393 Embracing Infinite Possibilities in Leadership: Lessons from Astronaut, Physician, and CEO Dr. Bernard A. Harris

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dr. Bernard Harris, a leader whose extraordinary career trajectory—from physician to NASA astronaut to CEO and venture capitalist—offers rare insights into the inner work of leadership. Dr. Harris is the first African American to walk in space, and the author of Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential. His unique vantage point, shaped by science, space exploration, and C-suite leadership, gives him an extraordinary lens on what really limits potential—not just for individuals, but for teams and entire organizations.

This is not a conversation about space missions. It's a candid exploration of the hidden forces that hold even the most accomplished leaders back. Dr. Harris shares how fear, false identity, and overachievement can become barriers disguised as success—and how leaders can finally begin to let go. With disarming honesty, he recounts how constant validation once drove his every move, and how shedding that need was key to unlocking deeper effectiveness and personal alignment.

What makes this episode essential for executive listeners is not just the personal story—it’s the direct application to business and leadership contexts. Dr. Harris talks about leading teams under pressure, confronting blind spots in senior leadership, and what it really takes to receive feedback at the top. His reflections offer a masterclass in self-awareness and intentional leadership, especially for those navigating high-stakes roles where perception often replaces truth.

Whether you're leading a company, serving on a board, or mentoring the next generation of executives, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you define success, strength, and growth. The conversation isn't about doing more—it’s about uncovering what’s driving your decisions, and whether it’s truly aligned with your values and long-term vision.

Actionable Takeaways:

• You’ll learn how Dr. Harris overcame fear—not through toughness, but by reframing what failure really means for leaders.
  
  
  
• Hear how overachievement can be a trap, even when it’s applauded—especially for those in senior roles.
  
  
  
• Discover why most CEOs stop getting meaningful feedback—and what to do to get the truth back on the table.
  
  
  
• Explore the performance identity leaders develop—and how it can silently limit their ability to lead authentically.
  
  
  
• Find out what happened when Dr. Harris was told by his team: “You’re a micromanager”—and what he did next.
  
  
  
• Learn why self-awareness is a strategic advantage, not just a personal virtue.
  
  
  
• Hear Dr. Harris describe how he applies the same mindset that got him into space to running businesses and investing.
  
  
  
• Explore how internal versus external drivers shape leadership clarity—and how to regain control of your narrative.
  
  
  
• Understand how success, when unchecked, can become an armor that distances leaders from their teams.

Connect with Dr. Bernard Harris

Bernard Harris LinkedIn

Embracing Infinite Possiblities

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website