Partnering Leadership

Partnering Leadership

By Mahan TavakoliBusinessManagement
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Partnering Leadership episodes

  • 377 Leadership Lessons from Cyrus the Great: Timeless Principles for Modern Leaders with Darius Lahoutifard

    What can today’s executives and business leaders learn from a ruler who lived 2,500 years ago? As it turns out, quite a lot. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Darius Lahoutifard, a seasoned entrepreneur, leadership expert, and the author of Leadership by Cyrus the Great: Unlocking Xenophon’s Cyropaedia. Drawing on the remarkable leadership legacy of Cyrus the Great, one of history’s most effective and visionary leaders, Darius reveals how Cyrus’s principles of governance, strategy, and influence remain strikingly relevant in today’s fast-changing business environment.

    In this insightful conversation, Darius shares how Cyrus built and sustained one of the most diverse and resilient empires in history—not through brute force, but through strategic leadership, trust-building, and cultural intelligence. Unlike many rulers of his time, Cyrus understood that power was not about control but about creating unity through shared purpose. His ability to win wars without fighting, empower his people while maintaining oversight, and earn loyalty rather than demand it makes him a leadership model worth studying today.

    Mahan and Darius also discuss how leaders today struggle with many of the same challenges Cyrus faced—gaining trust, balancing autonomy with accountability, and inspiring people to commit to a vision bigger than themselves. Through historical insights and modern applications, this episode explores how executives can apply Cyrus’s timeless leadership strategies to navigate uncertainty, foster high-performing cultures, and lead with clarity and purpose.

    Whether you’re a CEO, an entrepreneur, or a leader guiding a team through transformation, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership. Listen in to discover how an ancient leader’s wisdom can help you make smarter strategic decisions, inspire your people, and build an organization that thrives beyond your tenure.


    Actionable Takeaways:

    🔹 What made Cyrus the Great one of history’s most effective leaders—and why his leadership principles are still relevant today.

    🔹 The hidden leadership advantage of winning without war—how Cyrus secured victories through intelligence and strategy rather than brute force.

    🔹 How to build unwavering trust as a leader—Cyrus’s secret to getting people to follow him willingly, and how modern leaders can apply it to earn loyalty and drive engagement.

    🔹 The power of leading by example—why Cyrus’s discipline and personal ethics were key to his influence, and what leaders today can learn about credibility and consistency.

    🔹 The balance between trust and oversight—Cyrus knew that empowering people didn’t mean letting go of accountability. Hear how he managed both—and how you can too.

    🔹 Why repetition is a leadership necessity, not a weakness—Cyrus constantly reinforced his vision and values. Learn why leaders must repeat key messages far more than they think.


    Connect with Darius Lahoutifard

    Darius Lahoutifard Website 

    Darius Lahoutifard Linkedin 

    Leadership by Cyrus the Great: Unlocking Xenophon’s Cyropaedia
     




    Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

    Mahan Tavakoli Website 

    Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

    Partnering Leadership Website


    39 min
  • 376 Leading Through Complexity: Becoming Courageous, Wise, and Steady in an Anxious World with Jennifer Garvey Berger

    In today’s fast-changing world, leaders are expected to navigate complexity, make high-stakes decisions, and provide clarity—even when certainty is impossible. But how can leaders embrace ambiguity without losing their strategic edge? In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Jennifer Garvey Berger, a world-renowned leadership expert and the author of Changing on the Job: How Leaders Become Courageous, Wise, and Steady in an Anxious World.

    Jennifer has spent decades studying leadership development, complexity theory, and the psychological barriers that hold leaders back. She challenges conventional leadership wisdom, arguing that the strategies that once worked—providing clear-cut answers, setting rigid goals, and optimizing efficiency—are now outdated. Instead, she offers a compelling vision for leaders who want to increase their adaptability, enhance their decision-making, and transform uncertainty into opportunity.

    In this conversation, Jennifer and Mahan explore why leaders feel overwhelmed by complexity, how our brains instinctively react to uncertainty, and what it takes to break free from reactive leadership patterns. She introduces the three stages of leadership mindset evolution and explains why some leaders stay stuck in old ways of thinking while others thrive. Jennifer also discusses the pitfalls of chasing externally defined success and offers powerful questions leaders should be asking themselves to ensure they are driving meaningful impact.

    If you’ve ever felt the pressure to have all the answers, struggled to balance clarity with ambiguity, or wondered how to lead when the future feels unpredictable, this episode is packed with insights designed to shift your perspective. Jennifer Garvey Berger’s expertise provides a practical and thought-provoking roadmap for leaders looking to navigate complexity with confidence.



