In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steven Sasson who invented the digital camera while working at Kodak, earning him The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award. Steven Sasson shares the story of how digital photography came to be, the many inventions that made it more accessible to eventually take the place of film photography.  Steven Sasson also talks about the support for the invention at Kodak and the many cultural and leadership challenges that got in the way of Kodak taking full advantage of the technology.  

Some highlights:

- Steven Sasson’s love for tinkering with technology

- Why Steven Sasson chose to work at Kodak

- Conceptualizing and envisioning the first handheld electronic camera

- The first image taken with the first prototype of the portable digital camera

- Kodak’s initial reaction to Steven Sasson’s invention and questions for the future of digital technology

- How the support and belief of Steven Sasson’s supervisor motivated him to push his idea forward despite doubts from Kodak executives

- Why Steven Sasson’s project was kept secret by Kodak for many years

- The story behind ECAM, the first operational DSLR camera 

- The story behind QuickTake 100, Kodak’s collaboration with Apple 

- Cultural and leadership challenges preventing Kodak from being able to take full advantage of digital photography

- How internal struggles, and short-sighted decisions impacted Kodak

- Steven Sasson’s experience receiving The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award from President Barack Obama in 2009

Mentioned:

Don Reinertsen, author

Gareth Lloyd, former supervisor at Kodak

Jim Sheckler, former technician at Kodak

Gilda Radner, actress and comedian

Joy Marshall, former laboratory technician at Kodak

Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chairman and CEO of Apple

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple

Dr. Majid Rabbani, former fellow at Kodak

Dr. Brad Paxton, former director at Kodak

Robert Hills, co-inventor of the first DSLR camera

Jim McGarvey, former lead engineer at Kodak

George M. C. Fisher, former CEO of Kodak

Daniel Allen Carp, former chairman and CEO of Kodak

Antonio M. Pérez, former CEO of Kodak

Barack Obama, 44th U.S. President

Pete Souza, former Chief Official White House Photographer

Connect with Steven Sasson:

Steven Sasson on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

The AI revolution promises to reshape business in the years ahead. Are you ready to lead your organization into this intelligence era? In this compelling episode, David DeWolf, President and Chief Executive Officer of Knownwell, shares invaluable insights to help leaders navigate the AI transformation. Having deeply researched AI's potential while launching his latest venture, David sees both tremendous opportunity and some real perils if AI is not stewarded responsibly.  

You'll hear David bust myths about AI only impacting technical roles. He explains why AI readiness must start from the top, shaping strategy and culture. Tune in to discover why leaders shouldn't resist AI disruption but rather prepare employees to thrive alongside smart technology. David also reveals the keys to building an AI-ready culture, taking an experimentation mindset, and determining where human skills remain irreplaceable. 

Actionable Takeaways:

- Learn why David urges leaders not to run from AI disruption but to prepare people for the workforce changes it will spur. 

- Hear David explain how AI can automate internal business operations so humans can focus on irreplaceable strengths.

- Discover why David believes AI will spark a resurgence of nimble mid-market companies. 

- Understand what an AI-ready culture looks like and why learning is a key ingredient. 

- Get David's advice on taking an experimental approach to piloting AI rather than seeking the perfect solution.

- Find out why David says leaders need to incorporate more silence and reflection to discern the signals amidst the noise.

Resources:

Partnering Leadership Episode 215: How to Evolve as a Leader in a Fast-Growing Organization with David DeWolf 

Connect with David DeWolf:

Knownwell 

AI Knowhow Podcast 

David DeWolf LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with diversity trailblazer Juana Bordas, author of The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution. Drawing from her inspiring journey, Juana provides a rare insider's view into leadership techniques forged through centuries of struggle. Juana Bordas makes a compelling case for the power of collective leadership in our multicultural age. From reconciling the past to preparing for the future, Juana provides a blueprint for leading beyond self-interest, grounded in timeless principles of care, service, and belonging. 

Actionable Takeaways:

- Hear the wisdom behind why "a leader is equal" and how this evolves organizational culture.

- Learn how to shift from "I" to "we" in leadership to unlock greater cooperation and community. 

