Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli interviews philosopher, CEO, and bestselling author Brian Johnson on activating your organization's heroic potential. Having spent over half his career as a founder and business leader, Brian shares powerful insights on perseverance and excellence drawn from ancient wisdom and modern science.  In the conversation, Brian offers key lessons from his newest book, "Arete: Activate Your Heroic Potential," for overcoming adversity and leading teams through hardship. You'll discover Brian's fascinating concept of "anti-fragile confidence" and the rituals enabling leaders to cultivate it.  Hear how Brian trains his mind and body with world-class dedication - and why peak physical condition enables peak psychological performance when tackling stress. Finally, Brian defines the one "ultimate game" leaders must keep sight of in business and life.  In this conversation, you will learn:Why leaders should see adversity as a creative "wrestling partner" sent to build skills, like an ancient Greek heroThe moment-by-moment visualizing tactic for closing gaps between your potential and reality How an elite military leader defined the key to emotional resilience (and how to develop more of this quality)Why protocols and checklists matter as much personally for CEOs as they do for pilots and surgeonsThe four timeframes for properly assessing progress while avoiding imposter syndrome  How one trusted advisor coaches building "anti-fragile confidence" to thrive when problems intensifyThe critical question to ask when overwhelmed: "What's your protocol?" (and how to architect one)Why leaders should ask "What now?" rather than "Why me?" when adversity strikes   Connect with Brian JohnsonHeroicBrian Johnson Arete: Activate Your Heroic Potential Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with David Ross, VUCA strategist and author of Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of Uncertainty. David is a renowned expert on VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) environments and has spent his career advising organizations on how to thrive amidst complexity and disruption. With a background as an ecologist, David brings a unique perspective to leadership—one that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the issues facing businesses and society today. His deep understanding of wicked problems, those challenges with no straightforward solutions, forms the backbone of this engaging conversation.The discussion centers around how leaders must adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape, where traditional approaches no longer work. David argues that the old leadership models—based on control and linear thinking—are ill-suited for the challenges we face today. Instead, he advocates for a more collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and resilient leadership style, one that embraces uncertainty rather than fighting it. He explains how technology, climate change, and societal shifts are creating a world that’s more BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible), and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.Throughout the episode, David draws on his extensive experience advising CEOs and leadership teams, offering practical insights into how organizations can navigate the unpredictability of today’s environment. He also delves into the importance of hope and optimism, even in times of crisis, and how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Actionable Takeaways:You'll learn why traditional leadership models based on control and linear thinking are no longer effective in today's VUCA world—and what you need to replace them with.Hear how embracing uncertainty and fostering resilience can transform how your organization responds to crises and wicked problems.Discover the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and why listening is just as important as speaking in today’s collaborative environments.Find out what David means by a BANI world (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible) and how leaders can adapt to thrive in these unpredictable times.Explore the importance of hope and optimism in leadership and how turning crises into opportunities is key to long-term success.Understand why future literacy and foresight are critical tools for leaders looking to anticipate change and guide their organizations through complexity.Learn why David believes that normalcy has left the building and how leaders must evolve to lead effectively in this new reality.Hear David's insights on why collaboration—not isolation—is the future of leadership and how diverse perspectives fuel innovation.Gain insight into why scenario planning is a powerful tool for leaders to prepare for multiple futures and make better strategic decisions.Connect with David RossDavid Ross Website Confronting the Storm: Regenerating Leadership and Hope in the Age of UncertaintyDavid Ross LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Douglas Squirrel, co-author of *Agile Conversations*, a transformative book that dives deep into the art of having productive conversations in organizations. Douglas Squirrel, a seasoned technology leader and coach, shares his journey from struggling to communicate effectively with non-technical leaders to discovering frameworks that have radically changed how teams collaborate and make decisions. His passion for helping organizations unlock their potential through better conversations is palpable, and the strategies he presents are both practical and actionable.At the core of the conversation is the idea that many leadership and business challenges stem from poor communication, especially when stakes are high. Douglas introduces the concept of "model two" reasoning, a method of shifting from defensive, closed-off thinking to open, curiosity-driven conversations. Throughout the episode, Squirrel outlines how