Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Selena Rezvani invites leaders to rethink some of the most deeply ingrained assumptions about modern management. Drawing from her new book Quick Leadership and years of work with top-performing organizations, Selena challenges CEOs and senior leaders to examine the hidden forces shaping their teams’ behavior—especially the unspoken power dynamics that still drive command-and-control cultures even when leaders insist they’ve moved past them. Her insights land squarely in the real world: where expectations are rising, trust is fragile, and employees—especially Gen Z—expect to be led very differently than generations before them. Selena begins with a powerful personal story that shaped her mission: reducing unnecessary suffering at work. From there, she unpacks how overwork culture became a badge of honor in many organizations, and why leaders who continue to glorify exhaustion will struggle to build sustainable, innovative teams. More importantly, she explains what leaders can celebrate instead—and how to shift the “hero stories” that quietly define organizational norms. A major throughline in the conversation is psychological safety, but not in abstract terms. Selena offers practical, high-signal markers leaders can use to assess whether their teams truly feel safe speaking up: signs in the spoken, unspoken, and silent moments of meetings. She also challenges leaders to examine how they may unintentionally shut down dissent, even while believing they are approachable and open. The episode also dives into modern leadership skill sets—filtering urgency rather than amplifying it, protecting teams from noise, resisting meeting overload, and embracing “selective excellence” instead of perfectionism. Selena offers pragmatic tools leaders can use immediately, from rethinking meeting dynamics to redesigning feedback routines that are informal, frequent, and genuinely useful. The conversation closes with one of the most important themes for today’s executive teams: the disproportionate impact managers have on employees’ mental health. Selena brings data and perspective that will push leaders to rethink their weekly rhythms, their one-on-one structures, and their responsibility to the people they lead. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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 effectively. Andrea highlights the critical role storytelling plays in leadership and organizational success. She explains how stories, unlike mere data, engage multiple parts of the brain, making messages more memorable and impactful. Leaders are often trained to prioritize facts and figures, but Andrea argues that integrating storytelling into their communication strategies can significantly enhance their influence and connection with their audience. Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores the importance of starting with a clear strategic message before crafting the narrative. She shares practical insights on how leaders can identify and refine their core messages, ensuring that their stories are not only engaging but also aligned with their organizational goals. By drawing on examples from iconic brands like Apple and Disney, Andrea illustrates how a singular focus can drive brand consistency and loyalty. Moreover, Andrea addresses the challenge of vulnerability in leadership. She advocates for sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds, enabling leaders to convey authenticity and empathy without retraumatizing themselves or their audience. Actionable Takeaways: Connect with the Andrea Sampson: Talk Boutique Website Andrea Sampson LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Sangeet Paul Choudary, one of the world’s leading thinkers on digital strategy, platforms, and the future of value creation. Sangeet is the author of the acclaimed new book Reshuffle: Who Wins When AI Transforms the Knowledge Economy, a work that reframes how leaders must think about artificial intelligence—not as a tool for faster workflows, but as a force that will rewrite the foundations of competition. Across the conversation, Sangeet challenges the familiar narrative of automation and productivity gains. Drawing on decades of research into platforms, market structure, and shifting sources of advantage, he explains why AI’s real impact will not be felt at the task level but at the level of organizational identity, industry architecture, and the assumptions leaders use to define their business. For CEOs and senior executives, his message is clear: the companies that thrive in the years ahead will be those that reexamine what game they play before investing in how fast they play it. Sangeet introduces the idea of building a “map”—a strategic view of how value is moving across your industry—before deploying AI to accelerate existing processes. He argues that leaders who rush to optimize current workflows risk becoming highly efficient at activities that no longer matter. Instead, organizations must continually reassess their model of the market, the basis of differentiation, and the capabilities that will matter one year out—a timeframe that now represents the new strategic horizon. The discussion spans far beyond theory. Through examples ranging from mining and materials to chemicals, healthcare, and creative industries, Sangeet shows how knowledge work underpins value creation in nearly every sector—and how AI will reshape that work. He also explores the growing importance of sensemaking, the role of agency inside organizations, why incumbents struggle to adapt to new architectures, and what leaders must do to prepare their people for the jobs and capabilities of tomorrow. For senior executives navigating unprecedented uncertainty, this episode offers a compelling lens on the future—not through hype, but through practical strategy. Sangeet’s insights help leaders see what they may have sensed but couldn’t yet articulate, and highlight the conversations they need to prioritize with their teams right now. