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
Mar 29, 2022 • 40min
145 Strategic Leadership and Creative Branding with David Gorodetski CEO of Sage Communications | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Gorodetski. David is the co-founder and CEO of Sage Communications. David Gorodetski shares pivotal moments that led to his co-founding of Sage Communications. David also talks about the leadership challenges caused by the pandemic and how the crisis has helped him become a better leader. Finally, David Gorodetski shares why community involvement is essential for him and its role in Sage as the organization continues to bring value to its clients. Some highlights:- David Gorodetski's upbringing in Israel and his grandfather's influence- How David ended up in New York City and why he stayed- The founding story of Sage Communications- Sage's commitment to cause-related marketing- David Gorodetski on leading in the early days of the pandemic- Working with a collective vision to elevate Sage- David on "own your no"Also mentioned:Rich Diviney - author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance and retired Navy SEAL commander (Listen to Partnering Leadership conversation with Rich Diviney)Connect with David Gorodetski:Sage CommunicationsDavid Gorodetski on LinkedInDavid Gorodetski on TwitterConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comlinkedin.com/in/mahanMore 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
Mar 24, 2022 • 34min
144 How to Align Around Deep Purpose and Achieve High Performance with Harvard Business School’s Ranjay Gulati | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Professor Ranjay Gulati. Ranjay Gulati's work bridges strategy, organizational design, and leadership.In this conversation, Professor Gulati, who until recently chaired Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program, spoke about principles shared in his most recent book, Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies. Ranjay Gulati addressed how organizations can go beyond convenient purpose and meaningless purpose statements to uncover and align with deep purpose. Ranjay Gulati also shared examples of purpose-driven organizations, what gets in the way of achieving purpose, and how leaders can overcome barriers to attaining deep purpose in their organizations. Some highlights:- Ranjay Gulati on what drove him to study organizational purpose - The difference between convenient purpose and deep purpose- The role of practical idealism in attaining deep purpose- Ranjay Gulati on the difficult decisions and choices leaders need to make when it comes to purpose - How organizations can avoid purpose decayConnect with Ranjay Gulati:Ranjay Gulati on LinkedInRanjay Gulati on TwitterDeep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance CompaniesConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMahan Tavakoli on LinkedInMore 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
Mar 22, 2022 • 45min
143 Building on the Legacy of Pioneers to Become a Pioneer with Ernie Jarvis, CEO of Jarvis Commercial Real Estate | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ernie Jarvis. Ernie is a fifth-generation Washingtonian and has established himself as a significant presence in the Greater Washington DC DMV region through his active involvement in the community and commitment to giving back. Ernie Jarvis has been a trailblazer on many fronts, including commercial real estate. In the conversation, Mahan and Ernie talk about how Ernie's heritage and upbringing have impacted his sense of responsibility to give back, involvement in various regional organizations, and perspectives on the future of the return to the office. Some highlights:- Ernie Jarvis on following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Dr. Charles Drew, and his mother, Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis- How Ernie Jarvis approaches networking and building relationships- Ernie talks about the idea behind starting Metropolitan Access- How Ernie Jarvis advocates for greater diversity in the commercial real estate industry- The importance of relationships in business- The impact of the pandemic on commercial real estate- Ernie Jarvis on the legacy he hopes to leave behind Also mentioned:Mahan’s Partnering Leadership Podcast conversation with Charlene Drew JarvisConnect with Ernie Jarvis:Ernie Jarvis on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMahan Tavakoli on LinkedInMore 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
Mar 17, 2022 • 46min
