Conversations with Cohen

What would you do if you almost wired your entire life savings to a scammer? For Andy White, Ph.D., that near-disaster didn't just spark outrage—it inspired a groundbreaking fintech company.In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, Gregg Cohen sits down with Andy White, Founder and CEO of Closinglock, to explore how an email spoof almost cost him everything and why that moment of vulnerability led to building one of the most trusted platforms in real estate fraud prevention.Andy's journey is anything but typical. With a Ph.D. in computer engineering and early experience in machine learning before it became mainstream, Andy shares how he transitioned from working at a startup and Samsung Research to founding Closinglock on nights and weekends—all while navigating the challenges of a young family and financial uncertainty. He discusses the grit it takes to bootstrap a business in a highly traditional industry, where moving millions of dollars still depends on outdated systems like email and wire transfers.In this conversation, you'll learn:The real-life origin story behind Closinglock and how a personal encounter with wire fraud exposed deep vulnerabilities in the real estate transaction process.Why disrupting the centuries-old real estate industry was like turning an oil tanker, and how Andy overcame resistance from title companies wary of change.The power of relationship-building and trust in early-stage sales, and how Andy and his wife won over their first customers—often armed with just lunch and a lot of persistence.The emotional toll and personal sacrifices behind the scenes: cashing out savings, dealing with financial stress, and navigating self-doubt in the face of entrepreneurial risk.How Andy approached hiring the right team (after some painful missteps), bringing on a COO who helped elevate the company's sales strategy and scale Closinglock beyond its initial limitations.The decision to take outside investment and how Andy balanced investor expectations with the personal drive to grow Closinglock on his own terms.This episode offers an honest, unfiltered look at what it really takes to build a fintech startup from the ground up—especially when you're tackling one of the most sensitive pain points in real estate: protecting people's life savings.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, fintech enthusiast, real estate professional, or just love hearing the story behind the story, this conversation is filled with insights on resilience, leadership, and the evolving intersection of technology and trust.

In this insightful episode of Conversations with Cohen, Gregg Cohen sits down with Saad Alam, CEO & founder of Hone Health, to discuss the groundbreaking journey of building the largest men's hormone clinic in the U.S. and transforming it into a platform for holistic longevity care. Saad shares his deeply personal story of overcoming fear, navigating the complexities of a highly regulated industry, and his mission to empower individuals to reclaim their health and identity.Saad opens up about the challenges of securing venture capital, prioritizing patient safety over growth, and assembling a team aligned with shared values. He dives into the importance of resilience, continuous self-improvement, and how his immigrant upbringing shaped his drive to give back. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, healthcare innovators, and anyone seeking to build a meaningful, mission-driven business.Don't miss this compelling discussion on redefining wellness, navigating adversity, and building a life that integrates family, business, and purpose.

In today's powerful episode, Gregg Cohen sits down with Dilip Rao, CEO & founder of Sharebite, for a deeply inspiring conversation about resilience, second chances, and the power of overcoming adversity. From his unconventional journey into Wall Street to a life-altering car accident that reshaped his life and career, Dilip's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.Dilip opens up about his recovery process after the accident and how it completely shifted his perspective on life. He reflects on the importance of gratitude, neuroplasticity, and the human brain's incredible ability to heal. His story is not just about surviving a near-death experience, but about using that experience to fuel a mission that helps others.As the founder of Sharebite, Dilip is on a mission to tackle food insecurity in the workplace. He shares how his journey, which started in the challenging world of finance, led him to launch a platform that ensures workers in America have access to meal benefits, regardless of their circumstances. ️In this candid conversation, Dilip emphasizes how food insecurity affects hard-working professionals, many of whom go hungry without anyone ever knowing. He believes that by incentivizing meal benefits as part of employee well-being, companies can make a world of difference. With Sharebite already seeing a 95% utilization rate for meal benefits, Dilip's vision for the future is clear: food insecurity is solvable, and it starts with us.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be inspired by a story of perseverance, vision, and the power of second chances. Dilip's belief in using setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow shines through every part of this conversation.Don't miss out on this motivating and heartwarming episode about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of innovative thinking to solve real-world problems.

