Episodes

Get ready to climb the mountain of vulnerability in leadership. In this engaging discussion with Jacob Morgan, author of Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization, you’ll learn why vulnerability plus leadership can transform organizations. In the conversation, Jacob Morgan shares his personal journey of grappling with vulnerability, from a childhood with a “tough guy” father to panic attacks while writing this transformati...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40. In the conversation, Garry Ridge shared his origin story and how a quote from the Dalai Lama helped him focus on organizational purpose. Next, Garry explained his why and the how behind making WD-40 an organization where people can contribute, learn something new, and ultimately go home happy. Then, Garry Ridge shared the leadership wisdom he has gained from Ken Blanchard and Mar...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Hooman Motevalli, the author of, Don’t Be a Crab: A Practical Guide to Building Strong Joyful Relationships. Motevalli’s journey from the tumultuous backdrop of revolution and war in Iran to becoming a transformative thinker in leadership and personal development is nothing short of inspiring. His unique insights into internal dialogue, mindset, and the metaphorical 'crab bucket' mentality o...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli hosts Andrea Sampson, an expert in strategic storytelling and the co-founder of Talk Boutique. Andrea Sampson talks about the fascinating intersection of brain science and storytelling, emphasizing why humans are hardwired to respond to stories. As an experienced speaker's coach for TEDx Toronto and a thought leader in her own right, Andrea shares her journey from the advertising world to helping change-makers communicate their ideas effec...

In this special episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli, usually the host, is in the spotlight as he is interviewed by Enrique Acosta Gonzalez for the Developing the Leader Within podcast. Mahan, CEO of Strategic Leadership Ventures and a highly regarded thought leader shares profound insights on leadership, drawing from his extensive experience working with top executives and CEOs globally. The conversation explores the nuances of effective leadership, emphasizing the shift...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick, an expert in leadership development and the author of Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership. Grant shares his journey from Toronto, Canada, to his extensive experience in Asia, where he has spent over two decades honing his leadership skills. Drawing on his diverse background, including a fascinating stint in the entertainment industry, Grant provides deep insights into the nuances of effective leadersh...

Retired US Navy Admiral Kyle Cozak shares his inspiring journey of resilience and leadership in this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast. From his upbringing in Las Vegas to his life-altering accident, Admiral Cozak's story is a testament to the power of trust, positive thinking, and determination. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, trust, and relatability in leadership and how these qualities can empower individuals to make the right decisions. Admiral Cozak's relentl...

In this captivating episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Greg Wooldridge, the only person to have led the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's renowned flight demonstration squadron, three times. With his unparalleled experience and unique insights, Greg Wooldridge shares valuable lessons on leadership, team dynamics, and the pursuit of excellence that is applicable not only in the cockpit but also in the boardroom. Throughout the conversation, Greg Wooldridge discusses the co...

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pete Steinberg, a seasoned rugby coach, leadership consultant, and author of the book, Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success. With a rich background in coaching women's rugby at Penn State and leading the U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team, Pete brings a unique perspective to organizational leadership, focusing on the parallels b...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Scott Mautz, a renowned leadership expert and the author of The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors. Scott brings decades of experience from the corporate world, including a distinguished career at Procter & Gamble, to share profound insights on what it takes to build mental strength and lead effectively, especially in challenging times. Scott's journey began in ...

In this engaging episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli hosts NY Times Best Selling author and serial entrepreneur Dave Kerpen. The conversation focuses on Dave Kerpen’s most recent book, Get Over Yourself: How to Lead and Delegate Effectively for More Time, More Freedom, and More Success. In the episode, Dave Kerpen emphasizes the importance of strategic delegation, sharing personal anecdotes and practical insights that underscore how effective delegation can lead to great...

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jonah Berger, Wharton School professor and internationally bestselling author of Magic Words, Contagious, Invisible Influence, and The Catalyst. In the conversation, Jonah Berger talked about the role of influence in our lives and leadership. He explained why influence is a tool and how to use it for positive impact. Jonah Berger then addressed the role of language in influencing others, and the six types of research supporte...

In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Barbara Kellerman, a renowned expert in leadership, Harvard Kennedy School Professor, and a prolific author. Kellerman's latest book, Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers, serves as the focal point of this discussion. With decades of research and a unique perspective on the dynamics of leadership, Kellerman challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on...

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Robert Wolcott, a renowned expert on innovation and the co-author of Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs in Just-in-Time Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life. In the conversation, Rob Wolcott shares his groundbreaking insights on how digital technologies are revolutionizing industries and reshaping the future of work, healthcare, and beyond. Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking examples, Wolcot...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Rob Sadow, the co-founder and CEO of Scoop and the mastermind behind The Flex Index. As a leading expert on the future of work, Rob shares his invaluable insights on navigating the seismic shift towards hybrid and flexible work arrangements. Drawing from his extensive experience and data-driven approach, Rob goes into the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformative change in the workplace. Throughout the ...

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Tim Ringel, the visionary CEO of Meet the People, a trailblazing agency that's reshaping the advertising and marketing landscape. With a career spanning decades and continents, Tim Ringel brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the digital age. Throughout the conversation, Tim shares his journey from a small town in Germany to the bustling str...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Cameron Herold, a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the book The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO. With a wealth of experience as a COO and having coached numerous companies worldwide, Cameron shares his invaluable insights on the critical role of the COO and how to create a high-performing CEO-COO dynamic. Throughout the conversation, Cameron dives deep into the complexities of the COO role and t...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dave Ulrich. Known as the Father of modern-day HR, Dave Ulrich is the Rensis Likert Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and a partner at the RBL Group, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations and leaders deliver value. Dave Ulrich has published over 30 leadership, organization, and human resource books. The discussion with Dave Ulrich touches on measuring a leader's effectiveness, the...

In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Jerry Colonna, CEO of Reboot.io and the renowned CEO coach known as the “CEO Whisperer.” Jerry Colonna is also the author of the groundbreaking books Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong. With his unique background as a successful venture capitalist turned executive coach, Jerry brings a wealth of experience and wi...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Alden Mills, three-time Navy SEAL Platoon Commander and INC 500 CEO. Alden Mills is also the author of three books, the latest of which is Unstoppable Mindset: How to Use What You Have to Get What You Want. Throughout the conversation, Alden shares his insights on navigating change, fostering ownership, and cultivating a resilient mindset in both personal and professional contexts. Throughout the conversation, Alden draws up...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Jason Gulya, a higher education AI Strategist, to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and organizations. As someone who initially resisted the idea of becoming a teacher, Jason's journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and embracing change. Jason shares how his unique upbringing, with three brothers close in age, shaped his understanding of community and individual ne...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with JJ (Projjal) Ghatak, a seasoned technology executive who has held key roles at companies like Uber and is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of OnLoop, a habit-forming, genAI-powered goals and feedback platform for high functioning teams. Projjal Ghatak shares his unique insights on building mission-driven cultures, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology to empower managers and drive organizational success. Drawing...

In this engaging episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in an insightful conversation with Paul Daugherty, the group chief executive of technology and chief technology officer at Accenture. During the episode, Paul Daugherty emphasizes the criticality of adopting a technology-focused mindset and embracing constant reinvention and agility in the face of evolving technologies. He highlights the importance of organizations becoming learning organizations equipped ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Rubenstein, co-founder & co-chairman of Carlyle Group & President of the Economic Club of Washington DC. In the conversation David Rubenstein 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...