leaders can build trust, foster collaboration, and make better decisions by focusing on the quality of their interactions, not just the content of their discussions.Leaders in fast-paced industries, especially those leading technology or innovation-driven teams, will find Squirrel’s insights particularly relevant. His approach to improving communication is likened to practicing a sport—it requires effort and repetition, but the benefits are immense. From navigating difficult conversations to breaking down silos between departments, Douglas illustrates how leaders can transform the culture of their teams by mastering the art of meaningful conversations.Whether you're a CEO striving to foster better communication within your leadership team or a senior executive looking for ways to enhance cross-functional collaboration, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Douglas Squirrel's methods have been honed through years of experience in leading technology teams, but his insights apply to anyone seeking to elevate their leadership effectiveness through the power of dialogue. Don’t miss this episode—it could very well change the way you approach conversations in your organization.Actionable Takeaways:Hear how to overcome communication barriers in cross-functional teams by focusing less on technical jargon and more on relationship-building.You'll learn why defensive reasoning is holding your team back and how to shift toward curiosity-driven conversations that foster collaboration.Discover how the right kind of questioning can unlock hidden insights that may be missing from your leadership discussions.Explore why ‘disagree and commit’ can sometimes be dangerous and how true alignment comes from genuine dialogue.Hear how to use 'back-briefing' to ensure accountability while giving your teams the freedom to innovate and solve problems their way.Find out why learning to have better conversations is like practicing a sport and why it’s essential for long-term leadership success.Get practical tips for identifying when a trust conversation is necessary to build stronger, more collaborative teams.Uncover the biggest mistake leaders make when trying to include everyone in decision-making and how to avoid it.Connect with the Douglas SquirrelDouglas Squirrel Website    Douglas Squirrel LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Emmanuel Daniel, global thought leader, futurist, founder of The Asian Banker, and author of The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here. Emmanuel brings a wealth of experience from decades of engaging with top financial leaders and institutions worldwide, and his expertise shines through in this engaging conversation. With a deep understanding of how technology is reshaping the financial industry, Emmanuel challenges the status quo and offers a thought-provoking vision for the future of business, finance, and society.The episode centers on Emmanuel’s book, The Great Transition, where he explores how finance is being fundamentally transformed by the rise of personalization and decentralization. Emmanuel provides a compelling argument that technology is empowering individuals like never before, enabling them to bypass traditional financial institutions. But this is just the beginning—he reveals that this transition is not limited to finance but is reshaping the fabric of society itself.Throughout the conversation, Emmanuel goes into the “network effect,” explaining how it is changing the rules of engagement for businesses, institutions, and individuals. As industries face increasing pressure from disruptive technologies, Emmanuel highlights the critical need for leaders to embrace these changes or risk becoming obsolete. His insights are especially relevant for senior executives navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation and leadership in an interconnected world.Listeners will come away from this episode with a renewed understanding of how technology is disrupting not just finance but every facet of society. Emmanuel’s observations about the power of networks, the personalization of industries, and the decentralization of control are crucial for leaders seeking to stay ahead in today’s fast-changing business environment. This episode offers actionable insights and thought leadership that will resonate with CEOs, executives, and anyone interested in the future of leadership and finance.Actionable Takeaways:You'll learn how the "personalization of finance" is putting unprecedented control in the hands of individuals and what that means for the future of traditional financial institutions.Hear how the network effect is disrupting industries by shifting power from large institutions to decentralized communities, changing the rules of business and finance.Discover why blockchain and crypto aren't just financial tools but represent a deeper shift toward decentralization and individual empowerment.Find out why executives need to embrace the network effect in their leadership strategies to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.Explore how the future of work is being redefined by self-employment and the critical role of building your personal network to thrive in a networked economy.Gain insights into why platforms like Facebook are losing their dominance and how new technologies are enabling individuals to create their own platforms and communities.Connect with Emmanuel DanielEmmanuel Daniel Website and Blog The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here Emmanuel Daniel LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in an insightful conversation with Tamsen Webster, a leading expert in strategic messaging, transformational change, and the author of Say What They Can’t Unhear: The Nine Principles of Lasting Change. Known for her innovative thinking and deep understanding of human psychology, Tamsen has spent years helping organizations and leaders communicate more