Gregg Cohen Interviews Larry Hutcher: The Evolution of Law in the AI Era Welcome back to my channel! It's been four years since I last had Larry Hutcher on the podcast, and so much has changed in the legal industry. Larry, the Co-Managing Partner at Davidoff, Hutcher, and Citron, joins us to discuss the transformative role of AI, the firm's culture, and the ever-changing landscape of law.Larry shares his insights on AI, noting that while it's a buzzword, many attorneys are cautious due to instances of inaccurate case citations. He emphasizes the importance of double-checking AI-generated content and sees AI as a useful starting tool, not a finished product. Although some attorneys at Larry's firm are exploring AI, Larry himself remains wary. He advises using available resources cautiously and emphasizes mindful implementation.Larry's firm boasts a 50-year history as a quintessential New York middle-market firm with a strong culture. They pride themselves on being a "scrappy Knicks" team, with a hard-nosed, aggressive approach that attracts clients. The firm operates on a collegiate, face-to-face basis, fostering a cohesive team environment. They value a well-rounded life for their attorneys and staff, accommodating personal needs like attending children's games and ensuring that work on weekends is only when necessary. Clear expectations about in-office work foster a team-oriented atmosphere.Larry discusses the rise in M&A activity, the reasons behind firm breakups, and the complexities of integrating new attorneys or entire firms. He prefers bringing in individual attorneys over entire firms to maintain cultural cohesion. Networking and referrals are crucial, and Larry highlights the importance of building relationships with other attorneys and the value of referrals. His two most successful relationships stem from networking with attorneys in complementary practice areas.For those considering starting their own firms, Larry stresses the importance of financial preparation, having a comprehensive setup, and partnering with someone else rather than going solo. Larry reflects on the challenges and scrutiny in the legal profession, especially with high-profile cases like the Trump trial. Despite the pressures, he remains passionate about the law after 50 years in the field.Stay tuned for my next episode as I explore more topics in the legal field among managing partners!

In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, I sit down with Jasson Casey, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Identity. Jasson's journey is a fascinating one that came full circle, starting from his high school days writing software for local companies to realizing the potential of startups. A pivotal moment in college, sparked by a book on Craig Computer, inspired him to embark on his entrepreneurial path.Jasson's first startup experience at 19, coupled with the influence of Jim Clark's book The New New Thing, shaped his career trajectory. After serving as CTO at Security Scorecard, Jasson felt the itch to push the boundaries of the security world. While sailing in the Mediterranean, he received an email from Jim Clark, initially thought to be spam, which led to their collaboration on a groundbreaking venture focused on password-less authentication.Jasson explains the flaws in traditional password systems and how Beyond Identity leverages asymmetric cryptography and modern signature systems to enhance security. He shares insights on the concept of zero trust, the challenges of corporate adoption, and the federal mandate for agencies to eliminate password-based access within 18 months.We also delve into the impacts of COVID-19 on startups, the nuances of remote vs. in-person work culture, and Jasson's passion for reading. He offers book recommendations, including The New New Thing, and discusses his current reads like How Democracies Die and the Faller Series by Peter F. Hamilton.Tune in to discover Jasson's journey, the innovations at Beyond Identity, and his thoughts on cybersecurity's future. Connect with Jasson on BeyondIdentity.com, LinkedIn, or at major security expos. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

