Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Larry Robertson, innovation advisor, founder of Lighthouse Consulting, and author of three award-winning books, including his most recent, Rebel Leadership: How to Thrive in Uncertain Times. Larry Robertson shares insights from his first two books about entrepreneurship and creativity. Larry shares why he focused his third book on Leadership, specifically on leading through uncertainty. In the conversation, Larry Robertson shares five core principles of effective Leadership in uncertain times, including the importance of leading with soul.  Some highlights:- Larry Robertson’s childhood growing up in a household that encouraged inquiry- A Deliberate Pause, and why entrepreneurship is not a choice.- Stu Kaufman’s ‘the adjacent possible’ and the untapped creative potential in every single person- Larry Robertson on leading during uncertain times - Debunking the ‘heroic leader’ myth- Why soul matters in Leadership- Larry Robertson on why organizational culture makes or breaks an organization- The future of work and how to navigate ongoing uncertaintyMentioned:- Stuart Kauffman, medical doctor, theoretical biologist, and complex systems researcher- Richard Tait, CEO of Cranium- Russell Shaffer, Senior Director of Global Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Walmart- Melissa Thomas-Hunt, Senior Advisor at Airbnb- Deborah Meier, educator and education reformer- Choose to be Curious by Lynn BortonConnect with Larry Robertson:Rebel Leadership on AmazonLarry Robertson’s WebsiteLarry Robertson on LinkedInLarry Robertson 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rich Diviney, author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance. Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL commander with 20+ years of experience as a Navy SEAL Officer, having completed more than thirteen overseas deployments, including serving as the officer in charge of training for a specialized command. During his service, Rich Diviney was intimately involved in the highly specialized SEAL selection process and spearheaded the creation of a directorate that fused physical, mental, and emotional disciplines. Since his retirement, Rich Diviney has worked as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant with the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute and Simon Sinek Inc., teaching leadership and optimal performance for teams and organizations. Some highlights:- Rich Diviney explained the role of mindset matters and how it helped him during his Navy SEAL Trainings- How to effectively deal with uncertainty, change, challenge and stress- The difference between attributes and skills - Why understanding attributes is essential in the hiring process and putting together a high performing team- Rich Diviney on how to determine attributes in the hiring process- The role humor plays in high performing teams- Rich Diviney on how leaders and teams can nurture trust and teamwork- The concept of dynamic subordination and its importance to leadership excellence - Rich Diviney talks about Resilience vs. AntifragilityAlso mentioned in this episode:- Simon Sinek, author- Bob Johansen, renowned futurist and author (Listen to Bob’s episode on Partnering Leadership Podcast)Book Recommendations:The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance by Rich DivineyEverybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by  Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas TalebThe Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How by Daniel Coyles Connect with Rich Diviney:The Attributes Official WebsiteRich Diviney on LinkedInRich Diviney on InstagramRich Diviney 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Nicole Lynn Lewis, founder and chief executive officer of Generation Hope. This non-profit organization provides holistic assistance to young families. Nicole Lynn Lewis shares her story as a young parent attending college, the challenges she faced, and how it served as the inspiration behind her founding of Generation Hope.   Some highlights:- Nicole Lynn Lewis' childhood growing up in communities that didn't have much diversity- 'Your life is over!" Nicole shares her experience finding out she was pregnant while a senior in high school - Nicole Lynn Lewis on what motivated her to finish college with honors- Social Capital and the vital role it played in Nicole Lynn Lewis' journey and can play for all young adults- From communications to non-profit; what inspired Nicole Lynn Lewis to switch careers and start Generation Hope- Lack of diversity: the additional challenges many leaders of color face in trying to raise funds for their non-profits- How Generation Hope's 'holistic wraparound model' works- Why Nicole Lynn Lewis believes flexibility is crucial for the future of higher education- Generation Hope's plans on extending their impact Mentioned:Terri Freeman, board member at Generation HopeConnect with Nicole Lynn Lewis:Generation Hope WebsiteNicole Lynn Lewis WebsiteNicole Lynn Lewis on LinkedInNicole Lynn Lewis 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Professor Vanessa Bohns. Dr. Vanessa Bohns is a social psychologist, an award-winning researcher and teacher, and a professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. Vanessa Bohns is also the author of the book: You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters. In this conversation, Vanessa Bohns shares insights on how we influence those