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What if the greatest risk to your organization isn't economic uncertainty, market volatility, or disruptive technology—but the decisions being made in your own boardroom? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Didier Cossin, IMD professor and global expert in board governance, whose book High Performance Boards has become a must-read for senior leaders looking to elevate board effectiveness. Drawing from decades of research, real-world consulting, and cross-disciplinary experience—including economics, risk management, and even poetry—Cossin brings a powerful lens to what leadership at the top should really look like. Cossin argues that governance has been misunderstood by many organizations as a compliance function, rather than what it truly is: a system that shapes the quality of executive decisions. He challenges CEOs and board members to rethink how they engage with one another, what information they rely on, and who actually owns governance performance. The result is a compelling case for boards as enablers of transformation—not just overseers of risk. Throughout the conversation, Cossin shares examples and frameworks that translate theory into practice. He offers clarity on how boards can evolve to meet the complexity of today’s environment while helping CEOs make better, faster, and more strategic decisions. From the role of the chair to the structure of board packs to the power of informal intelligence, every element of this conversation is designed to elevate how boards contribute to long-term success. If you are a CEO, board member, or executive leader committed to high-performance leadership and long-term impact, this episode offers both insight and challenge to help you lead more effectively—starting at the top. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Didier Cossin Didier Cossin at IMD Didier Cossin LinkedIn High Performance Boards Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What if creativity isn’t a gift possessed by a few—but a skill every leader already has? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden, co-authors of Innovation-ish: How Anyone Can Create Breakthrough Solutions to Real Problems in the Real World. Drawing from their work at Stanford and Harvard, they share how innovation is less about genius and more about discipline, collaboration, and the willingness to see differently. Forshaw and Braden dismantle the myth of the lone genius, showing how the best ideas rarely come from one person’s brilliance but from diverse teams willing to challenge each other’s assumptions. They unpack the concept of “cognitive caution”—that natural human tendency to play it safe—and explain how leaders can create the psychological conditions that make creativity thrive. The conversation explores why traditional brainstorming often fails, why “innovation theater” gives the illusion of progress without impact, and what leaders can do to make innovation an everyday practice rather than a one-off event. From developing the muscles of divergent and convergent thinking to understanding how fear, hierarchy, and bias stifle creative problem-solving, this dialogue offers a roadmap for embedding innovation deeply into leadership and culture. Braden and Forshaw also discuss the responsibility that comes with innovation—how thoughtful leaders must consider both the intended and unintended consequences of new ideas. And in a world reshaped by AI, they offer a refreshing reminder: technology can amplify human creativity, but it cannot replace the curiosity, humility, and judgment at the heart of real leadership. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs and senior leaders who want to foster innovation that’s not performative, but practical—and who see creativity not as a department, but as a leadership imperative. Actionable Takeaways cognitive caution Connect with Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden Innovationish Website Innovationish Substack Tessa Forshaw LinkedIn Rich Braden LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with futurist and strategist Dr. Mark van Rijmenam to explore how leaders can thrive in an era defined by exponential change. Known for his sharp insights into emerging technologies and their impact on society, van Rijmenam shares a grounded yet urgent view of the transformation reshaping every aspect of our world—from business and education to governance and human interaction. Van Rijmenam argues that the shifts underway are not just technological but also ecological and geopolitical, converging into what he calls a “tsunami of change.” Unlike past revolutions that unfolded over centuries, today’s convergence of AI, robotics, blockchain, quantum computing, and biotechnology is remaking industries and organizations in mere years. He urges leaders to recognize the pace and scale of disruption and to evolve their thinking beyond the limits of linear strategy. Throughout the conversation, van Rijmenam challenges executives to rethink traditional leadership models. Short-term metrics and hierarchical control, he warns, are relics of a slower age. To lead effectively in exponential times, leaders must decentralize decision-making, empower teams to act with trust, and adopt a long-term mindset that includes future generations in their calculus of success. The future will belong to those who