027: The Power of Curiosity, Coaching, and Click: Alisa Cohn on Leadership That Lasts

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal episode of Sandy on Talent, Sandy Ogg sits down with world-renowned executive coach Alisa Cohn to explore the leadership traits, career decisions, and personal instincts that shape high-impact executives. Cohn, recognized globally for her work with CEOs and founders—from Foursquare to Google—offers a rare look into the forces that shaped her own career and the patterns she observes in leaders who succeed as their responsibilities scale.

Alisa shares stories of individuals who dared to follow their internal compass, even when societal norms dictated otherwise. We explore narratives of career navigation, where initial paths seemed pre-determined yet ultimately gave way to fulfilling ventures in coaching and entrepreneurship. Hear how personal alignment and the courage to embrace one's true aspirations can lead to remarkable professional growth and satisfaction, even when it means veering into the unknown. The episode also highlights the significance of staying true to oneself in an ever-evolving work environment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Alisa Cohn's inspiring journey from college halls to a global executive coach, guiding C-suite leaders and major corporations.
• The power of effective communication and strategic facilitation in career development.
• Navigating non-linear career paths with courage and authenticity, emphasizing the importance of following one's internal compass.
• Building a successful coaching practice through networking, incremental steps, and seizing unexpected opportunities.
• Insights on creating value and purpose in the workplace by aligning personal aspirations with organizational roles.
• Emphasizing the importance of authenticity, strategic consulting, and the courage to pursue a path that resonates deeply with one's passions.

Resources from this Episode

Alisa’s profile in First Round Review - https://review.firstround.com/the-feedback-founders-need-to-hear-%E2%80%94-how-to-grow-yourself-to-grow-the-company 

Alisa’s podcast with Tim Ferriss - https://tim.blog/2021/10/19/alisa-cohn/ 

Alisa’s book From Start-up to Grown-up - https://www.amazon.com/Start-Up-Grown-Up-Grow-Leadership-Business/dp/1398601381/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3MYW4EEHGNQ16&dchild=1&keywords=from+startup+to+grown+up&qid=1623150243&sprefix=from+startup%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-3 

You can get Alisa’s "5 Scripts for Delicate Conversations" tool (and join thousands of other people who love her newsletter) here - http://www.alisacohn.com/scripts/ 

AlisaCohn.com 

Connect with Sandy Ogg:

Website: https://www.sandyontalent.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyogg/ 

X: https://twitter.com/SandyOnTalent 

Instagram: @SandyOnTalent

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.