Partnering Leadership - podcast cover

Partnering Leadership

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.  

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Episodes

65 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...

Jun 22, 202138 min

64 A framework to help leaders transform organizations into psychologically safe incubators of innovation with Dr. Timothy Clark | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talked with Dr. Timothy Clark, the founder and CEO of LeaderFactor and author of Four Stages of Psychological Safety . Dr. Clark has broken down the different stages to ensure psychological safety in teams. Dr. Timothy Clark shares how teams can build on the understanding of each stages in order to boost psychological safety in the workplace. Some highlights: -Dr. Timothy Clark on why leaders cannot be neutral -The skills that leaders need...

Jun 17, 202152 min

63 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...

Jun 15, 202130 min

62 Reimagining Collaboration with Phil Simon | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Phil Simon, a dynamic keynote speaker , and world-renowned technology and collaboration authority and an award-winning author of eleven business books and counting, most recently Reimagining Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and the Post-COVID World of Work . Phil Simon shares how to more effectively use technology in leading our organizations in a changing world of work. Some highlights: Phil Simon talks about how t...

Jun 10, 202129 min

61 Good business with Professor Bill Novelli | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemakerr

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Bill Novelli, a distinguished professor of the practice at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, former CEO of AARP, co-founder of Porter Novelli, and author of the book Good Business: The Talk, Fight, Win Way to Change the World . Bill talked about the concept of doing well by doing good in business and how ethics is important when leading an organization. Some highlights: Bill Novelli on giving everybody a fair...

Jun 08, 202128 min

60 Follow your passion to do what you love and love what you do with Jim Braun | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Braun about pursuing what you are passionate about. Jim Braun shares the story of how he left his stable corporate job and 2 degrees to do what he loves the most. He also gives advice to young people still figuring out what they want to do for the rest of their professional lives. Some highlights: Jim Braun’s career as an aerospace engineer and how he found out it wasn’t for him Why Jim Braun pursued his MBA How reading boo...

Jun 03, 202118 min

59 Executive leadership with JLL’s Vice Chairman Herman Bulls | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman Americas, JLL. Herman Bulls talks about his leadership journey, from modest beginnings to eventually becoming one of the most influential people in the real estate industry. Some highlights: How Herman Bulls has been able to stand out in leadership roles throughout his schooling, military service and professional career. Herman’s six keys to success Leading organizational culture change Dealing with ...

Jun 01, 202138 min

58 The power of visual leadership with Todd Cherches | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Todd Cherches, CEO of BigBlueGumball and author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life . Todd Cherches shared experiences that transformed him as a leader. He also talks about the power of visual leadership and how it can improve communication as well as inspire those you lead. Some highlights: Todd Cherches’ upbringing and how reading became a big part of his leadership and life H...

May 27, 202131 min

57 Leading ongoing transformation with Andy Grimm | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Andy Grimm, CEO of Apple Federal Credit Union. Andy Grimm shares leadership lessons learned as he rose through the ranks at Apple Federal Credit Union, eventually to earn the position of CEO. Andy Grimm also shares leadership insights on how he has led the organization through different transformation initiatives. Some highlights: How Andy Grimm’s early years influenced his resilience. The role Andy Grimm’s mom played in his dr...

May 25, 202132 min

56 Full Spectrum Leadership for a VUCA world with Dr. Bob Johansen | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Bob Johansen, renowned futurist and author of the book Full Spectrum Thinking . Bob Johansen talks about future back thinking, the importance of seeking clarity while avoiding certainty and how leaders can thrive in a VUCA World. Some highlights: ● Bob Johansen on what led him to become a futurist ● Categorical thinking versus full spectrum thinking ● Bob Johansen on how to develop foresight and insight for greater clarity ● Fin...

May 20, 202142 min

55 Chinese American Values driven leadership with Tom Fong | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Tom Fong. Tom Fong founded Compcierge USA and is currently with MYTA technologies. Tom shared his perspectives on leadership and disruptive technologies. Additionally, Tom Fong shared the reason for his commitment to youth programs and leadership in the Chinese-American community. Some highlights: Tom Fong on how learning to use the cash register in his grandfather’s restaurant taught him life lessons. Tom on the opportunities o...