can combine adaptability with ethical awareness—who understand not only what technology can do but what it should do. This discussion also dives into the human dimensions of the digital revolution. From reimagining education and lifelong learning to confronting the erosion of trust in a world of deepfakes and misinformation, van Rijmenam calls for a new kind of leadership—one that cultivates critical thinking and moral courage as much as technical fluency. His perspective is both sobering and optimistic: chaos is inevitable, but it can also be a catalyst for renewal if leaders are willing to reimagine how organizations and societies operate. Whether you’re leading a global enterprise or a mission-driven organization, this episode will expand your view of what it means to lead in exponential times—and why the leaders of tomorrow must become what van Rijmenam calls “architects of the future,” building systems that serve humanity as much as innovation. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a powerful conversation with Lior Arussy, renowned author, speaker, and expert in organizational transformation and customer experience. Lior is the author of the thought-provoking book Dare to Author: Take Charge of the Narrative of Your Life. In this episode, he brings his compelling insights to life, challenging leaders to rethink how they approach storytelling, organizational change, and leadership in an era of rapid disruption. Lior shares his journey of discovering the power of stories—not just in shaping customer experiences but in transforming individual and organizational mindsets. Drawing on decades of working with global companies, he unpacks why so many people resist change, how leaders can overcome that resistance, and why the ability to craft and evolve personal and organizational narratives is critical for thriving in uncertainty. Listeners will be inspired by Lior's insights on how leaders can empower their teams to embrace change without feeling judged, how to separate purpose from tools to drive transformation, and why storytelling is no longer a nice-to-have skill but a necessity for effective leadership. His approach combines practical frameworks with deeply human insights, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to unlock their team’s potential and elevate their leadership impact. From redefining leadership as navigating the unknown to exploring how gratitude fuels resilience and innovation, this conversation is rich with actionable ideas. Actionable Takeaways: Connect with the Lior Arussy Lior Arussy Website Lior Arussy LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What if the greatest leadership blind spot isn’t about people at all, but about the space between them? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jim Ferrell, renowned leadership thinker and author of You and We: The Relational Rethinking of Work, Life, and Leadership. Known for co-authoring the international bestseller Leadership and Self-Deception, Ferrell’s latest work shifts the lens from managing individuals to managing the relationships that determine whether strategies succeed or fail. Ferrell explains why execution often falters not inside functions, but at the seams — the handoffs, dependencies, and connections that link people, teams, and departments. He challenges leaders to rethink the org chart: while boxes and reporting lines are visible, the real value is created or lost in the white space between them. CEOs and boards who fail to see and lead that space risk blind spots, stalled strategies, and underperformance. In the conversation, Ferrell outlines a framework of “levels of connectivity” that helps leaders diagnose whether relationships are dividing, subtracting, siloed, multiplying, or compounding results. He shares why leaders at the top often get the worst data, how systems and incentives frequently reinforce silos, and what it takes to truly lead at the relational level. Whether you lead a global enterprise, a nonprofit, or a government agency, Ferrell’s insights invite you to rethink what leadership demands today: not simply inspiring individuals, but intentionally managing the relational field that drives execution, culture, and long-term performance. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Jim Ferrell Jim Ferrell LinkedIn You and We Withiii Leadership 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 Benjamin Tasker, an AI learning strategist who has applied artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges in healthcare and education. From predicting cancer risks in rural communities to improving student success rates through early intervention, Tasker has firsthand experience showing leaders how to harness AI for measurable impact. In their conversation, Tasker pulls back the curtain on what executives need to know before chasing the latest AI headlines. He challenges the idea that AI itself is the solution, underscoring that without clean, reliable data, even the most advanced systems will fail — and fail in ways that can damage trust, reputation, and long-term value. The discussion goes beyond the hype to explore the dual responsibility leaders face today: mastering the technical fundamentals that make AI work, while doubling down on the human skills that will differentiate leaders in an AI-enabled world. Tasker shares why empathy, communication, and decision-making under uncertainty will become more—not less—important as AI takes over more of the knowledge work inside organizations. Mahan and Ben also look ahead to the risks on the horizon, including what Tasker calls an inevitable “shock event” in AI — a moment that will test organizational resilience, stakeholder trust, and leadership credibility. The episode is packed with insights for CEOs and senior executives navigating AI’s potential and its pitfalls, making it essential listening for leaders committed to staying ahead in a rapidly shifting environment. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Benjamin Tasker Benjamin Tasker Website Benjamin Tasker LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What happens when the playbook for leadership no longer applies? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by futurist Steve Fisher and behavioral scientist Ja-Nae Duane, co-authors of Super Shifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn, and Work in the Age of Intelligence. With decades of experience in executive foresight, systems thinking, and organizational transformation, the duo brings clarity and urgency to what senior leaders must confront in this new era. Rather than relying on trend-chasing or tech hype, Fisher and Duane challenge leaders to understand the structural shifts reshaping leadership, work, and society. From AI-driven augmentation to generational drift and collapsing institutional trust, the conversation explores how exponential change is converging across systems—and why most organizations are woefully unprepared. What makes this episode stand out is its strategic lens on real leadership adaptation. The guests don’t just talk about what’s coming—they focus on how executives should respond. They offer a framework for leadership in the age of intelligence and make a powerful case for why foresight, anti-fragility, and systemic thinking aren’t optional—they’re now prerequisites. You’ll walk away from this episode with a deeper understanding of the nine “super shifts” shaping the future—and a sharpened sense of what your organization and leadership team must start doing now. If you’re serious about designing future-ready strategy and building adaptive leadership capability, this episode is essential listening. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Ja-Nae Duane and Steve Fisher Super Shifts Book Website Ja-Nae Duane LinkedIn Steve Fisher LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

Most executives still chase superstar hires, assuming great individuals will automatically form great teams. In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Dr. Vanessa Druskat brings research depth and field-tested experience to make a different case. She is the author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups that Outperform the Rest and a leading voice on how team norms drive performance. Her central claim is practical and testable. Outperformance comes from a clear system of team norms that reliably produce trust, candor, and real debate. Druskat explains why experienced leadership teams underdeliver even with strong résumés. Status and power dominate airtime. Quiet voices go unheard. The organization leaves talent on the table. Her work shows that ordinary teams become extraordinary when leaders codify the right norms, invite every voice, and convert distributed knowledge into better decisions. The episode organizes Team Emotional Intelligence into three buckets you can put to work fast. First, Belonging. People feel known, valued, and supported. Second, Learning Together. The team reviews what is working and what is not, and every voice participates in the analysis. Third, Outside In. The team seeks ideas and pressure tests beyond the group, including customers and friendly skeptics. Druskat ties these norms to psychological safety and faster, higher quality decisions, with concrete examples like 60-second check-ins, round-robins on live decisions, and five-minute debriefs. For time-pressed CEOs, the playbook is efficient. Start with an all-voices baseline to gauge current norms. Leaders often see a rosier picture than the team. Then pilot small behaviors in leadership meetings. Shift time from presenting to exchanging information and deciding. Add a short debrief after key moments. Druskat shares examples from executive teams and clinical settings where simple routines quickly lifted collaboration and results. She closes by tackling a stubborn myth. Hiring matters, but interactions matter more. Teams with average talent and superior norms outperform star teams with poor interactions. If your board expects speed, quality decisions, and execution, engineer the team’s operating system, not just its org chart. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Vanessa Druskat Vanessa Druskat Website Vanessa Drustkat LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What makes a great CEO today won’t be enough tomorrow. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carolyn Dewar, McKinsey Senior Partner and coauthor of A CEO for All Seasons—a practical, research-backed roadmap for leaders navigating the full arc of CEO leadership. Building on her global work advising top executives and the success of her previous bestseller CEO Excellence, Carolyn offers a candid, timely, and deeply strategic perspective on how CEOs can lead—and let go—with clarity, discipline, and impact. Carolyn and Mahan explore the four leadership “seasons” every CEO moves through: preparation, early tenure, sustained performance, and exit. But what sets this conversation apart is its real-world focus on what actually trips up leaders—misjudged transitions, misplaced confidence, and the false comfort of past success. This isn’t theoretical leadership advice—it’s practical insight shaped by years of advising CEOs and boards during high-stakes moments. What emerges is a compelling case for fit over familiarity, foresight over reaction, and reinvention over complacency. Carolyn makes it clear that the best CEOs aren't