Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Justin Evans, a seasoned executive and author of The Little Book of Data. With a career spanning leadership roles at major media and tech firms including Microsoft, NBCUniversal, and Paramount, Evans brings a rare combination of commercial acumen and data fluency to the conversation. His insights offer a refreshing—and deeply practical—framework for how senior leaders should think about data, not as a technical layer, but as a strategic lens. Far too often, CEOs and boards delegate “data” to specialists, only to find themselves disconnected from the systems shaping growth, innovation, and increasingly, AI-driven decision-making. Evans challenges that mindset. He argues that data is now a core leadership discipline—and avoiding it is no longer an option. But here’s the twist: embracing data doesn’t require becoming a data scientist. It requires leading with the right posture, questions, and level of clarity. Throughout the conversation, Evans offers real-world stories, from nonprofits reducing senior loneliness using conversational analytics, to multinationals unlocking hidden growth by surfacing unused operational data. What sets his thinking apart is not just the depth of his data expertise, but how convincingly he ties it back to purpose, impact, and leadership judgment. This is not a technical conversation. It’s a strategic one. And for leaders wondering how to navigate a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, dashboards, and machine learning, this episode is both a wake-up call and a guidepost. If you’ve ever felt a step behind in the data conversation—or feared being sidelined in the age of AI—this dialogue will help you reframe and reengage with confidence. Actionable Takeaways: Connect with Justin Evans Justin Evans LinkedIn The Little Book of Data: Understanding the Powerful Analytics that Fuel AI, Make or Break Careers, and Could Just End Up Saving the World Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership. While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking. I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author. Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it. We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas. Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference. —Mahan Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley Leading Change – John Kotter How to Lead – David Rubenstein Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño How Minds Change – David McRaney Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet Magic Words – Jonah Berger "I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership. While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking. I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author. Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it. We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas. Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference. —Mahan Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley Leading Change – John Kotter How to Lead – David Rubenstein Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño How Minds Change – David McRaney Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet Magic Words – Jonah Berger "I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership. While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking. I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author. Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it. We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas. Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference. —Mahan Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley Leading Change – John Kotter How to Lead – David Rubenstein Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño How Minds Change – David McRaney Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet Magic Words – Jonah Berger "I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership. While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking. I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author. Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it. We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas. Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference. —Mahan Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley Leading Change – John Kotter How to Lead – David Rubenstein Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño How Minds Change – David McRaney Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet Magic Words – Jonah Berger "I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership. While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking. I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author. Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it. We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas. Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference. —Mahan Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley Leading Change – John Kotter How to Lead – David Rubenstein Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño How Minds Change – David McRaney Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet Magic Words – Jonah Berger "I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership. While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking. I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author. Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it. We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas. Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference. —Mahan Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley Leading Change – John Kotter How to Lead – David Rubenstein Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño How Minds Change – David McRaney Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet Magic Words – Jonah Berger "I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Welcome to the Best Of series on Partnering Leadership. While many of us take a bit of a breather in July and August, we’re revisiting standout episodes—conversations that are worth hearing again, especially as leadership challenges shift and new moments call for fresh thinking. I’ve also pulled together 12 of the leadership books I recommend most often—each linked below to my conversation with the author. Whether it’s your first listen or a return visit, the best conversations have a way of revealing something new when the moment calls for it. We’ll be back in September with more great conversations and powerful ideas. Thanks for continuing to learn, grow, and lead in ways that make a real difference. —Mahan Trust & Inspire – Stephen M. R. Covey CEO Excellence – Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller & Vik Malhotra Simple Truths of Leadership – Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley Leading Change – John Kotter How to Lead – David Rubenstein Prediction Machines – Ajay Agrawal, Avi Goldfarb & Joshua Gans The Performance Paradox – Eduardo Briceño How Minds Change – David McRaney Human + Machine – Paul Daugherty & H. James Wilson 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell – Paul Smith Turn the Ship Around! – L. David Marquet Magic Words – Jonah Berger "I would rather read the best 100 books over and over again until I absorb them rather than read all the books." Naval Ravikant Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 differentiate in a competitive market. Some highlights: -The importance of hiring the people who fit the organization’s culture and value -How Steve Robinson come up with the Blue Ocean Strategy and its vital role in the successful branding of Chick-fil-A -The impact of the leadership of Chick-fil-A’s founder, Truett Cathy, on the organization’s culture -Lessons that Steve Robinson learned on the 2-million dollar mistake -Steve Robinson shared marketing and business insights in building a brand that people cannot live without Also mentioned in this episode: -John Rossman, author of The Amazon Way book series (Listen to John’s episode on the Partnering Leadership Podcast here) -Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A -Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A -Jimmy Collins, former president of Chick-fil-A Book by Steve Robinson: Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A: How Faith, Cows, and Chicken Built an Iconic Brand Book Resources: The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill by William Manchester, Paul Reid Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies The Bible: Book of Proverbs, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Joel Connect with Steve Robinson: S. Robinson Consulting Steve Robinson on LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 butterfly and lessons for leaders. ● How Amazon reinvented a failed product and transformed it into a killer product. ● Aidan McCullen shares how seeing life as cyclical rather than linear helps us with a reinvention mindset. Also mentioned in this episode: ● Rita McGrath author of The end of competitive advantage and Seeing around corners ● Scott D. Anthony author of The Little Black Book Of Innovation: How it works, How to do it and co-author of Eat, Sleep, Innovate: How to Make Creativity an Everyday Habit Inside Your Organization ● Daniel Z. Lieberman author of The Molecule of More ● Robert Sapolsky author of Behave Buy Aidan McCullen’s Book: Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life Connect with Aidan McCullen: Aidan McCullen @ theinnovationshow.io Aidan McCullen LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Emmanuel Daniel, global thought leader, futurist, founder of The Asian Banker, and author of The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here. Emmanuel brings a wealth of experience from decades of engaging with top financial leaders and institutions worldwide, and his expertise shines through in this engaging conversation. With a deep understanding of how technology is reshaping the financial industry, Emmanuel challenges the status quo and offers a thought-provoking vision for the future of business, finance, and society. The episode centers on Emmanuel’s book, The Great Transition, where he explores how finance is being fundamentally transformed by the rise of personalization and decentralization. Emmanuel provides a compelling argument that technology is empowering individuals like never before, enabling them to bypass traditional financial institutions. But this is just the beginning—he reveals that this transition is not limited to finance but is reshaping the fabric of society itself. Throughout the conversation, Emmanuel goes into the “network effect,” explaining how it is changing the rules of engagement for businesses, institutions, and individuals. As industries face increasing pressure from disruptive technologies, Emmanuel highlights the critical need for leaders to embrace these changes or risk becoming obsolete. His insights are especially relevant for senior executives navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation and leadership in an interconnected world. Listeners will come away from this episode with a renewed understanding of how technology is disrupting not just finance but every facet of society. Emmanuel’s observations about the power of networks, the personalization of industries, and the decentralization of control are crucial for leaders seeking to stay ahead in today’s fast-changing business environment. This episode offers actionable insights and thought leadership that will resonate with CEOs, executives, and anyone interested in the future of leadership and finance. Actionable Takeaways: Connect with Emmanuel Daniel Emmanuel Daniel Website and Blog