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
Feb 9, 2021 • 39min
27 Succeeding against all odds to become a profile in success with Linda Rabbitt | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Linda Rabbitt, the founder and chairman of Rand Construction, who is recognized as Washingtonian of the Year, and is in Washington's Business Hall of Fame. Linda shares her experiences overcoming breakage and setbacks, and how she used adversity as a motivator to achieve success.Highlights:Why and how Linda Rabbitt started all over again at age 32 Linda Rabbitt’s career at KPMG and how she rose in the organizationLinda’s bold step into the business world as a partner in the first female owned construction company in the Washington DC regionHow building a support group of women in the real estate industry helped her grow her company and give back to othersLinda Rabbitt’s battle with cancer as she became chair elect of the Greater Washington Board of TradeLinda’s passion for women in leadership and her advice to young female leaders on resilienceAlso mentioned in this episode:Steve Harlan, former Vice-Chairman-International at KPMGSherri Turner, Linda’s former business partnerMark Anderson, partner at Rand ConstructionJon Couch, former president at Rand ConstructionZig Ziglar, author and motivational speakerConnect with Linda Rabbitt:Linda Rabbitt on LinkedInRand Construction’s WebsiteRand Construction on InstagramConnect 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 4, 2021 • 9min
26 How to lead with love | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about the importance of leading with love and why genuine love is critical to leadership and a core essence of leading as a partner-leader. Some highlights:Mahan Tavakoli builds on the defenition of love and its connection to leadershipFour essential factors for leading with loveMahan Tavakoli shares examples of leaders who have shown genuine care and love for their teams in leading their organizationsAlso mentioned in this episode:Harry Stack Sullivan, PsychologistDavid Gardner, Co-Founder of The Motley FoolJohn Chambers, former CEO of Cisco SystemsConnect 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 2, 2021 • 35min
25 Impactful leadership with a genuine drive to help with Steve Harlan | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Steve Harlan, Founder of Harlan Enterprises. LLC, as he shares how he rose through the ranks at KPMG, the role he played on the DC Financial Control Board in turning around Washington DC’s finances and his commitment to the community. Some highlights:Steve Harlan shares the story of his army days and how he ended up becoming an accountantSteve Harlan talks about the importance of asking for help and helping othersHow Steve Harlan ended up in Washington DC and the reason for his commitment to the community Steve Harlan’s involvement in founding Leadership Greater WashingtonSteve Harlan shares the successes and challenges of turning around the finances of Washington DCAlso mentioned in this episode:John Veihmeyer, former Global Chairman of KPMGEleanor Holmes Norton, Washington DC Delegate to US House of RepresentativesMarion Barry, former Washington DC MayorAnthony Williams, former Washington DC MayorLinda Rabbit, Founder and Board Chair of Rand Construction Books:Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon HillHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieConnect 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
Jan 28, 2021 • 32min
24 Disruption is hard but full of opportunity with Henna Inam | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Henna Inam, CEO of Transformational Leadership, talks about her journey to discovering her authentic self, her book Wired for Disruption and on how to be agile through times of disruption.Some highlights:Henna Inam shared her story of rediscovering her purpose in lifeHenna Inam talks about how to be your most authentic self and how to use that to be a force for goodThe story behind writing the book Wired for DisruptionHenna Inam discusses the five different types of agilityWhy empathy and self-compassion are critical to lead through disruptionLeading through shared ownership and shared actionConnect with Henna Inam:Transformational Leadership Official WebsiteTransformational Leadership PodcastWired for Disruption BookHenna Inam 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
Jan 26, 2021 • 37min
23 Principle centered leadership for a better world with Howard Ross | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Howard Ross, Author of Reinventing Diversity, Everyday Bias, and Our Search for Belonging, talks about his background, how he started his own consulting firm, and his work on unconscious bias.Some highlights:The story of Howard Ross’ journey of reinventing himselfThe influence of his Jewish heritage and the value of his parents in shaping his life and leadershipWhat inspired Howard Ross to write a book about unconscious biasHoward Ross on the importance of being open to guidance from other leadersAlso mentioned in this episode:Michael Amilcar, CEO of Cook Ross Inc.Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, National Chair of the National Council of Negro WomenJohn Griffin, Former Head of Washington Suburban Sanitary CommissionBooksThe Practice of Adaptive Leadership by Ron HeifetzConnect with Howard Ross:Howard Ross Official WebsiteUDARTA Official WebsiteHoward Ross 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