May 18, 202132 min

54 Inventing Digital Photography at Kodak with Steven Sasson | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steven Sasson who invented the digital camera while working at Kodak, earning him The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award. Steven Sasson shares the story of how digital photography came to be, the many inventions that made it more accessible to eventually take the place of film photography. Steven Sasson also talks about the support for the invention at Kodak and the many cultural and leadership challenges that go...

May 13, 202152 min

53 Pivotal Moments of leading with impact with Robert Morgan | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Robert Morgan, founder and CEO of Talaria Media, Pivotal Moments, Managing Partner at Caneel, co-founder of GoodSeeker, and former CEO of MorganFranklin Consulting. Robert Morgan discussed how his personal life experiences aided him in establishing multiple successful and how he effectively worked with co-founders to nurture a great organizational culture. Some highlights: The lessons Robert Morgan learned from battling cancer R...

May 11, 202142 min

52 Showing leadership values through who we choose to celebrate | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli discusses the importance of appreciating your team members and celebrating well-planned effort rather than just celebrating success. He also shares why who we choose to celebrate and what we choose to celebrate makes a big difference in nurturing a growth mindset and a great organizational culture. Some highlights: Appreciation in the workplace and the underwhelming statistics The magic ratio of positive versus negative interactions How to...

May 06, 202113 min

51 Leading with humility and empathy with John Veihmeyer | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, John Veihmeyer, former global chairman of KPMG, looks back on how he started rising through the ranks at KPMG and why leading with self-awareness and empathy was critical in rebuilding morale. John Veihmeyer also shares valuable lessons in developing resilience in leadership, inspiring a purpose-driven culture in a company, and leading for impact. Some highlights: ● How performing in musicals in high school helped John Veihmeyer later in his career ● Why...

May 04, 202144 min

50 How to lead yourself and your organization to become Undisruptable with Aidan McCullen | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Aidan McCullen, the host and founder of The Innovation Show and author of the book Undisruptable : A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life. Aidan shares examples on how organizations and individuals can embrace reinvention in order to become undisruptable. Some highlights: ● Aidan McCullen talks about the reason why most change initiatives fail. ● The transformation of a caterpillar into a but...

Apr 29, 202144 min

49 Leading with a commitment to education and belief in the power of public policy with Jim Dyke | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Dyke, a partner in the law firm of McGuireWoods LLP. Jim Dyke served as Virginia’s Secretary of Education under former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, and as Domestic Policy Advisor to former Vice President Walter Mondale. Mr. Dyke shares lessons learned based on his vast leadership experience. Some highlights: ● Jim Dyke shares how his upbringing impacted his commitment to leadership and a desire to leave a legacy of impa...

Apr 27, 202149 min

48 The transformative power of OKRs and leading with empathy with Doug Dennerline | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Doug Dennerline, the president and CEO of BetterWorks, a performance enablement solution company that aligns workforces to the organization's top priorities with their market-leading OKR (Objectives and Key Results) software. Doug Dennerline shares his thoughts on leading with empathy, the transformational power of OKRs and the future of work. Some Highlights: Doug Dennerline on the HP Way, John Chambers and growth at Cisco. Ho...

Apr 22, 202131 min

47 Leading with a belief for the greater good and honoring a legacy with Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, neuroscientist and former Washington DC council member and chair of the committee on economic development, recounts stories of her father, Dr. Charles Drew, and shares stories of her life as a scientist and politician, and how the intersectionality of her passions empowers her to ask the right questions in solving complex problems and leading a community. Some highlights: Dr. Charles Drew’s life and legacy as the pioneer of bloo...

Apr 20, 202139 min

46 How to lead, care and win with authenticity with Dan Pontefract | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Dan Pontefract, CEO, and Founder of Pontefract Group and author of four books including his most recent book Lead, Care, Win: How to Become a Leader Who Matters. Dan Pontefract shares his thoughts on how to lead with greater humanity, care, and compassion. Some highlights: Dan Pontefract on the pandemic as a potential to reset Dan Pontefract shares how crisis can impact leadership values How to increase employee engagement even ...

Apr 15, 202148 min

45 Being prepared to lead the Girl Scouts way with Lidia Soto-Harmon  | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Lidia Soto-Harmon, CEO of Girl Scouts of National Capital Region, and Chair and a trustee of the Migration Policy Institute. Lidia Soto-Harmon shares her inspiring story, the importance of being open to opportunities and how to lead a purpose driven organization through crisis. Some highlights: ● Lidia Soto-Harmon on the need for generosity in relationships. ● Importance of patience and humility in leadership. ● How leaders, es...