around us and how to harness our influence to make a positive difference in leadership. Some Highlights: - Why do we tend to underestimate our influence- Vanessa Bohns on why it's hard for us to ask for things - Why it's hard when asked to say no - How social pressures influence behavior- Understanding the impact of power roles on the influence in organizations- The disadvantages of working remotely vs. in person when it comes to influencing at work- Vanessa Bohns on how we can be better at understanding other people's perspectivesAlso mentioned in this episode:- Marianne LA France, author and a professor of Psychology at Yale University- Erica Boothby, a researcher, and Instructor in the Operations, Information, & Decisions Department at The Wharton School at the University of PennsylvaniaBooks Mentioned:- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie- You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters by Vanessa BohnsConnect with Vanessa Bohns:Vanessa Bohns Official WebsiteVanessa Bohns on LinkedInVanessa Bohns on Twitter: @profbohnsVanessa Bohns on Instagram: @profbohnsConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares an unlikely goal-setting strategy for your team in the year 2022, subtracting goals instead of adding more. In addition, Mahan shares insights from Leidy Klotz's book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less on why eliminating certain goals will lead you to achieve more and have a more significant impact.Some highlights:- Setting new year goals in personal, professional, and organizational angles- Why you should stop adding goals and instead start subtracting them- Why removing goals and priorities is so tricky but necessary. - The power of subtraction: going beyond just saying no and reflecting on what needs to be eliminated- Starting a "stop doing" list and an action plan to start being intentional with subtractionMentioned:- Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Price Winning psychologist and father of behavioral economics- Patrick James McGinnis, venture capitalist and author best known for coining the term "fear of missing out" or "FOMO."- Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy KlotzConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMore information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: PartneringLeadership.comConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Marty Rodgers, Senior Managing Director to US Southeast which is responsible for Accenture’s business in 10 states, including Charlotte, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. Marty Rodgers shares his perspectives on inspiring leaders and service hood to create a successful team culture. Some highlights: -Marty Rodgers shares how constructive criticism can help bring out leadership in you-How Marian Wright Edelman impacted Marty’s life and career-Shares how service is a powerful change maker -Marty Rodgers shares how his career steered to becoming one of the best Leaders in AccentureAlso mentioned in this episode:Father Hesburgh, President of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1987Dr. Cliff Wharton, former United States Deputy Secretary of StateMedgar Evers, American civil rights activistMarian Wright Edelman, American activist for children's rightsLeadership without easy answers, by Ronald HeifetzNoel Tichy, American management consultant, author, and educator Connect with Marty Rodgers:Accenture.comMarty Rodgers LinkedInMarty Rodgers Twitter Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.com 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jean Case, Chairman of National Geographic Society, CEO of the Case Foundation, CEO of Case Impact Network, and author of Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose. Jean Case talks about the 5 Principles to cultivate fearlessness: 1) Make a Big Bet 2) Be bold, take risks 3) Make failure matter 4) Reach beyond your bubble and 5) Let urgency conquer fear. Jean discusses each principle, citing real-life stories and offering meaningful advice to truly Be Fearless.  Some highlights:-Why parents should encourage their children to take risks even at a young age-Jean Case’s upbringing and why it is usually ordinary people who tend do extraordinary things-On making a big bet, but starting where you are-Jean Case’s career at General Electric and why she took the risk and left-The important role of failure and how you can make it matter-Jean’s advice on taking risks and facing failure-Jean Case on intentionality and measuring what matters when breaking barriers-How diversity can benefit organizations-Why Jean Case believes fear is never absent and how you can let the power of urgency help you conquer fear -How to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations-Jean Case on using social media for deep listening and connecting to your stakeholders -On starting your leadership journey by finding solutions to problems others don’t see Mentioned:Barbara Van Dahlen, founder and president of Give an Hour How We Got to Now by Steven JohnsonBrave Companions by David McCulloughThe Premonition by Michael Lewis  Connect with Jean Case:Be Fearless Book WebsiteBe Fearless on AmazonCase Foundation Be Fearless Hub WebsiteCase Foundation WebsiteNational Geographic Society WebsiteJean Case on FacebookJean Case on TwitterJean Case on LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.com 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, David