- Understand why immigrants bring vital assets and how to embrace our multicultural opportunities. 

- Discover principles to inspire leadership at all levels and by the many, not the few

- Appreciate how recalling history helps us reconcile the past to progress together. 

- Realize why self-sacrifice and service are cornerstones of transformative leadership.

- Grasp how "power to the people" creates care, belonging, and organizations that uplift.

- Find out how intergenerational leadership can prepare and engage younger generations. 

- See why stewarding the future matters more than self-interest in leadership roles.

Connect with Juana Bordas

Juana Bordas Website 

Juana Bordas LinkedIn 

The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution 

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. Irene Butter, a professor, peace activist, and holocaust survivor. Irene Butter shares why she decided to break her silence and tell the story of her family's experience through the Holocaust, first by sharing her story on stages and at schools and by eventually publishing her book: Shores Beyond Shores - from Holocaust to Hope, My True Story: A Bergen-Belsen Survivor's story of Hope over Adversity. Irene ends the conversation with a powerful message for all!

Some highlights:

-Irene Butter’s memory of a happy childhood with her family in Berlin, Germany

-What a simple bar of chocolate represented for the Hasenberg family

-Irene Butter on the trauma, fear, and sadness in the Westerbork Camp

-Starvation and death in the Bergen-Belsen Camp 

-Irene Butter on her encounter with Anne Frank

-How Irene Butter and the Hasenberg family managed to leave Bergen-Belsen

-What motivated Irene Butter finally to share her family’s holocaust experience 

-Irene Butter on stories of triumph over trauma

-Irene Butter on why you should never be a bystander

Also mentioned in this episode:

-Werner Hasenberg, Irene Butter's older brother and Holocaust Survivor

-Hanneli Goslar, a close friend of Anne Frank, Holocaust Survivor

-Anne Frank, Annelies Marie Frank was a German-Dutch diarist. She gained fame posthumously with the 1947 publication of The Diary of a Young Girl documenting her life in hiding from 1942 to 1944, during the German occupation of the Netherlands. 

-Elie Wiesel, Author, Philosopher, Humanist and World's leading spokesman on the Holocaust

Book Recommendations:

Shores Beyond Shores: From Holocaust to Hope, My True Story by Irene Butter

Connect with Irene Butter:

Irene Butter Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli interviews entrepreneur Julie Rosenthal, CEO of strategic communications agency JR Communications, about her 20-plus-year journey building her business. Julie candidly shares the story of starting the company after getting laid off and joining a leadership program that connected her with her first client. 

Julie Rosenthal provides insights into pivoting her firm's offerings to stay relevant in a changing industry and forging trusted client partnerships over time. Julie reflects openly on mistakes made early on and how she transformed obstacles into growth opportunities.

Women leaders will especially appreciate Julie's transparent advice on setting boundaries with clients, seeking help from mentors, standing up for fair compensation, and evolving her leadership approach to empower others. Her journey offers an inspirational model for building an agile, purpose-driven services business.

Actionable Takeaways:

- Hear how a significant career setback inspired Julie to launch her company and the surprising catalyst that brought her first client.

- Learn how Julie spearheaded a financial turnaround as board chair by seeking help, building consensus, and persevering.

- Discover Julie's approach to bringing value through relationship-building and intangibles like "providing therapy."

- Understand why women entrepreneurs must "think like men" and self-promote more.

- Get insights on Julie's tips for younger women leaders to "stick to your guns."

Connect with Julie Rosenthal

JR Communications Website      

Julie Rosenthal LinkedIn     

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

Get ready for a fascinating discussion on the overlooked leadership skill of listening, featuring Oscar Trimboli, author of the book How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication. Oscar Trimboli draws on decades of research and over 24,000 workplace interviews to provide science-backed insights on how leaders can become exceptional listeners. You'll discover why most of us are only hearing 14% of what people actually say and how to tap into the other 86%. Learn simple but powerful techniques to tune into conversations, avoid assumptions, and strengthen relationships through mindful listening. Whether leading teams or tackling complex challenges, this episode provides leaders the tools to listen their way to better outcomes.  

