Partnering Leadership

A leader serves their people, not the other way around. Want to listen to this episode? https://lnkd.in/dvdxuuCD #partneringleadership #podcast #leadership #GreaterWashington #culture #strategy #leaders #innovation #management #WashingtonDC #DMV

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Stephen Wunker, the renowned author of The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your Organization. Drawing from his extensive experience in innovation consulting and his collaboration with thought leaders like Clay Christensen, Steve shares practical insights on how organizations can cultivate a culture of innovation, build frameworks that support creative thinking, and navigate the complexities of today’s business environment. Stephen Wuncker challenges the conventional myth of the 'lone genius' and emphasizes that true innovation is not about individual brilliance but about fostering a culture where ideas can thrive collectively. He explains how leaders can encourage this by adopting a systematic approach, asking the right questions, and creating an environment that values curiosity, empathy, and experimentation. Throughout the conversation, Steve highlights powerful examples of innovative leadership from top companies like Microsoft, Princess Cruises, and Procter & Gamble, showing how these organizations have successfully integrated empathy, agile thinking, and strategic experimentation to stay ahead of market changes and disruptions. He also goes into the transformative potential of AI, arguing that businesses must maintain a balance between leveraging cutting-edge technology and preserving their human touch to remain competitive. Listen to this episode: https://lnkd.in/g2mgE6sU

🔍 “Imagine the value of a 2 million-hour investment in research.” – Leidy Klotz By empowering employees to streamline their work, AstraZeneca saved nearly double their goal in hours, fueling innovation and progress. Listen to this episode: https://lnkd.in/eEek89Fy

Innovation starts with understanding the end-user. Whether big or small, every effort counts. Ron Adner reminds us that innovation isn’t always radical—it’s about creating value where it matters most. Tune in to this episode: https://lnkd.in/e57z4Axp

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Anu Gupta shares his personal journey from India to the U.S., revealing how his experiences with bias and discrimination inspired him to write Breaking Bias and create tools to address prejudice. Anu explains the origins of bias using ancient wisdom and neuroscience, highlighting that biases are learned but can be unlearned through self-awareness, mindfulness, and tools like his PRISM method. He explores the organizational impact of unconscious bias, discussing how it causes inefficiencies and arguing that AI can perpetuate bias unless data is consciously addressed. Anu challenges leaders to go beyond surface-level diversity efforts by fostering genuine inclusion with empathy and understanding. The conversation emphasizes shifting from exclusion to inclusion, recognizing that everyone has experienced bias and encouraging leaders to rewire systems for equity and belonging. Listen to this episode: https://lnkd.in/ec9VXCe8

🌠 The sun, the stars, and the future of life on Earth! Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi talks astrophysics, willpower, and making science accessible to all in this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership. 🌍💫 Don’t miss it! Listen to this episode: https://lnkd.in/eEUCwQYr

Behavior change happens when people feel supported, not judged. Build trust, celebrate small wins, and recognize effort along the way. Progress, not perfection, drives transformation. 🌱 Listen to this episode: https://lnkd.in/eesDakei

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in a dynamic conversation with Jan Rutherford, a seasoned leadership expert and author of Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader: How Grit and Disciplined Duty Forge Indomitable Teams. With a rich background that includes serving as a Green Beret, leading Crucible expeditions, and coaching executives, Jan brings a unique perspective on leadership that combines military rigor with a deep understanding of human behavior. Jan shares compelling stories from his own journey, from his humble beginnings and his time with the Green Berets to the profound lessons he learned about leadership in the wilderness and the boardroom. Throughout the discussion, Jan emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and authenticity in leading teams, drawing on real-world experiences and thoughtful reflections. He offers a fresh take on what it means to lead in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world. Listeners will gain insight into Jan's philosophy on leadership, which challenges conventional wisdom and encourages leaders to rethink their approach. He explores critical questions like: What truly makes a leader? How can you build a team that is not only high-performing but also resilient and adaptable? And, why is it more important to select the right people over the best people? Jan’s practical advice and unique approach, rooted in his own experiences and supported by his book, provide actionable strategies for CEOs and senior executives.  Listen to this episode: https://lnkd.in/e_7hXyvZ

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Grateful for the blessings, big and small. Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and gratitude! From the Partnering Leadership Team

Leadership isn't about titles or positions—it's about the lives you touch and the impact of your actions. Chuck Robb reminds us to focus on those we serve, not the power we hold. 🌟 Listen to this episode: https://lnkd.in/e9UA9GT8