Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares his insights about the future of work, the upcoming transition of many organizations back to the office, and strategies to make hybrid work a success. Mahan also shares how leaders can think about changes experienced by their team members over the past two years as they build for a better future of work. Finally, Mahan shares four critical factors leaders need to consider in the hybrid future of work.

Some highlights:

- Why there is no "going back" to the office and working the way things operated before the pandemic

- Understanding liminal experiences and the relevance to work

- How leaders can use this transition as an opportunity for a better future of work

- The four critical factors in designing a better future of work

- Why the number of days in the office is NOT the most vital issue to address in hybrid work

- How to boost collaboration and productivity

- The impact of hybrid work on inclusivity 

Also mentioned in this episode:

Laura Empson, University of London

Nicholas Bloom, Professor at Stanford University

Aaron Hurst, author of The Purpose Economy (Listen to Aaron's episode on Partnering Leadership)

Spell Increased Team Performance with Objectives & Key Results (OKRs) Webinar

Measure What Matters: OKRs: The Simple Idea that Drives 10x Growth by John Doerr

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources are available on the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Azeem Azhar - writer, technology analyst, and creator of the acclaimed Exponential View newsletter. Azeem Azhar is a senior advisor to PwC and is an investor in early-stage startups in AI, renewable energy, female health tech, self-driving cars, and marketplaces.

In the conversation, Azeem Azhar shared perspectives from his book The Exponential Age: How Accelerating Technology is Transforming Business, Politics, and Society. Azeem shared how our societies and ways of life will change due to exponential technologies, why it's essential to understand the exponential changes better ahead, and how to thrive through the many changes ahead.

Some highlights:

- Azeem Azhar explained the impacts of technology on society, politics, and business

- Why many people find it hard to understand and keep up with the pace of technological change

- Understanding exponential growth and its potential impact on all aspects of life

- The rise of AI, automation, and other exponential technologies, such as renewable energy, 3D printing, and synthetic biology

- The impact of old tech regulations and approaches in a new digital world 

- How leaders can effectively lead through exponential change

- The dilemma of understanding technology in policymaking

Also mentioned in this episode:

- The Exponential Age: How Accelerating Technology is Transforming Business, Politics and Society by Azeem Azhar

- Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil

- Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez

- The innovator's dilemma by Clayton Christensen

- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Connect with Azeem Azhar:

Exponential View Official Website

Azeem Azhar on Twitter

Azeem Azhar on LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Tony Pierce. Tony Pierce is Akin Gump's Washington DC office partner in charge. He has more than three decades of experience in trial and litigation. In addition to his leadership at Akin Gump and impactful work on behalf of his clients, Tony Pierce has played a crucial leadership role in advancing business and philanthropic initiatives in the Greater Washington DC DMV region. Tony Pierce has served as past chair of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, serves on the Greater Washington Partnership board, and has played a leadership role in other civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Legal Aid Society of District of Columbia. In this conversation, Tony Pierce shares his leadership journey and the reason for his involvement to give back to the community through his involvement with many regional organizations.  

Some highlights:

- Tony Pierce on why he decided to become a lawyer and his initial successes in litigation

- Why Washington DC DMV region put together a bid for the 2024 Olympics and the reasons the region didn't get the Olympics

- Why Tony Pierce initiated a strategic review at the Greater Washington Board of Trade 

- The role of the Greater Washington Partnership in the Greater Washington DC DMV regional ecosystem

- How nurturing talent in the Greater Washington DC DMV region can attract more business to the region

- Tony Pierce's leadership of Akin Gump through challenging times

- The importance of in-person connections and interaction to organizational culture and talent development 

Also mentioned in this episode:

- Vernon Jordan, former adviser to President Bill Clinton

- Robert “Bob” Strauss, founder of Akin Gump

- Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Owner of the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards

- Linda Rabbitt, founder and chairman of Rand Construction (Listen to Linda’s episode on Partnering Leadership)

- Rosie Allen Herring, CEO of the United Way (Listen to Rosie’s episode on Partnering Leadership) 

- Trond Undheim, author and futurist (Listen to Trond’s episode on Partnering Leadership)

- Below Deck, reality television series

- Married at First Sight, reality television series

Connect with Tony Pierce:

Tony Pierce on LinkedIn

Akin Gump Official Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Aaron Hurst, Co-founder, CEO of Imperative, the peer coaching platform, Founder of the Taproot Foundation, and the author of The Purpose Economy. Aaron Hurst shares why in the purpose economy value lies in connecting to employees to purpose through serving needs greater than their own, enabling personal growth, getting a greater sense of meaning, building community, and having a more significant impact. Aaron also talks about the different purpose drivers and how leaders can better connect their organizations and teams with greater purpose.  

