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

125 The 5 Core Essentials for Leading Through Uncertain Times with Rebel Leadership author Larry Robertson | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Larry Robertson, innovation advisor, founder of Lighthouse Consulting, and author of three award-winning books, including his most recent, Rebel Leadership: How to Thrive in Uncertain Times . Larry Robertson shares insights from his first two books about entrepreneurship and creativity. Larry shares why he focused his third book on Leadership, specifically on leading through uncertainty. In the conversation, Larry Robertson sha...

Jan 18, 2022•56 min

124 Secrets Of Navy SEAL Performance and Attributes as Drivers of Optimal Human Performance with Ex-Navy SEAL Commander Rich Diviney |Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rich Diviney, author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance. Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL commander with 20+ years of experience as a Navy SEAL Officer, having completed more than thirteen overseas deployments, including serving as the officer in charge of training for a specialized command. During his service, Rich Diviney was intimately involved in the highly specialized SEAL selection process and ...

Jan 13, 2022•47 min

123 Building a Brighter Future for the Building Blocks of Society with Generation Hope Founder & CEO Nicole Lynn Lewis | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Nicole Lynn Lewis, founder and chief executive officer of Generation Hope. This non-profit organization provides holistic assistance to young families. Nicole Lynn Lewis shares her story as a young parent attending college, the challenges she faced, and how it served as the inspiration behind her founding of Generation Hope. Some highlights: - Nicole Lynn Lewis' childhood growing up in communities that didn't have much diversit...

Jan 11, 2022•42 min

122 You Have More Influence Than You Think and The Science of Influence with Dr. Vanessa Bohns | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Professor Vanessa Bohns. Dr. Vanessa Bohns is a social psychologist, an award-winning researcher and teacher, and a professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. Vanessa Bohns is also the author of the book: You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters. In this conversation, Vanessa Bohns shares insights on how we influence those around us and how to harn...

Jan 06, 2022•41 min

121 The Power of Subtraction: How You Can Do More With Less by Starting a Stop Doing List | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares an unlikely goal-setting strategy for your team in the year 2022, subtracting goals instead of adding more. In addition, Mahan shares insights from Leidy Klotz's book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less on why eliminating certain goals will lead you to achieve more and have a more significant impact. Some highlights: - Setting new year goals in personal, professional, and organizational angles - Why you should stop adding goals a...

Jan 04, 2022•10 min

120 [BEST OF] Inspiring leadership with Accenture’s Marty Rodgers | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Marty Rodgers, Senior Managing Director to US Southeast which is responsible for Accenture’s business in 10 states, including Charlotte, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. Marty Rodgers shares his perspectives on inspiring leaders and service hood to create a successful team culture. Some highlights: -Marty Rodgers shares how constructive criticism can help bring out leadership in you -How Marian Wright Edelman impacted Marty’s life...

Dec 30, 2021•38 min

119 [BEST OF] Be Fearless; 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose with Jean Case | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jean Case, Chairman of National Geographic Society, CEO of the Case Foundation, CEO of Case Impact Network, and author of Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose. Jean Case talks about the 5 Principles to cultivate fearlessness: 1) Make a Big Bet 2) Be bold, take risks 3) Make failure matter 4) Reach beyond your bubble and 5) Let urgency conquer fear. Jean discusses each principle, citing real-life sto...

Dec 28, 2021•30 min

118 [BEST OF] Leadership lessons from billionaire philanthropist David Rubenstein | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, David Rubenstein, co-founder & co-chairman of Carlyle Group & President of the Economic Club of Washington DC, shares his journey from working at the White House to starting one of the largest private equity investment firms globally. He also talks about his leadership lessons, philanthropy, Peer-to-Peer interviewing for the Economic Club of Washington DC and Bloomberg TV, and the legacy he plans to leave behind. Some highlights: - David Rubenste...

Dec 23, 2021•41 min

117 [BEST OF] 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...

Dec 21, 2021•39 min

116 How to Think, Act and Inspire Your Way to Greatness with Wendy Ryan | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Wendy Ryan. Wendy Ryan is the CEO of Kadabra, an interdisciplinary team of leadership and organizational change experts based in Silicon Valley, California. Wendy Ryan shares leadership lessons from her consulting experience and her book, Learn Lead Lift: How to Think, Act, and Inspire Your Way to Greatness. Some Highlights: - Wendy Ryan shares how we can develop greater self-awareness. - Why leaders need to start with "Who" th...

