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
Dec 14, 2021 • 38min
115 Making a difference for the community by providing greater opportunities to the blind and visually impaired with Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind CEO Tony Cancelosi | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tony Cancelosi, president and CEO of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. Tony Cancelosi shares delightful stories from his life, from when he was a child growing up in an Italian neighborhood to dressing up as Santa Claus annually earlier in his career. He also shares what eventually led him to start doing community service and what keeps him going through hard times like the pandemic. Some highlights:- Tony Cancelosi’s childhood growing up in an Italian neighborhood in South Phildelphia- Dressing up as Santa Claus for more than 20 years and its impact in Tony’s life- Tony Cancelosi’s career at Control Data and how it started his community service journey- How Tony Cancelosi became chairman of Service Source, an organization that helps indvidials with down syndrome and other disabilities, and later, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind- Why Tony Cancelosi decided to form alliances with Leadership Greater Washington and other more organizations- How Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is serving its constituents through the pandemic- The legacy Tony Cancelosi hopes for Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind to leave behind Mentioned:Patrick Burke, executive director of the DC Police Foundation Connect with Tony Cancelosi:Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind WebsiteTony Cancelosi on LinkedIn 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
Dec 9, 2021 • 45min
114 Own It. Love It. Make It Work. How to make any job your dream job with Carson Tate| Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carson Tate. Carson Tate is the founder and managing partner of Working Simply, Inc., a business consulting firm that partners with organizations, business leaders, and employees to enhance workplace productivity, foster employee engagement, and build personal and professional legacies. Carson Tate shares lessons from her most recent book: Own It. Love It. Make It Work: How to Make Any Job Your Dream Job. Some Highlights:- How understanding your strengths can turn your current job into your dream job- Carson Tate shares tips and examples on how to seek feedback. - How to find more meaning in your job- Carson talks about how naming and claiming your fears can work to your advantage.- How to get the right kind of recognition.- Carson Tate on passion and joy in the workplace.- The platinum rule, as Carson Tate talks about it.- Carson Tate on how asking the right questions can help you design your work, so it meets personal and professional goals.Also mentioned:Carson Tate’s book “Own It. Love It. Make It Work.: How to Make Any Job Your Dream Job”Connect with Carson Tate:Carson Tate at LinkedInCarson Tate at workingsimply.com 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
Dec 7, 2021 • 10min
113 How to balance humility with confidence in leading your team through the ongoing uncertainty | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares a key challenge facing leaders: the continuation of uncertainty concerning many aspects of work, including a return to the office. Mahan talks about the need for leaders to continue leading with great empathy with genuine humility on the exact future, yet confidence with the ability to navigate whatever lies ahead. Some highlights:- Mahan Tavakoli explains why there is no going “back to normal”- Empathy and conveying hope as leadership superpowers- Balancing confidence and humility in leading teams forward- On why continual learning is essential in the next era of work- Continuing your leadership journey with a ‘learn it all’ mindsetMentioned:- Leading with empathy and hope, Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight episode (Listen to this episode here)- Satya Nadella, chief executive officer of Microsoft- Christopher Lochhead, author and podcasterConnect 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
Dec 2, 2021 • 31min
112 Together We Rise: How to scale impact and lead change with Dr. Gia Nardini | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Gia Nardini, an assistant professor in marketing at the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business and co-author of the research paper, Together We Rise: How Social Movements Succeed. Gia Nardini talked about the elements that make social movements successful, and the lessons leaders can learn, whether in leading social movements or their teams and organization.Some highlights:- Gia Nardini's take on consumer behavior to address food deserts and poverty- The difference between bystanders and upstanders- Gia Nardini on why bystanders remain bystanders despite witnessing unethical behaviors- Gia Nardini on how to become leaderful and encourage bystanders to step up and become upstanders- The foundation of a successful social movement and organizational change- The importance