030 - Say "Yes, And!" to Long Term Adaptability with Alexander Bolkhovsky

Yes, And! With Avish Parashar

In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest friends and longtime ExxonMobil leader, Alexander Bolkhovsky, for a deep dive into leadership, motivation, and navigating organizational change. Over his 27-year career with ExxonMobil, Alex has held roles across engineering, technology, sales, and global strategy. But more than the titles, it's his mindset—curious, adaptable, and people-first—that makes him a standout. We explore everything from leading massive reorganizations and setting "impossible" goals to staying energized when your to-do list feels endless. Whether you're managing a team or just trying to lead yourself, this episode is packed with gold.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why adaptability is a learned skill, not an innate trait

• How "bold goals" create breakthrough thinking—even if you don't hit them

• The leadership superpower of assuming positive intent

• How to balance long-term strategy with short-term urgency

• The real reason motivation and fun matter more than discipline

• Simple systems for making your workweek more productive and more enjoyable

🔗 Relevant Links

• Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: Alexander Bolkhovsky

• Learn more about Avish and the "Yes, And!" approach: avishparashar.com