effectively and drive lasting change. With her unique approach, she cuts through the noise, helping leaders make their messages resonate and stick in ways that foster true alignment and transformation.Tamsen’s insights are particularly valuable for CEOs and senior executives who are looking to lead their teams through complex changes, whether it’s navigating organizational transformation, driving innovation, or aligning their teams around new strategic initiatives. She emphasizes that change isn’t just about getting people to say "yes" in the moment—it’s about creating long-term buy-in by connecting change to deep-seated beliefs and identities. In the episode, Tamsen explains the core principles from her book that help leaders unlock this deeper level of connection, ensuring their messages aren’t just heard but acted upon in meaningful ways.Throughout the conversation, Mahan and Tamsen go into the concept of the "ding moment"—that powerful, almost unshakable realization when a message clicks with someone so deeply that they can’t forget it. For leaders, creating these moments is key to inspiring lasting change and commitment from their teams. Tamsen shares compelling examples of how leaders can leverage their team's existing beliefs to drive change that feels both natural and necessary rather than forced or manipulative.Actionable Takeaways:You'll learn why true leadership isn’t just about getting quick agreements but fostering long-term commitment to change by connecting with deep-seated beliefs.Hear how Tamsen’s concept of the "ding moment" can transform the way you communicate, ensuring your messages resonate and stick.Discover why many change initiatives fail because they don’t address the underlying beliefs of the people involved—and how you can avoid this common pitfall.Find out how leaders can reframe change as a reaction rather than an action, helping their teams respond positively and embrace the transformation.Understand the power of aligning new ideas with your team’s existing identity and values to create change that feels authentic and sustainable.Hear Tamsen explain why every decision your team makes is based on an internal story—and how you can leverage that to drive better alignment and execution.Uncover the key principle that change isn't about manipulation, but about guiding people to a new understanding of what’s possible, using what they already know and believe.Gain insights into how to avoid “believers’ remorse” and ensure that the changes you lead are seen as right decisions, even in hindsight.Learn strategies for avoiding resistance to change by focusing on shared principles that resonate across different teams or departments.Connect with Tamsen WebsterTamsen Webster WebsiteSay What They Can’t Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting ChangeTamsen Webster LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, explore the intersection of leadership development and cutting-edge AI as Mahan Tavakoli’s 4-Step Framework to unleash a team’s full potential comes to life in an unexpected way. Instead of a traditional discussion, Mahan uses Google’s Notebook LM to transform his framework into a dynamic conversation between two AI avatars. This engaging dialogue captures key leadership principles, demonstrating how AI can turn complex ideas into accessible, compelling insights for leaders.Throughout the episode, the AI agents dive into Mahan’s framework, covering topics like how to set a compelling purpose, develop a bold strategy, foster an empowering culture, and ensure effective execution. But what’s most unique is the way the AI avatars dissect these principles—not just summarizing them but questioning, exploring, and unpacking the concepts in an engaging dialogue that mirrors a real conversation.You’ll hear about how leaders can align their teams with a shared vision, build psychological safety to drive innovation and cultivate a culture of growth. Beyond the content itself, the episode is also a showcase of AI's potential to enhance how leaders and their teams engage with knowledge. It's a blend of actionable leadership insights and a firsthand demonstration of how AI can make learning both efficient and impactful.To wrap up, Mahan reflects on how this AI-generated conversation exemplifies the growing role of AI in transforming leadership practices. This episode is not just about learning the framework—it's about understanding how AI tools like Notebook LM are reshaping the way leaders absorb, share, and apply critical information to drive team performance.Actionable TakeawaysExperience How AI Brings Leadership Insights to Life: Listen as two AI avatars engage in a dynamic discussion on the 4-Step Framework for team success, making complex ideas easy to digest.Aligning Teams Around Purpose: Hear how having a clear purpose serves as the foundation for decision-making and unites your team around a shared “why.”Bold Strategies for Today’s Leaders: Gain perspectives on developing a disciplined, talent-driven strategy that stays focused while embracing change and disruption.Building a Culture That Thrives: Learn how to cultivate psychological safety and a growth mindset to create a culture where innovation and performance go hand in hand.From Ideas to Execution: Discover the importance of execution and how to turn big concepts into concrete, actionable steps for your team to achieve results.See AI’s Power in Transforming Knowledge: Listen as Google’s Notebook LM turns Mahan’s leadership framework into a conversational experience, showing how AI makes complex information engaging and ready for practical use.AI as a Learning Tool for Leaders: Understand how AI isn’t just about speed or efficiency—it’s about enhancing how leaders absorb and share knowledge with their teams for better performance.Examples of Real-World Application: Hear the AI avatars discuss practical examples of how to implement the framework, helping you visualize how these principles can transform your team.Elevate Your Leadership Skills Through AI: Mahan’s reflections on AI show how embracing these tools can accelerate your growth, enhance team learning, and drive impactful results.A Glimpse Into the Future of Leadership Development: The conversation doesn’t just deliver insights on leadership; it reveals how AI is evolving to make complConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Hal Elrod, the international bestselling author of The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life, which has been translated into 37 languages and has sold over 2.5 million copies, brings his unique perspectives on establishing daily practices that foster personal growth and leadership excellence based on his recently updated and expanded edition of The Miracle Morning.  