Partnering Leadership

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Andre Laplume, co-author of Spinout Ventures: Transitioning from Employees to Entrepreneurs. Andre Laplume shares his research and perspectives on the dynamic world of spinouts—those entrepreneurial ventures born out of larger organizations when employees break away to pursue ideas that don’t quite fit within the corporate mold. From his own journey as a management consultant and professor to his experiences in researching the intricacies of spinouts, Andre offers a wealth of knowledge for both aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

The conversation goes into the critical role spinouts play in innovation and growth. Andre explains the unique advantages these ventures hold, from leveraging corporate resources to creating new opportunities for innovation that might be stifled within larger organizations. Drawing on examples from well-known companies like Apple, Zoom, and Zillow, the episode explores how spinouts emerge, the challenges they face, and the strategies that can lead to their success. Leaders will gain insights into how corporate dynamics often lead to frustration among entrepreneurial employees, sparking the drive to spin off and establish their own ventures.

Andre and Mahan explore the mindset shift required for employees to transition into spinout entrepreneurs and why some thrive while others remain within the corporate ecosystem. They also discuss how corporate leaders can better identify, support, and even benefit from entrepreneurial talent within their organizations—transforming potential conflict into opportunities for innovation. With discussions on real-world cases, current trends in employee mobility, and actionable strategies for leaders, this episode offers a deep dive into the complex relationship between established firms and spinout ventures.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how spinouts differ from typical startups** and why they have unique advantages—insights that could transform the way you view talent within your organization.
• Discover the pivotal moment when employees decide to become entrepreneurs.** Learn how mindset and exposure to a company's broader workings can drive the desire to spin out.
• Learn why many innovative ideas never thrive within corporate walls** and how strategic disagreements between employees and management often lead to the birth of successful spinouts.
• Understand the key factors that make spinouts more likely to succeed**—from leveraging corporate resources to differentiating effectively in the market.
• Hear stories of famous spinouts like Zoom, Apple, and Zillow,** and uncover the lesser-known factors that contributed to their successes and challenges.
• Explore how corporate policies, such as non-competes and restrictive covenants, are evolving** and what that means for employee mobility and the rise of new ventures.
• Discover what leaders can do to foster internal innovation** without stifling entrepreneurial spirit—creating an environment where intrapreneurship can thrive or spinouts can be supported.

Connect with Andre Laplume

Spinout Ventures Website 

Andre Laplume LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Stephen Wunker, the renowned author of The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your Organization. Drawing from his extensive experience in innovation consulting and his collaboration with thought leaders like Clay Christensen, Steve shares practical insights on how organizations can cultivate a culture of innovation, build frameworks that support creative thinking, and navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.

Stephen Wuncker challenges the conventional myth of the 'lone genius' and emphasizes that true innovation is not about individual brilliance but about fostering a culture where ideas can thrive collectively. He explains how leaders can encourage this by adopting a systematic approach, asking the right questions, and creating an environment that values curiosity, empathy, and experimentation.

Throughout the conversation, Steve highlights powerful examples of innovative leadership from top companies like Microsoft, Princess Cruises, and Procter & Gamble, showing how these organizations have successfully integrated empathy, agile thinking, and strategic experimentation to stay ahead of market changes and disruptions. He also goes into the transformative potential of AI, arguing that businesses must maintain a balance between leveraging cutting-edge technology and preserving their human touch to remain competitive.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how to challenge the myth of the 'lone genius' and instead build a culture where every team member can contribute to innovation.
• Learn why empathy is the cornerstone of innovation and how leaders like Satya Nadella used it to transform Microsoft.
• Discover the two powerful questions you should be asking to drive innovation in your organization.
• Find out how successful companies build an innovative culture brick by brick, starting with practical steps you can take right now.
• Explore how to balance risk and reward in innovation, using lessons from venture capitalists and top corporate leaders.
• Uncover the secrets of integrating AI in a way that leverages technology while maintaining the human touch in your organization.
• Understand the importance of staying connected to your customers beyond just reading market research, with real-life examples from top executives.
• Learn how to build systems that support continuous innovation, from clear decision rights to effective resource allocation.
• Hear an inspiring story of crisis management and leadership from Princess Cruises during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Find out how to cultivate an innovative mindset by consistently asking 'why' and 'what if,' just like the greatest innovators in history.

Connect with Stephen Wunker

The Innovative Leader 

Stephen Wunker LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Anu Gupta, a lawyer, social scientist, and author of the groundbreaking book, Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From and the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them. Anu shares his deeply personal journey from growing up in India to navigating bias and discrimination as an immigrant in the U.S., revealing how these experiences shaped his understanding of bias and motivated him to write his book. His journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of turning personal pain into a purpose-driven mission.

