Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman Americas, JLL. Herman Bulls talks about his leadership journey, from modest beginnings to eventually becoming one of the most influential people in the real estate industry. 

Some highlights:

How Herman Bulls has been able to stand out in leadership roles throughout his schooling, military service and professional career.

Herman’s six keys to success 

Leading organizational culture change

Dealing with microaggressions and serving as a role model

Herman Bulls being honored with Executive Leadership Council’s Achievement Award 

Also mentioned in this episode:

Stuart Scott, commercial real estate executive and the first CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle

Maya Angelou, American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist

Buddy Moore, coach at Coffee High School from 1970-81

Connect with Herman Bulls:

Herman Bulls LinkedIn

Herman Bulls Twitter

Herman Bulls Facebook

JLL Washington

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 Todd Cherches, CEO of BigBlueGumball and author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life. Todd Cherches shared experiences that transformed him as a leader. He also talks about the power of visual leadership and how it can improve communication as well as inspire those you lead.

Some highlights:

• Todd Cherches’ upbringing and how reading became a big part of his leadership and life
• How Todd’s experience with horrible bosses taught him to become a more compassionate and empathetic leader
• Todd’s transformational experience becoming a Dale Carnegie Trainer
• Why Todd Cherches encourages others to ‘Always Be Curious’ 
• The significant meaning and symbolism behind VisuaLeadership’s title and cover
• The importance of speaking the language of your stakeholders and why stories matter more than numbers
• How visual imagery and visual language help with attention, comprehension, and retention
• What mental models and frameworks are and how they can help convey abstract concepts and ideas
• Todd Cherches on the power of visual storytelling in bringing ideas to life
• Stepping up to everyday leadership: how you can inspire, impact, and help other people realize their own visions

Also mentioned in this episode:

Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People

Robert Shiller, author of Narrative Economics

Chester Elton and Adrian Gostick, authors of Leading with Gratitude

John Baldoni, author of Grace

Marcel Proust, French novelist

Connect with Todd Cherches:

Todd Cherches’ website

Todd Cherches on LinkedIn

Todd Cherches on Twitter

VisuaLeadership on Amazon

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 Andy Grimm, CEO of Apple Federal Credit Union. Andy Grimm shares leadership lessons learned as he rose through the ranks at Apple Federal Credit Union, eventually to earn the position of CEO.  Andy Grimm also shares leadership insights on how he has led the organization through different transformation initiatives.  

Some highlights:

• How Andy Grimm’s early years influenced his resilience.
• The role Andy Grimm’s mom played in his drive to help people
• Leading with empathy and providing an opportunity for all team members to contribute. 
• Andy Grimm on the necessity for leaders to learn and grow and for organizations to continue transforming.  

Also mentioned in this episode:

Larry Kelly, former CEO of Apple Federal Credit Union

Beth Yingling, Apple Federal Credit Union Chief People Officer 2017-2019

The Circle of Innovation, by: Tom Hopkins

Dare to Lead, by Brené Brown

Shoe Dog Phil Knight Story of Nike, by Phil Knight

Connect with Andy Grimm:

Andy Grimm LinkedIn

Apple Federal Credit Union 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 talks with Bob Johansen, renowned futurist and author of the book Full Spectrum Thinking. Bob Johansen talks about future back thinking, the importance of seeking clarity while avoiding certainty and how leaders can thrive in a VUCA World. 

Some highlights:

● Bob Johansen on what led him to become a futurist

● Categorical thinking versus full spectrum thinking

● Bob Johansen on how to develop foresight and insight for greater clarity

● Finding a sense of purpose with greater clarity in a VUCA 

● How to use clarity filters in leadership

Also mentioned in this episode:

Alan G Lafley, former CEO of Procter & Gamble

Peter Drucker, author of various top-selling business and leadership books

Dan Buettner, author of the book, The Blue Zones

Jane McGonigal, game designer at the Institute for the Future

Stan McChrystal, author of the book A Team of Teams

Thomas Malone, author of the book Superminds

Connect with Bob Johansen:

Bob Johansen on LinkedIn

Full Spectrum Thinking Book by Bob Johansen

Institute for the Future

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 talks with Tom Fong. Tom Fong founded Compcierge USA and is currently with MYTA technologies. Tom shared his perspectives on leadership and disruptive technologies.  Additionally, Tom Fong shared the reason for his commitment to youth programs and leadership in the Chinese-American community.

Some highlights:

• Tom Fong on how learning to use the cash register in his grandfather’s restaurant taught him life lessons. 
• Tom on the opportunities of disruptive technology and how it helped him launch his business.
• How a simple word of praise or encouragement can be a catalyst for young people to be more confident in life.
• Tom Fong on the importance of building your network.  

Also mentioned in this episode:

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People a book by Stephen Covey

Connect with Tom Fong:

Tom Fong 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 Steven Sasson who invented the digital camera while working at Kodak, earning him The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award. Steven Sasson shares the story of how digital photography came to be, the many inventions that made it more accessible to eventually take the place of film photography.  Steven Sasson also talks about the support for the invention at Kodak and the many cultural and leadership challenges that got in the way of Kodak taking full advantage of the technology.  