The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here Emmanuel Daniel LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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-communist country -How the Orange Revolution transformed Greg Satell’s perspective on change -‘Viral cascades’ and how leaders can use the understanding to drive transformational change in organizations -Greg Satell on the value of shared Purpose and Shared Values -How to best deal with fierce oppositions when driving change -How to empower people to succeed on their own terms -Gregg Satell on why Blockbuster failed to adapt and change and lessons for leaders of transformation Mentioned in this episode: Duncan J. Watts, sociologist Steven Strogatz, mathematician Albert-László Barabási, physicist Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire by Rebecca M. Henderson Prosperity: Better Business Makes the Greater Good by Colin Mayer Louis V. Gerstner Jr., former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of IBM Immanuel Kant, philosopher Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Stanley A. McChrystal and Chris Fussell One Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams by Charles Goodyear and Chris Fussell John F. Antioco, former CEO of Blockbuster and chairman of Red Mango Carl Icahn, former CEO of Blockbuster and founder and controlling shareholder of Icahn Enterprises Mapping Innovation: A Playbook for Navigating a Disruptive Age by Greg Satell Adversaries Into Allies: Win People Over Without Manipulation Or Coercion by Bob Burg The Halo Effect by Phil Rosenzweig Connect with Greg Satell: Cascades on Amazon Greg Satell’s Website Digital Tonto Website Greg Satell on LinkedIn Greg Satell on Clubhouse Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by David Espindola, a futurist and strategic advisor with deep expertise in technology, AI, and leadership. As the author of The Exponential Era and Soulful, Espindola brings a unique lens to the conversation—one that blends exponential technology insight with a deep understanding of human-centered leadership. His background, which spans Silicon Valley startups and CIO roles, grounds his perspective in both vision and practicality. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is no longer just a functional tool—it’s a force that’s reshaping how organizations operate and how leaders must lead. Espindola challenges the outdated mental models that many executives still rely on and explains why thinking exponentially—not linearly—is now a leadership imperative. The speed of change, he argues, requires not just faster decision-making, but a fundamental rewiring of strategic planning itself. Beyond urgency, the conversation offers a thoughtful framework for action. Espindola urges leaders to see AI not as a threat, but as a collaborator—a sparring partner that, when used well, can expand creativity, sharpen insight, and unlock new value. At the same time, he issues a warning about over-delegating thought and judgment to machines. The leaders who thrive, he says, will be those who bring a uniquely human edge to this new era. The episode also dives into the qualities that will define great leadership in an AI-powered world—empathy, intrinsic motivation, and adaptability. Espindola makes the case for “soulful strategy”—an approach rooted not just in efficiency but in meaning and trust. For CEOs, board members, and senior leaders rethinking their relevance and impact in a fast-moving world, this episode delivers timely insights and a powerful call to lead differently. Actionable Takeaways Connect with David Espindola David Espindola Website David Espindola LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Bernard Harris, a leader whose extraordinary career trajectory—from physician to NASA astronaut to CEO and venture capitalist—offers rare insights into the inner work of leadership. Dr. Harris is the first African American to walk in space, and the author of Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential. His unique vantage point, shaped by science, space exploration, and C-suite leadership, gives him an extraordinary lens on what really limits potential—not just for individuals, but for teams and entire organizations. This is not a conversation about space missions. It's a candid exploration of the hidden forces that hold even the most accomplished leaders back. Dr. Harris shares how fear, false identity, and overachievement can become barriers disguised as success—and how leaders can finally begin to let go. With disarming honesty, he recounts how constant validation once drove his every move, and how shedding that need was key to unlocking deeper effectiveness and personal alignment. What makes this episode essential for executive listeners is not just the personal story—it’s the direct application to business and leadership contexts. Dr. Harris talks about leading teams under pressure, confronting blind spots in senior leadership, and what it really takes to receive feedback at the top. His reflections offer a masterclass in self-awareness and intentional leadership, especially for those navigating high-stakes roles where perception often replaces truth. Whether you're leading a company, serving on a board, or mentoring the next generation of executives, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define success, strength, and growth. The conversation isn't about doing more—it’s about uncovering what’s driving your decisions, and whether it’s truly aligned with your values and long-term vision. Actionable Takeaways: Connect with Dr. Bernard Harris Bernard Harris LinkedIn Embracing Infinite Possiblities Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Greg Shove, CEO of Section and a serial entrepreneur with a deep track record of leading transformative growth. Shove’s leadership journey includes multiple successful