of winning hearts and minds in leading successful changeAlso mentioned in this episode:- Greg Satell, author of Cascades (Listen to Greg’s episode on Partnering Leadership Podcast here)- Rishad Tobaccowala, author of Restoring the Soul of Business (Listen to Rishad’s episode on Partnering Leadership Podcast here)- Together We Rise: How Social Movements Succeed by Gia Nardini, Tracy Rank-Christman, Melissa G. Bublitz, Samantha N. N. Cross, Laura A. Peracchio- How Change Happens: Why Some Social Movements Succeed While Others Don't by Leslie R. Crutchfield- Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant- The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday Connect with Gia Nardini:Gia Nardini on University of Denver, Daniels College of BusinessGia Nardini 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
Nov 30, 2021 • 47min
111 Leading to strengthen communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity with Goodwill International President & CEO Steven Preston | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steve Preston, President, and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. Steve Preston has extensive private sector experience and served as the US Department of Housing and Urban Development secretary and as the US Small Business Administration administrator. Steve Preston shared what influenced him to serve in government and how he led the US Small Business Administration and Department of Housing and Urban development during times of national crisis. Steve Preston also talked about his mission of helping people access employment opportunities, leading him to become CEO of Goodwill Industries International. Steve Preston shares strategies for bridging the opportunity gap, enabling organizations to tap into new pools of employees.Some highlights:- Steve Preston talks about his parents' role in his deep sense of values and sensitivity to inequities in society. - How Steve Preston led the transformation of the Small Business Administration and Department of Housing and Urban Development. - Steve Preston on his personal mission and the opportunity to lead Goodwill Industries International. - The significant impact of giving people access to opportunities.- Steve Preston on the role of employers in providing opportunities and building the workforce of the future. Also mentioned in this episode:Gina Schaefer, the Co-Founder, and CEO of A Few Cool Hardware Stores (Listen to Gina’s episode on Partnering Leadership Podcast here)Connect with Steve Preston:Steven Preston on LinkedInConnect 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
Nov 25, 2021 • 26min
110 How to Ignite Your Organization’s Culture with Jason Richmond | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jason Richmond. Jason is the president, CEO, and Chief Culture Officer at Ideal Outcomes. Jason Richmond is the author of Culture Spark: 5 Steps to Ignite and Sustain Organizational Growth and his most recent book Culture Ignited: Five Disciplines for Adaptive Leadership. In addition to speaking about the importance of organizational culture, Jason Richmond shared specific actions leaders can take to ignite their team's culture. Some Highlights:- Jason Richmond on how leaders can assess the strengths and weaknesses of their organizational culture. - Jason explains adaptive leadership and why it matters in today's organizations.- How to connect trust and authenticity to create the right culture for your organization.- Jason Richmond on the role performance management plays in organizational culture.- Jason on the best practices for building capabilities and developing talent in the organization.Also mentioned:- Strategic Doing: Ten Skills for Agile Leadership - book by Edward Morrison, Scott Hutcheson, Janyce Fadden, Elizabeth Nilsen, Nancy Franklin- Sooner Safer Happier: Antipatterns and Patterns for Business Agility - book by Myles Ogilvie, Simon Rohrer, and Zsolt BerendConnect with Jason Richmond:Jason Richmond at Ideal OutcomeCulture Spark: 5 Steps to Ignite and Sustain Organizational GrowthCulture Ignited: 5 Disciplines for Adaptive LeadershipConnect 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
Nov 23, 2021 • 52min
109 Leading with A Desire of Impact on the Community with Jerry Sachs | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jerry Sachs. Jerry is the former president of Centre Group, the operating entity that included the Washington Bullets, Washington Capitals, and Centre Management. Jerry Sachs shared his leadership journey, including how he ended up working for the Baltimore Orioles, his move down to Atlanta to work for the Braves, and what brought him back to the Greater Washington DC DMV region. Jerry shared how he met his wife Joyce, her love and support as a lynchpin of the family, and her role in raising their son Gene and daughter Barb. Jerry Sachs also shared how the entire family engaged in philanthropic efforts including, volunteering together at So-Others-Might Eat, soliciting Christmas gifts for families at the Children's Inn, and hosting Joe Emmerich's kids each fall before school began. In addition, Jerry shared stories about Abe Pollin's commitment