Partnering Leadership

In this Partnering Leadership conversation, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Jonah Berger, Wharton School professor and internationally bestselling author of Magic Words, Contagious, Invisible Influence, and The Catalyst. In the conversation, Jonah Berger talked about the role of influence in our lives and leadership. He explained why influence is a tool and how to use it for positive impact. Jonah Berger then addressed the role of language in influencing others, and the six types of research supported magic words for influence. Next, Jonah Beger shared the role of confidence in influence and how to use it appropriately, depending on the situation. Finally, Jonah Berger talked about the power of storytelling, the language of similarity and difference, and how to use personal hedges to show openness to other perspectives.

Some highlights:

- Why influence is neither positive nor negative

- How words influence behavior

- The research behind the power of 'because'

- How leaders can use influence for good

- The six types of magic words to influence

- How our environment impacts our behaviors

- How the language used in emails can predict whether you are likely going to get promoted or get fired

- The role that words can play in identity and agency

- The importance of certainty to influence and how to do it right

- How leaders can use influence to move their organization in a good direction. 

- The one type of question that makes you seem more intelligent and competent.

- The Power of words in influencing others

- Leaders should be aware of the power of words and their use in influencing others 

- The importance of follow-up questions and how to do them well

- What do the best storytellers do differently than the others

- How to lead for positive influence 

Connect with Jonah Berger:

Jonah Berger Website 

Jonah Berger on LinkedIn 

Magic Words on Amazon 

Mentioned:

Partnering Leadership conversation with Warren Berger on the Power of Questions and Questioning 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this compelling episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Barbara Kellerman, a renowned expert in leadership, Harvard Kennedy School Professor, and a prolific author. Kellerman's latest book, Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers, serves as the focal point of this discussion. With decades of research and a unique perspective on the dynamics of leadership, Kellerman challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on often-overlooked aspects of leadership and followership.

From the outset, Kellerman captivates with her critical examination of why the leadership industry tends to ignore the darker sides of leadership. She goes into the complex interplay between leaders and followers, emphasizing that bad leadership is seldom the result of one individual's actions alone. Her insights into the roles of enablers and the broader context within which leaders operate offer a fresh and necessary perspective for today's CEOs and senior executives.

Kellerman's engaging anecdotes and examples, ranging from corporate boardrooms to political arenas, illustrate the intricate dance between power, authority, and influence. She highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics to navigate the increasingly complex leadership landscape effectively. 

The conversation also explores the diminishing power and authority of leaders in modern organizations, replaced by the need to master influence. Kellerman offers actionable insights on how leaders can cultivate this skill by deeply understanding their followers and the contexts in which they operate. This episode is not just a discussion; it is a masterclass in rethinking leadership in the 21st century.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn why the leadership industry often avoids discussing bad leadership and the implications of this oversight.
• Hear how understanding the role of followers is crucial in holding leaders accountable and driving positive change.
• Discover the importance of examining the entire leadership system, including enablers and context, to truly understand leadership failures.
• Understand why leadership cannot be reduced to a few simple lessons and the importance of lifelong learning in leadership development.
• Explore the diminishing authority of leaders and the rising importance of influence in effective leadership today.
• Gain insights into the challenges of leading in a world where power dynamics have drastically shifted due to cultural and technological changes.
• Find out how leaders can balance accessibility and authority to maintain effective leadership.
• Learn about the critical role of followership in both enabling and challenging bad leadership.
• Discover strategies for creating an organizational culture that supports transparency and accountability in leadership.
• Hear examples of how successful leaders navigate the complexities of modern leadership environments.

Connect with Barbara Kellerman

Leadership from Bad to Worse: What Happens When Bad Festers 

Barbara Kellerman Website 

Barbara Kellerman LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Robert Wolcott, a renowned expert on innovation and the co-author of Proximity: How Coming Breakthroughs in Just-in-Time Transform Business, Society, and Daily Life.  In the conversation, Rob Wolcott shares his groundbreaking insights on how digital technologies are revolutionizing industries and reshaping the future of work, healthcare, and beyond.

Through engaging anecdotes and thought-provoking examples, Wolcott illustrates how the concept of "proximity" is driving a shift towards a more decentralized and responsive economy, where capabilities can be compressed into smaller packages and distributed closer to the moment and place of need. He explores the implications of this shift for leaders and organizations, offering practical advice on how to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by this new era of rapid change and uncertainty.

