Partnering Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with futurist and strategist Dr. Mark van Rijmenam to explore how leaders can thrive in an era defined by exponential change. Known for his sharp insights into emerging technologies and their impact on society, van Rijmenam shares a grounded yet urgent view of the transformation reshaping every aspect of our world—from business and education to governance and human interaction.

Van Rijmenam argues that the shifts underway are not just technological but also ecological and geopolitical, converging into what he calls a “tsunami of change.” Unlike past revolutions that unfolded over centuries, today’s convergence of AI, robotics, blockchain, quantum computing, and biotechnology is remaking industries and organizations in mere years. He urges leaders to recognize the pace and scale of disruption and to evolve their thinking beyond the limits of linear strategy.

Throughout the conversation, van Rijmenam challenges executives to rethink traditional leadership models. Short-term metrics and hierarchical control, he warns, are relics of a slower age. To lead effectively in exponential times, leaders must decentralize decision-making, empower teams to act with trust, and adopt a long-term mindset that includes future generations in their calculus of success. The future will belong to those who can combine adaptability with ethical awareness—who understand not only what technology can do but what it should do.

This discussion also dives into the human dimensions of the digital revolution. From reimagining education and lifelong learning to confronting the erosion of trust in a world of deepfakes and misinformation, van Rijmenam calls for a new kind of leadership—one that cultivates critical thinking and moral courage as much as technical fluency. His perspective is both sobering and optimistic: chaos is inevitable, but it can also be a catalyst for renewal if leaders are willing to reimagine how organizations and societies operate.

Whether you’re leading a global enterprise or a mission-driven organization, this episode will expand your view of what it means to lead in exponential times—and why the leaders of tomorrow must become what van Rijmenam calls “architects of the future,” building systems that serve humanity as much as innovation.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why Mark van Rijmenam believes this era of transformation is unlike any in history—and why leaders who mistake exponential change for incremental evolution risk falling behind fast.
  
  
• Hear how the convergence of multiple technologies—not just AI—is creating a ripple effect that is reshaping industries and leadership itself.
  
  
• Discover what it takes to move from linear to exponential thinking, and why our evolutionary wiring makes that shift so difficult.
  
  
• Explore the limits of short-termism and why CEOs must adopt a long-term perspective that considers future generations, not just next-quarter results.
  
  
• Find out why traditional education models are failing to prepare the next generation—and what leaders can do to foster critical thinking and lifelong learning inside their organizations.
  
  
• Learn how decentralized decision-making and empowered cultures build resilience in times of disruption—and what happens to companies that cling to control.
  
  
• Hear the story of how one company’s culture of challenge and trust prevented a multimillion-dollar fraud—and what it reveals about leadership in the age of deep

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a powerful conversation with Lior Arussy, renowned author, speaker, and expert in organizational transformation and customer experience. Lior is the author of the thought-provoking book Dare to Author: Take Charge of the Narrative of Your Life. In this episode, he brings his compelling insights to life, challenging leaders to rethink how they approach storytelling, organizational change, and leadership in an era of rapid disruption.

Lior shares his journey of discovering the power of stories—not just in shaping customer experiences but in transforming individual and organizational mindsets. Drawing on decades of working with global companies, he unpacks why so many people resist change, how leaders can overcome that resistance, and why the ability to craft and evolve personal and organizational narratives is critical for thriving in uncertainty.

Listeners will be inspired by Lior's insights on how leaders can empower their teams to embrace change without feeling judged, how to separate purpose from tools to drive transformation, and why storytelling is no longer a nice-to-have skill but a necessity for effective leadership. His approach combines practical frameworks with deeply human insights, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to unlock their team’s potential and elevate their leadership impact.

From redefining leadership as navigating the unknown to exploring how gratitude fuels resilience and innovation, this conversation is rich with actionable ideas. 