pivots, and in this conversation, he brings a uniquely grounded perspective on how AI is fundamentally changing the role of leaders and the structure of modern organizations. From board-level decision-making to frontline productivity, he doesn’t just speculate—he shares what he’s doing inside his own company to lead through the change. Greg originally joined Section to turn it from a media startup into a next-gen education company. But when he first used ChatGPT, he knew instantly that business education itself needed to evolve. That insight led to a bold pivot: transforming Section from an online business school into an AI-powered academy focused on accelerating performance and capability at scale. It’s a rare look at what it really takes to lead a high-velocity pivot—one grounded not in hype, but in strategy, execution, and conviction. Throughout the conversation, Greg challenges conventional thinking on AI adoption, leadership credibility, and the future of knowledge work. He breaks down why many leaders are stuck in experimentation mode—and what it takes to move into actual transformation. CEOs and boards will find his views on performance, upskilling, and AI decision support to be especially compelling and uncomfortably timely. If you're tired of surface-level conversations about AI and want to understand what the shift actually looks like inside a company, this episode delivers. Whether you're leading a small team or a global enterprise, Greg's insights on using AI as a leadership advantage—not just a tech upgrade—will spark new thinking and bold action. Actionable Takeaways: Connect with Greg Shove: Greg Shove Website Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this insightful episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Simon T. Bailey, a renowned speaker, leadership expert, and author of Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. Simon is best known for his work on personal and professional brilliance, with a focus on resilience—key themes that he passionately explores in his latest book. Throughout the discussion, Simon shares profound lessons from his experiences, including his time at Disney Institute, where he honed his leadership philosophy. He dives into the essence of what it means to be a leader who inspires others to discover their own potential while maintaining humility and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning. Simon emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling the behaviors they wish to see in their teams, drawing from his Disney experience where leaders were expected to "pick up the trash" as a metaphor for taking responsibility beyond their titles. He also discusses the critical role of coaching in leadership, explaining why many managers fail to do it effectively and offering practical advice on how to make coaching a regular and impactful part of leadership practice. Simon’s approach to leadership is refreshingly candid, focusing on the need for intellectual humility and the ability to connect deeply with team members. Listeners will also gain valuable insights into the evolving nature of work, particularly in the context of hybrid environments and the rise of AI. Simon highlights the challenges and opportunities these changes present for leaders, urging them to foster a culture of learning and adaptability. His emphasis on resilience and brilliance as twin pillars of success in today’s fast-paced world offers a powerful framework for executives aiming to lead their organizations through uncertainty and change. Actionable Takeaways: Connect with Simon T Bailey Simon T Bailey Website Simon T Bailey LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What if your employees appear engaged, but aren’t truly committed? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dave Garrison, an experienced CEO, board member, and author of The Buy-In Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring and How Great Leaders Inspire Commitment. Drawing on his work with companies like Ameritrade and his experience advising leaders across sectors, Dave explains why engagement metrics are often misleading—and how leaders can create the conditions for real buy-in. The conversation begins by examining the gap between how leaders think about motivation and how people actually commit to meaningful work. Dave offers a compelling distinction between surface-level engagement and genuine buy-in, the kind that drives ownership, initiative, and sustained performance. He challenges the assumptions behind many well-intended leadership practices and makes the case for a more human, purpose-driven approach. Together, Mahan and Dave explore how leadership habits—especially those rooted in control or speed—can unintentionally suppress the very commitment leaders are trying to cultivate. Dave shares practical ways to shift the dynamic: asking catalytic questions, reframing roles, and creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and responsible for the outcomes they help shape. This is not a conversation about perks or communication plans. It’s about understanding the deeper dynamics of commitment in today’s evolving workplace—and how great leaders create clarity, connection, and accountability. Whether you’re leading a boardroom, a leadership team, or a transformation effort, this episode will reframe how you think about performance, trust, and the leadership behaviors that unlock both. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Dave Garrison Dave Garrisson Website The Buy-In Advantage Book Dave Garrison LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What happens when even the most powerful leaders pull every lever they’ve been taught to use—bonuses, metrics, training—and nothing changes? That’s the question that set Mike Mears, former CIA Chief of Human Capital, on a mission to rethink leadership from the inside out. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mike joins Mahan Tavakoli to share deeply practical insights on why traditional leadership systems fall short—and what truly drives performance and innovation. As the founder of the CIA’s Leadership Academy, Mike brings a unique combination of experience in intelligence, government, and corporate leadership. His ideas are grounded in neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and decades of operational leadership. Rather than focusing on leadership theory, he focuses on how leaders can create psychological certainty for their people—even amid external volatility. Throughout the conversation, Mike challenges long-held assumptions, including the overreliance on performance systems and leadership training that don’t account for human nature. He reveals why emotional clarity and trust are more valuable than process, and how small, consistent actions from leaders—like weekly check-ins and genuine recognition—can transform team dynamics and unlock discretionary effort. This conversation is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and senior leaders who want to move beyond abstract leadership models and build real engagement, alignment, and trust. With memorable stories and tested frameworks, Mike Mears offers a practical guide to leadership that resonates at every level of an organization. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Mike Mears Mike Mears LinkedIn Mike Mears Website Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this timely and compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes back Rich Diviney, retired Navy SEAL Commander and bestselling author of The Attributes. This conversation focuses on Rich’s latest book, Mastering Uncertainty, and delivers insights highly relevant to leaders navigating today’s volatile, complex environment. With more than 20 years of experience in the SEAL teams—including leading training within SEAL Team Six—Rich draws from intense operational settings to explain how high performers build the ability to stay composed, decisive, and effective when the plan breaks down. But this isn’t just about special forces. It’s a conversation about how CEOs and senior leaders can rewire how they think about pressure, performance, and leadership itself. Rich introduces powerful concepts, including the brain’s need for Duration, Pathway, and Outcome (DPO) to maintain composure in chaos. He breaks down how stress affects decision-making, why “calm is contagious,” and how great teams shift leadership dynamically to the person best positioned to lead in the moment. These lessons are deeply human and directly applicable to organizational leadership. This episode goes beyond resilience into practical training for leaders who want to move through uncertainty with clarity and help their teams do the same. Whether you're leading a fast-scaling business, a mission-driven nonprofit, or a complex enterprise under stress, this conversation offers actionable perspective and tools for performing when nothing goes as planned. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Rich Diviney The Attributes Website Rich Diviney LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this compelling episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mark Schaefer returns to share fresh, provocative insights from his latest book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. A globally respected marketing strategist, bestselling author, and deep observer of technological change, Schaefer brings sharp clarity to a pressing leadership question: what does it take to stay relevant when artificial intelligence makes intelligence itself abundant? Rather than offering a simplistic take on AI, Schaefer challenges leaders to confront a more nuanced truth: AI doesn’t just change how we work—it redefines where we create value. In a world where intelligence is cheap and accessible to everyone, he argues, leaders must shift their organizations from knowledge accumulation to human differentiation. The conversation dives into what “out-humaning” AI actually looks like. From designing moments of awe to fostering fearless creativity, Schaefer offers examples and frameworks that push beyond theory. He connects storytelling, community-building, and emotional resonance not just as marketing strategies—but as core leadership capabilities that machines can’t replicate. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and senior executives grappling with the implications of AI. It’s not about resisting the future—it’s about recognizing what only humans can do, and leading teams to do it with more clarity, urgency, and creativity than ever before. Actionable Takeaways You'll learn why intelligence is no longer a competitive advantage—and what replaces it at the leadership level. Hear how to reframe your organizational structure and decision-making in a world where AI handles most of the “smart work.” Discover what Mark Schaefer means by “out-humaning AI” and why that’s now your most important leadership mandate. You'll learn why competence is no longer enough—and how leaders who rely on it alone risk irrelevance. Hear how to use awe, authenticity, and community as strategic tools to build trust and emotional engagement that AI can’t touch. You'll learn how to think about brand relevance and personal credibility when your audience knows AI could have written your content. Hear how to identify and overcome the fear that’s keeping your organization stuck in mediocrity. You'll learn what makes bold storytelling and immersive experience design the next frontier in business leadership. Hear how to embrace AI as a creative partner without outsourcing your strategic soul. Connect with Mark Schaefer : WebsiteBusinesses GrowSocial MediaTwitterLinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website