Drawing on personal experiences overcoming adversity, including life-threatening events, Hal developed the acclaimed Miracle Morning methodology to optimize and actualize his full potential intentionally.   In this inspiring discussion, Hal shares the origins of Miracle Morning's "6 Saver" routine of silence, affirmation, visualization, exercise, reading, and writing. He offers compelling insights on leveraging these personal development pillars for individual growth to elevate teams and build organizational culture. From establishing new habits to sustainability tactics and the neuroscience validating this methodology, Hal provides an often overlooked formula to embody more empowered, activated life and leadership. With insightful examples, Hal translates proven self-optimization techniques into accessible daily actions that yield exponential dividends over time for conscious, purposeful leaders ready to partner at higher levels. Actionable Takeaways: - Hear Hal's incredible story of personal tragedy becoming a transformational purpose- Learn the "5 Minute Rule" for processing adversity and finding freedom  - Understand the power and common pitfalls of correctly practicing affirmations- Apply visualization rehearsals to ensure execution and peak performance - Realize how the Miracle Morning fuels individual and collective actualization- Discover principles and strategies to shift from morning reluctance to ritual advocate- Grasp how to customize and scaffold the 6 Saver practices for beginners to advanced- Utilize emotional optimization meditation for programmed, on-demand mindset activationRecommended ResourcesThe Miracle Morning Website The Miracle Morning (Updated and Expanded Edition): The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) (Miracle Morning Book Series)   Connect with Hal Elrod Hal Elrod Website Hal Elrod LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Andre Laplume, co-author of Spinout Ventures: Transitioning from Employees to Entrepreneurs. Andre Laplume shares his research and perspectives on the dynamic world of spinouts—those entrepreneurial ventures born out of larger organizations when employees break away to pursue ideas that don’t quite fit within the corporate mold. From his own journey as a management consultant and professor to his experiences in researching the intricacies of spinouts, Andre offers a wealth of knowledge for both aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.The conversation goes into the critical role spinouts play in innovation and growth. Andre explains the unique advantages these ventures hold, from leveraging corporate resources to creating new opportunities for innovation that might be stifled within larger organizations. Drawing on examples from well-known companies like Apple, Zoom, and Zillow, the episode explores how spinouts emerge, the challenges they face, and the strategies that can lead to their success. Leaders will gain insights into how corporate dynamics often lead to frustration among entrepreneurial employees, sparking the drive to spin off and establish their own ventures.Andre and Mahan explore the mindset shift required for employees to transition into spinout entrepreneurs and why some thrive while others remain within the corporate ecosystem. They also discuss how corporate leaders can better identify, support, and even benefit from entrepreneurial talent within their organizations—transforming potential conflict into opportunities for innovation. With discussions on real-world cases, current trends in employee mobility, and actionable strategies for leaders, this episode offers a deep dive into the complex relationship between established firms and spinout ventures.Actionable Takeaways:Hear how spinouts differ from typical startups** and why they have unique advantages—insights that could transform the way you view talent within your organization.Discover the pivotal moment when employees decide to become entrepreneurs.** Learn how mindset and exposure to a company's broader workings can drive the desire to spin out.Learn why many innovative ideas never thrive within corporate walls** and how strategic disagreements between employees and management often lead to the birth of successful spinouts.Understand the key factors that make spinouts more likely to succeed**—from leveraging corporate resources to differentiating effectively in the market.Hear stories of famous spinouts like Zoom, Apple, and Zillow,** and uncover the lesser-known factors that contributed to their successes and challenges.Explore how corporate policies, such as non-competes and restrictive covenants, are evolving** and what that means for employee mobility and the rise of new ventures.Discover what leaders can do to foster internal innovation** without stifling entrepreneurial spirit—creating an environment where intrapreneurship can thrive or spinouts can be supported.Connect with Andre LaplumeSpinout Ventures Website Andre Laplume LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Stephen Wunker, the renowned author of The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your