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
Nov 9, 2021 • 31min
105 Leading with Humanity and Compassion with Gina Schaefer | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Gina Schaefer, the Co-Founder and CEO of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, a chain of ACE hardware stores located in the Greater Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia DMV region. Gina talks about her journey founding the hardware store, her commitment to shopping local, and providing opportunities to many who don't often get the first chance in our communities. Some highlights:-Why Gina Schaefer chose to shift from software to hardware!-The valuable lesson in hiring a returning citizen and employees from a drug rehabilitation program.-How online retail affected Gina's business and what they did to stay competitive.-What drives Gina Schaefer in advocating to raise the federal minimum wage.-Advocating for women and starting a women in retail group. -Gina Schaefer talks about writing her book "Recovery Hardware."Mentioned:Chick-fil-AZingerman's DelicatessenMichael Gerber – Author, E-Myth Bo Burlingham – Author, Small GiantsConnect with Gina Schaefer:Gina Schaefer on LinkedInGina Schaefer 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
Nov 4, 2021 • 51min
104 Powerful Storytelling and Communication Through The ABT Framework with Park Howell | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Park Howell, host of Business of Story Podcast, author of Brand Bewitchery, and co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business. Park Howell teaches one of the most powerful tools in storytelling: the And, But, and Therefore (ABT), going through the science behind it and how you can start crafting great stories and communicate more powerfully through the use of this framework. He also shares examples of ABT in history and pop culture and how they shaped and are continuing to shape our world as we know it. Some highlights:-How growing up in a large family impacted Park Howell-What led Park Howell to the world of marketing and, eventually, the business of storytelling-On learning how to tell great stories and “studying” alongside his son in film school-And, But and Therefore: The DNA of impactful stories-Park Howell gives a Crash Course on ABT-Learning to spot ABTs, from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address to Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe-Park Howell’s ‘horror story’ exerciseMentioned:-Robert Bies, professor and founder of the Executive Masters in Leadership program at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business (Listen to Robert Bies's Partnering Leadership podcast episode here)-Randy Olson, scientist, filmmaker and co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business-Red Ogan, founder of Wenatchee Petroleum -Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero's Journey-Yuval Noah Harari, historian and author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind-Christopher Lochhead, category designer and author-Robert McKee, author, lecturer and story consultant-Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President-Edward Everett, former United States Secretary of State-Ernest Hemingway, novelist, short-story writer and journalist-The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler-Bill D. Moyers’ PBS Special with Joseph Campbell-Power of Myth, conversations between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell-Houston, We Have a Narrative by Dr. Randy OlsonConnect with Park Howell:Brand Bewitchery on AmazonThe Narrative Gym for Business on AmazonPark Howell on LinkedInPark Howell on TwitterPark Howell on FacebookBusiness of Story WebsiteBusiness of Story CoursesConnect 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 2, 2021 • 9min
103 The Power of the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 principle) as a Mental Model| Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli explains the power of the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, in the world around us. Mahan talks about how we can observe the 80/20 principle in everything we do and use this mental model to focus our attention on the leverage points in systems enabling us to have a more significant impact on our teams, organizations, and the community. Some highlights:-The origins of the Pareto Principle-Understanding the Pareto Principle in our daily life-The fractal nature of 80/20 in most systems-How the Pareto Principle can impact 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
Oct 28, 2021 • 39min
102 How to Lead and Innovate by Learning from The Amazon Way with John Rossman| Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with John Rossman, Author of The Amazon Way book series, and managing partner and business advisor on strategy, leadership, and innovation at Rossman Partners. John talks about many lessons leaders can learn from the rationale behind Amazon's 14 leadership principles. John Rossman also shares his experience and advice on navigating and leading through disruption.Some highlights:-John Rossman on how Amazon integrated its leadership principles into the organization's culture.-The balance between the kind of organization leaders want and the organization's current reality. -John Rossman speaks about operational excellence and its relevance to innovation.-How the right approach to operational metrics can support risk-taking and innovation. -John Rossman on the value of experimentation even when those experiments lead to failure. -Why Amazon is a writing culture and how it helps teams with clarity and sound decision-making.Mentioned:-Andreessen Horowitz podcast a16z -Kevin Rose podcast Modern Finance-Geekwire podcast Day 2Connect with John Rossman:The Amazon Way book seriesJohn Rossman on LinkedInJohn Rossman blogConnect 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
