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
Apr 15, 2021 • 48min
46 How to lead, care and win with authenticity with Dan Pontefract | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Dan Pontefract, CEO, and Founder of Pontefract Group and author of four books including his most recent book Lead, Care, Win: How to Become a Leader Who Matters. Dan Pontefract shares his thoughts on how to lead with greater humanity, care, and compassion.Some highlights:Dan Pontefract on the pandemic as a potential to resetDan Pontefract shares how crisis can impact leadership valuesHow to increase employee engagement even with remote workDan Pontefract on the need for greater authenticity and humility in leadershipAlso mentioned in this episode:Eric Yuan, Founder of ZoomConnect with Dan Pontefract:Dan Pontefract Official WebsiteDan Pontefract on LinkedInLead. Care. Win BookDan Pontefract on Twitter: @dpontefractConnect 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
Apr 13, 2021 • 35min
45 Being prepared to lead the Girl Scouts way with Lidia Soto-Harmon | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Lidia Soto-Harmon, CEO of Girl Scouts of National Capital Region, and Chair and a trustee of the Migration Policy Institute. Lidia Soto-Harmon shares her inspiring story, the importance of being open to opportunities and how to lead a purpose driven organization through crisis. Some highlights:● Lidia Soto-Harmon on the need for generosity in relationships. ● Importance of patience and humility in leadership.● How leaders, especially women, can step up and take advantage of opportunities.● The importance of establishing and maintaining relationships.● How Lidia Soto-Harmon has led the Girl Scouts through the crisis and what she expects the future holds for the organization and leadership development. Also mentioned in the Episode: Madeline Albright - Former United States Secretary of State Lyles Carr – Senior Vice President at The McCormick GroupMichelle Obama – Former First Lady of the United States Connect with Lidia Soto-Harmon:Lidia Soto-Harmon on LinkedInLidia Soto-Harmon on TwitterLidia Soto-Harmon on Facebook Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:MahanTavakoli.comMore 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 8, 2021 • 41min
44 The essential leadership skills for the next normal with Kon Apostolopoulos | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Kon Apostolopoulos, founder and CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions and the co-author of 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis. Kon Apostolopoulos shares how leaders can lead their organizations through and post-crisis. Some highlights:● Kon Apostolopoulos shares his perspective on what it takes to lead post-crisis● How purpose-driven leaders create great organizational culture● Kon Apostolopoulos talks about the importance of flexibility in leadership● The Leadership Paradox and how it relates to successful leadership● The role of resilience in building a positive organizational culture● How to lead effectively with greater gratitude Also mentioned in this episode: James Kerr, Founder of Indispensable Consulting and author of INDISPENSABLE: Build and Lead A Company Customers Can’t Live Without Andrea Simon, CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants (SAMC) and Author of Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Todd Cherches, Co-Founder & CEO of Big Blue GumballAuthor of Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life Connect with Kon Apostolopoulos:Fresh Biz SolutionsKon Apostolopoulos LinkedIn7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis Book on Amazon 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 6, 2021 • 32min
43 How to speak up, speak your truth and make a difference with Rynthia Rost | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rynthia Rost, former GEICO Vice-President for Public Affairs, and the current executive advisor to IBM International Foundation. Rynthia Rost talks about the importance of finding your voice and using it to impact positive change. Some Highlights:● How Adler’s management was changed because of young Rynthia Rost’s confidence to speak up.● The importance of finding your voice and speaking up to advance progress in communities and organizations.● Rynthia Rost on representing women and people of color in leadership.● How leaders can find their voice and why they should take more risks. Also mentioned in this episode:Delano LewisAnthony (Tony) Williams, former Mayor of Washington DCElbert Hubbard’s A Message to GarciaRobert M. Pirsig’s Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Connect with Rynthia Rost:Rynthia Rost on LinkedInRynthia Rost on Twitter 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
Apr 1, 2021 • 12min
42 Example IS leadership | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about how leaders can set an example for those they lead through their behaviors. Mahan shares examples of leadership behaviors that aren’t aligned with values and why team members pay attention to the smallest details of leadership behavior to determine values and priorities. Some highlights:What kind of an example do you choose to set?Why leadership example is best shown through actions rather than wordsLeadership choices and behaviors as the true gauge of values and priorities Why the smallest choices of leaders impact the example they set for their teamsAlso mentioned in this episode:Lou Gerstner, former CEO and chairman of IBMConnect 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 30, 2021 • 21min