Actionable Takeaways:

- Hear Oscar's origin story and how a jaw condition as a teenager shaped his listening superpower.

- Learn why listening starts with focusing on yourself first, not the speaker. 

- Discover Oscar's "listening battery" technique and how to recharge before conversations.

- Get simple meeting tweaks to arrive fully present and boost listening.

- Find out the three magic numbers behind listening dilemmas at work.

- Learn to recognize your listening orientation and when to shift approaches.  

- Hear how self-assessment biases hinder our listening abilities.

- Discover questions to uncover what hasn't been said.

- Get Oscar's top recommended practice for better listening right away.

Recommended Resources 

How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication 

The Listening Quiz  

How to Use Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas with the Author of A More Beautiful Question & The Book of Beautiful Questions with Warren Berger 

Connect with Oscar Trimboli

Oscar Trimboli Website 

Oscar Trimboli LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

Leaders today face a barrage of daily decisions that shape careers and brands. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, veteran business leader Richard Moran makes the case that our constant minor choices represent pivotal moments. Drawing on decades of experience as a CEO, college president, venture capitalist, and corporate consultant, he explains why small decisions about “extra” tasks or meetings signal commitment. You’ll learn why Richard Moran believes accountability is a cure for organizational “whatevers” that drive talent away. Discover how self-awareness helps leaders know when to reinvent themselves professionally. Richard Moran offers insights on clarifying intentions so actions follow, and shares what every employee wants to know. Tune in for practical steps to build your leadership and avoid “never saying whatever” from Richard Moran’s book Never Say Whatever: How Small Decisions Make a Big Difference.  

You’ll learn:

- Why Richard believes Covid made us apathetic in decision-making. 

- How to avoid decision fatigue by tackling choices promptly.  

- Why leaders need to be brutally honest about their strengths.

- How clarifying intentions eliminates ambiguity about actions.

- The three basic things every employee wants to know.  

- Why accountability cures organizational “whatevers.”

- How self-awareness enables reinvention as a leader.

Connect with Richard Moran:

Richard Moran Website 

Never Say Whatever: How Small Decisions Make a Big Difference 

Recommended Resources:

The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner  

Partnering Leadership podcast episode with Patrick McGinnis on Decision Making 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

Get ready for a fascinating conversation on artificial empathy and putting more heart into business and AI. In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Minter Dial, award-winning author and renowned international keynote speaker, shares insights from the significantly expanded and modified edition of his award-winning book Heartificial Empathy, 2nd Edition: Putting Heart into Business and Artificial Intelligence. In the conversation, Minter reflects on essential developments in artificial intelligence and the new context post-pandemic of the future of work. He shares why empathy can be a competitive advantage, how to cultivate it authentically in your organization, and the right mindset for leveraging AI. Minter Dial goes on to explain the evolution of AI and the rise of generative AI. He discusses the need for empathy in our lives and workplaces and how empathy and ethics must be intertwined in AI systems. You'll hear unique perspectives on how reading fiction develops empathy muscles and Minter's illuminating experience bonding with an empathetic AI named JJ.

If you want to foster more meaningful connections and inject heart into your leadership and business, this episode is for you!

Actionable Takeaways

• Hear how generative AI like ChatGPT reflects humanity based on the data we provide it.
• Learn why Minter focuses on embedding cognitive empathy versus emotional empathy in AI systems. 
• Understand the difference between the deliverer and receiver of empathy.
• Discover how reading fiction helps build empathy by seeing through someone else's eyes. 
•  Find out why Minter believes we must get back to more human interactions versus purely digital relationships.

Connect with Minter Dial

Minter Dial Website 

Minter Dial LinkedIn 

Heartificial Empathy: Putting Heart into Business and Artificial Intelligence  

Additional Conversations

Leading Through The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence with Professor Ajay Agrawal 

Exploring AI's Impact on Business with Paul Daugherty: Accenture CTO & Co-author of Radically Human: How New Technology Is Transforming Business and Shaping Our Future 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley. Ken is the founder of the Ken Blanchard Companies and has co-authored more than 65 books on leadership, including all-time classics such as The One Minute Manager and Who Moved My Cheese, each with over 20 million copies sold. In this conversation, Ken Blanchard is joined by Randy Conley, Vice President of global professional services for the Ken Blanchard Companies. The discussion focuses on the leadership lessons from Ken Blancard and Randy Conley's latest book:   Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust, which he co-wrote with Randy Conley. Ken and Randy share how to apply the leadership principles to build trust and become the kind of leader others would want to follow.  