simply great strategists—they're great at timing, sequencing, and knowing when to shift or step aside. She shares stories of leaders who planned their exits with grace and those who stayed too long—and why boards often get it wrong. If you're a CEO, board member, or senior leader shaping the next phase of your organization, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership longevity and legacy. You’ll walk away with practical framing for making bold decisions and managing change—not just within your business, but within yourself. Actionable Takeaways • Hear how to recognize the brief “unfreezing moment” that gives new CEOs a rare chance to reshape direction, expectations, and ambition • Learn why even the most successful CEOs must reinvent themselves—or risk becoming the barrier to future growth • Discover why the best succession plans start in a CEO’s first year, not their last • You’ll learn how boards often default to “more of the same”—and why that mindset leads to costly misalignment • Explore Carolyn’s take on what only the CEO can and should do—and how over-functioning CEOs damage execution • Hear how some leaders design in tension—reverse mentors, red teams, bold advisors—to avoid echo chambers • Learn how to approach succession planning not as a person to pick, but as work to define • Find out what CEOs should leave behind in their final year—and what mistakes lock in poor transitions • You'll hear examples of how great CEOs sustain performance through S-curves while preparing for what’s next • Gain perspective on how Carolyn sees AI as a CEO’s partner, not a proxy for real leadership Connect with Carolyn Dewar: A CEO for All Seasons Carolyn Dewar LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What separates truly exceptional leaders from the rest? According to Kurt Strovink, it’s not just strategy, execution, or decision-making—it’s the ability to lead from within. As a senior partner at McKinsey & Company and a global advisor to CEOs, Kurt has spent decades studying the patterns of the most successful executives. In his latest book, The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead from the Inside Out, he reveals what the best leaders do differently and why self-awareness is at the core of transformative leadership. In this insightful conversation, Kurt unpacks the critical contradictions every CEO must navigate—balancing short-term and long-term priorities, managing gut instincts with data-driven analysis, and fostering trust while making tough calls. He also explores the human-centric aspects of leadership, showing why the most effective CEOs focus not just on financial performance but on culture, dissent, and psychological safety to drive long-term success. Mahan Tavakoli and Kurt also discuss practical frameworks for leadership development, including how CEOs can create cultures that encourage truth-telling, manage their energy instead of just their time, and make bold decisions that define their legacies. Drawing on insights from 500+ CEO forums and top leaders worldwide, Kurt shares the strategies that help executives avoid common pitfalls and unlock their full leadership potential. Actionable Takeaways from This Episode Connect with Kurt Strovink Kurt Strovink LinkedIn Kurt Strovink McKinsey & Company The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead from the Inside Out Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Gardner—legendary investor, co-founder of The Motley Fool, and author of Rule Breaker Investing. Over the past three decades, David has not only beaten the market—he’s reshaped how long-term investing is understood and practiced. David’s track record is extraordinary: But what’s even more compelling is how he did it—and how those principles translate far beyond investing. David shares a deeply thoughtful approach to decision-making, pattern recognition, and long-term conviction that applies to business leaders, not just individual investors. The conversation ranges from why “indexing is the new active,” to how embracing joy, optimism, and curiosity has made him a better investor, entrepreneur, and human being. For CEOs and leaders navigating uncertainty, David’s blend of rigor, irreverence, and wisdom offers valuable takeaways on strategy, innovation, and leadership mindset. Whether you’re responsible for growing an organization or stewarding your own portfolio, this is a rare chance to learn from someone who’s played the long game—successfully, repeatedly, and with purpose. Actionable Takeaways Connect with David Gardner David Garnder LinkedIn David Gardner X Rule Breaker Investing: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World Rule Breaker Investing Podcast 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 one of the most sought-after advisors to Fortune 100 CEOs and boards—Ram Charan. Named “the most influential consultant alive” by Fortune, Charan draws on decades of boardroom experience and over 30 books—Execution, What the CEO Wants You to Know, The Amazon Management System, and more—to offer a timely and provocative leadership lens. As the global environment becomes permanently uncertain, Charan urges leaders to stop relying on outdated models of strategy and execution. Instead, he argues, CEOs must build adaptive systems—grounded in real-time data, rapid decision-making, and leadership accountability. And if you're still thinking of AI as a support tool rather than a core business model, you may already be falling behind. Throughout the conversation, Charan shares why execution—not strategy decks—is the true differentiator of high-performing organizations. He explains how to identify and elevate the top 2% of talent that drive exponential value. And