Wolcott also goes into the role of leadership in fostering innovation and adaptability, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions, crafting exploratory challenges, and empowering teams to find solutions. He shares invaluable insights on how leaders can cultivate a culture of continuous learning and iteration, embracing an agile approach to strategy and decision-making.

Actionable Takeaways:

- Discover how the concept of "proximity" is transforming industries and unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.

- You'll learn the key skills and mindsets leaders need to navigate an increasingly volatile and uncertain business landscape.

- Hear how to craft exploratory challenges that empower your teams to find innovative solutions and drive breakthrough results.

- Gain insights into the future of healthcare and how AI is shifting the focus from curing to preventing disease.

- Explore the potential of space and virtual reality as the two horizons of the 21st century and what they mean for your business.

- Learn how to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and iteration, embracing an agile approach to strategy and decision-making.

- Discover practical advice on how to keep up with rapid advancements and stay ahead of the curve in an age of exponential change.

Connect with Robert Wolcott

Robert Wolcott LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Rob Sadow, the co-founder and CEO of Scoop and the mastermind behind The Flex Index. As a leading expert on the future of work, Rob shares his invaluable insights on navigating the seismic shift towards hybrid and flexible work arrangements. Drawing from his extensive experience and data-driven approach, Rob goes into the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformative change in the workplace.

Throughout the conversation, Rob Sadow highlights the importance of embracing flexibility and adapting office spaces to meet the evolving needs of both employees and organizations. He discusses the role of data in guiding decision-making processes and shares strategies for fostering productivity, engagement, and work-life balance in the new era of work.

Rob also sheds light on the impact of hybrid work on cities and the need for strategic planning to create more live-work-play environments. He emphasizes the significance of investing in smart policies to mitigate the long-term effects of this transition and set cities up for success in the coming decades.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the world of hybrid work and the key factors that contribute to the success or failure of companies as they navigate this uncharted territory. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the stages of grief executives go through when confronting the new reality of work and how to reach acceptance
• Learn why companies founded after 2010 have a competitive edge in the era of flexible work
• Uncover the challenges faced by people managers in the transition to hybrid work and strategies for overcoming them
• Hear how successful companies take an iterative approach to implementing hybrid work policies
• Explore the role of cities in adapting to the shift towards hybrid work and the importance of investing in smart policies
• Gain insights into the common pitfalls of viewing hybrid work as merely a policy change and the need for a holistic approach
• Find out how to leverage data and benchmarking to make informed decisions about office space and employee experience
• Understand the potential impact of AI on the future of work and its interaction with hybrid work models
• Learn how to foster a culture of collaboration, documentation, and outcome-based management in a hybrid setting

Connect with Rob Sadow

Flex Index 

Flex Index Newsletter 

Scoop Website 

Rob Sadow LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this insightful episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Tim Ringel, the visionary CEO of Meet the People, a trailblazing agency that's reshaping the advertising and marketing landscape. With a career spanning decades and continents, Tim Ringel brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the digital age.

Throughout the conversation, Tim shares his journey from a small town in Germany to the bustling streets of New York City, where he now leads a dynamic team of entrepreneurs and innovators. He goes into the evolving nature of consumer behavior and the critical importance of adapting marketing strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

Tim Ringel's insights on the impact of artificial intelligence on the advertising industry are particularly illuminating. He explores the potential risks and rewards of leveraging AI in creative processes and emphasizes the need for transparency and human refinement in delivering value to clients.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover how Tim Ringel's unconventional path from coding to advertising has shaped his approach to leadership and innovation.
• You'll learn why breaking down silos and fostering collaboration is crucial for success in today's fast-paced business environment.
• Hear how Meet the People is helping mid-sized businesses thrive in the digital age by offering integrated, generalist solutions tailored to their unique needs.
• Gain insights into the future of AI in advertising and learn how to leverage its power while maintaining transparency and human touch.
• Uncover the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset within your organization, regardless of its size or industry.
• Learn why stepping outside your echo chamber and seeking inspiration from diverse sources can lead to breakthrough ideas and strategies.
• You'll find out how to adapt your marketing strategies to keep pace with evolving consumer behaviors and expectations.
• Hear Tim's advice on navigating career transitions and embracing learning opportunities at every stage of your professional journey.