41 Regional leadership for lasting impact with Michael Rogers | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Michael Rogers, Former Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). Prior to his appointment at COG, Mr. Rogers enjoyed a distinguished career as City Administrator and Deputy Mayor for Operations for the District of Columbia, was Director of the Mayor’s Office of Contracts/Chief Procurement Officer for the City of New York and Vice President/Municipal Services for Ogden Services Corporation.Some highlights:Michael Rogers on how growing up during the Civil Rights movement impacted his leadership.Why and how Michael Rogers went against unethical contracting practices in New York.How Michael Rogers helped increase the impact and relevance of Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG)Michael Roger’s advice on how leaders can leave an impactful legacy. Also mentioned in this episode:Marion Barry, former Mayor of Washington DCRon Brown, former US Secretary of CommerceConnect with Michale Rogers:Michael Rogers 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 25, 2021 • 38min
40 Putting significance before success and building on gifts of devastation with John Chappelear | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with John Chappelear, president and founder of Changing the Focus and author of the Daily Six, Six Simple Steps to Find the Perfect Balance between Success and Significance. John Chappelear shares how a gift of devastation created the perfect opportunity for him to be a better mentor, a better leader and most of all a better person.Some highlights:John Chappelear shares the difference between success and significanceGetting a Gift of DevastationHow leaders can use The Daily Six to add more significance to their livesJohn Chappelear’s thoughts on the role of love and forgiveness in leadershipAlso mentioned in this episode:Leading With Love, Alexander StrauchThe Book of Joy, Desmond Tutu & Dalai LamaLeadership is an Art, Max DePreeConnect John Chappelear:The Daily Six: Simple Steps to Prosperity and PurposeJohn Chappelear LinkedInJohn Chappelear FacebookJohn Chappelear TwitterJohn Chappelear InstagramJohn Chappelear YouTubeConnect 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 23, 2021 • 19min
39 The performing art of leadership with Doug Wheeler | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Doug Wheeler, Former President of Washington Performing Arts. Doug shares leadership lessons learned as he engaged the community with the organization’s mission and service to the community.Highlights:Producing a radio program for WAMU and how it started Doug’s relationship with Patrick HayesDoug Wheeler’s efforts on engaging the broader community in the arts and the mission of Washington Performing ArtsWhat drove Doug to greater involvement with Leadership Greater Washington and the Washington DC ChamberWhy and how Doug Wheeler led a charge for greater equityJustice Ruth Bader Ginsburg asking Doug to chair friends of music at the US Supreme Court Also mentioned in this episode:Patrick Hayes, Founder of Washington Performing Arts SocietyJenny Bilfield, President of Washing Performing ArtsConnect with Doug Wheeler:Washington Performing artsConnect 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 18, 2021 • 52min
38 Leading Dunkin Donuts from Around the Corner to Around The World with Robert Rosenberg | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Robert Rosenberg, CEO of Dunkin Donuts for 35 years and author of the book “Around the Corner to Around the World: A Dozen Lessons I Learned Running Dunkin' Donuts.” Robert Rosenberg shares his origin story, leadership successes and mistakes, and lessons learned in growing Dunkin Donuts to the household name it is today, and his advice on how to effectively lead an organization. Some highlights:Robert Rosenberg on the origin story of Dunkin Donuts Why and how Robert Rosenberg became the CEO of Dunkin Donuts at age 25How in his first 5 years as CEO, Robert Rosenberg led the impressive growth of Dunkin Donuts’ and took the company public with a market cap of $120 millionDunkin Donuts’ secret to successExploitation vs. Experimentation and why striking the right balance is critical for organizational growthHow learning to listen helped Robert Rosenberg recover from leadership mistakes How and why Dunkin Donuts focused on the success of its franchiseesRobert Rosenberg’s Top 4 essentials in leading an organization: Strategy, Organization, Communication, and Crisis ManagementRobert Rosenberg’s advice on how best to prepare for a crisisThe importance of trust in leadership and building impactful business relationshipsAlso mentioned in this episode:Charles Lubin, founder of Sara LeeNathan Cummings, founder of Consolidated FoodsDavid Halberstam, author of “The Best and the Brightest”Bob and Edna Demery, Dunkin Donuts franchise owners in Hartford, ConnecticutThomas Schwarz, former president of Dunkin DonutsLeo Prieto, Dunkin Donuts franchise owner in the PhilippinesRosabeth Moss Kanter, author of “Think Outside the Building: How Advanced Leaders Can Change the World One Smart Innovation at a Time”Howard Samuels, former director of the Small Business Administration (SBA)Connect with Robert Rosenberg:Around the Corner to Around the World websiteAround the Corner to Around the World on AmazonRobert Rosenberg 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 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