    Actionable Takeaways:

    • Why "business as usual" leadership fails in today’s world – Hear how traditional leadership habits are making it harder for executives to succeed in complexity.
    • The biggest mistake leaders make when facing uncertainty – Learn what top leaders do differently to remain agile and adaptive.
    • How your brain is working against you in complexity – Discover how your nervous system reacts to uncertainty and how to retrain your thinking for better decision-making.
    • Are you chasing success—or someone else’s version of it? – Jennifer shares a powerful framework for reassessing your goals and ensuring they align with what truly matters.
    • The three leadership mindsets—and why most leaders never evolve past the second stage – Understand what keeps some leaders stuck and how to unlock the mindset shift needed to lead in complexity.
    • Why AI won’t replace leadership—but will change what great leaders must do – Explore how the rise of AI is reshaping leadership and what skills will become essential.
    • The feedback paradox—why leaders avoid it and why they must embrace it – Hear why feedback is the most underutilized tool for leadership growth and how to create a feedback-rich culture.
    • The balancing act: providing clarity without false certainty – Learn how to communicate a strong vision while staying open to change.
    • A simple shift to improve your leadership today – Try this one practical exercise to increase your strategic thinking and avoid reactive decision-making.



    Connect with Jennifer Garvey Berger

    Jennifer Garvey Berger Website 

    Jennifer Garvey Berger LinkedIn 

    Changing on the Job: How Leaders Become Courageous, Wise, and Steady in an Anxious World 

    Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

    Mahan Tavakoli Website 

    Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

    Partnering Leadership Website


    40 min
  • 375 March Refresh: Andrea Sampson on the Power of Strategic Storytelling in Leadership

    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:

     

    • Discover the Brain Science Behind Storytelling: Understand why humans are neurologically hardwired to respond to stories and how this can be leveraged in leadership.
    • Engage Multiple Parts of the Brain: Learn how integrating sensory details into your narratives can make your messages more memorable.
    • Start with a Strategic Message: Hear why it's crucial to begin with a clear idea before crafting your story to ensure alignment with your goals.
    • Embrace Vulnerability: Find out how sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds can enhance authenticity and connection.
    • Consistency is Key: Learn from iconic brands like Apple and Disney on the importance of maintaining a singular focus in your storytelling.
    • The Role of Community in Thought Leadership: Understand the importance of building a supportive community to amplify your personal brand and core message.
    • Overcome Storytelling Fears: Hear how leaders can overcome the fear of storytelling by refining their skills and embracing their unique experiences.
    • Practical Storytelling Techniques: Discover actionable tips on how to use storytelling to deliver difficult messages and inspire your team.



    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


    50 min
  • 374 The Viking Code: Redefining Leadership for the Exponential Age with Anders Indset

    In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Anders Indset, a renowned business philosopher, leadership thinker, and author of The Viking Code. As organizations navigate the rapid rise of AI, economic volatility, and shifting workforce dynamics, Indset challenges leaders to rethink how they lead, make decisions, and create value in a world that increasingly rewards speed over wisdom.

    Drawing on insights from The Viking Code and his broader work on leadership and philosophy, Indset explores why many leaders today are trapped in reaction mode—constantly responding to crises instead of shaping the future. He argues that leadership must evolve beyond traditional models of efficiency and optimization, as AI will always outperform humans in those areas. Instead, he makes a compelling case for leaders to cultivate deep thinking, creativity, and the ability to balance trust with friction—elements that AI cannot replicate.

    Indset also introduces the idea of a “Declaration of Interdependence,” where leadership is no longer about individual success but the ability to foster collaboration, challenge assumptions, and navigate uncertainty. He breaks down how leaders can create high-performance cultures that embrace both collective intelligence and individual growth, ensuring that organizations don’t just keep up but stay ahead in an era of transformation.

    Throughout the conversation, Indset and Tavakoli dive into how CEOs and senior executives can develop the mental models, frameworks, and mindset shifts needed to lead effectively in the years ahead. 

    Actionable Takeaways:

    🔹 The Leadership Crisis: Why Most Executives Are Stuck in Reaction Mode – Hear why instant decision-making is overvalued, and why deep thinking and reflection are the new competitive edge.

    🔹 The Optimization Trap – Discover why chasing efficiency is a losing game for human leaders—and where real leadership value lies in an AI-driven world.

