Partnering Leadership

12/17/2024

New Episode! "361 Authentic Leadership: Building Influence Through Storytelling and Connection with Tricia Brouk | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader"

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership , Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Tricia Brouk, an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and leadership communication strategist. Tricia is the author of The Influential Vo...

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership , Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Tricia Brouk, an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and leadership communi…

12/16/2024

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.

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/346-the-innovative-leader-step-by-step-lessons-from-top-innovators-for-you-and-your-organization-wi

12/13/2024

🔍 “Imagine the value of a 2 million-hour investment in research.” – Leidy Klotz

By empowering employees to streamline their work, AstraZeneca saved nearly double their goal in hours, fueling innovation and progress.

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/innovative-thinking-strategy-by-tapping-into-the-science-of-subtraction-with-university-of-virginia-professor-leidy-klotz-greater-washington-dc-dmv-changemaker

12/11/2024

Innovation starts with understanding the end-user. Whether big or small, every effort counts. Ron Adner reminds us that innovation isn’t always radical—it’s about creating value where it matters most.

Tune in to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/winning-the-right-game-how-to-disrupt-defend-and-deliver-in-a-changing-world-with-ron-adner-partnering-leadership-global-thought-leader

12/10/2024

New Episode! "From Outputs to Outcomes: How Customer-Centric OKRs Unlock Organizational Agility with Jeff Gothelf | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader"

In this engaging episode of Partnering Leadership , Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Jeff Gothelf, a globally recognized author, speaker, and coach known for his expertise in organizational agility, product design, and customer-ce...

In this engaging episode of Partnering Leadership , Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Jeff Gothelf, a globally recognized author, speaker, and coach known for his experti…

12/09/2024

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Anu Gupta shares his personal journey from India to the U.S., revealing how his experiences with bias and discrimination inspired him to write Breaking Bias and create tools to address prejudice.

Anu explains the origins of bias using ancient wisdom and neuroscience, highlighting that biases are learned but can be unlearned through self-awareness, mindfulness, and tools like his PRISM method.

He explores the organizational impact of unconscious bias, discussing how it causes inefficiencies and arguing that AI can perpetuate bias unless data is consciously addressed.

Anu challenges leaders to go beyond surface-level diversity efforts by fostering genuine inclusion with empathy and understanding.

The conversation emphasizes shifting from exclusion to inclusion, recognizing that everyone has experienced bias and encouraging leaders to rewire systems for equity and belonging.

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/345-the-science-of-unlearning-bias-tools-for-personal-and-organizational-change-with-anu-gupta-pa

12/06/2024

🌠 The sun, the stars, and the future of life on Earth! Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi talks astrophysics, willpower, and making science accessible to all in this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership. 🌍💫 Don’t miss it!

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/a-quantum-life-an-unlikely-journey-from-the-streets-to-the-stars-with-world-renowned-astrophysicist-dr-hakeem-oluseyi-greater-washington-dc-dmv-changemaker

12/05/2024

New Episode! "359 Thursday Refresh with Futurist Daniel Burrus on Strategies to Help You and Your Organization Thrive in a Fast-Changing World by Anticipating What's Next"

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli interviews Daniel Burrus, a world-renowned futurist, strategist, and author of The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity an...

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli interviews Daniel Burrus, a world-renowned futurist, strategist, and author of The Anticipatory…

12/04/2024

Behavior change happens when people feel supported, not judged. Build trust, celebrate small wins, and recognize effort along the way. Progress, not perfection, drives transformation. 🌱

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/how-truly-great-leaders-unleash-greatness-in-others-with-stephen-m-r-covey-partnering-leadership-global-thought-leader

12/03/2024

New Episode! "358 Transforming Communication Challenges into Leadership Wins with Misha Glouberman | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader"

In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Misha Glouberman, a celebrated expert in communication and collaboration, to explore the vital role of effective communication in leadership. ...

In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Misha Glouberman, a celebrated expert in communication and collaboration, to expl…

12/02/2024

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in a dynamic conversation with Jan Rutherford, a seasoned leadership expert and author of Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How Grit and Disciplined Duty Forge Indomitable Teams. With a rich background that includes serving as a Green Beret, leading Crucible expeditions, and coaching executives, Jan brings a unique perspective on leadership that combines military rigor with a deep understanding of human behavior.

Jan shares compelling stories from his own journey, from his humble beginnings and his time with the Green Berets to the profound lessons he learned about leadership in the wilderness and the boardroom. Throughout the discussion, Jan emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and authenticity in leading teams, drawing on real-world experiences and thoughtful reflections. He offers a fresh take on what it means to lead in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world.