Anu explores the origins of bias, drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience to present a nuanced understanding of how biases are formed and how they can be dismantled. He discusses the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in recognizing our own biases and offers practical tools, such as his PRISM toolkit, to help individuals and organizations combat bias effectively. This conversation goes into how we can rewire our brains to unlearn biases, emphasizing that while bias is learned, it is not inevitable—it can be unlearned with the right approaches.

The discussion also addresses the broader impact of bias in organizational settings, exploring how unconscious prejudices can lead to significant inefficiencies and loss of talent. Anu argues that while AI and algorithms are often seen as solutions, they can perpetuate existing biases unless we actively work to understand and address the biases inherent in the data they use. He challenges leaders to foster environments of true inclusion rather than tokenistic diversity efforts, which can backfire if not handled with genuine intent and empathy.

Finally, Anu emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and inclusivity at all levels of leadership. He advocates for shifting from a mindset of exclusion to one of inclusion, recognizing that everyone—regardless of background—has experienced bias in some form. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• Hear how Anu Gupta’s personal journey shaped his understanding of bias and led to the creation of his book, Breaking Bias.
• Discover the science and ancient wisdom behind how biases are formed—and how they can be unlearned.
• Learn about the PRISM toolkit, a set of actionable strategies for leaders to address bias and foster inclusivity in their organizations.
• Understand why AI, if not carefully managed, can reinforce biases—and what leaders can do to prevent this.
• Explore the real costs of bias in organizations and why eliminating bias should be a top priority for business leaders.
• Hear Anu’s thoughts on why many diversity initiatives fail and how to make them more effective and impactful.
• Discover the emotional and neurological underpinnings of bias, and why it’s not just a rational problem but a deeply emotional one.
• Learn how to foster a culture of empathy and understanding by shifting from a mindset of exclusion to one of inclusion.
• Hear practical advice on bringing others along on the journey to breaking bias, from your immediate team to the entire organization.
• Gain insights into why traditional training methods often fall short and how to approach DEI initiatives in a way that genuinely engages and transforms.

Connect with Anu Gupta

Anu Gupta Website 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in a dynamic conversation with Jan Rutherford, a seasoned leadership expert and author of Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How Grit and Disciplined Duty Forge Indomitable Teams. With a rich background that includes serving as a Green Beret, leading Crucible expeditions, and coaching executives, Jan brings a unique perspective on leadership that combines military rigor with a deep understanding of human behavior.

Jan shares compelling stories from his own journey, from his humble beginnings and his time with the Green Berets to the profound lessons he learned about leadership in the wilderness and the boardroom. Throughout the discussion, Jan emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and authenticity in leading teams, drawing on real-world experiences and thoughtful reflections. He offers a fresh take on what it means to lead in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world.

Listeners will gain insight into Jan's philosophy on leadership, which challenges conventional wisdom and encourages leaders to rethink their approach. He explores critical questions like: What truly makes a leader? How can you build a team that is not only high-performing but also resilient and adaptable? And, why is it more important to select the right people over the best people?

Jan’s practical advice and unique approach, rooted in his own experiences and supported by his book, provide actionable strategies for CEOs and senior executives. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the Real Difference Between Rank and Influence: Hear Jan's take on why true leadership is not about titles but about how effectively you can inspire and mobilize others.

• Learn the Power of Perseverance in Leadership: Jan shares a compelling story about how persistence and not quitting in the face of adversity can define your success.

• Understand the Concept of ‘Slowing Down to Speed Up: Find out why Jan believes that leaders must take time to reflect and prioritize to create sustainable success in a fast-moving world.

• Explore How to Involve Your Team for Maximum Commitment: Jan discusses how giving up control and allowing your team to participate in decision-making can foster loyalty and engagement.

• Find Out Why Selecting the Right People is More Important than the Best People: Get insights into how aligning team members with your organization’s values can drive transformation and growth.

• Hear How to Define Your Organization’s Values Through Observable Behaviors: Jan explains the practical steps for making your core values meaningful and actionable within your team.

• Learn Why Personalized Leadership is Critical Today: Jan dives into the importance of tailoring leadership approaches to individual team members while maintaining fairness and consistency.

• Gain Insight into Building a Culture of Trust and Authenticity: Discover how creating an environment where people feel safe to be vulnerable can lead to stronger team dynamics and performance.

Connect with Jan Rutherford

Jan Rutherford Website 

Jan Rutherford LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Carmine Gallo. Carmine Gallo is a three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His books include Talk Like TED, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, The Storyteller's Secret, Five Stars, and his latest, The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World's Greatest Salesman. In the conversation, Carmine Gallo shared why many leaders struggle with telling their stories and why his latest research involved looking into how Jeff Bezos became such a powerful communicator and the lessons all leaders can learn from his communication practices. Carmine also shared how Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs became better communicators, why storytelling is not a soft skill, and how to become a better storyteller. Finally, Carmine shared communications practices that can help all leaders communicate more effectively and have a more significant impact.

