Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Laura Hamill, organizational psychologist, startup co-founder, and author of The Power of Culture. Laura shares how her early experiences and leadership journey at Microsoft shaped her passion for understanding the hidden forces that drive organizational behavior and business outcomes.Laura emphasizes that culture is not a branding exercise or an HR initiative — it is a core leadership responsibility and a strategic lever for success. She discusses the disconnect many organizations face between their stated values and the actual employee experience, warning of the costly "cultural betrayal" that can occur when leaders aren't intentional about culture.Drawing from real-world examples, Laura outlines how power dynamics, leadership behavior, and systematic feedback are crucial to building a culture that truly supports business goals. Whether you're leading a global company or managing a key division, this conversation offers pragmatic strategies to turn culture from an abstract idea into a business advantage.Actionable TakeawaysHear how Laura’s early life and career experiences built her deep expertise in organizational culture.Learn why executives — not just HR — must lead culture initiatives for real impact.Find out how to avoid "cultural betrayal" and strengthen employee trust.Discover why behavior modeling, not slogans, is essential to culture change.Learn simple ways to assess culture health in your teams without massive initiatives.Understand how hybrid work is reshaping how leaders must communicate culture.Connect with the GuestWebsite: Paris Phoenix GroupLinkedIn: Laura HamillBook: The Power of Culture available on AmazonConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Alfredo De Massis, a globally recognized expert on family enterprise and author of The Family Business Book, shares insights on creating enduring legacies. He emphasizes the need for leaders to design systems that outlast their tenure, moving beyond traditional succession planning. De Massis introduces the concept of the 'family galaxy,' which accommodates different generational talents. The conversation also touches on navigating AI disruptions in family businesses and the critical balance between innovation and tradition for long-term success.

What if the greatest risk to your organization isn't economic uncertainty, market volatility, or disruptive technology—but the decisions being made in your own boardroom?In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Didier Cossin, IMD professor and global expert in board governance, whose book High Performance Boards has become a must-read for senior leaders looking to elevate board effectiveness. Drawing from decades of research, real-world consulting, and cross-disciplinary experience—including economics, risk management, and even poetry—Cossin brings a powerful lens to what leadership at the top should really look like.Cossin argues that governance has been misunderstood by many organizations as a compliance function, rather than what it truly is: a system that shapes the quality of executive decisions. He challenges CEOs and board members to rethink how they engage with one another, what information they rely on, and who actually owns governance performance. The result is a compelling case for boards as enablers of transformation—not just overseers of risk.Throughout the conversation, Cossin shares examples and frameworks that translate theory into practice. He offers clarity on how boards can evolve to meet the complexity of today’s environment while helping CEOs make better, faster, and more strategic decisions. From the role of the chair to the structure of board packs to the power of informal intelligence, every element of this conversation is designed to elevate how boards contribute to long-term success.If you are a CEO, board member, or executive leader committed to high-performance leadership and long-term impact, this episode offers both insight and challenge to help you lead more effectively—starting at the top.Actionable TakeawaysHear how Didier Cossin reframes governance as a driver of decision quality—not just risk oversight or compliance.Learn why the chair, not the CEO, is ultimately responsible for board performance—and why that distinction matters.Discover how most boards are overwhelmed with information but still lack the intelligence needed for high-quality decisions.Understand the four levers of board performance—people, information, structure, and culture—and how each one shapes outcomes.Explore how the CEO-chair relationship must be intentionally designed, not assumed, for true alignment and accountability.Find out why board materials should be curated like an executive dashboard—and how overstuffed board books hinder strategic conversations.Learn how boards should evolve from approving strategy to actively shaping it—especially in complex and fast-moving environments.Reflect on how strong governance creates the organizational capacity to adapt, lead, and perform over the long term.Connect with Didier CossinDidier Cossin at IMD Didier Cossin LinkedIn High Performance Boards Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, humanitarian, and author of Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now. Greg shares how his upbringing in a small Connecticut town with nontraditional parents helped shape his views on purpose, disruption, and transformation. Through vivid personal stories—including a near-death experience involving a truck crashing into a bookstore—Greg explores the chaos of modern life, the influence of technology, and the power of reclaiming presence and humanity.Together, Mahan and Greg dive deep into themes of self-awareness, leadership, kindness, and the role of meaningful relationships in navigating an increasingly noisy and fast-paced world. With humor and humility, Greg invites listeners to rethink success, stay grounded, and embrace possibility—both in life and leadership.Highlights from the ConversationWhy noise and chaos dominate our lives—and who benefits from itHow modern technology hijacks our attention and focusReclaiming the now in a world driven by spectacle and distractionThe near-death bookstore experience that led Greg to rediscover