Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40.   In the conversation, Garry Ridge shared his origin story and how a quote from the Dalai Lama helped him focus on organizational purpose. Next, Garry explained his why and the how behind making WD-40 an organization where people can contribute, learn something new, and ultimately go home happy. Then, Garry Ridge shared the leadership wisdom he has gained from Ken Blanchard and Marshall Goldsmith and his focus on creating a ripple effect of happiness. Garry Ridge also laid out the leadership practices and approaches that led employee engagement at WD-40 to reach 93.5%, with 98% of the people working at the company loving to tell people they work there and 97% trusting or respecting their boss.   Finally, Garry Ridge talked about the importance of strategy and the most critical element in leading an organization to achieve its strategy and succeed.

Some highlights:

- How Garry Ridge ended up as CEO of WD-40 

- The importance of authentic purpose in building a global brand

- Creating a culture of engagement and accountability at WD-40

- The role of coaching in the organization

- Garry Ridge on leading WD-40 from a market cap of $300 million to over $2.5 billion.Timestamps

- Hierarchy of values and how best to use them in decision making

- How to embed organizational values

- Garry Ridge on his approach to succession planning at WD-40

- Building a culture that outlasts you

- The difference made by leadership

Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership conversation with Dr. Ken Blanchard on Simple Truths of Leadership 

Connect with Garry Ridge

Garry Ridge Website 

Garry Ridge on LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Hooman Motevalli, the author of, Don’t Be a Crab: A Practical Guide to Building Strong Joyful Relationships. Motevalli’s journey from the tumultuous backdrop of revolution and war in Iran to becoming a transformative thinker in leadership and personal development is nothing short of inspiring. His unique insights into internal dialogue, mindset, and the metaphorical 'crab bucket' mentality offer a fresh perspective on overcoming personal and professional challenges.

Motevalli shares how his early life experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of internal dialogue. He introduces the concept of the 'inner roommate,' a constant companion in our minds that can either propel us toward success or hold us back with negativity. His candid discussion about recognizing and addressing toxic internal conversations provides a roadmap for leaders seeking to cultivate a more positive and productive mindset.

Throughout the episode, Motevalli shares practical exercises and systems he devised to combat fears and self-doubt. His approach, which includes creating a 'not-to-do' list, is both innovative and actionable, offering leaders tangible strategies to improve their internal dialogues and, consequently, their leadership effectiveness. His focus on clarity and self-awareness resonates deeply with the challenges faced by today’s executives.

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Motevalli's exploration of the 'crab bucket' mentality in the workplace. He highlights how competitive environments can foster negative behaviors that undermine collective progress and shares his vision for a more supportive and collaborative work culture. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn about the transformative power of recognizing and addressing toxic internal conversations.
• Hear how to implement a 'not-to-do' list to eliminate negative self-talk and enhance your leadership.
• Discover the significance of the 'inner roommate' and how it impacts your daily decisions and interactions.
• Find out why clarity is crucial in leadership and how to achieve it through self-awareness and observation.
• Explore the concept of the 'crab bucket' mentality and its implications for workplace dynamics.
• Learn practical exercises to overcome the fear of failure and other common executive fears.
• Understand the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve true clarity and growth.
• Hear Motevalli’s recommendations for books that can further enhance your journey of self-discovery and leadership.
• Gain insights into creating a supportive work culture that counters the detrimental effects of hyper-competition.
• Uncover strategies for managing and analyzing your internal dialogues to become a more effective leader.

Connect with the Hooman Motevalli

Hooman Motevalli Website

Hooman Motevalli LinkedIn 

Don't Be a Crab!: A Practical Guide to Building Strong, Joyful Relationships 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli hosts Andrea Sampson, an expert in strategic storytelling and the co-founder of Talk Boutique. Andrea Sampson talks about the fascinating intersection of brain science and storytelling, emphasizing why humans are hardwired to respond to stories. As an experienced speaker's coach for TEDx Toronto and a thought leader in her own right, Andrea shares her journey from the advertising world to helping change-makers communicate their ideas effectively.