to giving back, recruiting the Washington Capitals, design of the Capital Centre, and the joy of winning an NBA Championship with the Washington Bullets (Wizards). Jerry Sachs also talked about his commitment to the Greater Washington DC DMV community through many philanthropic efforts, including as a founder of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP). Some highlights:- Jerry Sachs on how he ended up working for a sports team- Recruiting the Washington Capitals and building the Capitol Center - The inspiration behind the Capital center design and features- Jerry Sachs on why he helped found the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP)- How Jerry Sachs championed effective alcohol management throughout sports facilities- Jerry Sachs on some of the nonprofits he focuses his efforts on- The impact of good role models in life- Jerry Sachs on being authentic and recognizing imperfectionsAlso mentioned in this episode:- David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group (Listen to David Rubenstein’s episode on Partnering Leadership here) - Abe Pollin - former owner of Washington Capitals - Andy Ockershausen, former general manager of WMAL radio- Chillum Youth Project- Hoop Dreams- Bob Hammerman, former Judge in BaltimoreConnect 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
Nov 18, 2021 • 51min
108 The Future of Work Is Here: How To Lead In An Era of Disruptive Change with The Next Rules of Work author Gary Bolles | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Gary Bolles, chair for the Future of Work for Singularity University, co-founder of eParachute.com, and author of The Next Rules of Work. Gary Bolles shares how his father’s career advice book What Color Is Your Parachute impacted his early life and how he has gone through continual reinvention while guiding leaders through ongoing disruption. Gary Bolles also shares insights from his book The Next Rules of Work. Some highlights:- How Gary Bolles father’s book What Color Is Your Parachute impacted his life- The ‘leader’s dilemma,’ how it manifests in times of disruptive change, and how to overcome it- Gary Bolles on how to foster a growth mindset within an organization- Embracing change and promoting diversity in organizations- What flex skills are and their importance in the future of work- Gary Bolles on the future of leadership and work- A framework for leaders in leading their teams and organizations forward Mentioned:-Richard Nelson Bolles, Gary Bolles’ father and author of What Color Is Your Parachute?-Jeffrey S. Moore, university teacher, and researcher-John Hagel, author-Carol Dweck, psychologist and author-Sidney Fine, professor, and author-Vint Cerf, developer and internet pioneer-Esther Wojcicki, author of Moonshots in Education-The Five Temptations of a CEO by Patrick Lencioni Connect with Gary Bolles:The Next Rules of Work on AmazonGary Bolles’ WebsiteFuture of Work on Singularity Hub WebsiteeParachute WebsiteGary Bolles on LinkedInGary Bolles on Twitter 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
Nov 16, 2021 • 36min
107 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
Nov 11, 2021 • 50min
106 How Chick-fil-A Became an Iconic Brand with Chick-fil-A’s former Chief Marketing Officer Steve Robinson | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steve Robinson, former executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Chick-fil-A. Steve Robinson shared lessons from his decades-long experience leading marketing at Chick-fil-A, including stories from his book Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A: How Faith, Cows, and Chicken built an Iconic Brand. In addition, Steve Robinson shared what made Chick-fil-A culture and marketing unique and continues to help the brand differentiate in a competitive market. Some highlights:-The importance of hiring the people who fit the organization’s culture and value-How Steve Robinson come up with the Blue Ocean Strategy and its vital role in the successful branding of Chick-fil-A-The impact of the leadership of Chick-fil-A’s founder, Truett Cathy, on the organization’s culture-Lessons that Steve Robinson learned on the 2-million dollar mistake-Steve Robinson shared marketing and business insights in building a brand that people cannot live withoutAlso mentioned in this episode:-John Rossman, author of The Amazon Way book series (Listen to John’s episode on the Partnering Leadership Podcast here)-Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A-Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A-Jimmy Collins, former president of Chick-fil-ABook by Steve Robinson:Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A: How Faith, Cows, and Chicken Built an Iconic BrandBook Resources:The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill by William Manchester, Paul ReidBlue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan KimBuilt to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary CompaniesThe Bible: Book of Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, JoelConnect with Steve Robinson:S. Robinson ConsultingSteve Robinson 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