Some Highlights:

- Ken Blanchard on the impact of his upbringing on his leadership thinking and approach

- Randy Conley on models for servant leadership

- The importance of humility in leadership

- Randy Conley on the complexity of leadership and the need to focus on fundamental principles

- Ken Blanchard on how to build on your team's desire to contribute 

- Randy Conley on authenticity and its importance to servant leadership 

- Ken Blanchard on why "love" powers leadership

- Randy Conley on extending trust 

- How leaders can encourage feedback from their teams

- The ABCD model of trust 

- Ken Blanchard's breakdown of the servant leadership mindset

- Putting situational leadership into practice

- Ken Blanchard on having the reflective self versus the task-oriented self 

- Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley on the future of work 

Also mentioned in this episode:

- Jim Collins, Level 5 Leadership

- Garry O. Ridge, Chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of the WD-40 Company

- Dale Carnegie, author

- Rick Tate, author

Books Mentioned:

- Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust by Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley

- The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

- The Power of Ethical Management by Ken Blanchard & Norman Vincent Peale

- 10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times: Coaching Your Team Through Immense Change and Challenge by Ken Blanchard and Zig Ziglar

- Everyone's a Coach by Ken Blanchard and Don Shula

Connect with Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley:

Ken Blanchard Official Website

Randy Conley’s Blog

The Ken Blanchard Companies on LinkedIn

The Ken Blanchard on Facebook

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli reconnects with his longtime friend Howard Ross, renowned thought leader and author of the acclaimed books Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart and Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives. With over 25 years of collaborating to help organizations foster inclusion, they have a powerful discussion on Ross' motivations for driving positive change, his wisdom on belonging versus polarization, and practical ways leaders can sustain diversity progress. 

Some Actionable Takeaways:

- Hear Howard Ross' guidance to leaders in balancing employee belonging with complex stakeholder needs.

- Discover how storytelling and sharing narratives can strengthen connections and understanding.

- Find out Howard Ross' perspective on political polarization, social media impacts, and having courageous conversations across divides.

- Get Howard Ross' advice on sustaining organizational diversity progress rather than short-lived reactions.

Recommended Resources: 

- Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart by Howard Ross

- Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives by Howard Ross 

- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald 

-Partnering Leadership conversation with Howard Ross on his leadership journey 

Connect with Howard Ross:

Howard Ross Website 

Howard Ross on LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

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 transformative book. His research includes interviews with 100 CEOs and a survey of 14,000 employees worldwide. Hear Jacob Morgan’s insights on the ROI of leading with vulnerability, how to “level the playing field” between leaders and employees, and practical ways to get started on your vulnerability journey. You’ll be convinced that, with intention and when done well, vulnerability in leadership is a superpower.  

Some Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn the key distinction between vulnerability and leading with vulnerability.
• Hear why self-awareness is crucial for leading with vulnerability and how to become a more self-aware leader.
• Find out how leading with vulnerability can help you overcome imposter syndrome. 
• Understand Jacob Morgan's metaphor of the "vulnerability mountain" and how to start small and build up to transform yourself and your organization.
• Learn why leading with vulnerability can "level the playing field" between leaders and employees. 
• Understand the "Pratfall Effect" and its role in vulnerability in leadership.