Andrea highlights the critical role storytelling plays in leadership and organizational success. She explains how stories, unlike mere data, engage multiple parts of the brain, making messages more memorable and impactful. Leaders are often trained to prioritize facts and figures, but Andrea argues that integrating storytelling into their communication strategies can significantly enhance their influence and connection with their audience.

Throughout the conversation, Andrea underscores the importance of starting with a clear strategic message before crafting the narrative. She shares practical insights on how leaders can identify and refine their core messages, ensuring that their stories are not only engaging but also aligned with their organizational goals. By drawing on examples from iconic brands like Apple and Disney, Andrea illustrates how a singular focus can drive brand consistency and loyalty.

Moreover, Andrea addresses the challenge of vulnerability in leadership. She advocates for sharing stories from a place of scars rather than wounds, enabling leaders to convey authenticity and empathy without retraumatizing themselves or their audience. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• 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

In this special episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli, usually the host, is in the spotlight as he is interviewed by Enrique Acosta Gonzalez for the Developing the Leader Within podcast. Mahan, CEO of Strategic Leadership Ventures and a highly regarded thought leader shares profound insights on leadership, drawing from his extensive experience working with top executives and CEOs globally. The conversation explores the nuances of effective leadership, emphasizing the shift from positional power to influence in driving organizational success.

Mahan discusses the critical role of trust, authenticity, and vulnerability in leadership. He highlights the necessity for leaders to set an example by acknowledging their blind spots and actively seeking feedback, thereby creating an environment where team members feel safe to express their thoughts openly. This approach fosters team synergy and innovation, making it essential for modern leadership.

The interview also explores practical strategies for handling conflicts and disagreements within leadership teams. Mahan shares his admiration for the "disagree and commit" principle popularized by Jeff Bezos, underscoring its importance in achieving productive collaboration without the need for consensus. He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships and trust among team members to facilitate constructive conflict resolution.

Furthermore, Mahan illuminates the transformative impact of generative AI and asynchronous communication tools in contemporary organizations. He advocates leveraging these technologies to streamline communication, reduce meeting inefficiencies, and promote a culture of continuous learning and experimentation. By integrating these tools, leaders can foster a more agile and responsive organizational environment.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Unlock the Power of Influence: Discover why influence has become more crucial than positional power in modern leadership and how to cultivate it effectively.
• Embrace Authenticity and Vulnerability: Learn how showing authenticity and vulnerability can build trust and foster open communication within your team.
• Address Blind Spots: Hear strategies for recognizing and addressing your blind spots to enhance leadership transparency and effectiveness.
• Adopt the 'Disagree and Commit' Principle: Understand how this approach, championed by Jeff Bezos, can improve decision-making and collaboration in your leadership team.
• Build Strong Relationships: Find out why building trust and strong relationships among team members is vital for resolving conflicts and achieving team synergy.
• Utilize Generative AI: Explore practical ways to use generative AI as a cognitive sparring partner to enhance strategic discussions and decision-making.
• Implement Asynchronous Communication Tools: Learn how tools like Slack and Asana can reduce meeting overload and increase organizational efficiency.
• Encourage Continuous Experimentation: Discover the benefits of adopting a mindset of continuous learning and low-risk experimentation to stay competitive in a fast-paced environment.
• Challenge Traditional Meeting Norms: Get inspired by innovative strategies like 'meeting bankruptcy' to rethink and optimize your organization’s meeting culture.
• Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Understand the transformative impact of a growth mindset on organizational success, illustrated by Satya Nadella’s leadership at Microsoft.

This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights and practical advice for CEOs and senior executives aiming to enhance their leadership effectiveness and drive their organizations toward greater success. Tune in to this engaging conversation with Mahan Tavakoli on the Partnering Leadership podcast.

