

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

Jul 27, 2021 • 52min
75 A Masterclass in Purpose-Driven Leadership, Leadership Lessons from Winnie the Pooh and Three Moments of Joy with Robert Bies | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Professor Robert Bies. Bob Bies is a Professor of Management and founder of the Executive Masters in Leadership program at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business. Dr. Robert Bies shares different frameworks and models on how to become a more purpose-driven and impactful leader.Some highlights:-Robert Bies shares the role social justice can play in leading purpose-driven organizations. -The Tao of Pooh – How Winnie-the-Pooh's simple-minded approach can help you become a more effective leader.-Professor Robert Bies on the necessity for personal mission statements. -Dr. Robert Bies discusses three different kinds of trust and how leaders can build trust in their teams and organizations. -Three moments of joy – How to effectively deal with challenging times.Also mentioned in this episode:-The Leadership Challenge by Cruises and Posner-Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer-Lives of Moral Leadership: Men and Women who have made a difference by Robert Cole-The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff-Tom Peters Connect with Robert Bies:Robert Bies on LinkedInRobert Bies Georgetown UniversityConnect 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

Jul 22, 2021 • 47min
74 Cascades: How To Create A Movement That Drives Transformational Change with Greg Satell | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Greg Satell, writer, speaker, innovation advisor, an expert on transformational change, and author of Cascades, shares lessons on how leaders can lead transformation in their organizations and the community. Greg Satell shares lessons learned from past transformations and how leaders can help lead change in organizations, especially through ongoing disruption.Some highlights:-Why Greg Satell moved to Poland and what it was like living in a post-communist country-How the Orange Revolution transformed Greg Satell’s perspective on change-‘Viral cascades’ and how leaders can use the understanding to drive transformational change in organizations-Greg Satell on the value of shared Purpose and Shared Values-How to best deal with fierce oppositions when driving change-How to empower people to succeed on their own terms-Gregg Satell on why Blockbuster failed to adapt and change and lessons for leaders of transformationMentioned in this episode:Duncan J. Watts, sociologist Steven Strogatz, mathematicianAlbert-László Barabási, physicistReimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire by Rebecca M. HendersonProsperity: Better Business Makes the Greater Good by Colin MayerLouis V. Gerstner Jr., former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of IBMImmanuel Kant, philosopherTeam of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Stanley A. McChrystal and Chris FussellOne Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams by Charles Goodyear and Chris FussellJohn F. Antioco, former CEO of Blockbuster and chairman of Red MangoCarl Icahn, former CEO of Blockbuster and founder and controlling shareholder of Icahn EnterprisesMapping Innovation: A Playbook for Navigating a Disruptive Age by Greg SatellAdversaries Into Allies: Win People Over Without Manipulation Or Coercion by Bob BurgThe Halo Effect by Phil Rosenzweig. . . . .Connect with Greg Satell:Cascades on AmazonGreg Satell’s WebsiteDigital Tonto WebsiteGreg Satell on LinkedInGreg Satell on Clubhouse. . . . .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

Jul 20, 2021 • 39min
73 A business leader’s passion for equity, accessibility, and inclusion with Kim Alfonso | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Kim Alfonso, co-founder, and CEO of Results One. Kim Alfonso talks about advocating for people with disabilities, immersing herself in the disability world, and her mission to create a community that embodies dignity, respect, accessibility, and inclusion. Some highlights:-Kim Alfonso on her leadership challenges at Merck-Kim Alfonso on her inspiration to become an advocate for people with disabilities-Promoting accessibility and inclusion as a passion and as a business-Kim Alfonso on how has the pandemic impacted people with disabilities -Integrating business practices in nonprofit organizations-Supporting the growth of black businesses by providing resources and opportunities for networking-Kim Alfonso on how mentors and leadership programs can help develop better leaders. . . . .Also mentioned in this episode:-Dr. Bette Catoe, pediatrician-Tony Cancelosi, President and CEO of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind-Rosie Allen-Herring, President and CEO of the United Way NCA (Listen to Rosie Allen-Herring’s episode here). . . . .Connect with Kim Alfonso:Kim Alfonso on LinkedInResults One 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