he doesn’t shy away from calling out boards that repeatedly miss critical cues in CEO succession and pivot capability. This episode is essential listening for CEOs, senior executives, and board leaders who want a sharper edge in today’s environment. If you’re ready to rethink how your organization operates—and leads—in real time, Ram Charan offers a clear-eyed, actionable framework that cuts through the noise. Actionable Takeaways: Connect with Ram Charan Ram Charan Website Ram Charan LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this thought-provoking conversation, former nuclear submarine commander and bestselling author David Marquet returns to the Partnering Leadership podcast to discuss the core ideas behind his new book: Distancing: How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions. Known globally for Turn the Ship Around, Marquet once again challenges traditional leadership assumptions—this time taking aim at a problem many leaders don’t realize they have: they’re too close to their decisions. Drawing from cognitive psychology, real-world leadership failures, and hard-earned lessons from the military to the boardroom, Marquet introduces a powerful framework he calls “distancing.” At its core: the idea that our best decisions often require us to stop thinking like ourselves. Whether it's asking, “What would my replacement do?” or considering how a future version of yourself might evaluate today’s choice, Marquet offers tactical ways leaders can gain clarity, reduce bias, and improve judgment under pressure. Host Mahan Tavakoli guides the conversation toward the real-world application of these ideas, especially for senior executives navigating complexity, volatility, and the weight of past decisions. Marquet’s insights are sharp, often counterintuitive, and supported by both research and field-tested leadership practices. Rather than offering platitudes or yet another leadership model, this conversation digs into the cognitive traps leaders fall into—and how to build the mental discipline to lead with more perspective and fewer blind spots. If you’re responsible for high-stakes decisions, leading through uncertainty, or shaping organizational strategy, this episode delivers the kind of clarity that shifts how you think about thinking. Actionable Takeaways Connect with David Marquet David Marquet Website David Marquet LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What if the “panic habits” leaders default to are the very things burning out their best people? In this Partnering Leadership episode, Mita Mallick—author of The Devil Emails at Midnight—joins Mahan to unpack practical ways senior leaders can replace performative urgency with clear operating rules that people can trust. You will hear why bad bosses are made, not born, and how pressure from markets, role models, and personal crises can turn ordinary leaders into micromanagers. Mita gets specific about power dynamics. A 4:30 a.m. email from the CEO trains teams to jump, even when the intent is “no rush.” She explains how to set explicit after-hours rules and model them yourself. The goal is to stop the 4 a.m. back-and-forth and restore predictable rhythms for high-stakes work. Calendars signal culture. Mita argues for a deliberate meeting cleanse, real breaks, and protected one-on-ones. You will hear why “we are not AI agents,” why canceling a meeting can be the kindest move you make this week, and how simple touch points create loyalty. Leaders also get a playbook for honest feedback. Mita shares how to create safety, why alumni calls six to twelve months after someone leaves yield the most actionable insight, and how a short journaling habit helps you see patterns in your own behavior before they damage trust. Finally, Mita challenges a core assumption: most work is not life or death. Treating it that way creates burnout. She closes with a frank read on the broken employee–employer contract and a likely shift toward more consultant-style work, which makes clarity, expectations, and operating rules even more important for CEOs and boards. Actionable Takeaways Connect with Mita Mallick Mita Mallick LinkedIn The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ann Hiatt, Leadership Strategist & Consultant and Author of the book Bet on Yourself. Ann Hiatt shared the many lessons she learned while working alongside the world's top tech CEOs—Google's Eric Schmidt, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Yahoo's Marissa Meyer. In addition to the story of her reinvention, Ann Hiatt shared common practices and approaches of these and other top-performing leaders. Some highlights: - Ann Hiatt on how she ended up working at Amazon and supporting Jeff Bezos - How Ann Hiatt handled the crisis when the helicopter she booked for Jeff Bezos ended up crashing - The leadership models, habits, thought processes Ann Hiatt learned from working closely with Jezz Bezos and Eric Schmidt - Ann Hiatt on how to hire people who are value-aligned and a good culture fit for your company - Why you should and how you can Bet on Yourself. Also mentioned in this episode: -Jeff Bezos, Founder and Executive Chairman of Amazon -Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google -Andy Jassy, President and CEO of Amazon -John Doerr, Venture Capitalist at Kleiner Perkins, an early investor in companies including Amazon & Google, and OKR advocate Book Recommendations: Bet on Yourself by Ann Hiatt Measure What Matters by John Doerr Connect with Ann Hiatt: Bet on Yourself Website Ann Hiatt on LinkedIn Ann Hiatt on Twitter Ann Hiatt on Instagram Ann Hiatt on Facebook Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

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