Some highlights:

• Steven Sasson’s love for tinkering with technology
• Why Steven Sasson chose to work at Kodak
• Conceptualizing and envisioning the first handheld electronic camera
• The first image taken with the first prototype of the portable digital camera
• Kodak’s initial reaction to Steven Sasson’s invention and questions for the future of digital technology
• How the support and belief of Steven Sasson’s supervisor motivated him to push his idea forward despite doubts from Kodak executives
• Why Steven Sasson’s project was kept secret by Kodak for many years
• The story behind ECAM, the first operational DSLR camera 
• The story behind QuickTake 100, Kodak’s collaboration with Apple 
• Cultural and leadership challenges preventing Kodak from being able to take full advantage of digital photography
• How internal struggles, and short-sighted decisions impacted Kodak
• Steven Sasson’s experience receiving The National Medal of Technology and Innovation award from President Barack Obama in 2009

Mentioned:

Don Reinertsen, author

Gareth Lloyd, former supervisor at Kodak

Jim Sheckler, former technician at Kodak

Gilda Radner, actress and comedian

Joy Marshall, former laboratory technician at Kodak

Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chairman and CEO of Apple

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple

Dr. Majid Rabbani, former fellow at Kodak

Dr. Brad Paxton, former director at Kodak

Robert Hills, co-inventor of the first DSLR camera

Jim McGarvey, former lead engineer at Kodak

George M. C. Fisher, former CEO of Kodak

Daniel Allen Carp, former chairman and CEO of Kodak

Antonio M. Pérez, former CEO of Kodak

Barack Obama, 44th U.S. President

Pete Souza, former Chief Official White House Photographer

Connect with Steven Sasson:

Steven Sasson 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 talks with Robert Morgan, founder and CEO of Talaria Media, Pivotal Moments, Managing Partner at Caneel, co-founder of GoodSeeker, and former CEO of MorganFranklin Consulting. Robert Morgan discussed how his personal life experiences aided him in establishing multiple successful and how he effectively worked with co-founders to nurture a great organizational culture.

Some highlights:

• The lessons Robert Morgan learned from battling cancer
• Robert Morgan on the key elements of the organizational culture at MorganFranklin
• How to deal with difficult people and still maintain a great culture
• Why self-awareness and empathy are critical in maintaining great partnerships

Also mentioned in this episode: 

Ron Morgan, co-Founder of MorganFranklin

Rob Franklin, co-Founder of MorganFranklin

Who Moved My Cheese? Book by Spencer Johnson

Connect with Robert Morgan:

Robert Morgan on LinkedIn

Robert Morgan on Twitter: @Remorgan2

Robert Morgan on Facebook

Pivotal Moments on Facebook

Pivotal Moments on Instagram

Pivotal Moments 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 discusses the importance of appreciating your team members and celebrating well-planned effort rather than just celebrating success. He also shares why who we choose to celebrate and what we choose to celebrate makes a big difference in nurturing a growth mindset and a great organizational culture.    

Some highlights:

• Appreciation in the workplace and the underwhelming statistics
• The magic ratio of positive versus negative interactions
• How to incorporate sincere appreciation in your leadership
• Why we need to start celebrating effort versus just celebrating success
• How recognizing effort led to the success of Amazon echo
• The importance of celebrating the right things in nurturing a growth mindset and a great organizational culture

Mentioned:

Mahan Tavakoli’s Webinar for Georgetown University: Your Team Doesn't Want Your "Feedback:"' Build Greater Connection, Retention, and Results

Dr. John Gottman, psychological researcher, clinician, and author

Carol Dweck, psychologist and author

Aidan McCullen, author and host & founder of The Innovation Show 

➡ Listen to Aidan McCullen’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here. 

Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon

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, John Veihmeyer, former global chairman of KPMG, looks back on how he started rising through the ranks at KPMG and why leading with self-awareness and empathy was critical in rebuilding morale. John Veihmeyer also shares valuable lessons in developing resilience in leadership, inspiring a purpose-driven culture in a company, and leading for impact.

Some highlights:

● How performing in musicals in high school helped John Veihmeyer later in his career

● Why John recommends aspiring leaders study accounting

● The value of building and nurturing work relationships without expecting anything in return

● How John Veihmeyer became deputy chairman of KPMG, a role he wasn’t ready for but felt responsible to undertake

● The importance of ‘doing the hard thing now and building resilience in leadership

● How John Veihmeyer inspired trust and regain confidence in a demoralized organization

● Why John believes empathy and self-awareness are the two most important leadership traits

● Why you should surround yourself with people that are going to be willing to disagree with you

● Laying bricks vs. building a cathedral: the perspective John Veihmeyer promoted to inspire a purpose-driven culture

● How the KPMG Family For Literacy Program started and its impact

Mentioned in this episode:

Steve Harlan, former managing partner at KPMG

➡ Listen to Steve Harlan’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here. 

Linda Rabbitt, Founder & Chairman of rand Construction 

➡ Listen to Linda Rabbitt’s Partnering Leadership podcast episode here. 

Susan Flynn and Beth Veihmeyer, Co-founders of the KPMG Family For Literacy Program (KFFL)

Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Connect with John Veihmeyer:

John Veihmeyer 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 Aidan McCullen, the host and founder of The Innovation Show and author of the book Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life. Aidan shares examples on how organizations and individuals can embrace reinvention in order to become undisruptable. 

Some highlights:

● Aidan McCullen talks about the reason why most change initiatives fail.

● The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly and lessons for leaders.

● How Amazon reinvented a failed product and transformed it into a killer product.

● Aidan McCullen shares how seeing life as cyclical rather than linear helps us with a reinvention mindset.

Also mentioned in this episode:

● Rita McGrath author of The end of competitive advantage and Seeing around corners

● Scott D. Anthony author of The Little Black Book Of Innovation: How it works, How to do it and co-author of Eat, Sleep, Innovate: How to Make Creativity an Everyday Habit Inside Your Organization 

● Daniel Z. Lieberman author of The Molecule of More

● Robert Sapolsky author of Behave

Buy Aidan McCullen’s Book: 

 Undisruptable: A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisations and Life        

Connect with Aidan McCullen:

 Aidan McCullen @ theinnovationshow.io

Aidan McCullen 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