Episodes

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Alain Hunkins, keynote speaker, facilitator, coach, and author of the best-selling book Cracking the Leadership Code: Three Secrets to Building Strong Leaders. Alain Hunkins shared principles and practices of effective leadership and the power of connection, communication, and collaboration. Some highlights: -Alain Hunkins on the value of connection to leadership -The power of empathy in leading people -The value of activel...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Monsignor John Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, shares impactful stories from his childhood, his journey becoming a priest, and leadership lessons he’s learned through leading many charitable initiatives. Father John also explains the power of “yes” and the importance of collaborating with organizations of different faiths to fulfill a shared purpose. Some highlights: -Monsignor John Enzler’s childhood a...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Natalie Nixon, creativity strategist, global keynote speaker, and author of the award-winning book The Creativity Leap, shares why it is essential to unleash creativity for ourselves and in leading our teams and organizations. Some highlights: -Dr. Natalie Nixon’s childhood and how her family inspired her to explore her creativity -Dr. Natalie Nixon on pursuing what you love -The role observation plays in creativity -The case of curiosity: why i...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Doyle Mitchell, President and CEO of Industrial Bank, shares memories from his childhood and how Industrial Bank, the largest and oldest minority-owned commercial bank in the Greater Washington DC DMV region, came to be. He also shares the struggles he’s faced as a black business owner and his hopes for black-owned businesses. Some highlights: -Doyle Mitchell’s childhood and how his parents impacted his life -The story behind Industrial Bank: a legacy...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Catherine Rymsha, a lecturer, Tedx Speaker, and author of the book The Leadership Decision: Decide to lead today. Dr. Rymsha shares how our choices and decisions define our leadership and help develop our leadership brand. Some highlights: -Dr. Catherine Rymsha on initiative and action as the foundation of leadership -Qualities of great leadership -Dr. Catherine Rymsha on how leaders can be strong and show vulnerability...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carla Reid, General Manager and CEO of WSSC Water. Carla Reid talks about overcoming setbacks in life, resilience in leadership, and rebranding organizational culture with a vision and strategy for a positive impact on customers and the community. Some highlights: -Exposure and experience as crucial factors in figuring out your interests -Carla Reid's thoughts on taking on challenges and creating solutions -The why and how ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about one of the lessons he learned from Italians on the value of disconnecting from work and the value of that disconnection to deep thinking required for leadership in disruptive times. Some highlights: -The Italians take their holidays seriously -Busyness doesn't help us in business -Leadership requires disconnecting and reflecting Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: MahanTavakoli.com More information and resources are available a...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Joe Gardemal. Joe serves as a managing director in the Washington DC office of Alvarez and Marcel and has over 30 years of experience in accounting, including in forensic accounting. He is a veteran of the Iraq war and is a recipient of a bronze star for his command during the Iraq campaign. Currently, Joe is the court-appointed independent monitor over GPB Capital Holdings. Some highlights: -Joe Gardemal talks about how to t...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Jonathan Westover, Chair of Organizational Leadership Development at Utah Valley University and author of The Alchemy of Truly Remarkable Leadership. Dr. Jonathan Westover shares how you can tap into your own personalized leadership journey, expand your leadership potential, and grow as a leader while also helping others grow. Some highlights: -How experiencing different cultures influenced Jonathan Westover’s outlook on ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Professor Robert Bies. Bob Bies is a Professor of Management and founder of the Executive Masters in Leadership program at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business. Dr. Robert Bies shares different frameworks and models on how to become a more purpose-driven and impactful leader. Some highlights: -Robert Bies shares the role social justice can play in leading purpose-driven organizations. -The Tao of Pooh – How Winnie-the-Po...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Greg Satell, writer, speaker, innovation advisor, an expert on transformational change, and author of Cascades, shares lessons on how leaders can lead transformation in their organizations and the community. Greg Satell shares lessons learned from past transformations and how leaders can help lead change in organizations, especially through ongoing disruption. Some highlights: -Why Greg Satell moved to Poland and what it was like living in a post-commu...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Kim Alfonso, co-founder, and CEO of Results One. Kim Alfonso talks about advocating for people with disabilities, immersing herself in the disability world, and her mission to create a community that embodies dignity, respect, accessibility, and inclusion. Some highlights: -Kim Alfonso on her leadership challenges at Merck -Kim Alfonso on her inspiration to become an advocate for people with disabilities -Promoting accessib...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Minter Dial, a keynote speaker, storyteller, book author, and award-winning film producer. Minter Dial shares lessons learned in leading brands, building communities, and about his latest book: You Lead: How Being Yourself Makes You a Better Leader. Some Highlights: -Minter Dial talks about the need for constant learning. -How to lead with greater authenticity. -Self-awareness is key to authenticity and leadership. -Minter...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tamara Copeland. Tamara led the Voices of America’s Children early on and was appointed legislative director for former Congressman Bobby Scott, and eventually served as the president of The Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers. She is also the author of “DAUGHTERS OF THE DREAM: Eight Girls from Richmond Who Grew Up in the Civil Rights Era”, a book about friendship formed from shared experiences during the civil right...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Akhtar Badshah, expert on social impact, philanthropy, CSR and international development, and author of The Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires Employees and Alumni to Change the World, shares impactful stories from his time heading Microsoft philanthropies and the many transformative movements Microsoft employees and alumni have started. He emphasizes that all it takes is a moment to recognize how we can bring change to our communities and turn ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tony Crescenzo, a Marine Veteran, former Chief Executive Officer of IntelliDyne, and now President of Intelligent Waves LLC. Tony Crescenzo shares lessons from his service as a Marine, being willing to take on the costs of standing up for what’s right, and the many leadership lessons learned in leading teams and organizations through change. Some highlights: -Tony Crescenzo on the value of standing up for what’s right. -Why ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about the challenges of a hybrid work environment for organizations and what leaders can do to successfully transition into a hybrid work environment. Some highlights: -Defining the purpose for bringing people back together -The advantages of working in-person compared to remote work -The some of the leadership challenges when operating in a hybrid work environment -OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) as a system to align teams in...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Dan Simons. Dan Simons is the co-founder of the Farmers Restaurant Group. In this episode, Dan shares his journey of becoming a purpose-driven individual and leader. Dan Simons also shares the inspiring story of how Farmers Restaurant Group and his team faced the crisis while staying focused on their values and becoming better as a result. Some highlights: -Dan Simons on how his upbringing gave him a greater sense of purpose a...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ram Charan, a world-renowned business consultant, former professor, and author of over 30 best-selling leadership books, including his most recent book, Rethinking Competitive Advantage. Ram Charan talks about digital transformation and how organizations can adapt to achieve a competitive advantage. Some highlights: -The difference between leaders and business people -Ram Charan on the importance of understanding consumer be...

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 l...

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, 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...

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...

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 fai...