Partnering Leadership

Mahan Tavakoli•www.partneringleadership.com

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.

Last refreshed: July 2nd, 2025 at 1:37 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

35 Leading with a passion for education with Dr. Irma Becerra | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Irma Beccera, the seventh president of Marymount University, talks about her journey becoming a higher education leader, her research in knowledge management, how to see setbacks as opportunities for growth and her vision for the future of Marymount University. Some Highlights: Dr. Irma Becerra shares how her upbringing as a Cuban-American has impacted the kind of leader she has become How a setback allowed Dr. Becerra to form a partnership with her ...

Mar 09, 2021•30 min

34 Renew, rethink, reimagine, reinvent and Nowruz | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about Persian New Year, Nowruz, and its relevance to renewal, rethinking, reimagining, and reinventing which is needed by all, most especially now. The episode ends with a fun surprise, set to powerful music magnifying a message of hope and renewal. Some highlights: Mahan Tavakoli shares why the spirit of renewal matters, most especially now How the Persian New Year celebration of Nowruz embodies traditions of renewal. Mahan Tavakoli...

Mar 04, 2021•12 min

33 Ethical leadership to make a difference with David Rutstein | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Rutstein, former general counsel at Giant Food. David shares inspiring stories in his journey, what an ‘Ethical Will’ is, his 10 principles for leadership, and most important of all—how to lead with integrity and have an impact in the community. Some highlights: David Rutstein shares how his grandparents’ community leadership inspires how he leads and mentors younger people How getting rejected at Penn Law School led him ...

Mar 02, 2021•30 min

32 How to build and lead a company customers can’t live without with Jim Kerr| Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Kerr, Founder of Indispensable Consulting and Author of the book INDISPENSABLE: Build and Lead A Company Customers Can’t Live Without, and shares his thoughts and insights on how being indispensable is a very important aspect of leading and creating a great culture. Some highlights: Why Jim Kerr wrote his book INDISPENSABLE Jim Kerr shares his thoughts on how to create a new culture of leadership How leadership by example c...

Feb 25, 2021•29 min

31 Leading with a winner’s mindset with Cary Hatch | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Cary Hatch, CEO of MDB Communications. Cary Hatch discusses what it took for her to succeed as a female business owner and how difficulties can build up resilience, and the joy of having an impact on people and the entire Greater Washington DC DMV region. Some highlights: Cary Hatch shares how to use fear of failure as a driving force to move forward and achieve goals. The power of advertising and its influence on organizations ...

Feb 23, 2021•28 min

30 How makers, visionaries, and outsiders succeed with Jonathan Littman | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Jonathan Littman, co-author of The Entrepreneurs Faces: How Makers, Visionaries and Outsiders Succeed , and several other best-selling books. Jonathan Littman talks about the importance of innovation in business and how business leaders can learn to create an entrepreneurial spirit in their teams and organizations. Some highlights: The importance of creating an intrapreneurial culture to reinvent an organization. Jonathan Littma...

Feb 18, 2021•39 min

29 Helping lead the transformation of a county and the region with Howard Stone | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Howard Stone, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Prince George's Community College. Howard shares the source of his passion for education, love for Leadership Greater Washington and commitment over the years to Prince George’s County, MD. Some highlights: Howard Stone’s focus on public service How Howard Stone supported Wayne Curry and helped transform Prince George’s County, MD Howard’s love for and commitment to Leadership Gr...

Feb 16, 2021•24 min

28 Using research-based positive psychology to become a better leader with Dr. Michelle McQuaid | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Michelle McQuaid, a best-selling author, workplace wellbeing teacher, and playful change activator. Michelle McQuaid talks about how positive psychology has influenced her perspective on leadership and shares lessons for effectively leading teams and organizations. Some highlights: How Dr. Michelle McQuaid came to positive psychology and the science of behavior change Why and how positive psychology is critical to leadershi...

Feb 11, 2021•38 min

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 organization Linda’s bol...