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick, an expert in leadership development and the author of Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership. Grant shares his journey from Toronto, Canada, to his extensive experience in Asia, where he has spent over two decades honing his leadership skills. Drawing on his diverse background, including a fascinating stint in the entertainment industry, Grant provides deep insights into the nuances of effective leadership.

Grant's book, Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership, serves as the cornerstone of the conversation. He elaborates on the importance of self-leadership, emphasizing that true leadership starts from within. His unique perspective is influenced by the concept of 'choose your own adventure,' allowing leaders to tailor their development journey to their specific needs and contexts. This episode is packed with Grant's compelling anecdotes and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about elevating their leadership game.

One of the key themes explored is the distinction between intention and impact. Grant discusses how leaders often have good intentions but may unintentionally create negative impacts. He shares personal stories and examples to illustrate how self-awareness and feedback can bridge this gap, ultimately leading to more effective and empathetic leadership. The conversation also goes into the psychological needs that drive internal motivation, offering a fresh perspective on how leaders can foster a motivating and supportive environment.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You will learn how Grant's early leadership experiences shaped his approach to developing effective leadership skills.
• Hear how to distinguish between intention and impact and why understanding this difference is crucial for successful leadership.
• Discover the tailored approach to self-leadership inspired by the 'choose your own adventure' concept, allowing leaders to customize their growth journeys.
• Understand the ACRES model and how it can be used to assess and enhance team dynamics during organizational changes.
• Learn why internal motivation, driven by psychological needs, is more sustainable than external rewards and how to cultivate it within your team.
• Find out how empathy and trust are foundational to leadership and what happens when leaders operate under stress.
• Get insights on creating an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.
• Explore the balance between achieving goals and maintaining empathy to ensure sustainable and positive outcomes.
• Gain perspective on the importance of taking a step back to see the bigger picture, especially when under pressure.
• Discover practical techniques for enhancing focus and productivity through mental exercises and creative practices.

Connect with Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick

Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick Website  

Grant 'Upbeat' Bosnick LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

Retired US Navy Admiral Kyle Cozak shares his inspiring journey of resilience and leadership in this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast. From his upbringing in Las Vegas to his life-altering accident, Admiral Cozak's story is a testament to the power of trust, positive thinking, and determination. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, trust, and relatability in leadership and how these qualities can empower individuals to make the right decisions. Admiral Cozak's relentless positivity and unwavering belief in finding new opportunities, even in adversity, is truly inspiring. The conversation also delves into the evolution of leadership in the military, with Admiral Cozak highlighting the shift from commanding and telling people what to do to building trust and empowering individuals. Admiral Cozad shares his experiences as the 22nd senior director in the White House Situation Room, where he witnessed the importance of trust and effective decision-making. Admiral Cozak's insights on teaching leadership and cultural change in the military shed light on the challenges of instilling values and perspectives in a diverse group of recruits. Furthermore, Admiral Cozak's journey of overcoming a life-changing injury and determination to find a new purpose is remarkable. His positive mindset, support network, and belief in overcoming obstacles are lessons that can inspire anyone facing challenges in their own lives. 

• Discover the power of the commander's intent and how it can transform decision-making.
• Uncover the evolution of leadership in the military and the lessons learned from that transformation.
• Hear the inspiring story of Admiral Kyle Cozad's life-altering accident and his remarkable mindset shift.
• Learn about the importance of trust and open communication in leadership.
• Gain insights into teaching leadership and cultural change in the US military.
• Find out how struggles and determination at the Naval Academy shaped a leader's path.
• Delve into the experience of serving as the 22nd senior director in the White House Situation Room.
• Understand the significance of active listening and conversations in developing young leaders.
• Discover the role of caregivers and a positive outlook in overcoming challenges.
• Explore the power of relentless positivity and its impact on leadership.

