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
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
May 20, 2021 • 42min
56 Full Spectrum Leadership for a VUCA world with Dr. Bob Johansen | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Bob Johansen, renowned futurist and author of the book Full Spectrum Thinking. Bob Johansen talks about future back thinking, the importance of seeking clarity while avoiding certainty and how leaders can thrive in a VUCA World. Some highlights:● Bob Johansen on what led him to become a futurist● Categorical thinking versus full spectrum thinking● Bob Johansen on how to develop foresight and insight for greater clarity● Finding a sense of purpose with greater clarity in a VUCA ● How to use clarity filters in leadership Also mentioned in this episode:Alan G Lafley, former CEO of Procter & GamblePeter Drucker, author of various top-selling business and leadership booksDan Buettner, author of the book, The Blue ZonesJane McGonigal, game designer at the Institute for the FutureStan McChrystal, author of the book A Team of TeamsThomas Malone, author of the book Superminds Connect with Bob Johansen:Bob Johansen on LinkedInFull Spectrum Thinking Book by Bob JohansenInstitute for the Future 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
May 18, 2021 • 32min
55 Chinese American Values driven leadership with Tom Fong | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Tom Fong. Tom Fong founded Compcierge USA and is currently with MYTA technologies. Tom shared his perspectives on leadership and disruptive technologies. Additionally, Tom Fong shared the reason for his commitment to youth programs and leadership in the Chinese-American community. Some highlights:Tom Fong on how learning to use the cash register in his grandfather’s restaurant taught him life lessons. Tom on the opportunities of disruptive technology and how it helped him launch his business.How a simple word of praise or encouragement can be a catalyst for young people to be more confident in life.Tom Fong on the importance of building your network. Also mentioned in this episode:The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People a book by Stephen CoveyConnect with Tom Fong:Tom Fong 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
May 13, 2021 • 52min
54 Inventing Digital Photography at Kodak with Steven Sasson | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steven Sasson who invented the digital camera while working at Kodak, earning him The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award. Steven Sasson shares the story of how digital photography came to be, the many inventions that made it more accessible to eventually take the place of film photography. Steven Sasson also talks about the support for the invention at Kodak and the many cultural and leadership challenges that got in the way of Kodak taking full advantage of the technology. Some highlights:Steven Sasson’s love for tinkering with technologyWhy Steven Sasson chose to work at KodakConceptualizing and envisioning the first handheld electronic cameraThe first image taken with the first prototype of the portable digital cameraKodak’s initial reaction to Steven Sasson’s invention and questions for the future of digital technologyHow the support and belief of Steven Sasson’s supervisor motivated him to push his idea forward despite doubts from Kodak executivesWhy Steven Sasson’s project was kept secret by Kodak for many yearsThe story behind ECAM, the first operational DSLR camera The story behind QuickTake 100, Kodak’s collaboration with Apple Cultural and leadership challenges preventing Kodak from being able to take full advantage of digital photographyHow internal struggles, and short-sighted decisions impacted KodakSteven Sasson’s experience receiving The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award from President Barack Obama in 2009Mentioned:Don Reinertsen, authorGareth Lloyd, former supervisor at KodakJim Sheckler, former technician at KodakGilda Radner, actress and comedianJoy Marshall, former laboratory technician at KodakSteve Jobs, co-founder and former chairman and CEO of AppleSteve Wozniak, co-founder of AppleDr. Majid Rabbani, former fellow at KodakDr. Brad Paxton, former director at KodakRobert Hills, co-inventor of the first DSLR cameraJim McGarvey, former lead engineer at KodakGeorge M. C. Fisher, former CEO of KodakDaniel Allen Carp, former chairman and CEO of KodakAntonio M. Pérez, former CEO of KodakBarack Obama, 44th U.S. PresidentPete Souza, former Chief Official White House PhotographerConnect with Steven Sasson:Steven Sasson 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
May 11, 2021 • 42min
53 Pivotal Moments of leading with impact with Robert Morgan | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Robert Morgan, founder and CEO of Talaria Media, Pivotal Moments, Managing Partner at Caneel, co-founder of GoodSeeker, and former CEO of MorganFranklin Consulting. Robert Morgan discussed how his personal life experiences aided him in establishing multiple successful and how he effectively worked with co-founders to nurture a great organizational culture.Some highlights:The lessons Robert Morgan learned from battling cancerRobert Morgan on the key elements of the organizational culture at MorganFranklinHow to deal with difficult people and still maintain a great cultureWhy self-awareness and empathy are critical in maintaining great partnershipsAlso mentioned in this episode: Ron Morgan, co-Founder of MorganFranklinRob Franklin, co-Founder of MorganFranklinWho Moved My Cheese? Book by Spencer JohnsonConnect with Robert Morgan:Robert Morgan on LinkedInRobert Morgan on Twitter: @Remorgan2Robert Morgan on FacebookPivotal Moments on FacebookPivotal Moments on InstagramPivotal Moments 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
May 6, 2021 • 13min
52 Showing leadership values through who we choose to celebrate | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli discusses the importance of appreciating your team members and celebrating well-planned effort rather than just celebrating success. He also shares why who we choose to celebrate and what we choose to celebrate makes a big difference in nurturing a growth mindset and a great organizational culture. Some highlights:Appreciation in the workplace and the underwhelming statisticsThe magic ratio of positive versus negative interactionsHow to incorporate sincere appreciation in your leadershipWhy we need to start celebrating effort versus just celebrating successHow recognizing effort led to the success of Amazon echoThe importance of celebrating the right things in nurturing a growth mindset and a great organizational cultureMentioned:Mahan Tavakoli’s Webinar for Georgetown University: Your Team Doesn't Want Your "Feedback:"' Build Greater Connection, Retention, and ResultsDr. John Gottman, psychological researcher, clinician, and authorCarol Dweck, psychologist and authorAidan McCullen, author and host & founder of The Innovation Show ➡ Listen to Aidan McCullen’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here. Jeff Bezos, CEO of 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 4, 2021 • 44min