Some highlights:

- Aaron Hurst shares the biggest myths about purpose mindset

- How purpose can be a competitive advantage

- Impact of purpose on the individual, organization, and society

- How to more effectively connect people with their purpose

- Aaron Hurst on the different purpose drives for leaders

- The role peer coaching plays in relating to individual purpose

Also mentioned in this episode:

Brené Brown, Author of the books “Atlas of the Heart”, “You Are Your Best Thing”, “The Gifts of Imperfection”, and many more

Connect with Aaron Hurst:

Aaron Hurst Website

Aaron Hurst Twitter

Aaron Hurst LinkedIn

Imperative Official Website

Taproot Foundation Official Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Larry Robertson, innovation advisor, founder of Lighthouse Consulting, and author of three award-winning books, including his most recent, Rebel Leadership: How to Thrive in Uncertain Times. Larry Robertson shares insights from his first two books about entrepreneurship and creativity. Larry shares why he focused his third book on Leadership, specifically on leading through uncertainty. In the conversation, Larry Robertson shares five core principles of effective Leadership in uncertain times, including the importance of leading with soul.  

Some highlights:

- Larry Robertson’s childhood growing up in a household that encouraged inquiry

- A Deliberate Pause, and why entrepreneurship is not a choice.

- Stu Kaufman’s ‘the adjacent possible’ and the untapped creative potential in every single person

- Larry Robertson on leading during uncertain times 

- Debunking the ‘heroic leader’ myth

- Why soul matters in Leadership

- Larry Robertson on why organizational culture makes or breaks an organization

- The future of work and how to navigate ongoing uncertainty

Mentioned:

- Stuart Kauffman, medical doctor, theoretical biologist, and complex systems researcher

- Richard Tait, CEO of Cranium

- Russell Shaffer, Senior Director of Global Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Walmart

- Melissa Thomas-Hunt, Senior Advisor at Airbnb

- Deborah Meier, educator and education reformer

- Choose to be Curious by Lynn Borton

Connect with Larry Robertson:

Rebel Leadership on Amazon

Larry Robertson’s Website

Larry Robertson on LinkedIn

Larry Robertson on Twitter

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Rich Diviney, author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance. Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL commander with 20+ years of experience as a Navy SEAL Officer, having completed more than thirteen overseas deployments, including serving as the officer in charge of training for a specialized command. During his service, Rich Diviney was intimately involved in the highly specialized SEAL selection process and spearheaded the creation of a directorate that fused physical, mental, and emotional disciplines. Since his retirement, Rich Diviney has worked as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant with the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute and Simon Sinek Inc., teaching leadership and optimal performance for teams and organizations. 

Some highlights:

- Rich Diviney explained the role of mindset matters and how it helped him during his Navy SEAL Trainings

- How to effectively deal with uncertainty, change, challenge and stress

- The difference between attributes and skills 

- Why understanding attributes is essential in the hiring process and putting together a high performing team

- Rich Diviney on how to determine attributes in the hiring process

- The role humor plays in high performing teams

- Rich Diviney on how leaders and teams can nurture trust and teamwork

- The concept of dynamic subordination and its importance to leadership excellence 

- Rich Diviney talks about Resilience vs. Antifragility

Also mentioned in this episode:

- Simon Sinek, author

- Bob Johansen, renowned futurist and author (Listen to Bob’s episode on Partnering Leadership Podcast)

Book Recommendations:

The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance by Rich Diviney

Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family by  Bob Chapman and Raj Sisodia 

Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How by Daniel Coyles 

Connect with Rich Diviney:

The Attributes Official Website

Rich Diviney on LinkedIn

Rich Diviney on Instagram

Rich Diviney on Twitter

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Nicole Lynn Lewis, founder and chief executive officer of Generation Hope. This non-profit organization provides holistic assistance to young families. Nicole Lynn Lewis shares her story as a young parent attending college, the challenges she faced, and how it served as the inspiration behind her founding of Generation Hope.   

