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Partnering Leadership
Partnering Leadership is a top global podcast designed to help CEOs and senior leaders navigate the complexities of leadership, strategy, culture, and innovation. Hosted by Mahan Tavakoli—a seasoned leadership advisor with over 25 years of experience and recognized as a top thought leader in management—the podcast brings you real-world insights and practical advice to drive meaningful results.
Mahan’s experience as a trusted advisor shapes each discussion, driving deeper insights that challenge conventional thinking and uncover innovative approaches. Drawing from his extensive advisory background, Mahan dives into candid conversations with purpose-driven CEOs and global thought leaders, exploring how they overcame their biggest challenges and achieved transformative success. Each episode provides actionable strategies, real-world examples, and proven approaches to help you navigate change, align teams, and drive lasting impact.
Hear directly from top experts such as Ram Charan, Ken Blanchard, John Kotter, Stephen M.R. Covey, Hal Elrod, Carmine Gallo, Daniel Burrus, Garry Ridge, Jacob Morgan, Emily Field, Jonah Berger, Barbara Kellerman, Rich Diviney, Andrea Sampson, Ajay Agrawal, Dave Ulrich, Jerry Colonna, Renee Cummings, Brian Johnson, Warren Berger, Gustavo Razzetti, Azeem Azhar, David McRaney, Tim Clark, Jim Detert, Gary Bolles, Greg Satell, Robert Wolcott, Alden Mills, Minter Dial, Greg Wooldridge, Pete Steinberg, Joseph Fuller, Paul Roetzer, Whitney Johnson, Ron Adner, Bob Johansen, Leidy Klotz, Paul Smith, Louis Rosenberg, Rob Sadow, Dan Turchin, Steve Robinson, Park Howell, Mark Crowley, Maz Jobrani, LaTonya Wilkins, Rob Cross, Aiden McCullen, Eduardo Briceno, Jan Rutherford, Stephen Wunker, Charlene Li, Jon Levy, Anu Gupta, John Rossman, David Marquet, Tamsen Webster, Jack Phillips, Vanessa Bohns, Patrick McGinnis, Hakeem Oluseyi, Ed Hess, and Carolyn Dewar as well as renowned leaders like David Rubenstein, Jean Case, Tony Pierce, Linda Rabbitt, Paul Daugherty, Richard Bynum, John Veihmeyer, Howard Ross, Bill Novelli, Tien Wong, Stephanie Linnartz, Chuck Robb, Doug Dennerline, Charlene Drew Jarvis, Robert Rosenberg, Diane Hoskins, Deidre Paknad, David Gardner, and Marty Rodgers, and many more!
Their insights, paired with Mahan's expertise, equip you to tackle complex challenges, foster a high-performance culture, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.
Listen today to gain the tools, perspectives, and proven strategies that can transform your leadership journey.
Available on all major podcast platforms or visit https://partneringleadership.com.
Partnering Leadership
411 Motley Fool Co-Founder David Gardner on Rule Breaker Investing, Long-Term Thinking, and Leadership That Lasts
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with David Gardner—legendary investor, co-founder of The Motley Fool, and author of Rule Breaker Investing. Over the past three decades, David has not only beaten the market—he’s reshaped how long-term investing is understood and practiced.
David’s track record is extraordinary:
- He recommended Amazon in 1997 (up 86,000% since)
- Tesla in 2012 (up 80,000%)
- Netflix in 2004 (up 937,000%)
- And NVIDIA in 2005 (up a staggering 1.2 million percent)
But what’s even more compelling is how he did it—and how those principles translate far beyond investing. David shares a deeply thoughtful approach to decision-making, pattern recognition, and long-term conviction that applies to business leaders, not just individual investors.
The conversation ranges from why “indexing is the new active,” to how embracing joy, optimism, and curiosity has made him a better investor, entrepreneur, and human being. For CEOs and leaders navigating uncertainty, David’s blend of rigor, irreverence, and wisdom offers valuable takeaways on strategy, innovation, and leadership mindset.
Whether you’re responsible for growing an organization or stewarding your own portfolio, this is a rare chance to learn from someone who’s played the long game—successfully, repeatedly, and with purpose.
Actionable Takeaways
- Hear why most people invest backward—and how a “Rule Breaker” mindset flips the script.
- Learn the six traits David looks for in exponential companies—and how those same traits show up in standout leaders and teams.
- See why long-term thinking is the ultimate competitive moat—for investors and CEOs alike.
- Explore how optimism, when grounded in conviction, becomes a leadership advantage—not a liability.
- Understand how joy and playfulness build trust, culture, and long-term performance.
- Hear how David picked Amazon, Tesla, Netflix, and NVIDIA early—and why the key wasn’t spreadsheets, but belief in innovation and people.
- Discover why bold action beats cautious consensus—and how to reframe fear of failure into fuel for success.
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at how The Motley Fool disrupted financial services—and what it taught David about culture, mission, and momentum.
- Why the best investors and leaders ignore the crowd—and how to strengthen your internal compass.
Connect with David Gardner
Rule Breaker Investing: How to Think Long Term in a Short-Term World
Rule Breaker Investing Podcast
Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:
