In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Cameron Herold, a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the book The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO. With a wealth of experience as a COO and having coached numerous companies worldwide, Cameron shares his invaluable insights on the critical role of the COO and how to create a high-performing CEO-COO dynamic.

Throughout the conversation, Cameron dives deep into the complexities of the COO role and the importance of finding the perfect match for the CEO. He emphasizes the need for clear communication, trust, and a shared vision to build a successful partnership that can navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

Drawing from his own experiences and the lessons learned from working with diverse organizations, Cameron Herold offers practical advice on how to identify the right COO for your company, onboard them effectively, and nurture a relationship that maximizes the potential of both the CEO and COO.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the key characteristics to look for when hiring a COO and how to ensure they complement your strengths and weaknesses as a CEO.
• Learn the secrets to building a strong CEO-COO relationship that can withstand the challenges of rapid growth and change.
• Hear how successful companies like Shopify have leveraged the CEO-COO dynamic to achieve incredible results.
• Gain insights into the evolving role of the COO and how to adapt your leadership approach to stay ahead of the curve.
• Understand the importance of clear communication and trust in fostering a productive partnership between the CEO and COO.
• Explore the concept of "yin and yang" leadership and how it can help you create a balanced and effective executive team.
• Learn how to navigate the challenges of onboarding a new COO and setting them up for success from day one.
• Discover the power of regular check-ins and "date nights" in maintaining a strong CEO-COO relationship over time.

Connect with Cameron Herold

Cameron Herold Website

COO Alliance

The Second in Command: Unleash The Power of Your COO

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Dave Ulrich. Known as the Father of modern-day HR, Dave Ulrich is the Rensis Likert Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and a partner at the RBL Group, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations and leaders deliver value. Dave Ulrich has published over 30 leadership, organization, and human resource books. The discussion with Dave Ulrich touches on measuring a leader's effectiveness, the difference between being a leader and leadership, and how HR has evolved to become more crucial to company success. Next, Dave Ulrich addresses why leaders should focus on certainty while leading through greater uncertainty. Dave Ulrich went on to talk about the importance of positive accountability and emphasized the value of creating leadership brands that cater to customers' expectations. Finally, Dave Ulrich shared why good leadership involves empowering others and building their brands rather than just promoting the leader's brand and how that connects to the concept of value creation for stakeholders.

Some Highlights:

- Dave Ulrich on the characteristics of good leaders-

-The role and importance of HR in creating value for stakeholders

- How leaders can focus on creating value in uncertain times-

-Why positive accountability is a necessity in outstanding leadership and how to do it well

-Dave Ulrich on how to empower others to build their brands

- Why the receiver defines value and the importance of that perspective in leadership

- The role of human resources in creating value for stakeholders through talent, organization, and leadership.

- The necessity of focusing on customer expectations in creating successful leadership models.

- Dave Ulrich on the one trait that all great leaders have in common

Connect with Dave Ulrich:

The RBL Group Website

Dave Ulrich on LinkedIn

Dave Ulrich at University of Michigan Ross

Dave Ulrich books on Amazon

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website

In this thought-provoking episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Jerry Colonna, CEO of Reboot.io and the renowned CEO coach known as the “CEO Whisperer.” Jerry Colonna is also the author of the groundbreaking books Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.

With his unique background as a successful venture capitalist turned executive coach, Jerry brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the discussion, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of modern leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Jerry shares his personal journey of self-discovery and transformation, highlighting the importance of radical self-inquiry and emotional authenticity in cultivating effective and purposeful leadership. He explores the paradoxical nature of success, discussing how the pursuit of external achievements can often lead to feelings of hollowness and disconnection from one's true self.

Drawing upon his extensive work with CEOs and executives, Jerry Colonna offers a fresh perspective on the role of business in society, arguing that purpose-driven leadership has the potential to create meaningful change and contribute to the healing of the world. He challenges listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths of our shared history and to embrace the power of vulnerability and empathy in building more inclusive and compassionate organizations.

With his trademark blend of wisdom, humor, and provocative questioning, Jerry invites leaders to embark on a journey of self-reflection and growth, offering practical guidance and transformative insights along the way.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Discover the surprising connection between childhood experiences and adult leadership styles, and learn how to turn past challenges into sources of strength and resilience.
• Explore the power of radical self-inquiry to unlock your full potential as a leader and create more authentic and purposeful organizations.
• Gain insights into the paradoxical nature of success and learn strategies for navigating the dissonance between external achievements and internal fulfillment.
• Understand the importance of emotional authenticity in leadership and discover techniques for cultivating greater self-awareness and empathy in your interactions with others.
• Learn how to harness the power of purpose-driven leadership to create meaningful change and contribute to the healing of the world through your work.
• Hear why confronting uncomfortable truths and embracing vulnerability are essential for building more inclusive and compassionate organizations.
• Discover the transformative potential of coaching in helping leaders align their inner values with their outer actions and create more impactful and fulfilling careers.

Connect with Jerry Colonna

Reboot.io

Reunion: Leadership and Longing to Belong

Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up

Jerry Colonna 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