Some Highlights:

- The importance of communication skills in leadership

- The power of storytelling and why the human brain seeks narrative 

- Carmine Gallo on why executives struggle with storytelling and how to do it well

- How Jeff Bezos communicated and reinforced his vision for Amazon

- The Bezos shareholder letters and the power of simplicity

- Carmine Gallo on the CEO and leader as a repeater in chief

- How metaphors and symbols can play a role in supporting strategy

- Why Amazon became a writing culture rather than one reliant on Powerpoint presentations

Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership conversation with David Rubenstein, Founder of the Carlyle Group David Rubenstein  

Partnering Leadership conversation with John Rossman, author of The Amazon Way

Partnering Leadership conversation with Ann Hiatt, author of Bet on Yourself

Partnering Leadership conversation with Park Howell, author of Brand Bewitchery & The Narrative Gym for Business

Connect with Carmine Gallo

Carmine Gallo Website  

Carmine Gallo LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this insightful episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Simon T. Bailey, a renowned speaker, leadership expert, and author of Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. Simon is best known for his work on personal and professional brilliance, with a focus on resilience—key themes that he passionately explores in his latest book. Throughout the discussion, Simon shares profound lessons from his experiences, including his time at Disney Institute, where he honed his leadership philosophy. He dives into the essence of what it means to be a leader who inspires others to discover their own potential while maintaining humility and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.

Simon emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling the behaviors they wish to see in their teams, drawing from his Disney experience where leaders were expected to "pick up the trash" as a metaphor for taking responsibility beyond their titles. He also discusses the critical role of coaching in leadership, explaining why many managers fail to do it effectively and offering practical advice on how to make coaching a regular and impactful part of leadership practice. Simon’s approach to leadership is refreshingly candid, focusing on the need for intellectual humility and the ability to connect deeply with team members.

Listeners will also gain valuable insights into the evolving nature of work, particularly in the context of hybrid environments and the rise of AI. Simon highlights the challenges and opportunities these changes present for leaders, urging them to foster a culture of learning and adaptability. His emphasis on resilience and brilliance as twin pillars of success in today’s fast-paced world offers a powerful framework for executives aiming to lead their organizations through uncertainty and change.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover Simon’s key leadership principles drawn from his Disney Institute experience that emphasize the importance of modeling the right behaviors in any leadership role.
• Learn why intellectual humility is crucial for leaders who want to truly engage and empower their teams, and how this mindset can transform organizational culture.
• Hear how coaching can be a game-changer for managers, and why a regular cadence of one-on-one meetings is essential for building trust and ensuring alignment.
• Understand the concept of “catch and release in leadership—how training your team members to outgrow their roles can actually strengthen your organization.
• Explore the twin pillars of resilience and brilliance and why combining problem-solving with creativity is essential for unlocking your team’s potential.
• Gain insights into managing hybrid teams effectively, including strategies for maintaining connection and engagement in a remote or partially remote environment.
• Learn how to balance the demand for results with the need for resilience and flexibility, ensuring your team stays motivated and focused on long-term success.
• Discover the importance of continuous learning, and how scheduling your personal development like a vacation can lead to sustained growth in both your career and leadership capabilities.

Connect with Simon T Bailey

Simon T Bailey Website      

Simon T Bailey LinkedIn   

Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving 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 Park Howell, host of Business of Story Podcast, author of Brand Bewitchery, and co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business. Park Howell teaches one of the most powerful tools in storytelling: the And, But, and Therefore (ABT), going through the science behind it and how you can start crafting great stories and communicate more powerfully through the use of this framework. He also shares examples of ABT in history and pop culture and how they shaped and are continuing to shape our world as we know it. 

Some highlights:

-How growing up in a large family impacted Park Howell

-What led Park Howell to the world of marketing and, eventually, the business of storytelling

-On learning how to tell great stories and “studying” alongside his son in film school

-And, But and Therefore: The DNA of impactful stories

-Park Howell gives a Crash Course on ABT

-Learning to spot ABTs, from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address to Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe

-Park Howell’s ‘horror story’ exercise

Mentioned:

-Robert Bies, professor and founder of the Executive Masters in Leadership program at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business (Listen to Robert Bies's Partnering Leadership podcast episode here)

-Randy Olson, scientist, filmmaker and co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business

-Red Ogan, founder of Wenatchee Petroleum 

-Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero's Journey

-Yuval Noah Harari, historian and author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

-Christopher Lochhead, category designer and author

-Robert McKee, author, lecturer and story consultant

-Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President

-Edward Everett, former United States Secretary of State

-Ernest Hemingway, novelist, short-story writer and journalist

-The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler

-Bill D. Moyers’ PBS Special with Joseph Campbell

-Power of Myth, conversations between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell

-Houston, We Have a Narrative by Dr. Randy Olson

Connect with Park Howell:

Brand Bewitchery on Amazon

The Narrative Gym for Business on Amazon

Park Howell on LinkedIn

Park Howell on Twitter

Park Howell on Facebook

Business of Story Website

Business of Story Courses

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

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

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