142 How to Disrupt Yourself as a Leader and Build a High Growth Team by Mastering the S Curve of Growth with Whitney Johnson | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In today's episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan speaks with Whitney Johnson. Whitney is the CEO of Disruption Advisors, a tech-enabled talent development company. She also co-founded Disruptive Innovation Fund with Clayton Christensen, is the host of the Disrupt Yourself podcast, and is the author of the book Smart Growth: How To Grow Your People To Grow Your Company. Whitney Johnson talked about the S-curve of personal, leadership, and organizational growth. Whitney also discussed creating a corporate culture that encourages continuous learning and development and leaders pursuing new S-curves of growth.Highlights:- Why disruption is about more than products and services- The three phases of the S-curve of growth- Whitney Johnson on the neuroscience behind the S-curve- How leaders can encourage growth in their organizations- How to use S-curve as a recruiting and retention tool- Whitney Johnson on the CEO mindset needed for growth- How to deal with underperforming team members- The importance of shadow values and how to use them in guiding your growthMentioned:- Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School professor, author, and co-founded Disruptive Innovation Fund- Everette Rogers, originated the diffusion of innovations theory- Juan Carlos Mendez-Garcia, co-author of Throw Your Life A Curve- Patrick Pichette, former CFO of Google- Sumeet Shetty, Development Manager at SAP- Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen- Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson- Dare, Deam, Do: Remarkable Things Happen When You Dare To Dream by Whitney Johnson- Build an A-Team by Whitney Johnson- The Burnout Epidemic by Jennifer Moss- How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton ChristensenConnect with Whitney Johnson:Smart Growth Book WebsiteDisrupt Yourself PodcastWhitney Johnson WebsiteWhitney Johnson TwitterWhitney Johnson InstagramWhitney Johnson LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMahan Tavakoli on LinkedInMore 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
Mar 15, 2022 • 49min
141 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
Mar 10, 2022 • 51min
140 How to Lead for Productive Collaboration and Overcome Collaboration Overload with Rob Cross | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rob Cross. Rob is the co-founder and chief research scientist at the Connected Commons business consortium. He is also the Edward A. Madden Professor of global leadership at Babson College. Rob Cross has been researching the underlying networks of influential organizations and the collaborative processes of top achievers for more than 20 years. Rob Cross shares research and examples on how the most effective organizations and executives approach collaboration. Rob also shares strategies and techniques for overcoming collaboration overload. Some highlights:- Rob Cross on how networks and collaboration have changed over time.- How to deal with collaboration overload in the workplace. - Why a servant leadership approach can lead to greater collaboration overload - Rob Cross on how leaders can avoid contributing to the overwhelm caused by unnecessary collaboration in their organizations - How to effectively engage with new networks Also mentioned:James Heskett, UPS Foundation Professor of Business Logistics, Emeritus at the Harvard Business SchoolConnect with Rob Cross:Rob Cross on robcross.orgRob Cross on ConnectedCommonsConnect 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
Mar 8, 2022 • 37min
139 How to Adapt to the Speed of Change Through Hyper-Learning and Humility with University of Virginia Darden School of Business Professor Ed Hess | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Edward D. Hess. Ed Hess is a Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at the Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia. Ed Hess is the author of 13 books, including Learn or Die, Humility is The New Smart, and his latest Hyper learning: How to adapt to the Speed of Change.In the conversation, Professor Ed Hess shares why we need to accelerate our pace of learning in the digital age, some of the barriers and challenges we face in learning new ideas and concepts, and how leaders can implement hyperlearning in their organizations. Ed Hess also shares frameworks, practices, and mindsets individuals need to adapt to build trusting relationships and effectively collaborate.Some highlights:- Ed Hess on experiences which helped him understand the need for genuine humility in leadership- The necessity for hyper-learning in a fast-changing world - Ed Hess on how our unique human emotions can help advance our thinking and our capability to adapt to change- How ego and fear prevent us from learning- Ed Hess on the necessity for modeling as a part of learning - The difference between old smart and new smart - How to create caring and trusting relationships - Ed Hess on the necessity to collaborate and tap into collective intelligence Books Mentioned:- Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change by Edward D. Hess- Learn or Die: Using Science to Build a Leading-Edge Learning Organization (Columbia Business School Publishing) by Edward D. Hess- Humility Is the New Smart: Rethinking Human Excellence in the Smart Machine Age by Edward D. HessAlso Mentioned:- Robert Kennedy, 64th United States Attorney General- Herb Kelleher, Co-Founder, and CEO of Southwest Airlines- Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates- Barbara Fredrickson, professor in the department of psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillConnect with Ed Hess:Ed Hess 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
Mar 3, 2022 • 47min