Jul 15, 2021 • 44min
72 How to be a better leader by being yourself with Minter Dial | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Minter Dial, a keynote speaker, storyteller, book author, and award-winning film producer. Minter Dial shares lessons learned in leading brands, building communities, and about his latest book: You Lead: How Being Yourself Makes You a Better Leader.Some Highlights:-Minter Dial talks about the need for constant learning. -How to lead with greater authenticity. -Self-awareness is key to authenticity and leadership.-Minter Dial on why clarity of purpose matters.-The why and how of building community.Also mentioned in this episode:Johann Hari – Author of Lost ConnectionsVictor Frankl – Author of Man’s Search for MeaningDr. Atul Gawande – Author of Being Mortal. . . . .Connect with Minter Dial:Minter Dial on LinkedInMinter Dial on TwitterMinter Dial on FacebookMinter Dial on InstagramMinter Dial podcastMinter Dial 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

Jul 13, 2021 • 43min
71 Bridging divides to build on the legacy of the daughters of the dream with Tamara Copeland | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tamara Copeland. Tamara led the Voices of America’s Children early on and was appointed legislative director for former Congressman Bobby Scott, and eventually served as the president of The Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. She is also the author of “DAUGHTERS OF THE DREAM: Eight Girls from Richmond Who Grew Up in the Civil Rights Era”, a book about friendship formed from shared experiences during the civil rights and racial justice movements era.Some highlights:-Tamara Copeland shares her thoughts on conformity and how leaders need to balance it while advocating while advancing their agenda. -Tamara Copeland shares why she became an advocate for children. -How the power of public policy can effectively create change on a macro level. -Tamara’s take on systemic racism and how to put the conversation on the table.. . . . .Connect with Tamara Copeland:Tamara Copeland on LinkedInTamara Copeland on TwitterDAUGHTERS OF THE DREAM: Eight Girls from Richmond Who Grew Up in the Civil Rights EraConnect 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

Jul 8, 2021 • 37min
70 Transforming a moment into a movement with a purpose mindset with Dr. Akhtar Badshah | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Akhtar Badshah, expert on social impact, philanthropy, CSR and international development, and author of The Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires Employees and Alumni to Change the World, shares impactful stories from his time heading Microsoft philanthropies and the many transformative movements Microsoft employees and alumni have started. He emphasizes that all it takes is a moment to recognize how we can bring change to our communities and turn it into a movement. Some highlights:-Dr. Akhtar Badshah’s architecture background and how it shaped his view of the world-Akhtar Badshah’s career heading Microsoft philanthropies and the community-engaging programs he oversaw-Shifting from a ‘me’ to a ‘we’ mindset and how it breaks down barriers-Recognize who you want to serve, not who you want to be-Dr. Akhtar Badhsah on the 5 principles to develop a purpose mindset-Taking a moment and bringing it into a movement: the inspiring stories of Microsoft employees and alumni Roberto D'Angelo & Francesca Fedeli, Trish Millines Dziko, Kevin Wang, Claire Bonilla, and more-Practicing humility in philanthropy by ‘tasting the ground you’re going to walk on’-What we can learn from the lives of Nobel Peace laureates -Akhtar Badshah on why compassion triumphs over passion-Akhtar Badshah on finding your purpose and shining your light so others can shine tooMentioned in this episode:Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft, investor, author, and philanthropistMary Gates, Bill Gates’ mother, businesswoman, civic activist, and school teacherBill Newcomb, former chief counsel at MicrosoftBill Gates Sr., Bill Gates’ father, attorney, philanthropist, and civic leaderJon Shirley, former president, chief operating officer, and director of MicrosoftRoberto D'Angelo and Francesca Fedeli, founders of FightTheStroke.orgTrish Millines Dziko, co-founder of the National Charter Collaborative and Executive Director of Technology Access FoundationKevin Wang, founder of Mentors in Tech and Microsoft TEALSSatya Nadella, CEO of MicrosoftClaire Bonilla, CEO of SightLifePatrick Awuah, Ghanaian engineer, educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Ashesi UniversityTazin Shadid, founder of AmarLabKailash Satyarthi, Indian social reformer and Nobel Peace Prize laureateNelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, anti-apartheid revolutionary, philanthropist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureateMalala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist for female education and Nobel Peace Prize laureateMuhammad Yunus, Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, civil society leader, and Nobel Peace Prize laureateTenzin Gyatso,14th Dalai Lama and Nobel Peace Prize laureateConnect with Dr. Akhtar Badshah:The Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires Employees and Alumni to Change the World on AmazonMicrosoft WebsiteDr. Akhtar Badshah on LinkedInDr. Akhtar Badshah on InstagramDr. Akhtar Badshah on TwitterConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Jul 6, 2021 • 31min
69 Semper Fi leadership with Intelligent Waves President Tony Crescenzo | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tony Crescenzo, a Marine Veteran, former Chief Executive Officer of IntelliDyne, and now President of Intelligent Waves LLC. Tony Crescenzo shares lessons from his service as a Marine, being willing to take on the costs of standing up for what’s right, and the many leadership lessons learned in leading teams and organizations through change. Some highlights:-Tony Crescenzo on the value of standing up for what’s right. -Why leaders need to focus on building a “tribe” -Tony Crescenzo on the importance of leadership authenticity and vulnerability in creating an anti-fragile organizational culture-How to lead in a way that inspires loyalty -Tony Crescenzo on the value of shared organizational purposeAlso mentioned in this episode:Ross Perot, American Business MagnateThe Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea Book by John Mann, Bob BurgThe Power of Body Language: How to Succeed in Every Bussiness and Social EncounterBook by Tonya ReimanThank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion Book by Jay HeinrichsSailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of CharacterBook by Admiral James Stavridis, US Navy Ret.Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead Book by General Jim Mattis, US Marine Corps Ret.Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving OrganizationBook by Dave Logan, John King, and Halee Fischer-WrightConnect with Tony Crescenzo:Intelligent Waves LLCSemper Fi FundTony Crescenzo on LinkedInTony Crescenzo on FacebookConnect 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