Connect with Tim Ringel

Meet the People Website 

Tim Ringel Meet the People 

Tim Ringel LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Cameron Herold, a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the book The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO. With a wealth of experience as a COO and having coached numerous companies worldwide, Cameron shares his invaluable insights on the critical role of the COO and how to create a high-performing CEO-COO dynamic.

Throughout the conversation, Cameron dives deep into the complexities of the COO role and the importance of finding the perfect match for the CEO. He emphasizes the need for clear communication, trust, and a shared vision to build a successful partnership that can navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

Drawing from his own experiences and the lessons learned from working with diverse organizations, Cameron Herold offers practical advice on how to identify the right COO for your company, onboard them effectively, and nurture a relationship that maximizes the potential of both the CEO and COO.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the key characteristics to look for when hiring a COO and how to ensure they complement your strengths and weaknesses as a CEO.
• Learn the secrets to building a strong CEO-COO relationship that can withstand the challenges of rapid growth and change.
• Hear how successful companies like Shopify have leveraged the CEO-COO dynamic to achieve incredible results.
• Gain insights into the evolving role of the COO and how to adapt your leadership approach to stay ahead of the curve.
• Understand the importance of clear communication and trust in fostering a productive partnership between the CEO and COO.
• Explore the concept of "yin and yang" leadership and how it can help you create a balanced and effective executive team.
• Learn how to navigate the challenges of onboarding a new COO and setting them up for success from day one.
• Discover the power of regular check-ins and "date nights" in maintaining a strong CEO-COO relationship over time.

Connect with Cameron Herold

Cameron Herold Website  

COO Alliance 

The Second in Command: Unleash The Power of Your COO 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dave Ulrich. Known as the Father of modern-day HR, Dave Ulrich is the Rensis Likert Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and a partner at the RBL Group, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations and leaders deliver value. Dave Ulrich has published over 30 leadership, organization, and human resource books.    The discussion with Dave Ulrich touches on measuring a leader's effectiveness, the difference between being a leader and leadership, and how HR has evolved to become more crucial to company success. Next, Dave Ulrich addresses why leaders should focus on certainty while leading through greater uncertainty. Dave Ulrich went on to talk about the importance of positive accountability and emphasized the value of creating leadership brands that cater to customers' expectations. Finally, Dave Ulrich shared why good leadership involves empowering others and building their brands rather than just promoting the leader's brand and how that connects to the concept of value creation for stakeholders.

Some Highlights:

- Dave Ulrich on the characteristics of good leaders-

-The role and importance of HR in creating value for stakeholders

- How leaders can focus on creating value in uncertain times- 

-Why positive accountability is a necessity in outstanding leadership and how to do it well

-Dave Ulrich on how to empower others to build their brands

- Why the receiver defines value and the importance of that perspective in leadership

- The role of human resources in creating value for stakeholders through talent, organization, and leadership.

- The necessity of focusing on customer expectations in creating successful leadership models.

- Dave Ulrich on the one trait that all great leaders have in common

Connect with Dave Ulrich:

The RBL Group Website 

Dave Ulrich on LinkedIn 

Dave Ulrich at University of Michigan Ross 

Dave Ulrich books on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Jerry Colonna, CEO of Reboot.io and the renowned CEO coach known as the “CEO Whisperer.” Jerry Colonna is also the author of the groundbreaking books Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.

With his unique background as a successful venture capitalist turned executive coach, Jerry brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the discussion, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of modern leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Jerry shares his personal journey of self-discovery and transformation, highlighting the importance of radical self-inquiry and emotional authenticity in cultivating effective and purposeful leadership. He explores the paradoxical nature of success, discussing how the pursuit of external achievements can often lead to feelings of hollowness and disconnection from one's true self.

Drawing upon his extensive work with CEOs and executives, Jerry Colonna offers a fresh perspective on the role of business in society, arguing that purpose-driven leadership has the potential to create meaningful change and contribute to the healing of the world. He challenges listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths of our shared history and to embrace the power of vulnerability and empathy in building more inclusive and compassionate organizations.