Dec 16, 2021•52 min

115 Making a difference for the community by providing greater opportunities to the blind and visually impaired with Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind CEO Tony Cancelosi | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tony Cancelosi, president and CEO of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. Tony Cancelosi shares delightful stories from his life, from when he was a child growing up in an Italian neighborhood to dressing up as Santa Claus annually earlier in his career. He also shares what eventually led him to start doing community service and what keeps him going through hard times like the pandemic. Some highlights: - Tony Cancelosi’s childho...

Dec 14, 2021•38 min

114 Own It. Love It. Make It Work. How to make any job your dream job with Carson Tate| Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carson Tate. Carson Tate is the founder and managing partner of Working Simply, Inc., a business consulting firm that partners with organizations, business leaders, and employees to enhance workplace productivity, foster employee engagement, and build personal and professional legacies. Carson Tate shares lessons from her most recent book: Own It. Love It. Make It Work: How to Make Any Job Your Dream Job. Some Highlights: - How...

Dec 09, 2021•45 min

113 How to balance humility with confidence in leading your team through the ongoing uncertainty | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares a key challenge facing leaders: the continuation of uncertainty concerning many aspects of work, including a return to the office. Mahan talks about the need for leaders to continue leading with great empathy with genuine humility on the exact future, yet confidence with the ability to navigate whatever lies ahead. Some highlights: - Mahan Tavakoli explains why there is no going “back to normal” - Empathy and conveying hope as leade...

Dec 07, 2021•10 min

112 Together We Rise: How to scale impact and lead change with Dr. Gia Nardini | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Gia Nardini, an assistant professor in marketing at the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business and co-author of the research paper, Together We Rise: How Social Movements Succeed. Gia Nardini talked about the elements that make social movements successful, and the lessons leaders can learn, whether in leading social movements or their teams and organization. Some highlights: - Gia Nardini's take on consumer behavior...

Dec 02, 2021•31 min

111 Leading to strengthen communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity with Goodwill International President & CEO Steven Preston | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steve Preston, President, and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. Steve Preston has extensive private sector experience and served as the US Department of Housing and Urban Development secretary and as the US Small Business Administration administrator. Steve Preston shared what influenced him to serve in government and how he led the US Small Business Administration and Department of Housing and Urban development during ...

Nov 30, 2021•47 min

110 How to Ignite Your Organization’s Culture with Jason Richmond | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jason Richmond. Jason is the president, CEO, and Chief Culture Officer at Ideal Outcomes. Jason Richmond is the author of Culture Spark: 5 Steps to Ignite and Sustain Organizational Growth and his most recent book Culture Ignited: Five Disciplines for Adaptive Leadership. In addition to speaking about the importance of organizational culture, Jason Richmond shared specific actions leaders can take to ignite their team's culture...

Nov 25, 2021•26 min

109 Leading with A Desire of Impact on the Community with Jerry Sachs | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jerry Sachs. Jerry is the former president of Centre Group, the operating entity that included the Washington Bullets, Washington Capitals, and Centre Management. Jerry Sachs shared his leadership journey, including how he ended up working for the Baltimore Orioles, his move down to Atlanta to work for the Braves, and what brought him back to the Greater Washington DC DMV region. Jerry shared how he met his wife Joyce, her love...

Nov 23, 2021•52 min

108 The Future of Work Is Here: How To Lead In An Era of Disruptive Change with The Next Rules of Work author Gary Bolles | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Gary Bolles, chair for the Future of Work for Singularity University, co-founder of eParachute.com, and author of The Next Rules of Work. Gary Bolles shares how his father’s career advice book What Color Is Your Parachute impacted his early life and how he has gone through continual reinvention while guiding leaders through ongoing disruption. Gary Bolles also shares insights from his book The Next Rules of Work . Some highligh...

Nov 18, 2021•51 min

107 Resilient Leadership with a Drive for Excellence and Impact With Ridgwell’s CEO Susan Lacz | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Susan Lacz, principal, and chief executive officer of Ridgewells Catering, shared her leadership journey with Mahan Tavakoli. Susan Lacz spoke about how she has managed the obstacles in her life and has built a successful business that needs to continue changing and adapting through disruption. Susan Lacz also shared why she is so committed to giving back to the community through Ridgwell Catering's support and giving her time and energy to many institut...

Nov 16, 2021•36 min

106 How Chick-fil-A Became an Iconic Brand with Chick-fil-A’s former Chief Marketing Officer Steve Robinson | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steve Robinson, former executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Chick-fil-A. Steve Robinson shared lessons from his decades-long experience leading marketing at Chick-fil-A, including stories from his book Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A: How Faith, Cows, and Chicken built an Iconic Brand. In addition, Steve Robinson shared what made Chick-fil-A culture and marketing unique and continues to help the brand differentia...