Connect with Admiral Kyle Cozad

Relentless Positivity: A Common Veteran Battling Uncommon Odds at The Naval Aviation Store 

Admiral Kyle Cozad on LinkedIn 

Relentless Positivity: A Common Veteran Battling Uncommon Odds on Amazon 

Partnering Leadership conversations mentioned

David Marquet, Author of Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders & Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say--and What You Don't

Rich Diviney, Author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this captivating episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Greg Wooldridge, the only person to have led the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's renowned flight demonstration squadron, three times. With his unparalleled experience and unique insights, Greg Wooldridge shares valuable lessons on leadership, team dynamics, and the pursuit of excellence that is applicable not only in the cockpit but also in the boardroom.

Throughout the conversation, Greg Wooldridge discusses the core elements that make the Blue Angels a high-performing team despite the built-in turnover of members. He reveals how the squadron's culture, founded on humility, gratitude, and trust, is the bedrock of its success. Wooldridge also emphasizes the importance of effective debriefing, which he considers the "secret sauce" of the Blue Angels' continuous improvement.

Greg Wooldridge goes on to share his wisdom on the importance of selecting team members based on character rather than just skill and how to foster a sense of ownership and respect among all team members.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the three essential elements that form the foundation of a high-performance culture and how to cultivate them in your organization.
• Learn the secret behind the Blue Angels' exceptional teamwork and how you can apply it to your own team, regardless of size or industry.
• Hear how embracing vulnerability and transparency during debriefs can lead to breakthrough improvements and stronger trust among team members.
• Understand why selecting team members based on character and humility is just as important, if not more so, than technical skills alone.
• Gain insight into how small acts of respect and appreciation can have a profound impact on team morale and performance.
• Learn how to create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel empowered to speak openly and take ownership of their work.
• Discover the dangers of cockiness in leadership and how to foster a culture of humility and continuous learning instead.

Connect with Greg Wooldridge

Greg Wooldridge LinkedIn 

Greg Wooldridge Website 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Pete Steinberg, a seasoned rugby coach, leadership consultant, and author of the book, Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success. With a rich background in coaching women's rugby at Penn State and leading the U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team, Pete brings a unique perspective to organizational leadership, focusing on the parallels between sports coaching and business leadership.

Pete shares his journey from a mediocre rugby player to a celebrated coach, emphasizing the importance of empowering team members to make strategic decisions and manage their own culture. This approach, he explains, is crucial not only in sports but also in organizational settings where leaders must foster autonomy and accountability. His insights challenge the traditional notion of leadership, advocating for a shift from expertise-based selection to attribute-based selection for leadership roles.

Throughout the conversation, Pete discusses leadership shock, a phenomenon that occurs when leaders face unexpected changes or challenges in their roles. He provides actionable advice on how to navigate these shocks by aligning leadership actions with personal purpose and values. Pete's emphasis on self-awareness, time management, and intentionality offers a fresh perspective on how leaders can maintain effectiveness and resilience in dynamic environments.

Listeners will find Pete’s discussion on the role of luck in leadership particularly enlightening. He argues that acknowledging the impact of luck can lead to more balanced and fair assessments of performance, both in sports and business. Moreover, his insights on the democratization of coaching through AI present a forward-thinking approach to leadership development.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how Pete Steinberg’s journey from rugby player to national team coach informs his unique leadership philosophy.
• Hear how to empower your team members to take ownership of their decisions and culture, drawing parallels between sports and business leadership.
• Discover why selecting leaders based on attributes rather than past performance can lead to more effective leadership in your organization.
• Uncover the secrets to navigating leadership shock by aligning your leadership actions with your personal purpose and values.
• Find out why luck plays a crucial role in leadership and how acknowledging it can lead to fairer performance assessments.
• Learn the importance of self-awareness and time management in maintaining leadership effectiveness and resilience.
• Explore the future of leadership development through AI and how it can democratize coaching, making it accessible to leaders at all levels.
• Understand the critical difference between being an expert and being a leader and why effective delegation requires letting go of your expert identity.
• Gain insights into creating a leadership model that tells you what not to do, helping you prioritize and focus on what truly matters.