Rubenstein, co-founder & co-chairman of Carlyle Group & President of the Economic Club of Washington DC, shares his journey from working at the White House to starting one of the largest private equity investment firms globally. He also talks about his leadership lessons, philanthropy, Peer-to-Peer interviewing for the Economic Club of Washington DC and Bloomberg TV, and the legacy he plans to leave behind. Some highlights:- David Rubenstein’s childhood and how he became an avid reader- David’s experience at the White House working for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter- The story behind David Rubenstein helping co-found the Carlyle Group- On becoming Carlyle Group’s fundraiser and how David increased its visibility - David Rubenstein’s leadership practices and values- ‘Patriotic Philanthropy’ and David Rubenstein’s signing of the giving pledge- David Rubenstein on the value of family and the importance of raising successful children- Why David Rubenstein accepted to become the President of The Economic Club of Washington DC and then decided to change the format. - Becoming a Peer-to-Peer interviewer: on self-deprecating humor, being a good listener, and more- Leadership lessons from David Rubenstein’s book, How to Lead- On his passion for capturing the ‘American experiment’ and his opinion on America today- David Rubenstein’s desire for impact as he ‘sprints’ to leave a legacy - Why David Rubenstein reads over 100 books a year and encourages others to read more- On moving forward post-COVID with ongoing transformation and change Mentioned in this episode:-Ted Sorensen, lawyer, and advisor to former President John F. Kennedy-Birch Bayh, former senator-Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President-Alfred E. Kahn, economic advisor-William E. Simon, businessman, philanthropist, and 63rd United States Secretary of the Treasury-James Baker III, former United States Secretary of State-George H. W. Bush, 41st U.S. President-Frank Carlucci, former U.S. Secretary of Defense-John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom-Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former First Lady of the United States-Vernon Jordan, business executive, and civil rights activist-Oprah Winfrey, talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist-Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States-Indra Nooyi, CEO of of Pepsico-Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft-Tim Cook, CEO of Apple-Marc Andreessen, entrepreneur, investor, and software engineer-Andrew Grove, businessman, engineer, and former CEO of Intel CorporationBook Recommendations:-Patriots of Two Nations by Spencer Critchley -How to Lead by David Rubenstein Connect with David Rubenstein:David Rubenstein WebsiteThe Carlyle Group WebsiteThe David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-PeerThe Economic Club of Washington D.C. Website Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahaConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Linda Rabbitt, the founder and chairman of Rand Construction, who is recognized as Washingtonian of the Year, and is in Washington's Business Hall of Fame. Linda shares her experiences overcoming breakage and setbacks, and how she used adversity as a motivator to achieve success.Highlights:- Why and how  Linda Rabbitt started all over again at age 32 - Linda Rabbitt’s career at KPMG and how she rose in the organization- Linda’s bold step into the business world as a partner in the first female owned construction company in the Washington DC region- How building a support group of women in the real estate industry helped her grow her company and give back to others- Linda Rabbitt’s battle with cancer as she became chair elect of the Greater Washington Board of Trade- Linda’s passion for women in leadership and her advice to young female leaders on resilienceAlso mentioned in this episode:Steve Harlan, former Vice-Chairman-International at KPMGSherri Turner, Linda’s former business partnerMark Anderson, partner at Rand ConstructionJon Couch, former president at Rand ConstructionZig Ziglar, author and motivational speakerConnect with Linda Rabbitt:Linda Rabbitt on LinkedInRand Construction’s WebsiteRand Construction on InstagramConnect 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Wendy Ryan. Wendy Ryan is the CEO of Kadabra, an interdisciplinary team of leadership and organizational change experts based in Silicon Valley, California. Wendy Ryan shares leadership lessons from her consulting experience and her book, Learn Lead Lift: How to Think, Act, and Inspire Your Way to Greatness. Some Highlights:- Wendy Ryan shares how we can develop greater self-awareness.- Why leaders need to start with "Who" then consider the "What" "When" "Where" and "How."- Why a growth mindset is necessary for leading change in the organization.  - Wendy Ryan shares how leaders can encourage people to take risks and hold their team members accountable.- Wendy Ryan on the need for greater equity and inclusion. Also mentioned:Partnering Leadership Conversation with Nadya ZhexembayevaPartnering Leadership Conversation with Bob Johansen Connect with Wendy Ryan:Wendy Ryan on LinkedInWendy Ryan on KadabraLearn Lead Lift: How to Think, Act and Inspire Your Way to Greatness  Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.com More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: PartneringLeadership.com  Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website