    🔹 Beyond Individualism: The Declaration of Interdependence – Learn why collaboration, trust, and friction are the key leadership forces shaping high-performing teams.

    🔹 The Future Won’t Wait—How Leaders Must Anticipate, Not React – Find out why leaders who think in scenarios and prepare for multiple futures will outlast those who rely on past strategies.

    🔹 Teaching People How to Think, Not What to Think – Explore how education and corporate training have failed to create adaptable leaders, and what needs to change.

    🔹 Trust + Friction = Innovation – Hear why leaders must create environments where disagreement is encouraged, rather than feared.

    🔹 How to Become an Uncatchable – Learn how elite leaders and organizations stay ahead by constantly learning, evolving, and thinking beyond their industry norms.

    🔹 Why Leaders Must Prioritize Meaning Over Metrics – Understand why purpose, culture, and human insight matter more than data-driven decision-making alone.



    Connect with Anders Indset

    Anders Indset Website
    Anders Indset LinkedIn 



    Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

    Mahan Tavakoli Website 

    Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

    Partnering Leadership Website


    53 min
  • 373 Mastering Leadership from the Inside Out: Transformative Insights for CEOs with Kurt Strovink, Global Head of McKinsey's CEO Practice

    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

    • You'll learn why leading others starts with leading yourself—and how the best CEOs develop self-awareness as a core leadership skill.
    • Hear how top leaders institutionalize truth-telling and dissent within their organizations to avoid blind spots and drive better decision-making.
    • Find out why managing energy is just as important as managing time—and how CEOs structure their schedules for peak performance.
    • Discover how to make bold, differentiating moves early in your leadership tenure to set the tone for lasting impact.
    • Learn why the most effective CEOs challenge their own organizations like an activist investor, forcing teams to rethink assumptions and drive transformation.
    • Explore the power of leadership storytelling—how CEOs use analogies and language to shape culture and inspire action.
    • Uncover strategies for navigating the inevitable contradictions of leadership—short-term vs. long-term, data vs. intuition, and control vs. delegation.
    • Hear how great CEOs build leadership factories, ensuring a pipeline of strong leaders while avoiding the distractions of succession politics.
    • Understand why the best leaders don’t just execute strategy—they create the conditions for others to thrive and innovate.
    • Find out when it’s time to step away and transition leadership—and how great CEOs prepare for what’s next.



    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


    54 min
  • 372 The Power of Company Culture: How Any Business Can Build a Culture that Improves Productivity, Performance and Profits with Chris Dyer

    Culture is often cited as a competitive advantage, yet many leaders fail to shape it with intention. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Chris Dyer, a globally recognized company culture expert and the author of The Power of Company Culture. With years of hands-on experience advising leaders on how to build high-performance organizations, Chris shares why most leaders think they have a great culture—until cracks begin to show.

    Many executives believe culture is about mission statements, values, and engagement surveys—but Chris breaks down why it’s really about what leadership tolerates, ignores, and reinforces on a daily basis. Through sharp insights and real-world examples, he reveals the biggest blind spots CEOs and leadership teams have when it comes to culture and why those blind spots can lead to disengaged employees, stalled innovation, and underperformance.

    Rather than offering theoretical concepts, Chris lays out practical, high-impact shifts that any leader can implement—starting with transparency, accountability, and a relentless focus on amplifying what’s working instead of constantly fixing what’s broken. He also challenges leaders to rethink how they approach mistakes, talent retention, and performance management, emphasizing that protecting top performers is just as critical—if not more—than managing struggling employees.

    This conversation is packed with actionable leadership insights that go beyond culture as a buzzword and get into how leaders can build workplaces that drive engagement, innovation, and results. Whether you're leading a fast-growing company or steering an established organization through transformation, this episode will leave you with immediately applicable strategies to strengthen your leadership and build a culture that delivers.



    Actionable Takeaways from This Episode:

    • The biggest culture myth leaders believe—and why it’s costing their organizations talent, engagement, and innovation.
    • Why culture isn’t defined by what leaders say—but by what they tolerate, reinforce, and ignore.
    • The 1% culture shift that compounds into massive organizational change—and why most leaders overlook it.
    • How transparency can be a leadership superpower—and why withholding information creates disengaged teams.
    • The accountability mistake that erodes culture—and what great leaders do differently.
    • Why most organizations spend too much time fixing underperformers—and how to build a culture that protects and empowers top performers.
    • The difference between a mistake and an error—and why knowing this distinction is essential for driving innovation.
    • How the best cultures don’t happen by accident—and the leadership habits that create lasting impact.
    • What leaders should focus on instead of “fixing” culture—and how to measure real progress.
    • A simple but powerful reflection every CEO and executive team should ask themselves about their culture.



