Adner also shares mindsets and frameworks necessary for leaders to develop new strategies. Finally, Ron Adner shares examples of the success of ecosystem thinking, including the HHS's (Department of Health & Human Services) Operation Warp Speed focused on developing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. Some highlights:-Ron Adner on the true meaning of innovation and how everyone can use innovative thinking-How leaders can take advantage of the opportunities in the ecosystem-Leadership's role in the changing nature of strategy and strategic thinking -Ron Adner on why we need to change our thinking about competition-Professor Ron Adner on what it takes to build an ecosystem -The importance of winning the right game in business-How shifting to an alignment mindset can enable organizations to deliver results-Ron Adner on ecosystem thinking and its impact on the speedy development and rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines Mentioned:-Steven Sasson, Inventor of the digital camera (Listen to Steven Sasson’s episode on Partnering Leadership here) Connect with Ron Adner: Ron Adner WebsiteThe Wide Lens on Amazon Winning the Right Game on Amazon Ron Adner on TwitterRon Adner 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
Jun 21, 2022 • 46min
169 A Quantum Life: An Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars with World Renowned Astrophysicist Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, astrophysicist, STEM educator, multi-patented inventor, keynote speaker, and author of A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars. In the conversation, Hakeem Oluseyi shares his journey of overcoming adversities and becoming a leading astrophysicist of this generation. Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi also talked about his ability to explain astrophysics in a way that engages audiences and the value of exposing more children to science. Finally, Dr. Oluseyi shared some mind-stretching perspectives about the nature of our existence. Some highlights:-Hakeem Oluseyi on the importance of reading and how it impacted his life-Facing challenges as a young adult and falling in love with the universe and physics-Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi on a quantum life and the role of willpower-Astrophysics and the importance of learning about the stars-Hakeem Oluseyi on the sun, stars, and the future of life on earth Mentioned: - Art Walker, solar physicist and a pioneer of EUV/XUV optics- Dr. Kervin Evans, research physical scientist with the USDA Agriculture Research Service Connect with Hakeem Oluseyi:A Quantum Life on AmazonHakeem Oluseyi on FacebookHakeem Oluseyi on InstagramHakeem Oluseyi on TwitterHakeem Oluseyi on LinkedIn 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
Jun 16, 2022 • 1h 9min
168 How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others with Stephen M. R. Covey | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
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:https://mahantavakoli.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahan/ More information and resources 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
Jun 14, 2022 • 48min
167 Love, War and Politics with Chuck Robb, Former Virginia Governor & Senator | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Chuck Robb, Virginia's 64th governor from 1982 to 1986 and U.S. senator from 1989–to 2001. Governor Chuck Robb is also the author of In the Arena: A Memoir of Love War and Politics. In the conversation, Governor Chuck Robb shares his story of joining the Marines, being assigned to the White House, serving in Vietnam, and marrying President Lyndon Baines Johnson's daughter, Linda Bird Johnson. Chuck Robb also talked about his leadership journey in public service as Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and a U.S. Senator representing the Commonwealth of Virginia and being appointed as co-chair of The Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission by President Bush. Finally, Senator Robb talks about how the best leaders approach leadership and their impact.Some highlights:-Chuck Robb's formative years in the Marines and being in the White House as a military social aid-On being a good leader and how to get the respect of people that you are working with-Chuck Robb recalls meeting, getting engaged, and then marrying President Johnson's daughter Linda -Why Chuck Robb asked to serve in combat in Vietnam-Going back to law school and what drove Chuck Robb to start his career in politics-Why Governor Chuck Robb didn't run for President-Senator Chuck Robb, on his vote against the Defense of Marriage Act-The appointment by President Bush to co-chair the Weapons of Mass Destruction CommissionMentioned:In the Arena: A Memoir of Love, War, and Politics on AmazonSenator Chuck Robb's speech on the Democratic National Convention Day Senator Chuck Robb's (D-VA) speech on the Defense of Marriage Act (September 1996)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
Jun 9, 2022 • 29min
166 Building Corporate Soul to Power Culture and Success with Ralf Specht | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ralf Specht, author of Building Corporate Soul: Powering Culture & Success with the Soul System. After two decades with McCann Erickson, Ralf Specht became a founding partner of Spark44, an innovative, industry-first joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover. Under his leadership as CEO, Spark44 grew to a 1,200 people business in 18 countries. In the conversation, Ralf Specht shares how organizations can create an environment where people do their best by developing their company soul.Some highlights:-Ralf Specht on corporate soul and its origins-The difference between organizational culture and soul-How leaders can plan for corporate soul-Ralf Specht on It's not up to the CEO to decide whether the organization has a soul-Be clear about how you incentivize people, which behaviors you reward and those you don't, and ensure your incentives and measures align with your stated values-Ralf Specht on Adobe's Little Red Box of Innovation-The importance of modeling to corporate soul-Ralf Specht on the origin of the Soul Index Connect with Ralf Specht:https://ralfspecht.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralf-specht-b21b8529/https://twitter.com/ralf_spechtBuilding Corporate Soul on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yc83k7dzConnect 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