Oct 26, 2021 • 52min
101 Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute: How Employee Development Can Become the Highest Form of Social Contribution with Ed Offterdinger | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ed Offterdinger, chairman of AO People Partners, co-founder of Conscious Capitalism D.C., and co-author of the book Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute. Ed Offterdinger shares lessons learned in his leadership journey and the reason behind his focus on coaching leaders, and his commitment to making a difference in the community through Conscious Capitalism. Some highlights:-How Ed Offterdinger's childhood growing up in the Greater Washington DC region impacted his life-Why Ed Offterdinger chose to study accounting-How Ed's son taught him the value of balancing work and life -Ed on how he met his business coach, Dave Maguire-What led Ed Offterdinger to start AO People Partners with Catherine Allen-The story behind the founding of Conscious Capitalism DC with The Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner-What Conscious Capitalism is all about and how it's becoming a movement among organizations-Ed Offterdinger on the importance of Mind Skills and People Skills-Elements of a conscious organizational culture-Ed Offterdinger's take on the future of workMentioned:-How to lead through the certainty of uncertainty | Leadership Insight (Listen to this Partnering Leadership podcast episode here)-David Gardner, co-founder, and chief Rule Breaker at The Motley Fool (Listen to David Gardner's Partnering Leadership podcast episode here)-Dan Simons, co-founder of the Farmers Restaurant Group (Listen to Dan Simons' Partnering Leadership podcast episode here)Book Recommendations:-Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt-Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Rajendra Sisodia-Firms of Endearment by Rajendra Sisodia-Built to Last by James C. Collins-Thank You for Being Late by Thomas Friedman-Think Again by Adam Grant-A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink-The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova-7 Lessons for Leading in Crisis by Bill GeorgeConnect with Ed Offterdinger: Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute on AmazonConscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute WebsiteConscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute on TwitterConscious Capitalism D.C. WebsiteEd Offterdinger on LinkedInEd Offterdinger on TwitterAO People Partners on LinkedInAO People Partners on TwitterConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMore information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast websiConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Oct 21, 2021 • 37min
100 How to Develop a Disruption Mindset and Thrive Through Disruption with Charlene Li | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Charlene Li, a Digital Transformation and Disruptive Leadership Expert, Founder of Altimeter, and author of best-selling books, including Open leadership, Groundswell, and her latest book called The Disruption Mindset. Charlene Li discussed how leaders and organizations can embrace and benefit from disruption. Some highlights:- How leaders can stay focused and energized with the pace of disruptions- Why organizations should shift their focus to meeting the needs of their future customers- How leaders can create a movement of disruptors and a culture that will thrive on disruption- Charlene Li explained how growth could create disruption- The three beliefs of a disruptive organizationAlso mentioned in this episode:- Steve Sasson, Inventor of Digital Photography (Listen to Steve’s episode on Partnering Leadership)Books by Charlene Li:The Disruption Mindset: Why Some Organizations Transform While Others FailOpen Leadership: How Social Technology Can Transform the Way You LeadGroundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social TechnologiesBook Recommendations:- Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan - The Heart of Business by Hubert Joly- The New Rules of Work by Gary BollesConnect with Charlene Li:Charlene Li Official WebsiteCharlene Li on LinkedInCharlene Li 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
Oct 19, 2021 • 32min
99 Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives with Minal Bopaiah | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Minal Bopaiah. Minal is the founder of Brevity & Wit, a strategy and design firm that helps organizations achieve the change they wish to see in the world through a unique approach that combines human-centered design, behavior change science, and the principles of inclusion diversity, equity, and accessibility. Minal Bopaiah discusses her book Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives and shares frameworks and approaches for leading a more equitable organization. Some highlights:- Minal Bopaiah on the tie-in between implicit bias and systemic issues faced in tackling inequity. - How our biases impact algorithms, including those used by human resource departments for recruiting and hiring. - Minal Bopaiah on the difference between equity and equality.- The role that design thinking can play in greater equity in organizations. - How leaders can redesign systems to ensure greater equity. Mentioned:- Rajan Patel – Co-founder, CEO at Dent Education- Dan Heath and Chip Heath – Authors, Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard.- Johnnetta Betsch Cole – Author, Racism in American Public Life.- Valarie Kaur – Author, See No Stranger- Karen Armstrong – Author, The Spiral Staircase- Partnering Leadership Podcast Conversation with Howard Ross – Author, Everyday Bias Connect with Minal Bopaiah:Brevity & Wit on InstagramMinal Bopaiah on InstagramBrevity and Wit on TwitterMinal Bopaiah on TwitterMinal Bopaiah 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