Connect with Jacob Morgan

Jacob Morgan Website 

Jacob Morgan LinkedIn

Leading with Vulnerability: Unlock Your Greatest Superpower to Transform Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

Are you strategic enough to survive the digital future? In this Partnering Leadership episode, global strategy expert Michael Lenox, UVA Professor and author of Strategy in the Digital Age: Mastering Digital Transformation shares indispensable insights to help leaders craft agile strategies in the age of AI. Drawing from decades of research and firsthand experience steering his own business school’s digital transformation, Mike Lenox reveals how to spot exponential change before it disrupts you, why strategy must drive technology (not vice versa), how to identify your unique competitive advantage, and the critical human skills machines will never replicate. If you’re anxious about AI, automation, and competing in the digital age, don’t miss Michael Lenox’s thoughtful perspectives and advice to help any organization build a strategy for long-term resilience.

Some Actionable Takeaways:

• Learn why starting digital transformation with IT upgrades can run you into an iceberg quicker.
• Gain insights on monitoring technology adoption S-curves to see disruptive exponential change coming.
• Find out what competitive moves historically resilient companies make and how you can do the same.
• Discover how to empower “digital champions” throughout your organization to drive strategic adoption.
• Listen to discover which human skills will remain uniquely valuable in an AI-powered world.
• Learn how to combine judgment with data to avoid over-indexing on an unknowable future.

Connect with Michael Lenox

Michael Lenox Website 

Michael Lenox on LinkedIn 

Strategy in the Digital Age: Mastering Digital Transformation on Amazon  

Resources

Partnering Leadership conversation with Ajay Agrawal on Prediction Machines and Power & Prediction 

Partnering Leadership conversation with Azeem Azhar on the Exponential Age 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

This episode of Partnering Leadership features Mahan Tavakoli being interviewed on AI and its potential impact by David Gardner on the Rule Breaker Investing podcast.  In the conversation, David and Mahan talk about the growing influence of artificial intelligence; they explore where we are on the AI exponential growth curve, how organizations can leverage AI strategically and operationally, and share predictions for AI's transformative impact and how individuals and organizations can take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

Some of The Insights You will Gain from This Episode:

• Hear Mahan's answer to the question he has asked every one of his 250+ podcast guests (upbringing and its impact)
• Learn prompting strategies to unlock AI's true potential for your organization
• Find out how to leverage AI to democratize information understanding, not just access
• Use AI to future-proof your team through constant learning and skill development 
• How AI could replace the web and change how you distribute information
• Learn how to use AI to stress-test ideas and strengthen arguments
• Hear about resources to start experimenting with AI systems

Recommended Resources:

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Ajay Agrawal, coauthor of Prediction Machines and Power & Prediction

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Paul Daugherty, coauthor of Human + Machine and Radically Human

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Azeem Azhar, author of The Exponential Age

Rule Breaker Investing Podcast 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Stephen M.R. Covey. Stephen M.R. Covey is the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of The Speed Of Trust,  former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, and author of Trust And Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others. Stephen shares why many leaders are still operating with a command and control mindset and the need to develop the mindset and capabilities of becoming trusting and inspiring leaders. Stephen M.R. Covey shares stories and frameworks on how we can better understand trust in leadership and how trust and inspire leaders can unleash the potential of their teams and organizations.   

Some highlights:

-Stephen M.R. Covey on the crucial role that parents play in teaching responsibility, commitment, and initiative and how his father, Stephen Covey, applied trust and inspire principles in his parenting

-On why traditional leadership models do not work with the changing world and in the new work environment

-Stephen M.R. Covey on the stewardships of leadership

-How leaders can lead behavior change in their organizations 

-Stephen M.R. Covey on the role trust plays in leadership and how leaders can become more trusting 

-The power of inspiring others and its impact on leadership

-What it takes to become a trust inspire leader

Mentioned:

- Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

- David Marquet (Listen to David Marquet episode on Partnering Leadership)

- Frances Frei and Anne Morriss, author of Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You

- Jim Collins, author of Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't 

Connect with Stephen M.R. Covey:

Trust and Inspire

Trust and Inspire on Amazon

Speed of Trust 

The Speed of Trust on Amazon

Stephen M.R. Covey on Facebook

Stephen M.R. Covey on Twitter

Stephen M.R. Covey on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

Middle managers often get a bad rap, seen as roadblocks to change and innovation. But Emily Field flips this narrative on its head. As a McKinsey partner, Emily saw firsthand how empowering middle managers unlocks an organization’s potential. In this insightful interview, Emily Field, McKinsey & Company partner and coauthor of Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work, debunks the middle manager myth. Hear why managers, not senior execs, hold the keys to the future of work. Emily shares research on the untapped power of middle managers to drive strategy, culture, and innovation. With compelling stories and data, Emily reveals how organizations can rethink the manager role for the future. You’ll learn how to remove bureaucracy, rebundle work, and achieve the “yin and yang” of performance and people.

