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
Mar 16, 2021 • 30min
37 Responding to the call of leadership with Kathy Hollinger | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Kathy Hollinger, President, and CEO of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), who has been recognized as one of the Most Influential Minorities in Cable and honored by Washington Business Journal as one of 20 Women Who Mean Business. Kathy shares how she has been able to create a positive culture within the community even during the pandemic.Highlights:How Kathy Hollinger’s Persian Heritage provided a solid foundation on family, respect, and leadership.What and why Kathy Hollinger and her husband chose Washington DC over other places.What Kathy Hollinger learned through her experiences in the DC government.How did Kathy Hollinger learn to separate politics from personal life and how it affected her decision-making.Kathy Hollinger’s transition from politics to the region’s restaurant association.What are Kathy Hollinger’s steps to ensure a win-win situation for the industry during the pandemic.Kathy Hollinger’s thoughts on the industry’s future.Also mentioned in this episode:Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, American educator, and former scientific researcher and politicianAdrian Fenty, Former Mayor of District of Columbia, DCVincent Gray, Former Mayor of District of Columbia, DCConnect with Kathy Hollinger:Kathy Hollinger on TwitterKathy Hollinger 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
Mar 11, 2021 • 50min
36 The Reinventionist mindset with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Founder & Chief Reinvention Officer at Reinvention Academy and author of the book, How to Thrive in Chaos. Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva shares how reinvention can help individuals and organizations thrive in constant change. Some highlights:How Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva’s origins influenced her to set up a company called We Exist Reinvention AgencyWhy reinvention is important for the survival of organizationsLearning how to live with uncertainty and volatilityDr. Nadya Zhexembayeva explains the Titanic Syndrome and its relevance to leadershipDr. Nadya Zhexembayeva’s advice on how to reinvent during a crisisUnderstanding the nature of chaos and turning chaos into the greatest business advantageAlso mentioned in this episode:Bruce Lipton, a developmental biologist and author of The Biology of BeliefJim Collins, author of Good to Great, Built to Last and How the Mighty FallHenry Mintzberg, author of Rebalancing Society and Bed Time Stories for Managers Book Resources:Elastic: The Power of Flexible Thinking by Leonard MlodinowNo Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention by Erin Meyer and Reed HastingsOther Resources:Reinvention Society Facebook GroupConnect with Nadya Zhexembayeva:Nadya Zhexembayeva on LinkedInNadya Zhexembayeva on Twitter: @NadyaZhexembayNadya Zhexembayeva on Instagram: @chief_reinvention_officerNadya Zhexembayeva on FacebookReinvention Academy 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
Mar 9, 2021 • 30min
35 Leading with a passion for education with Dr. Irma Becerra | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Irma Beccera, the seventh president of Marymount University, talks about her journey becoming a higher education leader, her research in knowledge management, how to see setbacks as opportunities for growth and her vision for the future of Marymount University.Some Highlights:Dr. Irma Becerra shares how her upbringing as a Cuban-American has impacted the kind of leader she has becomeHow a setback allowed Dr. Becerra to form a partnership with her future research funderWhat knowledge management is and why it is so impactful to organizationsHow Marymount University adapted and pivoted throughout the pandemic to meet the needs of the studentsDr. Irma Becerra’s vision for the future for Marymount university, innovations for new programmatic offerings, and the university’s role in the Greater Washington DC DMV regionDr. Becerra’s advice for leadersConnect with Dr. Irma Beccera:Dr. Irma Beccera on LinkedInDr. Irma Beccera on TwitterMarymount University on InstagramMarymount University 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
Mar 4, 2021 • 12min
34 Renew, rethink, reimagine, reinvent and Nowruz | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about Persian New Year, Nowruz, and its relevance to renewal, rethinking, reimagining, and reinventing which is needed by all, most especially now. The episode ends with a fun surprise, set to powerful music magnifying a message of hope and renewal.Some highlights:Mahan Tavakoli shares why the spirit of renewal matters, most especially nowHow the Persian New Year celebration of Nowruz embodies traditions of renewal.Mahan Tavakoli on why and how we can use this moment to rethink, reimagine and reinvent.A powerful message of hope and renewal, set to music.Also mentioned in this episode:Amanda Gorman, National Poet LaureateJim Collins, Business AuthorConnect 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
Mar 2, 2021 • 30min
33 Ethical leadership to make a difference with David Rutstein | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Rutstein, former general counsel at Giant Food. David shares inspiring stories in his journey, what an ‘Ethical Will’ is, his 10 principles for leadership, and most important of all—how to lead with integrity and have an impact in the community.Some highlights:David Rutstein shares how his grandparents’ community leadership inspires how he leads and mentors younger peopleHow getting rejected at Penn Law School led him to the Greater Washington DC DMV Region David’s 5 impactful objectives in his retirementWhat an ‘Ethical Will’ is and why it’s so importantHow persistence helped David in battling health issuesDavid Rutstein’s 10 principles for leadershipAlso mentioned in this episode:Raymond R. Dickey, former senior partner at Danzansky, Dickey, Tydings, Quint and GordonGeorge Bloom, head of the public utilities commission in PennsylvaniaEdward Friedman, Solicitor GeneralIsrael “Izzy” Cohen, former chairman of Giant Food and Supermarketing PioneerDavid Rubenstein, co-Founder of the Carlyle Group and author of How to LeadConnect 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
