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
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
Jun 22, 2021 • 38min
65 Inspiring leadership with Accenture’s Marty Rodgers | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
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.com Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Jun 17, 2021 • 52min
64 A framework to help leaders transform organizations into psychologically safe incubators of innovation with Dr. Timothy Clark | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talked with Dr. Timothy Clark, the founder and CEO of LeaderFactor and author of Four Stages of Psychological Safety. Dr. Clark has broken down the different stages to ensure psychological safety in teams. Dr. Timothy Clark shares how teams can build on the understanding of each stages in order to boost psychological safety in the workplace.Some highlights:-Dr. Timothy Clark on why leaders cannot be neutral-The skills that leaders need to cultivate-Dr. Timothy Clark on his definition of psychological safety-The barriers to creating psychological safety in the workplace-Improving the learning process by disconnecting fear from failure-Dr. Timothy Clark on how leaders can ensure employee accountability-How to achieve the highest level of psychological safety by challenging and changing the status quo Also mentioned in this episode:Partnering Leadership podcast conversation with Dr. Michelle McQuaid, best-seller author (Listen to Dr. Michelle McQuaid’s episode here)The Four Stages of Psychological Safety Behavioral GuideFour Stages of Psychological Safety Book Connect with Dr. Timothy Clark:LeaderFactor Official WebsiteDr. Timothy Clark on LinkedInDr. Timothy Clark on 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
Jun 15, 2021 • 30min
63 Be Fearless; 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose with Jean Case | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
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
Jun 10, 2021 • 29min
62 Reimagining Collaboration with Phil Simon | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Phil Simon, a dynamic keynote speaker, and world-renowned technology and collaboration authority and an award-winning author of eleven business books and counting, most recently Reimagining Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and the Post-COVID World of Work. Phil Simon shares how to more effectively use technology in leading our organizations in a changing world of work. Some highlights: Phil Simon talks about how the pandemic accelerated adoption and use of technology Phil shares how technology can help people thrive at work How the hub-spoke model of collaboration can help nurture a positive organizational culture Phil Simon on how to choose the right Hub and Spokes for greater collaboration Phil’s take on the hybrid future of work and the challenges ahead Also mentioned in this episode: Toni Morrison, American novelist, essayist, book editor, and college professor Bryan Sommer, author of Book- Digital with impact Connect with Phil Simon: Phil Simon Twitter Phil Simon LinkedIn Phil Simon Website Phil Simon Amazon Reimagining Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and the Post-COVID World of Work Message Not Received: Why Business Communication Is Broken and How to Fix It 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
Jun 8, 2021 • 28min
61 Good business with Professor Bill Novelli | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemakerr
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Bill Novelli, a distinguished professor of the practice at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, former CEO of AARP, co-founder of Porter Novelli, and author of the book Good Business: The Talk, Fight, Win Way to Change the World. Bill talked about the concept of doing well by doing good in business and how ethics is important when leading an organization. Some highlights:Bill Novelli on giving everybody a fair chance at having the same starting line.Bill shared his opinion on the greenwashing trend among leaders and organizations.The relevance of drawing a clear line and not having a grey area with respect to ethics even when there is a pressure from the top.Bill talked about how one can move mountains by building teams around one’s vision. Also mentioned in this episode:Jim Clifton, Jim Harter, authors of the book: It’s the Manager: Moving From Boss to Coach Connect with Bill Novelli:Billl Novelli 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
Jun 3, 2021 • 18min
60 Follow your passion to do what you love and love what you do with Jim Braun | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Braun about pursuing what you are passionate about. Jim Braun shares the story of how he left his stable corporate job and 2 degrees to do what he loves the most. He also gives advice to young people still figuring out what they want to do for the rest of their professional lives. Some highlights:Jim Braun’s career as an aerospace engineer and how he found out it wasn’t for himWhy Jim Braun pursued his MBA How reading books helped Jim realize what he is truly passionate aboutJim Braun on giving up his 2 degrees to pursue his passionWhy following your passion doesn’t necessarily mean the riches will follow, and why it’s still worth it in the endAdvice to young people about pursuing their passionMentioned:What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson BollesDo what You Love, the Money Will Follow by Marsha SinetarMarianne Williamson, authorConnect with Jim Braun:Jim Braun 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
Jun 1, 2021 • 38min
59 Executive leadership with JLL’s Vice Chairman Herman Bulls | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman Americas, JLL. Herman Bulls talks about his leadership journey, from modest beginnings to eventually becoming one of the most influential people in the real estate industry. Some highlights:How Herman Bulls has been able to stand out in leadership roles throughout his schooling, military service and professional career.Herman’s six keys to success Leading organizational culture changeDealing with microaggressions and serving as a role modelHerman Bulls being honored with Executive Leadership Council’s Achievement Award Also mentioned in this episode:Stuart Scott, commercial real estate executive and the first CEO of Jones Lang LaSalleMaya Angelou, American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activistBuddy Moore, coach at Coffee High School from 1970-81Connect with Herman Bulls:Herman Bulls LinkedInHerman Bulls TwitterHerman Bulls FacebookJLL WashingtonConnect 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
May 27, 2021 • 31min
58 The power of visual leadership with Todd Cherches | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Todd Cherches, CEO of BigBlueGumball and author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life. Todd Cherches shared experiences that transformed him as a leader. He also talks about the power of visual leadership and how it can improve communication as well as inspire those you lead.Some highlights:Todd Cherches’ upbringing and how reading became a big part of his leadership and lifeHow Todd’s experience with horrible bosses taught him to become a more compassionate and empathetic leaderTodd’s transformational experience becoming a Dale Carnegie TrainerWhy Todd Cherches encourages others to ‘Always Be Curious’ The significant meaning and symbolism behind VisuaLeadership’s title and coverThe importance of speaking the language of your stakeholders and why stories matter more than numbersHow visual imagery and visual language help with attention, comprehension, and retentionWhat mental models and frameworks are and how they can help convey abstract concepts and ideasTodd Cherches on the power of visual storytelling in bringing ideas to lifeStepping up to everyday leadership: how you can inspire, impact, and help other people realize their own visionsAlso mentioned in this episode:Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence PeopleRobert Shiller, author of Narrative EconomicsChester Elton and Adrian Gostick, authors of Leading with GratitudeJohn Baldoni, author of GraceMarcel Proust, French novelistConnect with Todd Cherches:Todd Cherches’ websiteTodd Cherches on LinkedInTodd Cherches on TwitterVisuaLeadership on AmazonConnect 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
May 25, 2021 • 32min
57 Leading ongoing transformation with Andy Grimm | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Andy Grimm, CEO of Apple Federal Credit Union. Andy Grimm shares leadership lessons learned as he rose through the ranks at Apple Federal Credit Union, eventually to earn the position of CEO. Andy Grimm also shares leadership insights on how he has led the organization through different transformation initiatives. Some highlights:How Andy Grimm’s early years influenced his resilience.The role Andy Grimm’s mom played in his drive to help peopleLeading with empathy and providing an opportunity for all team members to contribute. Andy Grimm on the necessity for leaders to learn and grow and for organizations to continue transforming. Also mentioned in this episode:Larry Kelly, former CEO of Apple Federal Credit UnionBeth Yingling, Apple Federal Credit Union Chief People Officer 2017-2019The Circle of Innovation, by: Tom HopkinsDare to Lead, by Brené BrownShoe Dog Phil Knight Story of Nike, by Phil KnightConnect with Andy Grimm:Andy Grimm LinkedInApple Federal Credit Union 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
