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
Jan 5, 2021 • 38min
17 Leading with deep values and a service mindset with Rosie Allen-Herring | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Rosie-Allen Herring, President and CEO of the United Way NCA and Board Chair of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, talks about leading with purpose, leading the transformation of United Way NCA and reflects on the future leadership of the Greater Washington DC / DMV region.Some highlights:Rosie Allen-Herring shares how her brothers and sisters inspire her to become a better leaderRosie Allen-Herring's experience working at Fannie Mae and leaving for United Way NCA to serve an even greater purposeThe challenges Rosie Allen-Herring faced as the new CEO of United Way NCAHow "community commitment" transformed United Way NCAHow the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice issues impacted Rosie Allen-Herring's perspective and leadership Rosie Allen-Herring shares her purpose in the world and the legacy she hopes to leave behindRosie Allen-Herring’s application of the Stockdale Paradox by being a realistAlso mentioned in this episode:Jim Dinegar, former president at Greater Washington Board of Trade Jack McDougle, current president at Greater Washington Board of Trade Kevin Smith, Chief Financial Officer at United Way NCAConnect with Rosie-Allen Herring:Rosie-Allen Herring on LinkedInUnited Way Official WebsiteConnect 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
Dec 29, 2020 • 38min
16 The why and how of leadership happiness with Dr. Elia Gourgouris | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Elia Gourgouris, founder of Happiness Center and author of 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness and co-author of 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis, A Practical Guide to Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics & Other Disasters. Dr. Elia Gourgouris shares some of his thoughts and perspectives on how we can nurture happiness in ourselves, and use happiness to become better leaders of organizations. Some highlights:Dr. Elia Gourgouris talks about his Greek heritage and culture and how that influenced him to study happinessDr. Elia discusses the importance of self-care for leaders and its importance to great leadershipThe connection between happiness and leadership based on Dr, Elia Gourgouris’ research and experience with leadersWhy leaders should extend forgiveness for mistakes in leading teamsHow following your passion relates to leading and leadershipDr. Elia Gourgouris’ advice on how to become an authentic leaderAlso mentioned in this episode:Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, the founder, and CEO of Thrive GlobalConnect with Dr. Elia Gourgouris:Dr. Elia Gourgouris Official WebsiteThe Happiness CenterThe Kindness and Happiness PodcastBooksLinkedInInstagramConnect 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
Dec 22, 2020 • 30min
15 Developing GRIT to lead through adversity with Shannon Huffman Polson | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Shannon Huffman Polson, author of The Grit Factor and CEO of the Grit Institute, talks about her experiences as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, and the lessons learned on grit from women leaders in the US military.Some highlights:The story behind Shannon Huffman Polson being one of the first women to fly an Apache attack helicopterThe inspiration behind the book “The Grit Factor”How owning your own story is critical to leadership and gritThe key to connecting to your core purposeShannon Huffman Polson’s lessons for leading through adversityAlso mentioned in this episode:Angela Duckworth, author, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania,Captain Shaye Haver, US Army, Infantry serviceConnect with Shannon Polson:Shannon Polson Official WebsiteThe Grit InstituteLinkedInTwitterConnect 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
Dec 15, 2020 • 32min
14 Leadership that wins hearts, minds, and produces breakthrough results with David Fagiano | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, David Fagiano, former Chief Operating Officer of Dale Carnegie Training and former CEO of American Management Association, talks about his career, leadership lessons learned, and how he led organizations to achieve significant growth. Some highlights: How David Fagiano started out his career in the mail order business and ended up in a career in the training industryHow David Fagiano managed to engage an organization in working towards a shared vision and achieving breakthrough growthDavid Fagiano’s leadership insights on how to improve team performance with the concept of ownership and empowering peopleDavid Fagiano’s views on the fundamentals of great leadershipAlso mentioned in this episode:Bob FarmerThe Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Wiliam ShakespeareConnect 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
Dec 8, 2020 • 46min