    Connect with Chris Dyer

    Chris Dyer Website 

    Chris Dyer LinkedIn 




    Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

    Mahan Tavakoli Website 

    Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

    Partnering Leadership Website


    44 min
  • 371 LinkedIn’s First CHRO and Author of Workquake Steve Cadigan on the Future of Work

    In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Steve Cadigan, renowned talent strategist, leadership advisor, and author of the acclaimed book Workquake. Steve brings decades of experience shaping talent strategies for some of the most innovative companies in the world, including Cisco, Electronic Arts, and LinkedIn, where he played a pivotal role as the company’s first Chief HR Officer during its meteoric rise.

    Steve Cadigan explores the seismic shifts reshaping the workplace, from the unprecedented power shift toward employees to the increasing necessity for organizations to embrace agility in a high-turnover world. In a lively and insightful conversation, he challenges traditional leadership paradigms, emphasizing the importance of rethinking outdated systems designed for a workforce that no longer exists. Whether it's hiring for potential, fostering cultures of continuous learning, or preparing for the impacts of AI, Steve delivers actionable strategies for CEOs and senior executives navigating the future of work.

    As the world moves at an accelerating pace, Steve highlights the critical need for organizations to adapt to the realities of shorter employee tenure and heightened workforce expectations. He shares stories and examples from his extensive career to illustrate how leaders can position their organizations to thrive by creating environments where people want to stay—not because they have to, but because they’re inspired to.


    Actionable Takeaways

    • "You'll learn why the war for talent is over—and why talent has already won."
       Hear Steve Cadigan explain how the power dynamic has shifted to employees and what leaders must do to create an environment where people want to stay.


    • "Discover why long-term employee tenure is a thing of the past."
       Explore how leaders can move away from outdated systems and embrace agile workforce strategies for a high-turnover reality.


    • "Hear how to attract top talent without relying on higher salaries or perks."
       Learn why building a culture of meaningful work and belonging is the ultimate competitive advantage in today’s job market.


    • "Find out why hiring for potential beats hiring for experience."
       Steve shares why adaptability and learning velocity are more valuable than traditional resumes in a fast-changing world.


    • "Explore how leaders can thrive in high-turnover environments."
       Steve reveals strategies used by innovative companies like Google and Tesla to foster creativity and innovation despite short employee tenures.


    • "Learn how to build alumni networks that amplify your brand."
       Discover why staying connected with former employees is a powerful strategy for recruitment, collaboration, and long-term success.


    • "Uncover the true role of AI in reshaping work."
       Hear why AI should be used to enhance jobs and unlock human creativity rather than simply cutting costs and headcount.


    • "Get actionable insights on fostering learning ecosystems."
       Steve discusses how organizations can invest in continuous learning to remain competitive and retain talent.


    • "Understand the importance of rewriting job descriptions for today’s workforce."
       Learn how to craft roles that inspire candidates and reflect the dynamic realities of modern work.


    • "Discover why culture is the most powerful recruiting tool you have."
       Steve emphasizes the importance of creating workplaces where people feel they can do their best work, grow, and thrive.



    Connect with Steve Cadigan

    Steve Cadigan Website 

    Steve Cadigan LinkedIn 

    Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

    Mahan Tavakoli Website 

    Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

    Partnering Leadership Website


    50 min
  • 370 February Refresh: John Livesay on Selling Your Ideas Through the Power of Storytelling

    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


    32 min
  • 369 Democratizing Leadership Development: Transforming Workplace Culture with James Lawrence of Happy Companies

    In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes James Lawrence, a seasoned entrepreneur, leadership expert, and the driving force behind Happy Companies. With a dynamic career that includes founding multiple successful businesses, James has developed a passion for blending behavioral science, leadership, and innovative technology to create stronger, more aligned organizations. As the co-creator of Happy Companies, an AI-powered coaching platform, James shares his expertise on democratizing leadership development, creating meaningful manager-employee relationships, and building cultures where people and productivity thrive.

    In this engaging conversation, James reflects on the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership and why he believes the relationship between a manager and their employee is the single most important factor in an organization’s success. He also shares personal leadership lessons, revealing the mistakes he made early in his career and how he transformed his approach to focus on individual team members’ unique strengths and motivations. From adapting leadership styles to investing in your people, James delivers a treasure trove of actionable insights for senior executives seeking to build lasting organizational impact.