purposeBelieving in the possibility of kindness to escape the trap of pessimismWhy leaders must stop assuming the worst and start cultivating trustThe importance of emotional buy-in and meaningful work connectionsReverberation vs. ripple effect in leadership and idea-sharingCritique of traditional self-help and Greg’s human-first philosophyDaily practices that help Greg stay authentic and focusedThe role of relationships in countering isolation and building purposeAsking whether we are using technology—or being used by itConnect with Greg Bennick:Greg Bennick on LinkedInGreg Bennick's Official Website"Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now"Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Mark Schaefer, a renowned bestselling author of popular marketing books. The conversation focuses on Mark Schaefer's latest book, Belonging to the Brand: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy.During the discussion, Mark Schaefer shares valuable insights on personal branding, courageous leadership, and the power of humility. Emphasizing the significance of community in marketing, he explores how organizations can successfully build and nurture thriving communities. Mark also discusses the shift from traditional advertising to social media and how creating a sense of community among audiences leads to stronger emotional connections.The conversation includes compelling examples of companies effectively engaging their customers through community-building initiatives. Mahan and Mark explore the psychological bonds within a community and how these connections translate to heightened brand loyalty. Discover the leadership insights of the legendary Peter Drucker and how his ability to distill complexity can transform your approach to management.Uncover the power of community in marketing and how it can drive revenue, heal, and create a sense of purpose.Learn from real-life examples of big and small companies that have successfully built communities and generated massive success.Explore the challenges of leading a community while maintaining alignment and discover the breakthrough ideas and innovation that can arise from a thriving community.Understand how the pandemic has highlighted the importance of community in marketing and how it can serve as a powerful healing force in society.Gain insights into the importance of purpose in building a community and how involving customers or fans can create a better world together.Learn how to build a personal brand in the digital age, leveraging the power of the internet to attract a supportive audience.Understand the importance of community and purpose in building thriving communities and how they can engage loyal customers and build on each other.Gain insights into building a community and personal brand, focusing on trust and collaboration.Explore the power of creating meaningful moments and connections within a community and how it can lead to stronger emotional relationships with your audience.Uncover the overlooked value of community in brand marketing and the power of user-generated content and brand advocacy.Connect with Mark SchaeferMark Schaefer Website Mark Schaefer on LinkedIn Belonging to the Brand: Why Community Is the Last Great Marketing Strategy on Amazon Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rajeev Kapur, a seasoned technology executive, AI innovator, and author of AI Made Simple. With decades of leadership experience, including his time as CEO of a leading B2B marketing and media technology company, Rajeev shares invaluable insights on how generative AI is reshaping business, leadership, and decision-making.Leaders today are navigating the rapid rise of AI, facing both unprecedented opportunities and daunting challenges. Rajeev brings clarity to the conversation, offering practical perspectives on how executives can embrace AI without falling behind. From understanding the distinction between machine learning and generative AI to adopting a mindset of experimentation, his guidance is tailored for CEOs and senior leaders determined to future-proof their organizations.Through this engaging conversation, listeners will gain actionable insights on how AI can drive business growth, enhance strategic decision-making, and optimize operations. Rajeev also addresses common fears around AI adoption and reveals how leaders can use it to multiply their impact, rather than merely cutting costs.Whether you’re a technology-savvy executive or someone just beginning to explore AI's potential, this episode offers a compelling roadmap for leading in the age of AI. Tune in to learn how to shift from apprehension to action and gain the confidence to make AI a leadership advantage.Actionable TakeawaysAI Leadership Mindset: Learn why Rajeev believes AI isn’t just a tool but a leadership test, and how executives can shift their perspective to thrive in an AI-driven world.Data as a Competitive Advantage: Hear why controlling and leveraging your organization’s data is critical to unlocking AI’s true potential.Efficiency vs. Innovation: Discover how AI can free up leadership time by automating mundane tasks, allowing greater focus on strategy and innovation.Decision-Making Reinvented: Gain insights into how AI can transform decision-making by providing predictive insights and surfacing patterns that humans may miss.Common Pitfalls: Understand the biggest mistakes companies make when implementing AI and how to avoid them.Future-Proofing Your Organization: Learn why waiting for AI to “mature” could be a costly mistake and how early adopters are gaining significant advantages.Real-World Examples: Rajeev shares how leading organizations are applying AI to solve complex business challenges and uncover new opportunities.AI and Talent: Explore how leaders can empower their teams to work alongside AI, creating a more productive and engaged workforce.The First Step: Hear Rajeev’s advice on how executives can get started with AI, even without a technical background.Long-Term AI Strategy: Learn how to think beyond short-term automation and consider AI’s role in long-term value creation.Connect with Rajeev KapurRajeev Kapur Website Rajeev Kapur LinkedIn AI Made Simple : A Beginner’s Guide to Generative