Culture & Human Behavior Episodes

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Robert Dilenschneider, founder of The Dilenschneider Group and strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Robert Dilenschneider talks about the most effective way to use public relations to benefit organizations. Robert also shared the importance of engaging the community and how to use the power of words to more clearly communicate the organization’s message. Finally, Robert Dilenschneider addressed the specific skill sets th...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tara Thiagarajan, Founder, and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs. Tara Thiagarajan shares studies and insights on mental well-being, its key indicators, and how it influences people and communities. Tara Thiagarajan also highlighted the biggest factors contributing to mental well-being and its impact on economic outcomes. Finally, Tara Thiagarajan talked about Sapien Lab’s latest studies on the current state of the world’s psychol...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Susan McPherson, Founder, and CEO of McPherson Strategies, Serial Connector, Communications Expert, and Author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships. Susan McPherson shares the power of building authentic relationships and fostering meaningful connections. Susan also talks about the three phases of proactively connecting with people and how to go beyond our bubb...

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 ne...

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...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Susie Wise, founder and former director of the K12 Lab Network at the Stanford d.school. Dr. Susie Wise is a co-creator of Liberatory Design and author of Design for Belonging. Susie Wise shares the crucial role leaders play in creating feelings of inclusion within their organizations. She also shared practices for reducing chances of othering and increasing a sense of belonging in teams and organizations. Finally, Dr. Susie Wi...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, astrophysicist, STEM educator, multi-patented inventor, keynote speaker, and author of A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars. In the conversation, Hakeem Oluseyi shares his journey of overcoming adversities and becoming a leading astrophysicist of this generation. Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi also talked about his ability to explain astrophysics in a way that engages audiences and the value ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Stephen M.R. Covey. Stephen M.R. Covey is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of The Speed Of Trust, former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, and author of Trust And Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others. Stephen shares why many leaders are still operating with a command and control mindset and the need to develop the mindset and capabilities of becoming trusting and inspiring lead...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Chuck Robb, Virginia's 64th governor from 1982 to 1986 and U.S. senator from 1989–to 2001. Governor Chuck Robb is also the author of In the Arena: A Memoir of Love War and Politics. In the conversation, Governor Chuck Robb shares his story of joining the Marines, being assigned to the White House, serving in Vietnam, and marrying President Lyndon Baines Johnson's daughter, Linda Bird Johnson. Chuck Robb also talked about his le...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ralf Specht, author of Building Corporate Soul: Powering Culture & Success with the Soul System. After two decades with McCann Erickson, Ralf Specht became a founding partner of Spark44, an innovative, industry-first joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover. Under his leadership as CEO, Spark44 grew to a 1,200 people business in 18 countries. In the conversation, Ralf Specht shares how organizations can create an environment where ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Phil de Picciotto. Phil is the founder and president of Octagon and has been at the forefront of the sports, music, and entertainment industry for more than 35 years. In this conversation, Phil de Picciotto shared what led to his initial commitment to social justice, eventually pursuing his law degree and helping found Octagon. Phil de Picciotto also talked about how Octagon signed Moses Malone and Steffi Graf and the organizat...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Paul Smith, business storytelling coach and bestselling author of Lead with A Story, Sell with A Story, and The 10 Stories. In this episode, Paul Smith shares how leaders can use storytelling as a powerful business tool. Paul Smith also shared specific stories leaders need to tell to improve the clarity of their communications and motivate their teams. Some highlights: -Paul Smith on why many leaders are not good at telling s...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jeanine Turner, a professor at Georgetown University, where she teaches at the Communication, Culture and Technology Program and the McDonough School of Business. Jeanine Turner is also the author of Being Present: Commanding Attention at Work (and at Home) by Managing Your Social Presence. Jeanine Turner shares her research and interviews on factors that impact our social presence. Jeanine also shares four communication choice...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Michael Roderick, founder, and C.E.O. of Small Pond Enterprises and host of the Access to Anyone Podcast. Michael Roderick shares practices and frameworks on connecting with others more effectively and becoming a referrable brand. Michael also shared that organizations can use the same lessons to make their brands stand out. Finally, Michael Roderick shares his thoughts on how we can become memorable both as individuals and org...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Diane Tipton, Chief Executive Officer and President at Self Storage Zone and Board Member at the Girl Scouts of the USA. Diane shares her humble beginnings in Georgia and how challenges shaped her into who she has become. Diane also talked about her work in accounting and why she decided to start a company. Finally, Diane Tipton shared the reason for her passion for Girl Scouts and the organization's impact on developing the ne...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Stephanie Linnartz, President of Marriott International, Inc., the world's largest hospitality company. Stephanie Linnartz shares the role her upbringing played in her seeking a career at Marriott and how she rose through the ranks in the organization. Stephanie also shares the devastating impact of the pandemic alongside losing the organization's beloved CEO, Arne Sorenson, and how the leadership team was able to stay focused ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Lisa Wise, Chief Rooster, Chief Nester and Owner of Nest DC. Lisa Wise shares the origin story behind founding the company and how they bake purpose into everything they do. Lisa Wise also talks about her commitment to the community and how she was able to keep focused on purpose through the pandemic. Finally, Lisa Wise talks about her commitment to serving employees and other stakeholders. Some highlights: - How challenges g...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Marquet. David served as the commander of the US Navy nuclear submarine, USS Santa Fe. When he took over, he changed the command-and-control leadership style and empowered his crew to turn the lowest-performing sub into the best performer in the fleet. David Marquet shared leadership lessons from this experience, which he also wrote in his bestselling book Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leade...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Cynthia Owyoung, the vice-president of inclusion, equity, and belonging at Robinhood. Cynthia is also the Founder of Breaking Glass Forums, which aims to elevate diverse talent and inclusive organizations. In addition, she has established and led diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for over 15 years as an executive at organizations in multiple industries. In this conversation, Mahan and Cynthia Owyoung speak about Cyn...

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Gorodetski. David is the co-founder and CEO of Sage Communications. David Gorodetski shares pivotal moments that led to his co-founding of Sage Communications. David also talks about the leadership challenges caused by the pandemic and how the crisis has helped him become a better leader. Finally, David Gorodetski shares why community involvement is essential for him and its role in Sage as the organization co...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ernie Jarvis. Ernie is a fifth-generation Washingtonian and has established himself as a significant presence in the Greater Washington DC DMV region through his active involvement in the community and commitment to giving back. Ernie Jarvis has been a trailblazer on many fronts, including commercial real estate. In the conversation, Mahan and Ernie talk about how Ernie's heritage and upbringing have impacted his sense of respo...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with LaTonya Wilkins. LaTonya Wilkins is the founder of The Change Coaches. She works with C-suite/executive leaders and their teams where human connection and cultural change happen: below the surface. LaTonya Wilkins is also the author of Leading Below The Surface: How To Build Real and Psychologically Safe Relationships With People Who Are Different From You. In this conversation, LaTonya shares how leaders can become more inclus...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Luanne Gutermuth. Luanne formerly serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Washington Gas. In addition to co-founding Good Spirit Farm Winery with her husband, Luanne Gutermuth serves as Chair of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Luanne serves on the Washington Performing Arts and Northern Virginia Family Services board of directors. Some highlights: - Luanne Gutermuth ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley. Ken is the founder of the Ken Blanchard Companies and has co-authored more than 65 books on leadership, including all-time classics such as The One Minute Manager and Who Moved My Cheese, each with over 20 million copies sold. In this conversation, Ken Blanchard is joined by Randy Conley, Vice President of global professional services for the Ken Blanchard Companies. The discussion focuses on the...