Organization. Drawing from his extensive experience in innovation consulting and his collaboration with thought leaders like Clay Christensen, Steve shares practical insights on how organizations can cultivate a culture of innovation, build frameworks that support creative thinking, and navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.Stephen Wuncker challenges the conventional myth of the 'lone genius' and emphasizes that true innovation is not about individual brilliance but about fostering a culture where ideas can thrive collectively. He explains how leaders can encourage this by adopting a systematic approach, asking the right questions, and creating an environment that values curiosity, empathy, and experimentation.Throughout the conversation, Steve highlights powerful examples of innovative leadership from top companies like Microsoft, Princess Cruises, and Procter & Gamble, showing how these organizations have successfully integrated empathy, agile thinking, and strategic experimentation to stay ahead of market changes and disruptions. He also goes into the transformative potential of AI, arguing that businesses must maintain a balance between leveraging cutting-edge technology and preserving their human touch to remain competitive.Actionable Takeaways:Hear how to challenge the myth of the 'lone genius' and instead build a culture where every team member can contribute to innovation.Learn why empathy is the cornerstone of innovation and how leaders like Satya Nadella used it to transform Microsoft.Discover the two powerful questions you should be asking to drive innovation in your organization.Find out how successful companies build an innovative culture brick by brick, starting with practical steps you can take right now.Explore how to balance risk and reward in innovation, using lessons from venture capitalists and top corporate leaders.Uncover the secrets of integrating AI in a way that leverages technology while maintaining the human touch in your organization.Understand the importance of staying connected to your customers beyond just reading market research, with real-life examples from top executives.Learn how to build systems that support continuous innovation, from clear decision rights to effective resource allocation.Hear an inspiring story of crisis management and leadership from Princess Cruises during the COVID-19 pandemic.Find out how to cultivate an innovative mindset by consistently asking 'why' and 'what if,' just like the greatest innovators in history.Connect with Stephen WunkerThe Innovative Leader Stephen Wunker LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Anu Gupta, a lawyer, social scientist, and author of the groundbreaking book, Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From and the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them. Anu shares his deeply personal journey from growing up in India to navigating bias and discrimination as an immigrant in the U.S., revealing how these experiences shaped his understanding of bias and motivated him to write his book. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of turning personal pain into a purpose-driven mission.Anu explores the origins of bias, drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience to present a nuanced understanding of how biases are formed and how they can be dismantled. He discusses the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in recognizing our own biases and offers practical tools, such as his PRISM toolkit, to help individuals and organizations combat bias effectively. This conversation goes into how we can rewire our brains to unlearn biases, emphasizing that while bias is learned, it is not inevitable—it can be unlearned with the right approaches.The discussion also addresses the broader impact of bias in organizational settings, exploring how unconscious prejudices can lead to significant inefficiencies and loss of talent. Anu argues that while AI and algorithms are often seen as solutions, they can perpetuate existing biases unless we actively work to understand and address the biases inherent in the data they use. He challenges leaders to foster environments of true inclusion rather than tokenistic diversity efforts, which can backfire if not handled with genuine intent and empathy.Finally, Anu emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and inclusivity at all levels of leadership. He advocates for shifting from a mindset of exclusion to one of inclusion, recognizing that everyone—regardless of background—has experienced bias in some form. Actionable Takeaways:Hear how Anu Gupta’s personal journey shaped his understanding of bias and led to the creation of his book, Breaking Bias.Discover the science and ancient wisdom behind how biases are formed—and how they can be unlearned.Learn about the PRISM toolkit, a set of actionable strategies for leaders to address bias and foster inclusivity in their organizations.Understand why AI, if not carefully managed, can reinforce biases—and what leaders can do to prevent this.Explore the real costs of bias in organizations and why eliminating bias should be a top priority for business leaders.Hear Anu’s thoughts on why many diversity initiatives fail and how to make them more effective and impactful.Discover the emotional and neurological underpinnings of bias, and why it’s not just a rational problem but a deeply emotional one.Learn how to foster a culture of empathy and understanding by shifting from a mindset of exclusion to one of inclusion.Hear practical advice on bringing others along on the journey to breaking bias, from your immediate team to the entire organization.Gain insights into why traditional training methods often fall short and how to approach DEI initiatives in a way that genuinely engages and transforms.Connect with Anu GuptaAnu Gupta Website Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website