By listening to this conversation, you will

• Discover how managers, not senior execs, execute strategy day-to-day through their teams. 
• Learn why managers are burning out from misaligned priorities and administrative burdens. 
• Find out how to measure and incentivize both performance and people leadership. 
• Hear how managers can “rebundle” roles to navigate automation and AI. 
• Get Emily Field’s framework to eliminate bureaucracy. 

Recommended Resources

McKinsey & Company Power to the Middle 

Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work on Amazon 

Connect with Emily Field

Emily Field McKinsey & Company 

Emily Field LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Eduardo Briceño, author of The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action. In the discussion, Eduardo dives into the transformative power of a growth mindset and how we can apply it to unlock our potential. He shares how a crippling physical injury early in his career led him to Carol Dweck's pioneering work on a growth mindset. This proved life-changing for Eduardo, setting him on a path to teaching individuals, teams, and organizations how to break free of chronic stagnation. In the conversation, Eduardo Briceno explains the performance paradox, where focusing solely on performing without learning leads to poor results. He offers strategies for leaders to get their teams to embrace a growth mindset. 

Some of the Growth Mindset Takeaways That Will Get You Thinking:

• Why integrating micro-learning into daily work trumps sporadic learning sessions. 
• Learn how to distinguish positive stretch mistakes from dangerous high-stakes ones.  
• How leaders can model a growth mindset openly to influence their teams. 
• The role a culture alignment and tweaking existing systems plays in helping teams adopt a growth mindset.
• The type of accountability that matters for both learning and performing. 

Connect with Eduardo Briceño

Eduardo Briceno Website 

Eduardo Briceno LinkedIn 

The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action on Amazon 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

John Livesay, The Pitch Whisperer and author of best-selling books, including Better Selling Through Storytelling and The Sale is In the Tale, joins Mahan Tavakoli on the Partnering Leadership podcast to share his insights on storytelling for leaders. In the conversation, John Livesay shares practical techniques to craft compelling stories that motivate teams, win business, and drive change.  Additionally, John provides memorable examples and easy-to-apply storytelling frameworks, including the 3Cs model and four-part story structure.

Storytelling Takeaways from This Episode:

- Telling your origin story and values-in-action stories to establish trust 

- Structuring pitches around client-focused stories, not just facts

- Using analogies and vulnerability to smoothly guide teams through change

- Capturing relatable stories from your team to build connection and brand loyalty

- Applying the "5-5-5" model to reframe challenges and build resilience rapidly

- Practicing consistently to hone your skills as a persuasive communicator

Connect with John Livesay

 John Livesay Website

John Livesay on LinkedIn

The Sale is In the Tale on Amazon 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this Partnering Leadership episode, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Amri B. Johnson, inclusion strategist and author of Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable. In the conversation, Amri Johnson emphasizes the need for a more inclusive view of diversity that goes beyond marginalized groups and includes everyone. Amri also explores the concept of meritocracy and how it should be approached in organizations, highlighting the importance of recognizing potential and providing development opportunities. Additionally, Amri Johnson addresses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in DEI, emphasizing the need for transparency and mindful use of AI systems to ensure they enhance humanity rather than compromise it. Finally, Amri Johnson emphasizes the importance of creating accessible and equitable DEI practices that allow all individuals to thrive. 