Apr 13, 202135 min

44 The essential leadership skills for the next normal with Kon Apostolopoulos | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Kon Apostolopoulos, founder and CEO of Fresh Biz Solutions and the co-author of 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis . Kon Apostolopoulos shares how leaders can lead their organizations through and post-crisis. Some highlights: ● Kon Apostolopoulos shares his perspective on what it takes to lead post-crisis ● How purpose-driven leaders create great organizational culture ● Kon Apostolopoulos talks about the importance of flexibility in...

Apr 08, 202141 min

43 How to speak up, speak your truth and make a difference with Rynthia Rost | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rynthia Rost, former GEICO Vice-President for Public Affairs, and the current executive advisor to IBM International Foundation. Rynthia Rost talks about the importance of finding your voice and using it to impact positive change. Some Highlights: ● How Adler’s management was changed because of young Rynthia Rost’s confidence to speak up. ● The importance of finding your voice and speaking up to advance progress in communities ...

Apr 06, 202132 min

42 Example IS leadership | Mahan Tavakoli Partnering Leadership Insight

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about how leaders can set an example for those they lead through their behaviors. Mahan shares examples of leadership behaviors that aren’t aligned with values and why team members pay attention to the smallest details of leadership behavior to determine values and priorities. Some highlights: What kind of an example do you choose to set? Why leadership example is best shown through actions rather than words Leadership choices and be...

Apr 01, 202112 min

41 Regional leadership for lasting impact with Michael Rogers | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Michael Rogers, Former Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). Prior to his appointment at COG, Mr. Rogers enjoyed a distinguished career as City Administrator and Deputy Mayor for Operations for the District of Columbia, was Director of the Mayor’s Office of Contracts/Chief Procurement Officer for the City of New York and Vice President/Municipal Services for Ogden Services Corporation...

Mar 30, 202121 min

40 Putting significance before success and building on gifts of devastation with John Chappelear | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with John Chappelear, president and founder of Changing the Focus and author of the Daily Six, Six Simple Steps to Find the Perfect Balance between Success and Significance. John Chappelear shares how a gift of devastation created the perfect opportunity for him to be a better mentor, a better leader and most of all a better person. Some highlights: John Chappelear shares the difference between success and significance Getting a Gif...

Mar 25, 202138 min

39 The performing art of leadership with Doug Wheeler | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Doug Wheeler, Former President of Washington Performing Arts. Doug shares leadership lessons learned as he engaged the community with the organization’s mission and service to the community. Highlights: Producing a radio program for WAMU and how it started Doug’s relationship with Patrick Hayes Doug Wheeler’s efforts on engaging the broader community in the arts and the mission of Washington Performing Arts What drove Doug to g...

Mar 23, 202119 min

38 Leading Dunkin Donuts from Around the Corner to Around The World with Robert Rosenberg | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Robert Rosenberg, CEO of Dunkin Donuts for 35 years and author of the book “Around the Corner to Around the World: A Dozen Lessons I Learned Running Dunkin' Donuts.” Robert Rosenberg shares his origin story, leadership successes and mistakes, and lessons learned in growing Dunkin Donuts to the household name it is today, and his advice on how to effectively lead an organization. Some highlights: Robert Rosenberg on the origin s...

Mar 18, 202152 min

37 Responding to the call of leadership with Kathy Hollinger | Greater Washington DC DMV Changemaker

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Kathy Hollinger, President, and CEO of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), who has been recognized as one of the Most Influential Minorities in Cable and honored by Washington Business Journal as one of 20 Women Who Mean Business. Kathy shares how she has been able to create a positive culture within the community even during the pandemic. Highlights: How Kathy Hollinger’s Persian Heritage provided a soli...

Mar 16, 202130 min

36 The Reinventionist mindset with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva | Partnering Leadership Global Thought Leader

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Founder & Chief Reinvention Officer at Reinvention Academy and author of the book, How to Thrive in Chaos. Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva shares how reinvention can help individuals and organizations thrive in constant change. Some highlights: How Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva’s origins influenced her to set up a company called We Exist Reinvention Agency Why reinvention is important for the survival of organizatio...

Mar 11, 202150 min
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