Intelligence Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Barbara Kellerman, a renowned expert in leadership, Harvard Kennedy School Professor, and a prolific author. Kellerman's latest book, Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers, serves as the focal point of this discussion. With decades of research and a unique perspective on the dynamics of leadership, Kellerman challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on often-overlooked aspects of leadership and followership.From the outset, Kellerman captivates with her critical examination of why the leadership industry tends to ignore the darker sides of leadership. She goes into the complex interplay between leaders and followers, emphasizing that bad leadership is seldom the result of one individual's actions alone. Her insights into the roles of enablers and the broader context within which leaders operate offer a fresh and necessary perspective for today's CEOs and senior executives.Kellerman's engaging anecdotes and examples, ranging from corporate boardrooms to political arenas, illustrate the intricate dance between power, authority, and influence. She highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics to navigate the increasingly complex leadership landscape effectively. The conversation also explores the diminishing power and authority of leaders in modern organizations, replaced by the need to master influence. Kellerman offers actionable insights on how leaders can cultivate this skill by deeply understanding their followers and the contexts in which they operate. This episode is not just a discussion; it is a masterclass in rethinking leadership in the 21st century. Actionable Takeaways:You'll learn why the leadership industry often avoids discussing bad leadership and the implications of this oversight.Hear how understanding the role of followers is crucial in holding leaders accountable and driving positive change.Discover the importance of examining the entire leadership system, including enablers and context, to truly understand leadership failures.Understand why leadership cannot be reduced to a few simple lessons and the importance of lifelong learning in leadership development.Explore the diminishing authority of leaders and the rising importance of influence in effective leadership today.Gain insights into the challenges of leading in a world where power dynamics have drastically shifted due to cultural and technological changes.Find out how leaders can balance accessibility and authority to maintain effective leadership.Learn about the critical role of followership in both enabling and challenging bad leadership.Discover strategies for creating an organizational culture that supports transparency and accountability in leadership.Hear examples of how successful leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership environments.Connect with Barbara KellermanLeadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers Barbara Kellerman Website Barbara Kellerman LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What can today’s executives and business leaders learn from a ruler who lived 2,500 years ago? As it turns out, quite a lot. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Darius Lahoutifard, a seasoned entrepreneur, leadership expert, and the author of Leadership by Cyrus the Great: Unlocking Xenophon’s Cyropaedia. Drawing on the remarkable leadership legacy of Cyrus the Great, one of history’s most effective and visionary leaders, Darius reveals how Cyrus’s principles of governance, strategy, and influence remain strikingly relevant in today’s fast-changing business environment.In this insightful conversation, Darius shares how Cyrus built and sustained one of the most diverse and resilient empires in history—not through brute force, but through strategic leadership, trust-building, and cultural intelligence. Unlike many rulers of his time, Cyrus understood that power was not about control but about creating unity through shared purpose. His ability to win wars without fighting, empower his people while maintaining oversight, and earn loyalty rather than demand it makes him a leadership model worth studying today.Mahan and Darius also discuss how leaders today struggle with many of the same challenges Cyrus faced—gaining trust, balancing autonomy with accountability, and inspiring people to commit to a vision bigger than themselves. Through historical insights and modern applications, this episode explores how executives can apply Cyrus’s timeless leadership strategies to navigate uncertainty, foster high-performing cultures, and lead with clarity and purpose.Whether you’re a CEO, an entrepreneur, or a leader guiding a team through transformation, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership. Listen in to discover how an ancient leader’s wisdom can help you make smarter strategic decisions, inspire your people, and build an organization that thrives beyond your tenure.Actionable Takeaways:🔹 What made Cyrus the Great one of history’s most effective leaders—and why his leadership principles are still relevant today.🔹 The hidden leadership advantage of winning without war—how Cyrus secured victories through intelligence and strategy rather than brute force.🔹 How to build unwavering trust as a leader—Cyrus’s secret to getting people to follow him willingly, and how modern leaders can apply it to earn loyalty and drive engagement.🔹 The power of leading by example—why Cyrus’s discipline and personal ethics were key to his influence, and what leaders today can learn about credibility and consistency.🔹 The balance between trust and oversight—Cyrus knew that empowering people didn’t mean letting go of accountability. Hear how he managed both—and how you can too.🔹 Why repetition is a leadership necessity, not a weakness—Cyrus constantly reinforced his vision and values. Learn why leaders must repeat key messages far more than they think.Connect with Darius LahoutifardDarius Lahoutifard Website Darius Lahoutifard Linkedin Leadership by Cyrus the Great: Unlocking Xenophon’s Cyropaedia  Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In today’s fast-changing world, leaders are expected to navigate complexity, make high-stakes decisions, and provide clarity—even when certainty is impossible. But how can leaders embrace ambiguity without losing their strategic edge? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Jennifer Garvey Berger, a world-renowned leadership expert and the author of Changing on the Job: How Leaders Become Courageous, Wise, and Steady in an Anxious World.Jennifer has spent decades studying leadership development, complexity theory, and the psychological barriers that hold leaders back. She challenges conventional leadership wisdom, arguing that the strategies that once worked—providing clear-cut answers, setting rigid goals, and optimizing efficiency—are now outdated. Instead, she offers a compelling vision for leaders who want to increase their adaptability, enhance their decision-making, and transform uncertainty into opportunity.In this conversation, Jennifer and Mahan explore why leaders feel overwhelmed by complexity, how our brains instinctively react to uncertainty, and what it takes to break free from reactive leadership patterns. She introduces the three stages of leadership mindset evolution and explains why some leaders stay stuck in old ways of thinking while others thrive. Jennifer also discusses the pitfalls of chasing externally defined success and offers powerful questions leaders should be asking themselves to ensure they are driving meaningful impact.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to have all the answers, struggled to balance clarity with ambiguity, or wondered how to lead when the future feels unpredictable, this episode is packed with insights designed to shift your perspective. Jennifer Garvey Berger’s expertise provides a practical and thought-provoking roadmap for leaders looking to navigate complexity with confidence.Actionable Takeaways:Why "business as usual" leadership fails in today’s world – Hear how traditional leadership habits are making it harder for executives to succeed in complexity.The biggest mistake leaders make when facing uncertainty – Learn what top leaders do differently to remain agile and adaptive.How your brain is working against you in complexity – Discover how your nervous system reacts to uncertainty and how to retrain your thinking for better decision-making.Are you chasing success—or someone else’s version of it? – Jennifer shares a powerful framework for reassessing your goals and ensuring they align with what truly matters.The three leadership mindsets—and why most leaders never evolve past the second stage – Understand what keeps some leaders stuck and how to unlock the mindset shift needed to lead in complexity.Why AI won’t replace leadership—but will change what great leaders must do – Explore how the rise of AI is reshaping leadership and what skills will become essential.The feedback paradox—why leaders avoid it and why they must embrace it – Hear why feedback is the most underutilized tool for leadership growth and how to create a feedback-rich culture.The balancing act: providing clarity without false certainty – Learn how to communicate a strong vision while staying open to change.A simple shift to improve your leadership today – Try this one practical exercise to increase your strategic thinking and avoid reactive decision-making.Connect with Jennifer Garvey BergerJennifer Garvey Berger WebConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli hosts Andrea Sampson, an expert in strategic storytelling and the co-founder of Talk Boutique. Andrea Sampson talks about the fascinating intersection of brain science and storytelling, emphasizing why humans are hardwired to respond to stories. As an experienced speaker's coach for TEDx Toronto and a thought leader in her own right, Andrea shares her journey from the advertising world to helping change-makers communicate their ideas effectively. Andrea highlights the critical role storytelling plays in leadership and organizational success. She explains how stories, unlike mere data, engage multiple parts of the brain, making messages more memorable and impactful. Leaders are often trained to prioritize facts and figures, but Andrea argues that integrating storytelling into their communication strategies can significantly enhance their influence and connection with their audience. Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores the importance of starting with a clear strategic message before crafting the narrative. She shares practical insights on how leaders can identify and refine their core messages, ensuring that their stories are not only engaging but also aligned with their organizational goals. By drawing on examples from iconic brands like Apple and Disney, Andrea illustrates how a singular focus can drive brand consistency and loyalty. Moreover, Andrea addresses the challenge of vulnerability in leadership. She advocates for sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds, enabling leaders to convey authenticity and empathy without retraumatizing themselves or their audience.  Actionable Takeaways: Discover the Brain Science Behind Storytelling: Understand why humans are neurologically hardwired to respond to stories and how this can be leveraged in leadership.Engage Multiple Parts of the Brain: Learn how integrating sensory details into your narratives can make your messages more memorable.Start with a Strategic Message: Hear why it's crucial to begin with a clear idea before crafting your story to ensure alignment with your goals.Embrace Vulnerability: Find out how sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds can enhance authenticity and connection.Consistency is Key: Learn from iconic brands like Apple and Disney on the importance of maintaining a singular focus in your storytelling.The Role of Community in Thought Leadership: Understand the importance of building a supportive community to amplify your personal brand and core message.Overcome Storytelling Fears: Hear how leaders can overcome the fear of storytelling by refining their skills and embracing their unique experiences.Practical Storytelling Techniques: Discover actionable tips on how to use storytelling to deliver difficult messages and inspire your team.Connect with the Andrea Sampson:Talk Boutique Website Andrea Sampson LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website