Feb 09, 2021•39 min

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 leadership Four essential factors for leading with love Mahan Tavakoli shares examples of leaders who have shown genuine care and love for their teams in leading their organizations Also mentioned in this episo...

Feb 04, 2021•9 min

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 accountant Steve Harlan talks about the importance of asking for help and helping others How Steve Ha...

Feb 02, 2021•35 min

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 life Henna Inam talks about how to be your most authentic self and how to use that to be a force for good The story behind writing the book Wired for Disruption Henna Inam discusses the five d...

Jan 28, 2021•32 min

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 himself The influence of his Jewish heritage and the value of his parents in shaping his life and leadership What inspired Howard Ross to write a book about unconscious bias Howard Ross on the import...

Jan 26, 2021•37 min

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 be Chuck Swoboda shares why he left HP to join Cree The difference between improvement, ...

Jan 21, 2021•39 min

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 mindset How morality created a foundation for successful leadership Mark Bergel’s life-changing moment How Mark leads the community in su...

Jan 19, 2021•37 min

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 food Bettina Stern talks about the local food business scene and getting support from the Washington DC community How Bettina Stern and Suzanne Simon did not let a s...

Jan 14, 2021•20 min

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 f...

Jan 12, 2021•35 min

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 legacy Mahan Tavakoli shares insights on Bronnie Ware’s article about regrets Setting goals for impact and leaving a meaningful legacy Also mentioned in this episode: Alfred Nobel, Inventor Bronnie Ware, Author Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: MahanTavakoli.com More information and res...

Jan 07, 2021•8 min

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 leader Rosie Allen-Herring's experience working at Fannie Mae and leaving f...

Jan 05, 2021•38 min

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 tal...

Dec 29, 2020•38 min

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 helicopter The inspiration behind the book “The Grit Factor” How owning your own story is critical to leadership and grit The key ...

Dec 22, 2020•30 min

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 industry How David Fagiano managed to engage an organization in working towards a shared vision a...

Dec 15, 2020•32 min

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 activism How Pat McGuire transitioned from law to becoming president of Trinity University Pat McGuire’s reinven...

Dec 08, 2020•46 min

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 Stockdale Understanding the difference between optimism and maintaining hope How to lead with hope Handling more disruption with antifragility Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: MahanTavakoli.com More informati...

Dec 03, 2020•7 min

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 breaker The story behind The Motley Fool's founding and the Jester cap David Gardner’s perspective on how to build a strong purpose-driven culture of engagement David Gardner's explanation of Cons...

Dec 01, 2020•51 min

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 business Leading organizations through change Team communication strategies Rishad Tobaccowala’s five characteristics of leaders that have soul Building a strong team culture How to lead and motivate a team Factors that will...

Nov 24, 2020•19 min

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 law Tips for aspiring leaders to achieve success Events and setbacks in Scott Bolden’s life that made him value humility Scott Bolden embracing his failures to become a better leader Leading for a better future Scott ...

Nov 17, 2020•37 min

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 education Understanding poverty and how it motivated Victor Hoskins The story behind majoring in Urban Studies at Dartmouth How to improve team culture at work How Victor Hoskins led and cooperated to help the region land Amazon HQ2 ...

Nov 10, 2020•49 min

07 Antifragile Leadership case example with Scott Kratz | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Scott Kratz, Vice President of Building Bridges Across The River, talks about how the pandemic crisis accelerated his organization's focus on partnering to better serve the community. Antifragile leadership in action. Some highlights: The crisis as a moment for antifragility and antifragile leadership How Building Bridges adjusted to serve the immediate needs of the community post-crisis Building Bridges collaboration with other organizations to have a g...

Nov 05, 2020•13 min

06 Doing good to do well as a leader with Lyles Carr | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Lyles Carr, Senior Vice President of The McCormick Group, shares how his upbringing and value system influenced his commitment to giving back to the community, helping found and supporting dozens of organizations in the Greater Washington DC region. Some highlights: How Lyles Carr’s childhood gave him a better understanding and appreciation for others Lyles Carr’s passion to helping organizations connect with the right people How organizations and their ...

Nov 03, 2020•33 min

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