In this episode of Uncharted Entrepreneurship, Gary Cohen, a seasoned entrepreneur and coach, shares insights on the importance of asking questions in leadership, fostering accountability within teams, and the challenges of scaling a business. He emphasizes the need for leaders to shift from being the sole source of knowledge to empowering their teams through inquiry and active listening. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of leadership, including empathy and the handling of mistakes, as well as the value of coaching in personal and professional growth.

Takeaways

• Gary Cohen is a serial entrepreneur and CEO coach.
• Coaching found Gary while he was working on his book.
• Asking questions is crucial for effective leadership.
• Leaders must shift from knowing all the answers to empowering others.
• Accountability in teams is affected by how decisions are made.
• Wearing many hats can hinder individual performance.
• Empathy is essential in leadership, especially when mistakes happen.
• Employees prefer to be asked rather than told what to do.
• Active listening builds trust and engagement in teams.
• Reflection and coaching are vital for personal and business growth.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Coaching

01:30
The Journey from Entrepreneur to Coach

02:50
The Power of Questions in Leadership

08:03
Accountability and Leadership Dynamics

11:56
Empathy in Leadership and Decision Making

14:56
Encouraging Questions and Active Listening

19:07
The Importance of Reflection and Focus

21:00
Closing Thoughts and Coaching Opportunities