51 Leading with humility and empathy with John Veihmeyer | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, John Veihmeyer, former global chairman of KPMG, looks back on how he started rising through the ranks at KPMG and why leading with self-awareness and empathy was critical in rebuilding morale. John Veihmeyer also shares valuable lessons in developing resilience in leadership, inspiring a purpose-driven culture in a company, and leading for impact. Some highlights:● How performing in musicals in high school helped John Veihmeyer later in his career● Why John recommends aspiring leaders study accounting● The value of building and nurturing work relationships without expecting anything in return● How John Veihmeyer became deputy chairman of KPMG, a role he wasn’t ready for but felt responsible to undertake● The importance of ‘doing the hard thing now and building resilience in leadership● How John Veihmeyer inspired trust and regain confidence in a demoralized organization● Why John believes empathy and self-awareness are the two most important leadership traits● Why you should surround yourself with people that are going to be willing to disagree with you● Laying bricks vs. building a cathedral: the perspective John Veihmeyer promoted to inspire a purpose-driven culture● How the KPMG Family For Literacy Program started and its impact Mentioned in this episode:Steve Harlan, former managing partner at KPMG➡ Listen to Steve Harlan’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here. Linda Rabbitt, Founder & Chairman of rand Construction ➡ Listen to Linda Rabbitt’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here. Susan Flynn and Beth Veihmeyer, Co-founders of the KPMG Family For Literacy Program (KFFL)Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Connect with John Veihmeyer:John Veihmeyer 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
Apr 29, 2021 • 44min
50 How to lead yourself and your organization to become Undisruptable with Aidan McCullen | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Aidan McCullen, the host and founder of The Innovation Show and author of the book Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life. Aidan shares examples on how organizations and individuals can embrace reinvention in order to become undisruptable. Some highlights:● Aidan McCullen talks about the reason why most change initiatives fail.● The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly and lessons for leaders.● How Amazon reinvented a failed product and transformed it into a killer product.● Aidan McCullen shares how seeing life as cyclical rather than linear helps us with a reinvention mindset. Also mentioned in this episode:● Rita McGrath author of The end of competitive advantage and Seeing around corners● Scott D. Anthony author of The Little Black Book Of Innovation: How it works, How to do it and co-author of Eat, Sleep, Innovate: How to Make Creativity an Everyday Habit Inside Your Organization ● Daniel Z. Lieberman author of The Molecule of More● Robert Sapolsky author of Behave Buy Aidan McCullen’s Book: Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life Connect with Aidan McCullen: Aidan McCullen @ theinnovationshow.ioAidan McCullen 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
Apr 27, 2021 • 49min
49 Leading with a commitment to education and belief in the power of public policy with Jim Dyke | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Dyke, a partner in the law firm of McGuireWoods LLP. Jim Dyke served as Virginia’s Secretary of Education under former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, and as Domestic Policy Advisor to former Vice President Walter Mondale. Mr. Dyke shares lessons learned based on his vast leadership experience.Some highlights:● Jim Dyke shares how his upbringing impacted his commitment to leadership and a desire to leave a legacy of impact.● Jim Dyke talks about his experience in leading the fight for the rights of women to be admitted to the Virginia Military Institute● How leadership can create the kind of culture necessary for successful change. ● Jim Dyke talks about the significant role his wife Ellen played in helping him to become the best possible husband, father, and leader.● Leadership lessons Jim Dyke shares with others on how to become more impactful leaders. Also mentioned in this episode: Walter Mondale, Former Vice President of the United StatesClifford Alexander, First African-American Secretary of the Army Griffin Bell, 72nd Attorney General of the United StatesBen Civiletti, first Italian American to serve as Attorney General.Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Ellen Dyke, Author of Adam and Steve Connect with Jim Dyke: Jim Dyke 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
Apr 22, 2021 • 31min
48 The transformative power of OKRs and leading with empathy with Doug Dennerline | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Doug Dennerline, the president and CEO of BetterWorks, a performance enablement solution company that aligns workforces to the organization's top priorities with their market-leading OKR (Objectives and Key Results) software. Doug Dennerline shares his thoughts on leading with empathy, the transformational power of OKRs and the future of work.Some Highlights:Doug Dennerline on the HP Way, John Chambers and growth at Cisco.How leading with empathy shaped Doug’s leadership values.Doug Dennerline talks about the transformative power of OKRs not just as a process but also as a leadership methodology.Doug Dennerline’s perspective on the future of work.Webinar on OKRs for Georgetown University Also mentioned in this episode:John Chambers - Chairman Emeritus, Cisco / CEO, JC2 VenturesJohn Doerr - Chairman at Kleiner Perkins and author of Measure What MattersEric Yuan - CEO of ZoomConnect with Doug Dennerline:Doug Dennerline on BetterWorksDoug Dennerline on LinkedInBetterWorks 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