Oct 14, 2021 • 47min
98 How to Cultivate Your Influence and Build Powerful Connections with Jon Levy | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jon Levy, behavioral scientist and author of the book You're Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence. Jon Levy shares how we can build stronger and more trusting relationships and how leaders can use the science of connection to increase team trust and engagement. Some highlights:-Jon Levy's interest in building community and relationships-Jon Levy talks about culture and psychological safety as essential keys to increasing connection in organizations.-Leading with Benevolence-Vulnerability loops as a way to build trust-Jon Levy's Influencer Dinners and the science behind attracting Noble Prize winners, Olympic athletes, business leaders, artists, and royalty. -The Ikea Effect and how to use it to build trust and greater connection. -The mere exposure effect and its role in team collaboration. Also mentioned in this episode:-Kent Grayson, associate professor at Kellogg School and the faculty director of The Trust ProjectBooks by Jon Levy:You're Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence by Jon LevyBook Recommendations:Thinking Fast and Slow by Dan KahnemanPredictably Irrational by Dr. Dan ArielyDare to Lead by Brene BrownDream Team by Shane SnowConnect with Jon Levy:Jon Levy Official WebsiteJon Levy on LinkedInJon Levy on InstagramJon Levy on FacebookJon Levy 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
Oct 12, 2021 • 43min
97 Shattering glass ceilings, supporting women's empowerment and promoting greater diversity while bridging divides with Barbara Davis Blum | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Barbara Davis Blum, one of the founders of Leadership Greater Washington and president of BDB Investment Partnership, shares stories from her early life and how it shaped her to become the resilient, feminist leader that she came to be. Barbara Davis Blum shared her journey as a pioneering female leader in government, business and the community. Some highlights:-Barbara Davis Blum's early life and her father's community involvement-The impact of Barbara Davis Blum’s first divorce.-Barbara's passion for the environment and saving the Chattahoochee River-Diving into politics and coming to Washington DC-How Barbara Davis Blum negotiated her role as Deputy Administrator of the EPA in the Carter administration-On recognizing failure in handling the Love Canal tragedy-How her second divorce prompted her to start a career in banking and eventually lead a woman-owned bank-On supporting women’s leadership at the Greater Washington Board of Trade-On founding Leadership Greater Washington with diversity as a core valueMentioned:-Steve Harlan, founder of Harlan Enterprises LLC ( Listen to Steve Harlan's Partnering Leadership podcast episode here)-Andrew "Andy" Young, former Congressman from Georgia and 55th Mayor of Atlanta-Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President-Lester Maddox, former Governor of Georgia-Walter Frederick "Fritz" Mondale, 42nd U.S. Vice President-Leo M. Bernstein, investor and banker-Abigail Adams, former First Lady of the United States-John Tydings, former Greater Washington Board of Trade President-Julia M. Walsh, the first woman to serve as president of the Greater Washington Board of Trade-Betty Friedan, feminist activist and author of The Feminine MystiqueConnect with Barbara Davis Blum:Barbara Davis Blum 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
Oct 7, 2021 • 49min
96 How to lead your organization through change to achieve hard to imagine results in uncertain and volatile times with John Kotter | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with John Kotter, professor emeritus at Harvard Business School, co-founder of a management consulting firm Kotter International and a pioneer in organizational change. John Kotter is the author of 22 books on change, including his most recent book, Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile times. John Kotter talks about the struggles leaders and teams face when it comes to change and how to transform organizations to adapt to change effectively and rapidly.Some highlights:-John Kotter on the role of human nature on our resistance to change-The essential components for initiating change in the organization-Understanding the Survive and Thrive mode and how it impacts our ability to change-The power of Guiding Coalition to help bring expertise, energy, and perspective across the organization-The difference between management and leadershipAlso mentioned in this episode:Kelly King, Chairman, and CEO of Truist FinancialBook by John Kotter:Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile TimesConnect with John Kotter:John Kotter - Kotter International IncJohn Kotter on LinkedInJohn Kotter on FacebookJohn Kotter 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