Jul 1, 2021 • 10min
68 The hybrid future of work will require a different leadership mindset and skill set | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about the challenges of a hybrid work environment for organizations and what leaders can do to successfully transition into a hybrid work environment.Some highlights:-Defining the purpose for bringing people back together-The advantages of working in-person compared to remote work-The some of the leadership challenges when operating in a hybrid work environment-OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) as a system to align teams in a hybrid work environment-Best practices in leading the transition to the hybrid future of workRecommendations:Doug Dennerline’s episode on Partnering Leadership about Objective and Key ResultsWebinar on OKRs for Georgetown University 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

Jun 29, 2021 • 35min
67 Principle centered leadership with Dan Simons | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Dan Simons. Dan Simons is the co-founder of the Farmers Restaurant Group. In this episode, Dan shares his journey of becoming a purpose-driven individual and leader. Dan Simons also shares the inspiring story of how Farmers Restaurant Group and his team faced the crisis while staying focused on their values and becoming better as a result.Some highlights:-Dan Simons on how his upbringing gave him a greater sense of purpose and empathy-Dan on how he persisted through his first failure as a restaurateur. -Dan Simons on Conscious Capitalism and how businesses can elevate humanity through a mindful way of doing business.-Dan shared the struggles his team faced during the pandemic and why they never wavered on their principles and values. -Dan Simons on the need to be willing to be imperfect in order to learn and grow.Also mentioned in this episode:-Michael Vucurevich-David Gardner, Co-Founder, and CEO of The Motley Fool(Listen to David Gardner's episode here)-Adored: The Leader Your Team Needs You to Be a book by Tom DeCotiis-The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People a book by Stephen CoveyConnect with Dan Simons:Dan Simons on LinkedInDan Simons 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

Jun 24, 2021 • 28min
66 Rethinking Competitive Advantage: New Rules for the Digital Age with Ram Charan | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ram Charan, a world-renowned business consultant, former professor, and author of over 30 best-selling leadership books, including his most recent book, Rethinking Competitive Advantage. Ram Charan talks about digital transformation and how organizations can adapt to achieve a competitive advantage.Some highlights:-The difference between leaders and business people-Ram Charan on the importance of understanding consumer behavior -Ram Charan on the impact of technology on organizations-How to achieve a competitive advantage-Importance of leadership and board accountability-Ram Charan on how successful leaders thinkAlso mentioned in this episode:Andy Grove, former CEO of Intel CorporationJack Welch, former CEO of General Electric AG Lafley, former CEO of Procter and GambleSteve Jobs, co-founder of AppleTim Cook, CEO of AppleDouglas McMillon, CEO of WalmartMary Barra, CEO of General MotorsJohn S. Reed, former CEO of CiticorpRethinking Competitive Advantage: New Rules for the Digital AgeBook by Ram CharanThe Game-Changer: How You Can Drive Revenue and Profit Growth with InnovationBook by Alan G. Lafley and Ram CharanConnect with Ram Charan:Ram Charan Official WebsiteRam Charan on LinkedInRam Charan 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