With his trademark blend of wisdom, humor, and provocative questioning, Jerry invites leaders to embark on a journey of self-reflection and growth, offering practical guidance and transformative insights along the way. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the surprising connection between childhood experiences and adult leadership styles, and learn how to turn past challenges into sources of strength and resilience.
• Explore the power of radical self-inquiry to unlock your full potential as a leader and create more authentic and purposeful organizations.
• Gain insights into the paradoxical nature of success and learn strategies for navigating the dissonance between external achievements and internal fulfillment.
• Understand the importance of emotional authenticity in leadership and discover techniques for cultivating greater self-awareness and empathy in your interactions with others.
• Learn how to harness the power of purpose-driven leadership to create meaningful change and contribute to the healing of the world through your work.
• Hear why confronting uncomfortable truths and embracing vulnerability are essential for building more inclusive and compassionate organizations.
• Discover the transformative potential of coaching in helping leaders align their inner values with their outer actions and create more impactful and fulfilling careers.

Connect with Jerry Colonna

Reboot.io 

Reunion: Leadership and Longing to Belong 

Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up 

Jerry Colonna LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Alden Mills, three-time Navy SEAL Platoon Commander and INC 500 CEO. Alden Mills is also the author of three books, the latest of which is Unstoppable Mindset: How to Use What You Have to Get What You Want. Throughout the conversation, Alden shares his insights on navigating change, fostering ownership, and cultivating a resilient mindset in both personal and professional contexts.

Throughout the conversation, Alden draws upon his unique experiences as a Navy SEAL and successful business leader to provide valuable lessons on leadership in the face of uncertainty. He discusses the importance of embracing discomfort, learning from failure, and maintaining faith in oneself and one's team.

Alden also shares the concept of the "mindset horizon," explaining how leaders can encourage their teams to venture beyond their comfort zones and take ownership of their roles. He emphasizes the significance of trust and autonomy in building high-performing teams and shares practical strategies for implementing these principles in organizations.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the three levels of leadership and how they impact your organization's success
• Learn how to identify and overcome the fears that hold you back from venturing into the unknown
• Hear how to cultivate a culture of ownership and accountability within your team
• Understand the power of the "commander's intent" in setting clear boundaries while fostering autonomy
• Gain insights on building trust and faith among team members, a critical component of high-performance teams
• Explore the concept of the "mindset horizon" and how it can help you navigate change and uncertainty
• Learn how to reframe failure as an opportunity for growth and resilience
• Discover practical strategies for applying Navy SEAL leadership principles in civilian organizations
• Hear how to balance the need for structure with the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced business environment
• Gain valuable tips on seeking out strategic, emergency, and tactical advisors to support your leadership journey

Connect with the Alden Mills

Alden Mills Website 

Be Unstoppable Website 

Alden Mills on LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Jason Gulya, a higher education AI Strategist, to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and organizations. As someone who initially resisted the idea of becoming a teacher, Jason's journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and embracing change.

Jason shares how his unique upbringing, with three brothers close in age, shaped his understanding of community and individual needs, laying the foundation for his approach to teaching and learning. He candidly discusses his initial skepticism towards ChatGPT, fearing it would enable plagiarism and undermine education. However, his willingness to approach the technology with an open mind led him to recognize its potential for enhancing learning experiences and driving organizational transformation.

Drawing from his experiences as the chair of the AI council at his college, Jason offers a fresh perspective on AI's role in education. He emphasizes the need to cultivate foundational skills while leveraging technology as a complementary tool. He advocates for a shift towards a more dynamic and relevant approach to teaching, where AI serves as a cognitive partner, challenging assumptions and fostering critical thinking.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You'll learn how Jason uses ChatGPT in his English classes to facilitate engaging discussions and encourage students to critically analyze their beliefs, pushing back against AI-generated counterarguments.
• Hear how AI can be leveraged as a powerful brainstorming tool for organizational change and strategy development, allowing leaders to explore innovative solutions and break out of traditional silos.
• Discover Jason's advice on embracing adaptability and critical thinking as essential skills for navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape, where job roles and pipelines are constantly shifting.
• Understand the importance of allowing emotional reactions to new technologies while maintaining an open mindset and focusing on practical applications rather than getting caught up in hype or fear.
• Learn about Jason's approach to exploring AI's potential, starting with a single program and investing time to understand its capabilities and limitations before strategizing its implementation.

Connect with Jason Gulya

Jason Gulya LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website