13 Transformational leadership with a focus on what really matters with Patricia McGuire | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Patricia McGuire, the president of Trinity Washington University, talks about how she led the transformation of Trinity, the leadership principles that she has learned, and advice she has for other leaders, as they're looking to lead their organizations through transformation. Some highlights:Pat McGuire shares the story of her early years of activismHow Pat McGuire transitioned from law to becoming president of Trinity UniversityPat McGuire’s reinvention of Trinity UniversityHow to effectively lead organizational transformationBuilding partnerships and finding allies to support the visionAlso mentioned in this episode:Henry Kissinger, Former United States Secretary of StateRichard Nixon, 37th U.S. PresidentRonald Reagan, 40th U.S. PresidentBart Giamatti, President of Yale University Bill Conway, co-founder of the Carlisle groupBooksA Free and Ordered Space by Bart GiamattiConnect with Pat McGuire:Trinity Washington University Official WebsiteTwitterConnect 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
Dec 3, 2020 • 7min
12 Leading with empathy and hope: learning from Admiral Stockdale and the Stockdale Paradox | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about the Stockdale Paradox, the difference between hope and optimism, and the necessity for antifragility in leading your organization and team during times of crisis. Some highlights:The story of courage and patriotism of Admiral StockdaleUnderstanding the difference between optimism and maintaining hopeHow to lead with hopeHandling more disruption with antifragilityConnect 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
Dec 1, 2020 • 51min
11 Rule breaking to achieve success as an entrepreneur and leader with David Gardner | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, David Gardner, co-founder and chief Rule Breaker at The Motley Fool, talks about the origins of the company, the importance of purpose and culture in their organization, and David’s belief in Conscious Capitalism. Some highlights:What made David Gardner a rule breakerThe story behind The Motley Fool's founding and the Jester capDavid Gardner’s perspective on how to build a strong purpose-driven culture of engagementDavid Gardner's explanation of Conscious Capitalism and its importance Also mentioned in this episode:Dan Simons, Founder Farmers Restaurant GroupTed Leonsis, Founder and CEO Monumental Sports & EntertainmentJohn Mackey, Founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market & Conscious Capitalism INC.Conscious Capitalism DCMars IncorporatedBooksCompleting Capitalism: Heal Business to Heal the World by Bruno Roche and Jay JakubConscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business by John Mackey, Carter Phipps, and Steve McIntoshConnect with David Gardner:The Motley Fool Official WebsiteRule Breaker Investing podcastLinkedInTwitterConnect 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
Nov 24, 2020 • 19min
10 Leading with soul, scheduling more meetings and brownies on the table with Rishad Tobaccowala | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Rishad Tobaccowala, Author of Restoring the Soul of Business, talks about the turd on the table, the story behind his book, and his perspective on the future of work.Some highlights:Rishad Tobacocowala’s view on the role of data in businessLeading organizations through change Team communication strategiesRishad Tobaccowala’s five characteristics of leaders that have soulBuilding a strong team cultureHow to lead and motivate a teamFactors that will affect the future of workConnect with Rishad Tobaccowala:Rishad Tobaccowala Official WebsiteNewsletterLinkedInTwitterConnect 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
Nov 17, 2020 • 37min
09 Carrying the leadership torch to make a meaningful difference with A. Scott Bolden | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, A. Scott Bolden, Managing Partner of the Washington, D.C. office of Reed Smith, talks about his background and history, failures, and successes that led him to make a real difference.Some highlights:What motivated Scott Bolden to practice lawTips for aspiring leaders to achieve successEvents and setbacks in Scott Bolden’s life that made him value humilityScott Bolden embracing his failures to become a better leaderLeading for a better futureScott Bolden’s aspirations of leaving a legacy fighting for justice and equalityAlso mentioned in this episode:Charlene Drew Jarvis, former council of district of ColumbiaConnect with A. Scott Bolden:A.Scott Bolden Official WebsiteTwitterConnect 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
Nov 10, 2020 • 49min
08 Entrepreneurial work ethic and optimism as a leader with Victor Hoskins | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, shares how his upbringing influenced him and the many successes and challenges Victor has faced along the way.Some highlights:The value of educationUnderstanding poverty and how it motivated Victor HoskinsThe story behind majoring in Urban Studies at DartmouthHow to improve team culture at workHow Victor Hoskins led and cooperated to help the region land Amazon HQ2 How to lead and motivate a teamVictor Hoskins vision in forging a regional alliance for economic development Also mentioned in this episode:Jim HanklaDavid RubensteinMichael BloombergRobert Ehrlich, Former Governor of MarylandVince Gray, Former Mayor of District of Columbia, Washington DCNestle, Gerber, Grant Thorton, CGI, Amazon HQ2Books21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John MaxwellHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieConnect with Victor Hoskins:Fairfax County Economic Development AuthorityLinkedInConnect 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