Connect with the Pete Steinberg

Pete Steinberg Website 

Pete Steinberg LinkedIn 

Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success  

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli welcomes Scott Mautz, a renowned leadership expert and the author of The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors. Scott brings decades of experience from the corporate world, including a distinguished career at Procter & Gamble, to share profound insights on what it takes to build mental strength and lead effectively, especially in challenging times. 

Scott's journey began in central New York, where early physical challenges instilled in him a deep sense of resilience and fortitude. These personal experiences laid the foundation for his exploration into mental strength, a quality he has seen that differentiates successful leaders from those who falter. In his book and during the conversation, Scott emphasizes the critical nature of regulating one's internal state to achieve external success, a lesson drawn from both his research and his own life.

Throughout the episode, Scott discusses the six mental muscles essential for mental strength: confidence, fortitude, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, and messaging. He shares actionable strategies for developing these muscles and highlights the importance of genuine inner confidence over the mere appearance of strength. His approach is both practical and deeply rooted in real-world applications, making it particularly relevant for today's high-pressure leadership environments.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how Scott Mautz's early life challenges shaped his understanding of resilience and mental strength.
• Hear how mental strength is defined as the ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors productively, even in adversity.
• Discover why many leaders feel pressured to appear strong and how this facade can erode genuine confidence.
• Learn the six mental muscles essential for developing true mental strength and practical ways to build them.
• Find out how to own your accomplishments and overcome imposter syndrome with specific, actionable steps.
• Hear Scott's unique lenses of resilience that help leaders transform setbacks into growth opportunities.
• Explore the balance between healthy doubt and overconfidence in leadership decision-making.
• Understand the importance of seeking feedback to gain a true perspective on your mental strength and leadership effectiveness.
• Learn about the customized mental strength training program Scott proposes, tailored to individual needs and goals.

Connect with Scott Mautz

Scott Mautz Website 

Scott Mautz LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this engaging episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli hosts NY Times Best Selling author and serial entrepreneur Dave Kerpen. The conversation focuses on Dave Kerpen’s most recent book, Get Over Yourself: How to Lead and Delegate Effectively for More Time, More Freedom, and More Success.

In the episode, Dave Kerpen emphasizes the importance of strategic delegation, sharing personal anecdotes and practical insights that underscore how effective delegation can lead to greater freedom and success professionally and personally.  

The conversation explores common delegation pitfalls, such as leaders' reluctance to delegate or their tendency to micromanage once they do. Kerpen's share model is highlighted as a key framework, focusing on strategy, hiring, and resource management. By entrusting tasks to their teams and empowering them, leaders can concentrate on strategic priorities, fostering both organizational and personal growth.

Dave Kerpen also discusses the impact of the hybrid work environment on delegation, urging leaders to focus on outcomes rather than physical presence. This shift in mindset, along with embracing AI and other technological advancements, can enhance productivity and enable leaders to strike a better work-life balance. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how Dave Kerpen's challenging childhood shaped his unique leadership philosophy and work ethic.
• Hear how to avoid common delegation pitfalls and find a balance between micromanaging and doing everything yourself.
• Discover the three key areas every leader should focus on: strategy and vision, hiring the right people, and ensuring access to resources.
• Find out why failing to delegate effectively can impact your work-life balance and lead to personal regrets.
• Understand the importance of setting clear boundaries for work hours to prioritize life over work.
• Explore the benefits of delegating outcomes rather than tasks to foster creativity and ownership in your team.
• Learn the difference between managing and coaching, and how adopting a coaching mentality can support and encourage your team.
• Uncover practical strategies for building trust gradually with your team through small delegations and simple metrics.
• Get insights into how hybrid work environments and technological advancements like AI are transforming delegation practices.
• Discover how to use 'I' statements for giving corrective feedback, fostering a more supportive and constructive work environment.

Connect with the Dave Kerpen

Dave Kerpen Website 

Dave Kerpen LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website