Jan 21, 2021 • 39min
22 Billion-dollar leadership success with an innovator’s spirit with Chuck Swoboda | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Chuck Swoboda, former Chief Executive Officer of Cree, author of Innovator Spirit, and podcast host of Innovators on Tap. Chuck Swoboda speaks in-depth about innovation and how to cultivate it as part of an organization’s culture.Some highlights:Chuck Swoboda talks about his upbringing and how that influenced the kind of leader he came to beChuck Swoboda shares why he left HP to join CreeThe difference between improvement, invention, and innovationChuck Swoboda’s insights on innovation and how to cultivate a spirit of innovation within a companyThe UFO Test in recruiting talent for your companyChuck Swoboda discusses how the crisis can be great for innovationMentioned:Clayton Christensen, author of the book “The Innovator's Dilemma”Connect with Chuck SwobodaChuck Swoboda’s Official WebsiteInnovators on Tap PodcastChuck Swoboda on ForbesChuck Swoboda on LinkedInChuck Swoboda 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
Jan 19, 2021 • 37min
21 An inspiring vision to eradicate poverty with Dr. Mark Bergel | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Mark Bergel, Co-founder of Shared Humanity Project, talks about his incredible life experiences and shares his profound love for humanity and how it molded his character to be the kind of leader he is now along with his vision to eradicate poverty. Some highlights:Mark Bergel’s upbringing and impact on his service mindsetHow morality created a foundation for successful leadershipMark Bergel’s life-changing momentHow Mark leads the community in supporting his vision of eradicating poverty.Leadership to change culture and have a positive impactAlso mentioned in this episode:A Wider CircleJurg Siegenthaler, Prof Emeritus Sociology at American UniversityDavid Bohm, Author Wholeness and the Implicate OrderFrederick Taylor, Author Scientific ManagementPeter Senge, Author, The Fifth DisciplineLeo Buscaglia, Author, Living, Loving and LearningDr. Katherin Phillips, Co-Founder, Shared Humanity ProjectRobert Karch, Professor Health Studies at American UniversityRichard Feynman, American theoretical physicistBooks:Tao of Physics by Fritjof CapraDancing Wu Li Master by Gary ZukavThe Fifth Discipline by Peter SengeConnect with Mark Bergel:Shared Humanity ProjectNational Poverty PlanMark Bergel 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
Jan 14, 2021 • 20min
20 Antifragile leadership in action with Bettina Stern | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Bettina Stern, co-founder of Chaia Tacos. Bettina shares her experience leading a business through crisis and her plans for growing Chaia Tacos nationally.Some highlights: Bettina Stern shares how she and Suzanne Simon started Chaia Tacos through a mutual love for foodBettina Stern talks about the local food business scene and getting support from the Washington DC communityHow Bettina Stern and Suzanne Simon did not let a skeptic stop their aspirations. How Bettina and Suzanne have led Chaia Tacos through the pandemicUsing the crisis to become antifragileBettina Stern’s future plans of growing Chaia TacosAlso mentioned in this episode:Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of “Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder”Brett Schulman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Cava GroupFreshfarm Market Connect with Bettina SternChaia Tacos websiteBettina Stern on LinkedInConnect with Mahan TavakoliMahanTavakoli.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
Jan 12, 2021 • 35min
19 Advocacy as a way of life and as a business with Ximena Hartsock | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Ximena Hartsock, Co-founder of Phone2action and builder of tech for social good talks about how growing up in Chile and her father gave birth to her activism at an early age, how she battled injustice and hardship in Chile and as an immigrant to the United States and became successful while pursuing her advocacy as a way of life.Some Highlights:Ximena Hartsock on how building a great culture affects a community.How to lead and motivate people to act for change.Ximena Hartsock’s challenges as an immigrant and a woman of color and how she overcame them.How to build a positive culture so all people thrive. Also mentioned in this episode:Michelle Ray, Executive Director for The Walter Kaitz FoundationAdrian Fenty, Former Mayor of District of ColumbiaMarion Barry, Former Mayor of District of ColumbiaResources:Schools that Learn by Peter Senge Ninja innovation by Gary Shapiro How to lead by David Rubenstein Connect with Ximena Hartsock:Ximena Hartsock Official WebsiteXimena Hartsock LinkedInXimena Hartsock on MediumConnect 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
Jan 7, 2021 • 8min
18 Leading ourselves with more meaningful goal setting | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about how to think about goals differently and encourages leaders to think about their impact and legacy.Some highlights:The story behind Alfred Nobel’s legacyMahan Tavakoli shares insights on Bronnie Ware’s article about regretsSetting goals for impact and leaving a meaningful legacyAlso mentioned in this episode:Alfred Nobel, InventorBronnie Ware, 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
