Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Phil de Picciotto. Phil is the founder and president of Octagon and has been at the forefront of the sports, music, and entertainment industry for more than 35 years. In this conversation, Phil de Picciotto shared what led to his initial commitment to social justice, eventually pursuing his law degree and helping found Octagon. Phil de Picciotto also talked about how Octagon signed Moses Malone and Steffi Graf and the organization's choices in staying focused on impact by transitioning women's tennis from sponsorship by the Virginia Slims cigarette brand. Finally, Phil de Picciotto shared the reasons for Octagon going global and how the organization continues to stay ahead in a competitive field.  Some highlights:-Why attending Amherst ended up being a great choice for Phil de Picciotto-The impact of Phil de Picciotto's South Africa experience-Why Phil de Picciotto decided to start a sports agency-How Phil de Picciotto led the removal of tobacco sponsorship from professional tennis-The importance of an organization's purpose and how to navigate it to the optimal benefit of everyone-Octagon's Blue Ocean Strategy in going global -How Phil de Picciotto has continued to use his influence to  make a difference -How organizational leaders can align team members with organizational values and priorities Mentioned:-Ranjay Gulati (Listen to Ranjay Gulati's episode on Partnering Leadership here) Connect with Phil de Piccioto:Octagon WebsiteOctagon on FacebookOctagon on TwitterPhil de Piccioto on LinkedInConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Paul Smith, business storytelling coach and bestselling author of Lead with A Story, Sell with A Story, and The 10 Stories. In this episode, Paul Smith shares how leaders can use storytelling as a powerful business tool. Paul Smith also shared specific stories leaders need to tell to improve the clarity of their communications and motivate their teams.  Some highlights:-Paul Smith on why many leaders are not good at telling stories-Defining a story and what makes a good story-Paul Smith on clarity of communication objectives-Understanding the process of compelling storytelling-What leaders can do to influence their organization through storytelling-Paul Smith on the importance of storytelling skills-How you can turn a good story into a great oneConnect with Paul Smith:Lead With A Story WebsiteLead With A Story on AmazonThe 10 Stories on AmazonSell With A Story on AmazonPaul Smith on FacebookPaul Smith on InstagramPaul Smith on YouTubePaul Smith on TwitterPaul Smith on LinkedInConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Detert, John L. Colley Professor of Business Administration at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business and author of Choosing Courage: The Everyday Guide to Being Brave at Work. In this conversation, Jim Detert shares how we can become more courageous by developing our courage capabilities. Jim Detert also shares how leaders can nurture a psychologically safe organizational culture, enabling and encouraging more courageous interactions and decisions at work.  Some highlights:-Why attributing courage just to historical figures can be counterproductive -The importance of being more courageous and how to develop our courage muscle-Jim Detert on the benefits of courage at work-How leaders can create a psychologically safe environment that encourages team members to speak up and contribute their best at workMentioned:-Amy Edmondson, Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School and author of Fearless Organization and Creating Psychological Safety-Vanessa Bohns (Listen to Partnering Leadership conversation with Vanessa Bohns)-Gary Bolles (Listen to Partnering Leadership conversation with Gary Bolles)-Difficult Conversations by Bruce Patton, Douglas Stone, and Sheila Heen-Radical Candor by Kim Scott-Giving Voice to Values by Mary C. Gentile -The Silent Language Of Leaders by Carol GoldmanConnect with Jim Detert:Jim Detert WebsiteChoosing Courage on AmazonJim Detert on FacebookJim Detert on LinkedInConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Brian Ahearn, keynote speaker, trainer, coach, consultant, and author of  Influence People: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical, and The Influencer: Secrets to Success and Happiness. Brian Ahearn goes through the principles of influence, reciprocity, consistency, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity. He also shares examples of applying the principles at work and in organizational leadership. Some highlights:-Brian Ahearn on the science and ethics behind the influence principles-How leaders can apply the principles in leading teams and organizations -The role the principles can play in deepening team relationships -Brian Ahearn on how leaders can overcome unity challenges in a hybrid work environment-The principles leaders can apply during times of uncertainty and how to motivate action-How to use questions to encourage engagement among team members-What leaders must do to establish a new culture in their organizationsMentioned:- Robert Cialdini, author of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, and president of Influence at Work- Trond Undheim (Listen to the Partnering Leadership conversation with Trond Undheim)- Azeem Azhar (Listen to the Partnering Leadership conversation with Azeem Azhar) Connect with Brian Ahearn:Influence PEOPLE WebsiteInfluence PEOPLE on AmazonThe Influencer: Secrets to Success and Happiness on AmazonBrian Ahearn on FacebookBrian Ahearn on TwitterBrian Ahearn on LinkedInConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jeanine Turner, a professor at Georgetown University, where she teaches at the Communication, Culture and Technology Program and the McDonough School of Business. Jeanine Turner is also the author of Being Present: Commanding Attention at Work (and at Home) by Managing Your Social Presence. Jeanine Turner shares her research and interviews on factors that impact our social presence. Jeanine also shares four communication choices and their role in social presence. Some highlights:-The impact of technology on presence and relationships-Jeanine Turner on different types of social presence -Jeanine Turner on multitasking and budgeted presence -The importance of learning to allocate social presence-Jeanine Turner on how to be intentional in managing presence -The challenges of presence in virtual and hybrid interactions -The impact of social presence on organizational cultureConnect with Jeanine Turner:Jeanine Turner Website Being Present on AmazonJeanine Turner on TwitterJeanine Turner on LinkedInConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Michael Roderick, founder, and C.E.O. of Small Pond Enterprises and host of the Access to Anyone Podcast. Michael Roderick shares practices and frameworks on connecting with others more effectively and becoming a referrable brand. Michael also shared that organizations can use the same lessons to make their brands stand out. Finally, Michael Roderick shares his thoughts on how we can become memorable both as individuals and organizations. Some highlights:- The importance of building connections and how to do it well - Michael Roderick going from high school teacher to a Broadway producer- How to share your message in a way that keeps others interested- Michael Roderick on organizational branding- How to make yourself and your message memorable - How to develop deeper connections- Michael Roderick's principles for creating a referrable brand- Becoming more memorable through L.E.S.S.