Join Gregg Cohen in an inspiring interview with Dima Gutzeit, the founder and CEO of LeapXpert, as he shares his remarkable journey and the innovative strides of LeapXpert in revolutionizing professional communication within enterprise procedures and consumer messengers. Born in 1978 in the Soviet Union, Dima's life took a dramatic turn when his family, facing the collapse of their country, moved to Israel. This transition from a communist regime to a vibrant new environment was challenging, especially as they had no friends or connections. However, Dima's early fascination with technology, fostered by accompanying his father to work on mainframe computers since the age of five, stayed strong.Dima's passion for technology continued to flourish in Israel, where he served in the Navy for three years, managing communication systems and leading a team of officers on battleships. This experience sharpened his skills in communication and management, laying a solid foundation for his future career. After his military service, Dima transitioned from being a guard to a support person, eventually becoming a webmaster. His first significant role in enterprise communication involved mobile phone authentication, which marked the beginning of his deep engagement in the sector. Despite the novelty and challenges of internet messaging at the time, Dima was captivated by the potential to reach a broad audience.His journey then took him to Hong Kong, where he embraced the fast-paced world of startups. As a CTO, he faced both success and setbacks, learning valuable lessons about building a company and a product. This period of growth and reflection was crucial, as it matured him and prepared him for the founding of LeapXpert. Despite initial struggles, including a challenging financial situation and a difficult start at an Asian festival, Dima's breakthrough came when major businesses showed interest in his innovative integration of consumer messengers for enterprise communication. This pivotal moment led to meetings with industry giants like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, propelling LeapXpert forward.The Covid-19 pandemic, while challenging, also highlighted the critical need for effective remote communication solutions. LeapXpert thrived by addressing these needs, securing major clients, and raising substantial funds. Dima's journey underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and surrounding oneself with a team that complements one's strengths and weaknesses. His story is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and the right partnerships in achieving success.For more insights and to connect with Dima Gutzeit, explore LeapXpert's groundbreaking contributions to the enterprise communication landscape. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that highlights the intersection of technology, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

In the latest insightful interview, Gregg Cohen sits down with Seonghoon Woo, the CEO and co-founder of Amogy, a pioneering company dedicated to providing carbon-free energy solutions to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as maritime, power generation, and heavy industry.Born in South Korea. Seonghoon later moved to the United States for graduate studies at MIT and shifted his focus from energy engineering to climate solutions. His journey led him to work at IBM and eventually to co-founding Amogy, driven by a desire to solve immediate energy problems with his technical expertise.Amogy's patented ammonia cracking technology is a game-changer. Proven in real-world applications, it offers a mature, scalable, and highly efficient method for splitting liquid ammonia to generate electrical power. This process, in combination with hydrogen fuel cells, achieves five times the energy density of lithium batteries, making it a promising solution for decarbonizing large industries.In the interview, Seonghoon discusses the significant environmental impact of large industries, particularly shipping, which accounts for 20-25% of carbon emissions. He shares the challenges and triumphs of pitching his innovative ammonia-based fuel solution to over 300 potential investors, handling rejection, and staying committed to his vision.Seonghoon also delves into the importance of building a passionate and dedicated team, the need for continuous engagement with customers, and the hurdles of proving the reliability of new technology in long-term applications. He highlights key milestones, from demonstrating the technology with drones to securing substantial funding from Amazon and scaling up to ocean-going vessels and tractors.As a first-time founder, Seonghoon reflects on the surprises and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of having the right people on board and the dynamic nature of risk-taking in the entrepreneurial journey. He encourages everyone to get involved in the decarbonization agenda, predicting its growing significance in the coming years.Tune in to learn about Seonghoon's inspiring journey, the innovative technology behind Amogy, and the future of carbon-free energy solutions.

Meet Sarah Paiji Yoo, founder of Blueland, and accidental activist! Today I sat down with Sarah to discuss how she ended up founding Blueland and tackling the single-use plastic industry by developing a reusable option that at first seemed almost impossible! Her chemist didn't even know if it could be done. How did she start out at Harvard Business School but end up making the world a better place? Sarah dives into how she got started as an entrepreneur, starting with a company called Snapette in 2011. Once she sold that company, she went on to build Launch, which led to the companies M.Gemi and Rockets of Awesome. Motherhood had Sarah questioning what was in the drinking water she was using to prepare her son's formula, and from that research, she identified the need for a reduction in the use of plastics and safer, non-toxic cleaning products. Cleaning tablets, a new concept in the industry hadn't been done before and she didn't even know if it was possible.Sarah's journey is an amazing one, and it landed her on the hit show, Shark Tank. From there, Blueland's products took off and Sarah has single-handedly revolutionized the cleaning industry. Have a listen and hear how she did it!

