In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Greg Bennick, keynote speaker, humanitarian, and author of Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now. Greg shares how his upbringing in a small Connecticut town with nontraditional parents helped shape his views on purpose, disruption, and transformation. Through vivid personal stories—including a near-death experience involving a truck crashing into a bookstore—Greg explores the chaos of modern life, the influence of technology, and the power of reclaiming presence and humanity.

Together, Mahan and Greg dive deep into themes of self-awareness, leadership, kindness, and the role of meaningful relationships in navigating an increasingly noisy and fast-paced world. With humor and humility, Greg invites listeners to rethink success, stay grounded, and embrace possibility—both in life and leadership.

Highlights from the Conversation

• Why noise and chaos dominate our lives—and who benefits from it
• How modern technology hijacks our attention and focus
• Reclaiming the now in a world driven by spectacle and distraction
• The near-death bookstore experience that led Greg to rediscover purpose
• Believing in the possibility of kindness to escape the trap of pessimism
• Why leaders must stop assuming the worst and start cultivating trust
• The importance of emotional buy-in and meaningful work connections
• Reverberation vs. ripple effect in leadership and idea-sharing
• Critique of traditional self-help and Greg’s human-first philosophy
• Daily practices that help Greg stay authentic and focused
• The role of relationships in countering isolation and building purpose
• Asking whether we are using technology—or being used by it

Connect with Greg Bennick:

Greg Bennick on LinkedIn

Greg Bennick's Official Website

"Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now"

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website