138 Challenging stereotypes through laughter and picking on bullies with Comedian & Actor Maz Jobrani | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Actor-Comedian Maz Jobrani. In addition to his comedy specials, Maz Jobrani has appeared on many of television's most popular shows, including Grey's Anatomy, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Better Off Ted, and Shameless. He is also a regular on Stephen Colbert's late show, and he starred as the title character in the award-winning indie comedy, Jimmy Vestvood, which he co-wrote and co-produced.Maz Jobrani spoke about his early days in Iran and upbringing in the US. How he fell in love with being on stage and why he decided to pursue acting and standup comedy full time. Maz Jobrani also shared his thoughts on the role of politics in comedy, why he has become a more vocal advocate for social justice, and how he wants to change perceptions many hold toward people of middle eastern descent. Some highlights:- How Maz Jobrani's upbringing impacted his acting and comedy- Maz Jobrani talks about his desire to work toward normalizing the image of Muslims, Middle Easterners, and "brown people" in Western media- Why Maz Jobrani takes on bullies and advocates for the underdog- Maz Jobrani on making a mark by bringing people together through humor and connecting them with their common humanity- Maz Jobrani shares the challenges of defying prejudices in the aftermath of September 11th- Maz Jobrani on how we can all play a role and make a differenceAlso mentioned:- David Rubenstein, co-founder & co-chairman of Carlyle Group & President of the Economic Club of Washington DC ( Listen to David's episode on Partnering Leadership Podcast )- Tehran Von Ghasri- Rabia Chaudry- Frank FigliuzziConnect with Maz Jobrani:Maz Jobrani on MazJobrani.ComMaz Jobrani on InstagramMaz Jobrani on Twitter Back to School Podcast with Maz Jobrani Connect 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
Mar 1, 2022 • 11min
137 Why Feedback is Essential for High Performance and How You Can Do it Well | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares his thoughts and research on the importance of providing regular feedback in the work environment. Mahan shares why many leaders avoid giving feedback and how to incorporate it into frequent interactions. Finally, Mahan shares tips on how to provide better and more productive feedback. Some highlights:- The thin line between feedback and coaching- How to provide feedback rather than avoid it- The challenges with feedback in the virtual environment- Importance of relationship in feedback- How and why you should solicit feedback- Feedback in one-on-one meetings Mentioned:-Georgetown University Webinar on Feedback: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeyeDiE1J-w- Dr. John Gottman, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Washington Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.com More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: PartneringLeadership.com Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Feb 24, 2022 • 35min
136 Creating A Culture of Belonging by Leading Below the Surface with LaTonya Wilkins | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with LaTonya Wilkins. LaTonya Wilkins is the founder of The Change Coaches. She works with C-suite/executive leaders and their teams where human connection and cultural change happen: below the surface. LaTonya Wilkins is also the author of Leading Below The Surface: How To Build Real and Psychologically Safe Relationships With People Who Are Different From You. In this conversation, LaTonya shares how leaders can become more inclusive by creating cultures of belonging in the workplace. LaTonya Wilkins also shares concrete examples of how leaders can go below the surface to achieve a psychologically safe environment.Some Highlights:- LaTonya Wilkins on what leading below the surface is all about- Why people have a hard time getting below the surface, and why leaders need to become below the surface leaders- LaTonya Wilkins on questioning the way the world operates and challenging the dominant leadership standard - How creating a culture of belonging helps in promoting psychological safety- Understanding the difference between Person to Person Listening and Person to Belonging Listening- LaTonya Wilkins on how to effectively approach diversity and inclusion in the organizationAlso mentioned in this episode:Amy Edmondson - The Importance of Psychological Safety; author and current Novartis Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business SchoolBooks Mentioned:- Leading Below the surface: How to Lead Real and Psychologically Safe Relationships with People who are Different from You by LaTonya Wilkins- You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters by Vanessa Bohns (Listen to Vanessa Bohn’s episode on Partnering Leadership)- Radical Dharma: Talking Race, Love, and Liberation by Jasmine Syedullah, Lama Rod Owens, and Angel Kyodo WilliamsConnect with LaTonya Wilkins:Website: https://latonyawilkins.com/leading-below-the-surface/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonyawilkins/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latonyacoaching/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaTonyaWilkinsConnect 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