Actionable Takeaways:

• You’ll learn why storytelling is not just a communication tool but a leadership necessity in driving transformation and engagement.
• Hear how to overcome resistance to change by reframing it as evolution rather than judgment of past efforts.
• Discover why separating purpose from tools can help you and your team embrace innovation with less fear and more confidence.
• Gain insights into why victimhood is a choice—and how to rise to the higher version of yourself as a leader.
• Learn the surprising connection between gratitude and resilience, and how embracing gratitude can fuel your team’s energy for change.
• Understand why the leadership practices you inherited 30 years ago may no longer serve you in today’s fast-paced, dynamic workplace.
• Explore the concept of cultural readiness and why leaders must take responsibility for their organization’s capacity to adapt and thrive.
• Find out why perfectionism paralyzes teams—and how to give your people permission to experiment and innovate.
• Hear why the biggest companies miss the biggest trends and how to avoid the ‘best practices trap.’
• Learn how to author your own leadership story and turn past successes and failures into tools for future growth.

Connect with the Lior Arussy

Lior Arussy Website 

Lior Arussy LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this thought-provoking conversation, former nuclear submarine commander and bestselling author David Marquet returns to the Partnering Leadership podcast to discuss the core ideas behind his new book: Distancing: How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions. Known globally for Turn the Ship Around, Marquet once again challenges traditional leadership assumptions—this time taking aim at a problem many leaders don’t realize they have: they’re too close to their decisions.

Drawing from cognitive psychology, real-world leadership failures, and hard-earned lessons from the military to the boardroom, Marquet introduces a powerful framework he calls “distancing.” At its core: the idea that our best decisions often require us to stop thinking like ourselves. Whether it's asking, “What would my replacement do?” or considering how a future version of yourself might evaluate today’s choice, Marquet offers tactical ways leaders can gain clarity, reduce bias, and improve judgment under pressure.

Host Mahan Tavakoli guides the conversation toward the real-world application of these ideas, especially for senior executives navigating complexity, volatility, and the weight of past decisions. Marquet’s insights are sharp, often counterintuitive, and supported by both research and field-tested leadership practices.

Rather than offering platitudes or yet another leadership model, this conversation digs into the cognitive traps leaders fall into—and how to build the mental discipline to lead with more perspective and fewer blind spots. If you’re responsible for high-stakes decisions, leading through uncertainty, or shaping organizational strategy, this episode delivers the kind of clarity that shifts how you think about thinking.

Actionable Takeaways

• You’ll learn why “being present” isn’t always good advice—and how it can narrow your thinking at the worst possible time
  
  
  
• Hear how one shift in language (“What would you do if you were me?”) led to better decisions from Marquet’s submarine crew—and how it applies to leadership teams today
  
  
  
• Discover why ego isn’t about arrogance—it’s about how your brain rewrites reality to protect your self-image
  
  
  
• Learn the three dimensions of strategic distancing—and how each one can improve executive judgment under pressure
  
  
  
• Hear how asking “What would my replacement do?” helped Intel’s Andy Grove overcome years of legacy inertia
  
  
  
• Find out why most retrospectives fall flat—and how to reframe them so people tell the truth without getting defensive
  
  
  
• Learn how stress shortens your mental lens—and what leaders can do to create space (not just speed) in decision-making
  
  
  
• Explore why decision hygiene matters more in volatile times—and what most leaders get wrong about intuition
  
  
  
• You’ll learn why leadership isn’t a conceptual exercise—and why Marquet compares it to learning a new language
  
  
  
• Hear the low-stakes practice Marquet recommends for building real-world empowerment habits—starting at your next restaurant meal
  
  
  

Connect with David Marquet

David Marquet Website 

David Marquet 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

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with JJ (Projjal) Ghatak, a seasoned technology executive who has held key roles at companies like Uber and is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of OnLoop, a habit-forming, genAI-powered goals and feedback platform for high functioning teams. Projjal Ghatak shares his unique insights on building mission-driven cultures, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology to empower managers and drive organizational success.

Drawing from his experiences at Uber during its rapid growth phase, Projjal discusses how the company's decentralized structure and fighting spirit contributed to its success. He also delves into the importance of the founder's role in setting the tone for an organization's culture and attracting the right talent.