Listeners will gain insight into Jan's philosophy on leadership, which challenges conventional wisdom and encourages leaders to rethink their approach. He explores critical questions like: What truly makes a leader? How can you build a team that is not only high-performing but also resilient and adaptable? And, why is it more important to select the right people over the best people?

Jan’s practical advice and unique approach, rooted in his own experiences and supported by his book, provide actionable strategies for CEOs and senior executives.

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/344-becoming-a-self-reliant-leader-how-grit-and-disciplined-duty-forge-indomitable-teams-with-jan-r

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Grateful for the blessings, big and small. Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and gratitude!

From the Partnering Leadership Team

11/27/2024

Leadership isn't about titles or positions—it's about the lives you touch and the impact of your actions. Chuck Robb reminds us to focus on those we serve, not the power we hold. 🌟

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/love-war-and-politics-with-chuck-robb-former-virginia-governor-senator-greater-washington-dc-dmv-changemaker

11/25/2024

In this insightful episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Simon T. Bailey, a renowned speaker, leadership expert, and author of Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. Simon is best known for his work on personal and professional brilliance, with a focus on resilience—key themes that he passionately explores in his latest book. Throughout the discussion, Simon shares profound lessons from his experiences, including his time at Disney Institute, where he honed his leadership philosophy. He dives into the essence of what it means to be a leader who inspires others to discover their own potential while maintaining humility and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.

Simon emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling the behaviors they wish to see in their teams, drawing from his Disney experience where leaders were expected to "pick up the trash" as a metaphor for taking responsibility beyond their titles. He also discusses the critical role of coaching in leadership, explaining why many managers fail to do it effectively and offering practical advice on how to make coaching a regular and impactful part of leadership practice. Simon’s approach to leadership is refreshingly candid, focusing on the need for intellectual humility and the ability to connect deeply with team members.

Listeners will also gain valuable insights into the evolving nature of work, particularly in the context of hybrid environments and the rise of AI. Simon highlights the challenges and opportunities these changes present for leaders, urging them to foster a culture of learning and adaptability. His emphasis on resilience and brilliance as twin pillars of success in today’s fast-paced world offers a powerful framework for executives aiming to lead their organizations through uncertainty and change.

Listen to this episode here:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/342-resilience-and-brilliance-unleashing-leadership-potential-and-lessons-from-disney-with-simon-t

11/22/2024

Sometimes success requires proactive effort, and other times, it’s about staying open to opportunities that come your way.

More insights from this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/leading-at-the-forefront-of-the-sports-music-entertainment-industry-with-phil-de-picciotto-founder-president-of-octagon-greater-washington-dc-dmv-changemaker

11/20/2024

Storytelling isn’t about structure; it’s about purpose. 🎯 Start with your communication objective—whether it's inspiring creativity, driving innovation, or leading change—and let your story flow from there. 🌟

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/how-to-lead-with-a-story-and-the-ten-stories-great-leaders-tell-with-paul-smith-partnering-leadership-global-thought-leader

11/19/2024

New Episode! "356 Managing Brand Crises: 8 Principles to Rebuild Trust and Resilience with Shailendra Pratap Jain & Shalini Sarin Jain | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader"

In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Shailendra Pratap Jain and Shalini Sarin Jain, co-authors of the book Managing Brand Transgressions: 8 Principles to Transform Your Brand....

In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Shailendra Pratap Jain and Shalini Sarin Jain, co-authors of the book Managin…

11/18/2024

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Hooman Motevalli, the author of, Don’t Be a Crab: A Practical Guide to Building Strong Joyful Relationships. Motevalli’s journey from the tumultuous backdrop of revolution and war in Iran to becoming a transformative thinker in leadership and personal development is nothing short of inspiring. His unique insights into internal dialogue, mindset, and the metaphorical 'crab bucket' mentality offer a fresh perspective on overcoming personal and professional challenges.

Motevalli shares how his early life experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of internal dialogue. He introduces the concept of the 'inner roommate,' a constant companion in our minds that can either propel us toward success or hold us back with negativity. His candid discussion about recognizing and addressing toxic internal conversations provides a roadmap for leaders seeking to cultivate a more positive and productive mindset.

Throughout the episode, Motevalli shares practical exercises and systems he devised to combat fears and self-doubt. His approach, which includes creating a 'not-to-do' list, is both innovative and actionable, offering leaders tangible strategies to improve their internal dialogues and, consequently, their leadership effectiveness. His focus on clarity and self-awareness resonates deeply with the challenges faced by today’s executives.

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Motevalli's exploration of the 'crab bucket' mentality in the workplace. He highlights how competitive environments can foster negative behaviors that undermine collective progress and shares his vision for a more supportive and collaborative work culture.

Listen to this episode:
https://www.partneringleadership.com/336-mastering-your-inner-voice-and-overcoming-the-crab-mentality-with-hooman-motevalli-partnering