Today Gregg sits down with Jennifer Fisher, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Jennifer Fisher, also known as ‘The Queen of Hoops'!Growing up in Montecito and watching her silversmith grandfather make jewelry in her parent's garage, Jennifer had no idea she'd enter the jewelry industry years later. She had a childhood passion in fashion, but no jewelry experience. All self-taught! Gregg has Jennifer step back 18 years ago and explain her evolution from college student to business mogul!While working as a wardrobe stylist, she decided to start a family, had some bumps along the way, but ultimately had her son, Shane. Wanting a unique piece of jewelry to commemorate his birth led to the start of Jennifer Fisher jewelry. The charm pendant she designed was a hit with celebrities on the set she was styling for. Uma Thurman was one of her first celebrity clients-she even wore the charm on the cover of Glamour magazine.Jennifer started in a tiny studio in Soho and grew from the ground up. She used intuition to help grow her business. She dealt with magazines saying charm jewelry wasn't fashion-forward enough and she would never be successful. Customizable fine jewelry wasn't a thing at the time and Jennifer saw the opportunity to bring to market this new trend. Pivoting to brass jewelry made the charms more accessible to everyone, and the business exploded!Jennifer's top tips:Resiliency is key and relationships are everything!Family support means everything. This support led to Jennifer taking risks knowing they had her back. Watching her father fail at times in business taught her how people can come back from failures. Life is not perfect, especially for working parents. Jennifer is not only married, but her husband is her business partner!Be a self-funded smaller business with an entrepreneurial spirit. Find the employees that appreciate that spirit. Transitioning older employees from the entrepreneurial style the company used to have, to the current style with more ‘guardrails' in place. It's been a challenge for Jennifer to no longer be the one in charge as her company has grown. Her design schedule has changed to accommodate her new company's structure.Be vulnerable and finally, don't take anything too personally, especially while fundraising!Want insight into growing a business from the ground up, entering an industry without any experience, working with your spouse as your partner, how to hustle and handle the word ‘no'? Check out my full interview with Jennifer Fisher for all this and much more!

Welcome to another episode of Conversations with Cohen! Today Gregg sits down with Don Gelestino, President and CEO of Champion Elevator. Don had no background in the elevator business, so how did he become one of the largest elevator companies in the NY area? From very humble beginnings, Don came from a working class family that moved out of the NY area due to an increase in crime while Don was in high school. As soon as the opportunity came for Don to head back to NY, he hitched a ride with $20 in his pocket and a dream to play bass guitar in NYC. Sleeping on a friend's couch and needing to pay for rent led to his introduction into the elevator business. The rest is history as Don shares his fascinating journey, from having nothing to being the President and CEO of Champion Elevators. Learn how being a team player, having innovation, a great work ethic, grit, and a heart of gold led Don to success as a founder. 

Today Gregg Cohen sits down with none other than Kevin Gearheart, president and partner of Rehab Medical, an Indianapolis-based company that provides mobility solutions for people with neurological and spinal cord injuries.Kevin's journey as a founder is a unique one. After getting an MBA, he ventured into healthcare by running a retail optical chain for 5 years. He had the desire to get into some type of business ownership, went back to business school, and was approached about a unique opportunity to buy a business that was being split in two.Kevin felt there was risk but was willing to do whatever it takes to win, so he went for it! By taking on a company that was split in two, Kevin had no back-office support, no infrastructure, IT, or HR and had to spend 4-5 years to stabilize and gain traction as essentially a new medical solutions company. It was like building an airplane while it's in the air!Kevin stresses that building his business was a forced necessity. It took not only a winning mindset, belief in the product, and growing a team made up of the right people, in the right seats, aligned for success. Learn how this bootstrapped business went from a disaster to a success. If you're a new founder, you don't want to miss Kevin's insight into breaking into a new industry.