Feb 25, 2021 • 29min
32 How to build and lead a company customers can’t live without with Jim Kerr| Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Kerr, Founder of Indispensable Consulting and Author of the book INDISPENSABLE: Build and Lead A Company Customers Can’t Live Without, and shares his thoughts and insights on how being indispensable is a very important aspect of leading and creating a great culture.Some highlights:Why Jim Kerr wrote his book INDISPENSABLEJim Kerr shares his thoughts on how to create a new culture of leadershipHow leadership by example changes the culture of the teamJim Kerr’s thoughts on why encouraging dissent is critical in nurturing a great organizational cultureHow to lead so your organization becomes indispensableAlso mentioned in this episode:Marshall Goldsmith, author and executive coachBOOK:INDISPENSABLE: Build and Lead A Company Customers Can’t Live Without Author James M. KerrConnect with Jim Kerr:Jim Kerr on LinkedinJim Kerr on Twitter Indispensable consultingConnect 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
Feb 23, 2021 • 28min
31 Leading with a winner’s mindset with Cary Hatch | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Cary Hatch, CEO of MDB Communications. Cary Hatch discusses what it took for her to succeed as a female business owner and how difficulties can build up resilience, and the joy of having an impact on people and the entire Greater Washington DC DMV region.Some highlights:Cary Hatch shares how to use fear of failure as a driving force to move forward and achieve goals.The power of advertising and its influence on organizations and brands.How to build resilience through repeated setbacks.Cary Hatch on the importance to help others through volunteering. Also mentioned in this episode:Shelly Lazarus, Chairman Emeritus of Ogilvy & Mather Rosie Allen Herring, President & CEO United Way National Capital AreaLyles Carr, Executive Vice President The McCormick GroupBob Buchanan, Principal Buchanan PartnersConnect with Cary Hatch:Carry Hatch LinkedInCarry Hatch TwitterMDB CommunicationsConnect 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
Feb 18, 2021 • 39min
30 How makers, visionaries, and outsiders succeed with Jonathan Littman | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Jonathan Littman, co-author of The Entrepreneurs Faces: How Makers, Visionaries and Outsiders Succeed, and several other best-selling books. Jonathan Littman talks about the importance of innovation in business and how business leaders can learn to create an entrepreneurial spirit in their teams and organizations.Some highlights:The importance of creating an intrapreneurial culture to reinvent an organization.Jonathan Littman talks about a human-centric approach to entrepreneurship.The importance of understanding entrepreneurial archetypes.How to bring more entrepreneurship and an intrapreneurial spirit into the organizations.Jonathan Littman on the importance of embracing change and transformation. Also mentioned in this episode:Susanna Camp: Co-author The Entrepreneurs Faces: How Makers, Visionaries and Outsiders SucceedConnect with Jonathan Littman:Jonathan Littman on LinkedInJonathan Littman on InstagramEntrepreneur's Faces BookConnect 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
Feb 16, 2021 • 24min
29 Helping lead the transformation of a county and the region with Howard Stone | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Howard Stone, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Prince George's Community College. Howard shares the source of his passion for education, love for Leadership Greater Washington and commitment over the years to Prince George’s County, MD.Some highlights:Howard Stone’s focus on public serviceHow Howard Stone supported Wayne Curry and helped transform Prince George’s County, MDHoward’s love for and commitment to Leadership Greater WashingtonHow being rejected for an elected seat made Howard Stone more humble and focus more on serving his communityAlso mentioned in this episode:Ken Duncan, former council administrator Prince George’s County MDWayne Curry, former County executive for Prince George's County MDArtis Hampshire-Cowan, Senior Fellow at Association of Governing Boards of Universities and CollegesLionel Lockhart, former County Attorney for Prince George's County MDBookAll I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Book by Robert FulghumConnect with Howard Stone:Howard Stone 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
Feb 11, 2021 • 38min
28 Using research-based positive psychology to become a better leader with Dr. Michelle McQuaid | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Michelle McQuaid, a best-selling author, workplace wellbeing teacher, and playful change activator. Michelle McQuaid talks about how positive psychology has influenced her perspective on leadership and shares lessons for effectively leading teams and organizations.Some highlights:How Dr. Michelle McQuaid came to positive psychology and the science of behavior changeWhy and how positive psychology is critical to leadershipHow to be an authentic leader by embracing imperfectionsLessons learned from Carol Dweck’s research on Growth MindsetThe power of psychological safety in unleashing team performanceHow Dr. Michelle McQuaid uses a learning loop with her team for more effective team communicationsThe critical role wellness and wellbeing play in organizational cultureDr. Michelle McQuaid’s thoughts on how to navigate through struggle as a leaderAlso mentioned in this episode:Tal Ben Shahar, author and founder of Happiness Studies AcademyMartin Seligman, Psychologist and father of Positive PsychologyCarol Dweck, Psychologist and author of mindsetAmy Edmondson, HBS professor and author of The Fearless OrganizationConnect with Michelle McQuiad:Michelle McQuaid’s websiteMaking Positive Psychology Work Michelle McQuaid on LinkedIn Michelle McQuaid 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