In this episode:

• Understand the importance of taking an honest and introspective approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work.
• Explore the concept of diversity as a mixture of similar and different attributes and the importance of managing tension and complexity within organizations.
• Challenge the traditional view of diversity as solely benefiting marginalized groups and embrace a more inclusive perspective.
• Reconstruct the notion of inclusion by creating conditions for everyone to thrive and making DEI accessible to all.
• Recognize the need to move beyond isolated interventions and events in DEI work and focus on long-term strategies and actions.
• Embrace systems thinking in DEI efforts and understand the interdependencies and interconnections within organizations.
• Acknowledge that everyone has a role to play in DEI, from top leadership to individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Understand the potential harm of a narrow focus on meritocracy and the importance of inclusion and development in recognizing and nurturing talent.
• Consider the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on DEI and the need for transparency, accountability, and mitigation of biases in AI systems.
• Reflect on the potential of AI to enhance humanity when used mindfully and with a focus on positive outcomes.
• Recognize the differences in how DEI is approached in Europe compared to the United States, with a greater emphasis on race in the US and a broader focus on diversity in Europe.
• Embrace a multi-dimensional approach to DEI that goes beyond single identities and encompasses the richness and complexity of human diversity.
• Reflect on the importance of ongoing learning, experimentation, and collaboration in DEI work.
• Be motivated to take action and contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable organizations and societies.

Connect with Amri Johnson

Inclusion Wins Website 

Amri Johnson on LinkedIn 

Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable on Amazon 

Mentioned in this episode:

Partnering Leadership conversation with Howard Ross 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Peter Scott, Futurist & Founder of Next Wave Institute and author of Artificial Intelligence and You: What AI Means for Your Life, Your Work, and Your World. In the conversation, Peter Scott shares his insights on the impact of AI on our lives and organizations, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand and navigate this technological disruption. He challenges leaders to reflect on their reactions to AI and encourages them to use AI to enhance their humanity rather than replace it.

Throughout the conversation, Peter Scott highlights the importance of ethics in AI and the potential for bias in AI systems. He urges leaders to be mindful of the biases that can be perpetuated by AI and emphasizes the need for responsible use of the technology. Peter also discusses the role of policymakers in guiding the development and regulation of AI, acknowledging the challenges they face in keeping up with the fast pace of technological advancements.

In this episode:

• Discover how AI is holding a mirror up to humanity, reflecting our strengths and weaknesses as leaders and organizations.
• Uncover the potential of AI to enhance human creativity, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be creative.
• Explore the ethical implications of AI and the importance of addressing bias in AI systems.
• Understand the impact of AI on different industries and sectors and how specific roles may be more prone to automation.
• Learn how AI can help organizations focus on their core purpose and delegate tasks they don't enjoy or excel at.
• Recognize the need for policymakers to navigate the fast-paced world of AI and strike a balance between regulation and innovation.
• Gain insights from experts in the field of AI ethics and understand the role they play in guiding businesses toward responsible AI use.
• Embrace becoming a conscious futurist, actively shaping the future rather than being passive observers.
• Reflect on the societal implications of AI, including its impact on jobs, mental health, and social media.
• Consider the role of AI in decision-making processes, such as strategic decision-making by CEOs, and the need for human judgment and empathy.

Connect with Peter Scott

Website 

LinkedIn 

TEDx talk on Empathetic AI: Unlocking Trust Between Humans and Machines 

TEDx talk on How to Save Us from Being Left Behind by AI 

AI & You Podcast 

Artificial Intelligence and You: What AI Means for Your Life, Your Work, and Your World on Amazon 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Paul Smith, business storytelling coach and bestselling author of Lead with A Story, Sell with A Story, and The 10 Stories. In this episode, Paul Smith shares how leaders can use storytelling as a powerful business tool. Paul Smith also shared specific stories leaders need to tell to improve the clarity of their communications and motivate their teams.  

Some highlights:

-Paul Smith on why many leaders are not good at telling stories

-Defining a story and what makes a good story

-Paul Smith on clarity of communication objectives

-Understanding the process of compelling storytelling

-What leaders can do to influence their organization through storytelling

-Paul Smith on the importance of storytelling skills

-How you can turn a good story into a great one

Connect with Paul Smith:

Lead With A Story Website

Lead With A Story on Amazon

The 10 Stories on Amazon

Sell With A Story on Amazon

Paul Smith on Facebook

Paul Smith on Instagram

Paul Smith on YouTube

Paul Smith on Twitter

Paul Smith on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website