Some highlights:

- Nicole Lynn Lewis' childhood growing up in communities that didn't have much diversity

- 'Your life is over!" Nicole shares her experience finding out she was pregnant while a senior in high school 

- Nicole Lynn Lewis on what motivated her to finish college with honors

- Social Capital and the vital role it played in Nicole Lynn Lewis' journey and can play for all young adults

- From communications to non-profit; what inspired Nicole Lynn Lewis to switch careers and start Generation Hope

- Lack of diversity: the additional challenges many leaders of color face in trying to raise funds for their non-profits

- How Generation Hope's 'holistic wraparound model' works

- Why Nicole Lynn Lewis believes flexibility is crucial for the future of higher education

- Generation Hope's plans on extending their impact 

Mentioned:

Terri Freeman, board member at Generation Hope

Connect with Nicole Lynn Lewis:

Generation Hope Website

Nicole Lynn Lewis Website

Nicole Lynn Lewis on LinkedIn

Nicole Lynn Lewis on Twitter

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Professor Vanessa Bohns. Dr. Vanessa Bohns is a social psychologist, an award-winning researcher and teacher, and a professor of organizational behavior at Cornell University. Vanessa Bohns is also the author of the book: You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters. In this conversation, Vanessa Bohns shares insights on how we influence those around us and how to harness our influence to make a positive difference in leadership. 

Some Highlights: 

- Why do we tend to underestimate our influence

- Vanessa Bohns on why it's hard for us to ask for things 

- Why it's hard when asked to say no 

- How social pressures influence behavior

- Understanding the impact of power roles on the influence in organizations

- The disadvantages of working remotely vs. in person when it comes to influencing at work

- Vanessa Bohns on how we can be better at understanding other people's perspectives

Also mentioned in this episode:

- Marianne LA France, author and a professor of Psychology at Yale University

- Erica Boothby, a researcher, and Instructor in the Operations, Information, & Decisions Department at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Books Mentioned:

- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

- You Have More Influence Than You Think: How We Underestimate Our Power of Persuasion, and Why It Matters by Vanessa Bohns

Connect with Vanessa Bohns:

Vanessa Bohns Official Website

Vanessa Bohns on LinkedIn

Vanessa Bohns on Twitter: @profbohns

Vanessa Bohns on Instagram: @profbohns

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli shares an unlikely goal-setting strategy for your team in the year 2022, subtracting goals instead of adding more. In addition, Mahan shares insights from Leidy Klotz's book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less on why eliminating certain goals will lead you to achieve more and have a more significant impact.

Some highlights:

- Setting new year goals in personal, professional, and organizational angles

- Why you should stop adding goals and instead start subtracting them

- Why removing goals and priorities is so tricky but necessary. 

- The power of subtraction: going beyond just saying no and reflecting on what needs to be eliminated

- Starting a "stop doing" list and an action plan to start being intentional with subtraction

Mentioned:

- Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Price Winning psychologist and father of behavioral economics

- Patrick James McGinnis, venture capitalist and author best known for coining the term "fear of missing out" or "FOMO."

- Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources are available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Marty Rodgers, Senior Managing Director to US Southeast which is responsible for Accenture’s business in 10 states, including Charlotte, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C. Marty Rodgers shares his perspectives on inspiring leaders and service hood to create a successful team culture.

Some highlights:

 -Marty Rodgers shares how constructive criticism can help bring out leadership in you

-How Marian Wright Edelman impacted Marty’s life and career

-Shares how service is a powerful change maker

 -Marty Rodgers shares how his career steered to becoming one of the best Leaders in Accenture


Also mentioned in this episode:

Father Hesburgh, President of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1987

Dr. Cliff Wharton, former United States Deputy Secretary of State

Medgar Evers, American civil rights activist

Marian Wright Edelman, American activist for children's rights

Leadership without easy answers, by Ronald Heifetz

Noel Tichy, American management consultant, author, and educator

 
Connect with Marty Rodgers:

Accenture.com

Marty Rodgers LinkedIn

Marty Rodgers Twitter

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

MahanTavakoli.com

More information and resources available at the Partnering Leadership Podcast website: 

PartneringLeadership.com

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website