As the co-founder of OnLoop, JJ (Projjal) Ghatak is on a mission to "productize" management, making it simple and effective for every manager to bring out the best in their teams. He breaks down the key responsibilities of a manager and shares how OnLoop is using AI and habit-formation science to drive better management practices.

Throughout the conversation, Projjal touches on a range of topics relevant to today's leaders, from the challenges of hybrid work to the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning. 

Actionable Takeaways:

- Discover how Uber's early culture of decentralization and fighting spirit fueled its rapid growth and success

- Learn Projjal's framework for the five key responsibilities of a manager and how to excel at each one

- Explore the science behind habit formation and how it can be leveraged to drive better management practices

- Gain insights on the productivity challenges of hybrid work and strategies for building self-discipline in remote teams

- Hear Projjal's unconventional approach to recruiting, which prioritizes raw talent over years of experience

- Understand the importance of self-awareness for leaders and how to leverage resources for continuous learning and growth

Connect with JJ (Projjal) Ghatak

OnLoop Website

JJ (Projjal) Ghatak LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this engaging episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, host Mahan Tavakoli engages in an insightful conversation with Paul Daugherty, the group chief executive of technology and chief technology officer at Accenture. During the episode, Paul Daugherty emphasizes the criticality of adopting a technology-focused mindset and embracing constant reinvention and agility in the face of evolving technologies. He highlights the importance of organizations becoming learning organizations equipped with empathetic listening capabilities to navigate the era of generative AI effectively. The conversation delves into the significance of responsible AI and data ethics within organizations utilizing AI. Paul Daugherty underscores the need for CEOs to prioritize the implementation of responsible AI, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of business and society. Additionally, the episode touches on the transformative impact of the metaverse on business operations, the integral role of data in AI, and the necessity of rescaling individuals displaced by automation. Finally, Paul Daugherty shares his predictions on the future impact of AI on organizations.

• Discover the untapped potential of AI. Find out why reskilling is crucial for individuals affected by automation.
• Uncover the origins of the digital revolution and the birth of artificial intelligence.
• Gain insights into the transformation of every business into a technology company, and learn why technological prowess is indispensable for successful digital transformation and total enterprise reinvention.
• Explore how AI can support learning within organizations.
• Understand the importance of placing technology at your company's core and adopting a mindset of total enterprise reinvention.
• Dive into the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines and unlock the potential and value that AI offers when they work together.
• Delve into responsible AI, establishing structured policies and tools to ensure ethical and unbiased outcomes while appropriately handling data.
• Discover the transformative impact of generative AI, affecting 40% of working hours across companies.
• Explore the metamorphosis of the metaverse and its profound influence on business operations.
• Embrace the concept of a Technology Quotient (TQ) as an essential addition to IQ and EQ in every company, and recognize the importance of training all employees in various technologies.

Accenture Thought Leadership

Accenture Foresight App 

Accenture Technology Vision 2023 When Atoms Meet Bits 

Connect with Paul Daugherty

Paul Daugherty at Accenture 

Paul Daugherty on LinkedIn

Also Referenced:

Partnering Leadership Conversation with Ajay Agrawal on Prediction Machines & Power and Prediction

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Rubenstein, co-founder & co-chairman of Carlyle Group & President of the Economic Club of Washington DC.  In the conversation David Rubenstein shares his journey from working at the White House to starting one of the largest private equity investment firms globally. He also talks about his leadership lessons, philanthropy, Peer-to-Peer interviewing for the Economic Club of Washington DC and Bloomberg TV, and the legacy he plans to leave behind. 

Some highlights:

- David Rubenstein’s childhood and how he became an avid reader

- David’s experience at the White House working for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

- The story behind David Rubenstein helping co-found the Carlyle Group

- On becoming Carlyle Group’s fundraiser and how David increased its visibility 

- David Rubenstein’s leadership practices and values

- ‘Patriotic Philanthropy’ and David Rubenstein’s signing of the giving pledge

- David Rubenstein on the value of family and the importance of raising successful children

- Why David Rubenstein accepted to become the President of The Economic Club of Washington DC and then decided to change the format. 

