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
Aug 31, 2021 • 47min
85 Letters to My White Male Friends with Dax Devlon Ross | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dax Devlon Ross, non-profit executive, equity consultant, and author of several books, including his latest work, Letters to My White Male Friends. Dax talks about his experiences growing up in Sheppard Park, DC, attending the mostly white Sidwell Friends school, and playing basketball in downtown DC. Dax speaks candidly about the scourge of racism and its impact on all of us and why he is committed to social justice and bringing about positive change. Some highlights:-The sacrifices of his father so that Dax could pursue his passion-Dax Devlon Ross shared how learning to operate in different environments has impacted his views on racism.-Dax Devlon Ross on the stories and reasoning why people say “I don’t see color”-Dax Devlon Ross on encouraging his white friends to visibly and publicly participate in conversations about race and racism-On allyship and moving beyond just words in combating systemic racismBook Recommendations:Letters to My White Male Friends by Dax Devlon RossThe Revolution Will Not Be Funded by INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence INCITE!Adaptive Leadership, by Marty Linsky and Ronald HeifetzEmergent Strategy by Adrian Marie Brown Connect with Dax Devlon Ross:Dax Devlon Ross Official WebsiteDax Devlon Ross on TwitterDax Devlon Ross on LinkedInDax Devlon Ross on InstagramConnect 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
Aug 26, 2021 • 51min
84 Cracking the Leadership Code: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders with Alain Hunkins | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Alain Hunkins, keynote speaker, facilitator, coach, and author of the best-selling book Cracking the Leadership Code: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders. Alain Hunkins shared principles and practices of effective leadership and the power of connection, communication, and collaboration.Some highlights:-Alain Hunkins on the value of connection to leadership -The power of empathy in leading people-The value of actively soliciting feedback -How to lead better with a facilitative mindset-Alain Hunkins on why leaders tend to get stuck in a command and control mindset-Alain Hunkins on how listening contributes to effective communication-Alain Hunkins on improving team performance Also mentioned in this episode:-Steve Jobs, Co-founder, former Chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc.-Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors-Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft-Brene Brown, professor, and authorBook Recommendations:Cracking the Leadership Code by Alain HunkinsThe Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry PosnerThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyTiny Habits by BJ FoggConnect with Alain Hunkins:Alain Hunkins Official WebsiteAlain Hunkins 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
Aug 24, 2021 • 38min
83 Working to end poverty in the community by learning to say YES with Msgr. John Enzler | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Monsignor John Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, shares impactful stories from his childhood, his journey becoming a priest, and leadership lessons he’s learned through leading many charitable initiatives. Father John also explains the power of “yes” and the importance of collaborating with organizations of different faiths to fulfill a shared purpose.Some highlights:-Monsignor John Enzler’s childhood and how his parents impacted his life-Why Fr. John Enzler decided to become a priest-On becoming Monsignor and why Fr. John Enzler prefers not to use his title-Fr. John Enzler’s leadership in charities and the many lives he’s helped through them-On welcoming Pope Francis to Catholic Charities in 2015-Why Fr. John Enzler believes learning to say “yes” defines his mission as a priestMentioned in this episode:-Stephen F. Riley, executive director of the Potomac Community Resources-John Carr, founder and co-director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University-David Brooks, political and cultural commentator & writer for The New York Times-Michael Gerson, former White House director of speechwriting-John Veihmeyer, former global chairman of KPMG ( Listen to John Veihmeyer’s Partnering Leadership Podcast Episode here)Connect with Fr. John Enzler:Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington WebsiteFr. John Enzler on LinkedInFr. John Enzler 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
Aug 19, 2021 • 42min
82 The Creativity Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation and Intuition at Work with Dr. Natalie Nixon | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Natalie Nixon, creativity strategist, global keynote speaker, and author of the award-winning book The Creativity Leap, shares why it is essential to unleash creativity for ourselves and in leading our teams and organizations. Some highlights:-Dr. Natalie Nixon’s childhood and how her family inspired her to explore her creativity-Dr. Natalie Nixon on pursuing what you love-The role observation plays in creativity -The case of curiosity: why it is essential and how it is being drummed out by the school system-How to create a more creative work environment-Dr. Natalie Nixon breaks down the 2 elements of creativity: Wonder and Rigor-Why intuition is essential for decision-making-Why Dr. Natalie Nixon believes Jazz is the future of workMentioned in this episode:-Warren Berger, author of A More Beautiful Question and The Book of Beautiful Questions-Michael Forman, Chairman & CEO of FS Investments-Biplab Sarkar, CEO of Vectorworks-Frank Barrett, professor and jazz musician-Miles Davis, influential figure in the history of Jazz-Art Blakey, Jazz drummer-Greg McKeown, author of Essentialism-Twyla Tharp, author of The Creative Habit-Kursat Ozenc, author of Rituals for Work-Erica Keswin, author of Rituals Roadmap-The Decision Book by Mikael Krogerus and Roman TschappelerConnect with Dr. Natalie Nixon:Download Chapter 1 of The Creativity LeapThe Creativity Leap on AmazonDownload The WonderRigor™️ Tip SheetFigure 8 Thinking WebsiteDr. Natalie Nixon 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
Aug 17, 2021 • 26min