- Michael Roderick on the "Giver's Fix"- The value of weak ties and how to tap into them- How to stay connected with your networkMentioned:-Mark Sanford Granovetter, an American sociologist known for his theory on spreading information in social networks known as "The Strength of Weak Ties."-Dorie Clark, an American author and executive education professor at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business-Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author Connect with Michael Roderick:Small Pond Enterprises WebsiteAccess To Anyone PodcastThe Referability Rater Michael Roderick on FacebookMichael Roderick on TwitterMichael Roderick on LinkedInConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Diane Tipton, Chief Executive Officer and President at Self Storage Zone and Board Member at the Girl Scouts of the USA. Diane shares her humble beginnings in Georgia and how challenges shaped her into who she has become. Diane also talked about her work in accounting and why she decided to start a company. Finally, Diane Tipton shared the reason for her passion for Girl Scouts and the organization's impact on developing the next generation of leaders.  Some highlights:-Diane's origin story and being judged on her appearance -Diane Tipton on the importance of female role models-Diane's journey in the corporate and why she founded her own company-Diane's passion for service to the community -Diane Tipton's leadership in Girl Scouts of Nation's Capital and Girl Scouts USA Mentioned:- Lyles Carr, Senior Vice President at The McCormick Group (Listen to the Partnering Leadership Podcast episode with Lyles Carr)Connect with Diane Tipton:Self Storage Zone WebsiteGirl Scouts OrgDiane Tipton on LinkedInConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Chip Walker, head of Strategy at StrawberryFrog Movement, Brand Business and Cultural Strategist, and co-author of Activate Brand Purpose: How to Harness the Power of Movements to Transform Your Company. Chip Walker talks about brand purpose and its importance in guiding organizations. Chip Walker also shares actionable ideas on what leaders can do to activate brand purpose in their organizations.   Some highlights:- The difference between defining a purpose and activating a purpose- Chip Walker on how to make purpose statements actionable- Actions that leaders can take in activating movements within their organizations- Movement thinking as a way to activate an organizational purpose. - Chip Walker on purpose in a hybrid work environmentMentioned:- Aaron Hurst (Listen to the Partnering Leadership conversation with Aaron Hurst)- Ranjay Gulati (Listen to the Partnering Leadership conversation with Ranjay Gulati)- Greg Satell (Listen to the Partnering Leadership conversation with Greg Satell)- How Companies Can Balance Social Impact and Financial Goals by Marya Besharov, Wendy K. Smith, and Michael L. Tushman Connect with Chip Walker:Activate brand Purpose Book WebsiteActivate Brand Purpose on AmazonChip Walker WebsiteStrawberryFrogChip Walker on TwitterChip Walker on LinkedInConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares his perspectives and research about the need for kindness and how it can impact teams and organizations. Mahan also highlighted effective ways of showing kindness while initiating a ripple effect in our organizations and the community. Some highlights:-Pre and post-pandemic effects on kindness-How showing kindness can be contagious -Two specific ways of being kinder to those around us -Starting a kindness ripple Mentioned:- Christine Porath, Associate Professor of Management at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University; Why being respectful to your coworkers is good for business- Jamil Zaki, Professor of Psychology; Author of THE WAR FOR KINDNESS- Bob Kerry, American politician who served as the 35th Governor of Nebraska from 1983 to 1987 and as a United States Senator from Nebraska from 1989 to 2001Connect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Deidre Paknad, co-founder and CEO of WorkBoard and founder of Results Foundry. Deidre Paknad shared her journey leading to her success as the founder of three start-ups. Deidre also talked about her founding of Workboard and how the organization supports its clients to execute their strategy faster by effective implementation of OKRs.   Deidre Paknad also shared her thoughts on the future of work and what organizations can do to thrive through uncertainty.Some highlights:- What led Deidre Paknad to become an entrepreneur- The challenges faced by the first time entrepreneur - Deidre Paknad on the advantages and disadvantages of working at IBM - The origin story of Workboard- Deidre Paknad being told that she has three strikes against her- How Workboard helps companies achieve alignment through OKRs - How the pandemic sped up the pace of change - Deidre Paknad's advice on how to get every member of an organization to focus- Deidre on the leadership capabilities that are required throughout the organization.- How to transform a culture of complacency into a culture of ambition - Deidre Paknad on facing personal and business challenges as a CEO during the pandemic- How presence can help unlock an organization's potential    Mentioned:- Larry Robertson (Listen to the Partnering Leadership conversation with Larry Robertson)- Azeem Azhar (Listen to the Partnering Leadership conversation with Azeem Azhar)- Sarah Stein Greenberg (Listen to the Partnering Leadership conversation with Sarah Stein Greenberg)- John Doerr, chairman of Kleiner Perkins and the author of Measure What Matters- Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize-winning economist, and psychologistConnect with Deidre Paknad:WorkBoard WebsiteOKR Podcast Deidre Paknad on TwitterDeidre Paknad on LinkedInConnect 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