Partnering Leadership

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks with Steve Harlan, Founder of Harlan Enterprises. LLC, as he shares how he rose through the ranks at KPMG, the role he played on the DC Financial Control Board in turning around Washington DC’s finances and his commitment to the community.   Some highlights: Steve Harlan shares the story of his army days and how he ended up becoming an...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Henna Inam, CEO of Transformational Leadership,  talks about her journey to discovering her authentic self, her book Wired for Disruption and on how to be agile through times of disruption. Some highlights: Henna Inam shared her story of rediscovering her purpose in life Henna Inam talks about how to be your most authentic self and how to use that to be a...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Howard Ross, Author of Reinventing Diversity, Everyday Bias, and Our Search for Belonging, talks about his background, how he started his own consulting firm, and his work on unconscious bias. Some highlights: The story of Howard Ross’ journey of reinventing himself The influence of his Jewish heritage and the value of his parents in shaping his life and l...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Chuck Swoboda, former Chief Executive Officer of Cree, author of Innovator Spirit, and podcast host of Innovators on Tap. Chuck Swoboda speaks in-depth about innovation and how to cultivate it as part of an organization’s culture. Some highlights: Chuck Swoboda talks about his upbringing and how that influenced the kind of leader...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Dr. Mark Bergel, Co-founder of Shared Humanity Project, talks about his incredible life experiences and shares his profound love for humanity and how it molded his character to be the kind of leader he is now along with his vision to eradicate poverty.  Some highlights: Mark Bergel’s upbringing and impact on his service mindset How morality created a found...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Bettina Stern, co-founder of Chaia Tacos. Bettina shares her experience leading a business through crisis and her plans for growing Chaia Tacos nationally. Some highlights:  Bettina Stern shares how she and Suzanne Simon started Chaia Tacos through a mutual love for food Bettina Stern talks about the local food business scene and...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Ximena Hartsock, Co-founder of Phone2action and builder of tech for social good talks about how growing up in Chile and her father gave birth to her activism at an early age, how she battled injustice and hardship in Chile and as an immigrant to the United States and became successful while pursuing her advocacy as a way of life. Some Highlights: Ximena Ha...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about how to think about goals differently and encourages leaders to think about their impact and legacy. Some highlights: The story behind Alfred Nobel’s legacy Mahan Tavakoli shares insights on Bronnie Ware’s article about regrets Setting goals for impact and leaving a meaningful legacy Also mentioned in this episode: Alfred Nobel, I...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Rosie-Allen Herring, President and CEO of the United Way NCA and Board Chair of  the Greater Washington Board of Trade, talks about leading with purpose, leading the transformation of United Way NCA  and reflects on the future leadership of the Greater Washington DC / DMV region. Some highlights: Rosie Allen-Herring shares how her brothers and sisters insp...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Elia Gourgouris, founder of Happiness Center and author of 7 Paths to Lasting Happiness and co-author of 7 Keys to Navigating a Crisis, A Practical Guide to Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics & Other Disasters.  Dr. Elia Gourgouris shares some of his thoughts and perspectives on how we can nurture happiness in ourselves,...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Shannon Huffman Polson, author of The Grit Factor and CEO of the Grit Institute, talks about her experiences as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, and the lessons learned on grit from women leaders in the US military. Some highlights: The story behind Shannon Huffman Polson being one of the first women to fly an Apache attack helicopter The inspiration beh...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, David Fagiano, former Chief Operating Officer of Dale Carnegie Training and former CEO of American Management Association, talks about his career, leadership lessons learned, and how he led organizations to achieve significant growth.  Some highlights:                  How David Fagiano started out his career in the mail order business and ended up in a ca...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Patricia McGuire, the president of Trinity Washington University,  talks about how she led the transformation of Trinity, the leadership principles that she has learned, and advice she has for other leaders, as they're looking to lead their organizations through transformation.  Some highlights: Pat McGuire shares the story of her early years of activ...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli talks about the Stockdale Paradox, the difference between hope and optimism, and the necessity for antifragility in leading your organization and team during times of crisis.  Some highlights: The story of courage and patriotism of Admiral Stockdale Understanding the difference between optimism and maintaining hope How to lead with hope Hand...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, David Gardner, co-founder and chief Rule Breaker at The Motley Fool, talks about the origins of the company, the importance of purpose and culture in their organization, and David’s belief in Conscious Capitalism.  Some highlights: What made David Gardner a rule breaker The story behind The Motley Fool's founding and the Jester cap David Gardner’s per...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Rishad Tobaccowala, Author of Restoring the Soul of Business, talks about the turd on the table, the story behind his book, and his perspective on the future of work. Some highlights: Rishad Tobacocowala’s view on the role of data in business Leading organizations through change  Team communication strategies Rishad Tobaccowala’s five characteristics of le...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, A. Scott Bolden, Managing Partner of the Washington, D.C. office of Reed Smith, talks about his background and history, failures, and successes that led him to make a real difference. Some highlights: What motivated Scott Bolden to practice law Tips for aspiring leaders to achieve success Events and setbacks in Scott Bolden’s life that made him value humil...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, shares how his upbringing influenced him and the many successes and challenges Victor has faced along the way. Some highlights: The value of education Understanding poverty and how it motivated Victor Hoskins The story behind majoring in Urban Studies at Dartmouth How to im...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Scott Kratz, Vice President of Building Bridges Across The River, talks about how the pandemic crisis accelerated his organization's focus on partnering to better serve the community. Antifragile leadership in action. Some highlights: The crisis as a moment for antifragility and antifragile leadership How Building Bridges adjusted to serve the immedia...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Lyles Carr, Senior Vice President of The McCormick Group, shares how his upbringing and value system influenced his commitment to giving back to the community, helping found and supporting dozens of organizations in the Greater Washington DC region.  Some highlights: How Lyles Carr’s childhood gave him a better understanding and appreciation for others Lyl...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Trond Arne Undheim, Author of Leadership From Below, Disruptive Games and Pandemic Aftermath, shares his views and ideas on leadership, the pandemic and future of work. Some highlights The fundamentals of leadership Trond Undheim’s perspective on being a futurist Five possible post- pandemic scenarios Trond Undheim explains why technology cannot compete wi...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Alex Orfinger, Publisher The Washington Business Journal, shares what drives him, how he came to lead The Washington Business Journal, and his thoughts on major community issues in the Greater Washington DC region.  Some highlights: The impact of Alex Orfinger's grandfather on his life Struggles of identity and finding the right path Alex Orfinger&apo...

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership Podcast, Charito Kruvant, Founder & Board Chair Creative Associates International, talks about her childhood, what inspired her to focus on education and conflict resolution, and leadership lessons she has learned on her journey.   Some highlights: Charito Kruvant’s pride in being different The difference between schooling and education How being dy...

In this episode, Mahan Tavakoli talks about the concept of antifragility and its value in leading your team and organization through disruption and uncertainty. Main takeaways from this episode: Understanding antifragility in our daily lives The benefit of becoming antifragile The need for antifragility in the organization The necessity for leaders to truly embrace antifragile leadership Mentioned...

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mary Abbajay, President Careerstone Group and author of Managing Up, talks about her story of resilience, journey to leadership transformation and becoming a successful consultant and author. Some highlights: 1. How Mary Abbajay overcome her insecurities despite having Bell's Palsy  2. Lessons learned from owning and managing a bar  3. Struggles with...