81 Leading to build on a heritage of service: Industrial Bank and its 3 generations as a black-owned bank with Doyle Mitchell | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Doyle Mitchell, President and CEO of Industrial Bank, shares memories from his childhood and how Industrial Bank, the largest and oldest minority-owned commercial bank in the Greater Washington DC DMV region, came to be. He also shares the struggles he’s faced as a black business owner and his hopes for black-owned businesses.Some highlights:-Doyle Mitchell’s childhood and how his parents impacted his life-The story behind Industrial Bank: a legacy built over 3 generations as a black-owned bank-The important lesson Doyle Mitchell’s father taught him about work ethic-Doyle Mitchell’s experience leading the bank through the pandemic-The importance of black-owned businesses to the entire communityBook Recommendation:Our Black Year by Maggie Anderson and Ted GregoryConnect with Doyle Mitchell:Industrial Bank WebsiteDoyle Mitchell 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
Aug 12, 2021 • 33min
80 The Leadership Decision: Decide to Lead Today with Dr. Catherine Rymsha | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Catherine Rymsha, a lecturer, Tedx Speaker, and author of the book The Leadership Decision: Decide to lead today. Dr. Rymsha shares how our choices and decisions define our leadership and help develop our leadership brand.Some highlights:-Dr. Catherine Rymsha on initiative and action as the foundation of leadership-Qualities of great leadership-Dr. Catherine Rymsha on how leaders can be strong and show vulnerability-Importance of feedback to outstanding leadership-How leaders can become better at listening Also mentioned in this episode:-Harvard Implicit Association TestBook Recommendations:-The Leadership ChallengeBook by Barry Posner and James Kouzes-The Leadership Decision: Decide to Lead TodayBook by Dr. Catherine RymshaConnect with Dr. Catherine Rymsha:The Leadership Decision Official WebsiteDr. Catherin Rymsha 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
Aug 10, 2021 • 36min
79 Becoming antifragile, thriving, and leading through setbacks with Carla Reid | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carla Reid, General Manager and CEO of WSSC Water. Carla Reid talks about overcoming setbacks in life, resilience in leadership, and rebranding organizational culture with a vision and strategy for a positive impact on customers and the community.Some highlights:-Exposure and experience as crucial factors in figuring out your interests-Carla Reid's thoughts on taking on challenges and creating solutions-The why and how of self-care for leaders-Carla Reid on her efforts to rebrand and reset the culture at WSSC-How Carla Reid used her setbacks as a stepping stone towards achieving her goals-Carla's vision for the future of WSSCAlso mentioned in this episode:-Ike Leggett, County Executive of Montgomery County (2006-2018)-Rushern Baker, County Executive of Prince George's County (2010–2018)-The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Book by Stephen CoveyConnect with Carla ReidCarla Reid on LinkedInCarla Reid on TwitterWSSC Water 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
Aug 5, 2021 • 7min
78 To become better leaders, we need to learn to disconnect and reflect | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about one of the lessons he learned from Italians on the value of disconnecting from work and the value of that disconnection to deep thinking required for leadership in disruptive times. Some highlights:-The Italians take their holidays seriously-Busyness doesn't help us in business-Leadership requires disconnecting and reflectingConnect 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
Aug 3, 2021 • 23min
77 Leading with purpose, from commanding in a war zone to fighting corporate corruption with Joe Gardemal | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Joe Gardemal. Joe serves as a managing director in the Washington DC office of Alvarez and Marcel and has over 30 years of experience in accounting, including in forensic accounting. He is a veteran of the Iraq war and is a recipient of a bronze star for his command during the Iraq campaign. Currently, Joe is the court-appointed independent monitor over GPB Capital Holdings. Some highlights:-Joe Gardemal talks about how to take advantage of post-traumatic stress growth.-Using the experience and lessons learned in the conflict zone to be more resilient and effective as a leader in the corporate world. -Joe Gardemal as an advocate for the investors and his mindset on protecting their interests.-Having an objective and the willingness to modify your behavior to achieve your goal. -Joe Gardemal’s take on how to be impactful as a leader.Also Mentioned in this Episode:-The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey-Partnering Leadership conversation with John VeihmeyerConnect with Joe Gardemal:Joe Gardemal @ Alvarez & Marsal Disputes and InvestigationsJoe Gardemal @ 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
Jul 29, 2021 • 45min
76 The alchemy of truly remarkable leadership with Dr. Jonathan Westover | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Jonathan Westover, Chair of Organizational Leadership Development at Utah Valley University and author of The Alchemy of Truly Remarkable Leadership. Dr. Jonathan Westover shares how you can tap into your own personalized leadership journey, expand your leadership potential, and grow as a leader while also helping others grow. Some highlights:-How experiencing different cultures influenced Jonathan Westover’s outlook on leadership-The meaning behind the title ‘The Alchemy of Truly Remarkable Leadership’-Why there are no short-cuts, quick fixes, and one-size-fit-all approaches to growing as a leader-What it means to lead with a ‘bluer than indigo’ mindset-Not everyone can be Elon Musk: why emulating exceptional leaders is not a good strategy-How to uncover leadership blind spots through Johari’s Window-Dr. Jonathan Westover on a Growth culture vs. Performance culture-Why journey and process matter-How to nurture a purpose-driven culture and motivate people . . . . .Also Mentioned in this episode:-Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School professor and author-The Why of Work: How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win by Dave Ulrich-Carol Dweck, psychologist and author of Mindset-Anyaele Sam Chiyson, author. . . . .Connect with Dr. Jonathan Westover:The Alchemy of Truly Remarkable Leadership on AmazonHuman Capital Innovations websiteJonathan Westover on LinkedInJonathan Westover 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