Nov 11, 2021•50 min

105 Leading with Humanity and Compassion with Gina Schaefer | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Gina Schaefer, the Co-Founder and CEO of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, a chain of ACE hardware stores located in the Greater Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia DMV region. Gina talks about her journey founding the hardware store, her commitment to shopping local, and providing opportunities to many who don't often get the first chance in our communities. Some highlights: -Why Gina Schaefer chose to shift from software to hard...

Nov 09, 2021•31 min

104 Powerful Storytelling and Communication Through The ABT Framework with Park Howell | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Park Howell, host of Business of Story Podcast, author of Brand Bewitchery , and co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business . Park Howell teaches one of the most powerful tools in storytelling: the And, But, and Therefore (ABT), going through the science behind it and how you can start crafting great stories and communicate more powerfully through the use of this framework. He also shares examples of ABT in history and pop cul...

Nov 04, 2021•51 min

103 The Power of the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 principle) as a Mental Model| Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli explains the power of the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, in the world around us. Mahan talks about how we can observe the 80/20 principle in everything we do and use this mental model to focus our attention on the leverage points in systems enabling us to have a more significant impact on our teams, organizations, and the community. Some highlights: -The origins of the Pareto Principle -Understanding the Pareto Principle i...

Nov 02, 2021•9 min

102 How to Lead and Innovate by Learning from The Amazon Way with John Rossman| Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with John Rossman, Author of The Amazon Way book series, and managing partner and business advisor on strategy, leadership, and innovation at Rossman Partners. John talks about many lessons leaders can learn from the rationale behind Amazon's 14 leadership principles. John Rossman also shares his experience and advice on navigating and leading through disruption. Some highlights: -John Rossman on how Amazon integrated its leadership...

Oct 28, 2021•39 min

101 Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute: How Employee Development Can Become the Highest Form of Social Contribution with Ed Offterdinger | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ed Offterdinger, chairman of AO People Partners, co-founder of Conscious Capitalism D.C., and co-author of the book Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute. Ed Offterdinger shares lessons learned in his leadership journey and the reason behind his focus on coaching leaders, and his commitment to making a difference in the community through Conscious Capitalism. Some highlights: -How Ed Offterdinger's childhood growing up in...

Oct 26, 2021•52 min

100 How to Develop a Disruption Mindset and Thrive Through Disruption with Charlene Li | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Charlene Li, a Digital Transformation and Disruptive Leadership Expert, Founder of Altimeter, and author of best-selling books, including Open leadership, Groundswell , and her latest book called The Disruption Mindset . Charlene Li discussed how leaders and organizations can embrace and benefit from disruption. Some highlights: - How leaders can stay focused and energized with the pace of disruptions - Why organizations should...

Oct 21, 2021•37 min

99 Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives with Minal Bopaiah | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Minal Bopaiah. Minal is the founder of Brevity & Wit, a strategy and design firm that helps organizations achieve the change they wish to see in the world through a unique approach that combines human-centered design, behavior change science, and the principles of inclusion diversity, equity, and accessibility. Minal Bopaiah discusses her book Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives and shares frameworks ...

Oct 19, 2021•32 min

98 How to Cultivate Your Influence and Build Powerful Connections with Jon Levy | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jon Levy, behavioral scientist and author of the book You're Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence. Jon Levy shares how we can build stronger and more trusting relationships and how leaders can use the science of connection to increase team trust and engagement. Some highlights: -Jon Levy's interest in building community and relationships -Jon Levy talks about culture and psychological safety as essential keys t...

Oct 14, 2021•47 min

97 Shattering glass ceilings, supporting women's empowerment and promoting greater diversity while bridging divides with Barbara Davis Blum | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Barbara Davis Blum, one of the founders of Leadership Greater Washington and president of BDB Investment Partnership, shares stories from her early life and how it shaped her to become the resilient, feminist leader that she came to be. Barbara Davis Blum shared her journey as a pioneering female leader in government, business and the community. Some highlights: -Barbara Davis Blum's early life and her father's community involvement -The impact of Barbar...

Oct 12, 2021•43 min

96 How to lead your organization through change to achieve hard to imagine results in uncertain and volatile times with John Kotter | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with John Kotter, professor emeritus at Harvard Business School, co-founder of a management consulting firm Kotter International and a pioneer in organizational change. John Kotter is the author of 22 books on change, including his most recent book, Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile times . John Kotter talks about the struggles leaders and teams face when it comes to change and how t...

Oct 07, 2021•49 min

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