- Becoming a Peer-to-Peer interviewer: on self-deprecating humor, being a good listener, and more

- Leadership lessons from David Rubenstein’s book, How to Lead

- On his passion for capturing the ‘American experiment’ and his opinion on America today

- David Rubenstein’s desire for impact as he ‘sprints’ to leave a legacy 

- Why David Rubenstein reads over 100 books a year and encourages others to read more

- On moving forward post-COVID with ongoing transformation and change

Connect with David Rubenstein

David Rubenstein Website

How to Lead by David Rubenstein

The Carlyle Group Website

The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer

The Economic Club of Washington D.C. Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this captivating episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Greg Wooldridge, the only person to have led the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's renowned flight demonstration squadron, three times. With his unparalleled experience and unique insights, Greg Wooldridge shares valuable lessons on leadership, team dynamics, and the pursuit of excellence that is applicable not only in the cockpit but also in the boardroom.

Throughout the conversation, Greg Wooldridge discusses the core elements that make the Blue Angels a high-performing team despite the built-in turnover of members. He reveals how the squadron's culture, founded on humility, gratitude, and trust, is the bedrock of its success. Wooldridge also emphasizes the importance of effective debriefing, which he considers the "secret sauce" of the Blue Angels' continuous improvement.

Greg Wooldridge goes on to share his wisdom on the importance of selecting team members based on character rather than just skill and how to foster a sense of ownership and respect among all team members.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the three essential elements that form the foundation of a high-performance culture and how to cultivate them in your organization.
• Learn the secret behind the Blue Angels' exceptional teamwork and how you can apply it to your own team, regardless of size or industry.
• Hear how embracing vulnerability and transparency during debriefs can lead to breakthrough improvements and stronger trust among team members.
• Understand why selecting team members based on character and humility is just as important, if not more so, than technical skills alone.
• Gain insight into how small acts of respect and appreciation can have a profound impact on team morale and performance.
• Learn how to create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel empowered to speak openly and take ownership of their work.
• Discover the dangers of cockiness in leadership and how to foster a culture of humility and continuous learning instead.

Connect with Greg Wooldridge

Greg Wooldridge LinkedIn

Greg Wooldridge Website

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mahan Tavakoli interviews Daniel Burrus, a world-renowned futurist, strategist, and author of The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity and Advantage.

In the conversation, Daniel Burrus shares his powerful framework for anticipating the future and shaping strategies accordingly, emphasizing the importance of identifying hard and soft trends to gain certainty in an uncertain world.

Throughout the conversation, Daniel Burrus dives deep into the principles and mindsets that enable leaders to become anticipatory rather than reactionary. He highlights the transformative power of the "both/and" principle, the "ideal use" principle, and the concept of disrupting yourself and your organization before others do. Daniel's expertise and engaging storytelling make this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to create a better future for themselves and their organization.

Key Insights You'll Gain:

• Discover the difference between hard trends and soft trends and how they can help you develop low-risk, high-reward strategies
• Learn how to become anticipatory and proactively identify and solve problems before they occur
• Understand the importance of embracing the "both/and" principle for accurate predictions and innovative thinking
• Explore the "ideal use" principle and how it can help you cut through the hype surrounding new technologies and innovations
• Gain insights into the power of disrupting yourself and your business before others do
• Uncover the potential of AI and how to harness its benefits while protecting against its risks
• Discover why humans are infinitely upgradable and the importance of staying open-minded to learning new things
• Learn how to apply the "both/and" principle to various scenarios, from paper vs. digital to gas vs. electric cars

Connect with Daniel Burrus

The Anticipatory Organization: Turn Disruption and Change into Opportunity and Advantage 

Daniel Burrus Website 

Daniel Burrus LinkedIn 

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website 

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn 

Partnering Leadership Website