    James also delves into the power of technology in leadership, explaining how Happy Companies leverages AI to provide real-time, personalized coaching for every employee in an organization. He challenges traditional notions of coaching as exclusive to senior leaders and instead advocates for a holistic approach that empowers every individual to grow. Throughout the episode, James shares practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives that will inspire leaders to rethink how they build and lead their teams.



    Actionable Takeaways

    • Hear why the manager-employee relationship is the most critical driver of engagement, satisfaction, and organizational success—and how to strengthen it.
    • Discover the fatal leadership mistake of assuming everyone works and thrives like you do, and learn how to adapt your approach to individual team members.
    • Explore how James transformed his leadership style by understanding what truly motivates his team—and how you can do the same.
    • Learn how to assess whether you have the right people on your team and in the right roles by focusing on motivation, capability, and alignment.
    • Hear how AI is democratizing coaching, making leadership development accessible to every employee—not just senior executives.
    • Find out why traditional approaches to coaching fail to scale and how Happy Companies bridges the gap with real-time, personalized insights.
    • Understand why building a people-first culture is the key to long-term organizational success and how leaders can invest in their team without overcomplicating processes.
    • Hear James’s thoughts on adapting to the new workforce mindset and why flexibility, autonomy, and trust are essential for today’s leaders.
    • Learn why personal growth and development are ultimately the responsibility of the individual—and how leaders can foster that ownership within their teams.
    • Uncover James’s practical advice for tackling leadership challenges, from remote work dynamics to aligning organizational culture with technology adoption.



    Connect with James Lawrence

    Happy Companies 

    James Lawrence LinkedIn 




    Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

    Mahan Tavakoli Website 

    Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

    Partnering Leadership Website


    44 min
  • 368 Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future from the Stanford d.school with Carissa Carter and Scott Dorley

    In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli dives into a fascinating conversation with Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter, authors of Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. As leaders at Stanford's d.school, Scott and Carissa bring a wealth of expertise on design thinking, adaptability, and systems thinking that is uniquely relevant for CEOs and senior executives facing today’s complex challenges. Their insights are a timely reminder of the importance of embracing curiosity, imperfection, and collaboration to lead effectively in a fast-changing world.

    Throughout the conversation, Scott and Carissa reveal how design principles can transform the way leaders think, act, and guide their teams. They delve into practical strategies for noticing what others might miss, addressing systemic challenges, and preparing for uncertainty. Their unique perspectives on shaping leadership in turbulent times challenge conventional approaches and inspire listeners to adopt new mindsets that drive innovation and adaptability.

    As the conversation unfolds, Scott and Carissa explore topics like “shape-shifting” leadership, balancing confidence with curiosity, and harnessing discomfort as a powerful design tool. They share practical advice and real-world examples, making the conversation rich with actionable insights. Whether you’re looking to improve your team’s creativity, foster systems thinking, or simply become a more intentional leader, this episode offers ideas and strategies you can apply immediately.



    Actionable Takeaways:

    • Hear how curiosity—not certainty—can redefine leadership confidence and lead to more adaptable and innovative decision-making.
    • Discover why “noticing the unseen” is a critical skill for leaders, and learn how to develop this often-overlooked ability.
    • Find out how to use shape-shifting leadership techniques to adapt your style to different situations and inspire your team in new ways.
    • Learn why embracing imperfection is essential in complex systems and how leaders can balance risk with resilience.
    • Hear Scott’s take on how lowering cognitive load for your team can unlock creativity and drive better problem-solving.
    • Unpack the surprising role of emotions in leadership decision-making and how acknowledging emotional triggers can lead to better choices.
    • Explore Carissa’s approach to leveraging discomfort as a design tool to find hidden opportunities and innovate in uncertain environments.
    • Find out why focusing on multiple perspectives, or “many Norths,” can help leaders tackle today’s messy, interconnected challenges.
    • Discover how to make time for reflection and intentional noticing in an always-on, fast-paced work environment—and why it pays off exponentially.
    • Understand how to prepare your organization for the ripple effects of change by designing for healing and adaptability.




    Connect with Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter:

    Stanford d. School Website 

    Scott Doorley LinkedIn 

    Carissa Carter LinkedIn 




    Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

    Mahan Tavakoli Website 

    Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

    Partnering Leadership Website


    42 min

About Partnering Leadership

From the publisher's feed

Partnering Leadership is an award-winning global podcast for CEOs, board members, and senior executives who want to think more clearly about what is changing, what may be coming next, and what it…