Welcome to another episode of Conversations of Cohen! Today Gregg sits down with Rachel Apfel Glass and delves into her inspiring entrepreneurial journey as the founder of Glosslab, a revolutionary nail salon chain on a mission to modernize the manicure and pedicure experience.What started as a quest for personal fulfillment to fill the gap from her own customer experiences in the nail industry, has now grown into a flourishing business with 20 locations across New York, Miami, Dallas, and Washington DC. The idea presented itself to Rachel at a crossroads in her career. Despite excelling in investor relations, marketing, and raising money for hedge funds the demands of starting and raising a family didn't mix well with the constant travel that work demanded. Rachel tapped into the entrepreneurial spirit she had since childhood. She decided to build a business in an industry where she had no prior work experience. The business? Glosslab. The industry? Nails.Driven by a commitment to hygiene and an unsatisfactory customer experience in traditional nail salons, Glass decided to challenge the status quo. She went outside her comfort zone, attending nail technician training school to understand the industry from the ground up. Glosslab began as a pop-up, evolved into signing leases for two locations, and gradually expanded. Each move was incredibly strategic.Behind the scenes, running a corporate team with partners, managing stores, and ensuring a seamless customer journey present their own set of challenges. The pressure is constant, but Glass remains resilient, attributing her ability to stay 'on' to her genuine love for what she does.While the external world may perceive entrepreneurship as a stroke of luck, Glass dismantles this misconception. She stresses that the entrepreneurial path is paved with hard work, stress, and the constant need to prove oneself. For those not in the entrepreneurial trenches, understanding this reality can be elusive.And finally, Rachel says it's important to "Create your own happiness."

David Olk is the co-founder of ShopKeep. After a successful exit, he now runs a venture capital firm, Junction Venture Partners.Given his background as both a founder and investor, he has a unique perspective to help current and aspiring business owners. In this interview, we dive into many of the misconceptions about being a founder, as well as the keys to receiving venture capital investment — from someone who makes investments now.David shares the challenges of running a startup, highlighting the need for founders to delegate responsibilities and focus on long-term strategies. He emphasizes the demanding nature of entrepreneurship, where founders are always working and facing a relentless stream of challenges and loneliness. He shares personal anecdotes of mistakes he made along the way, how he scaled the business, warns about the dangers of pursuing too many different markets, and the importance of specialization.As someone who has experienced both sides of the fundraising process, as a co-founder looking for capital, and as a venture capitalist deploying investment dollars, David offers a unique look into the VC world.

Welcome to Conversations with Cohen Episode 1 of Season 3! Ben Evans, the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Marathon Health, and his team are on a mission to revolutionize healthcare by partnering with employers to provide enhanced better healthcare for employees. What sets Ben apart is his remarkable journey that started with an idea that has resulted in leading the charge in the healthcare industry.Ben's story is nothing short of inspirational. Starting his career in healthcare real estate, he ventured into uncharted territory and founded his first health company, OurHealth, at the tender age of 26. The catch? He had zero background in healthcare. Ben's tale is a testament to how passion, determination, and a willingness to learn can lead to remarkable success.This podcast episode dives deep into the early days of Ben's entrepreneurial journey, where he made the bold decision to step away from his full-time career and plunge headfirst into building a brand-new business. Learn how he leveraged his impressive sales skills to raise capital and hear the incredible story behind securing his first customer.But the story doesn't end there. Ben guides us through his evolution as an entrepreneur, including the momentous decision to personally guarantee $15 million! It's a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, painted vividly by someone who has been there and done that.If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or thinking about diving into a new industry with no prior experience, this podcast is a goldmine of insights. Ben offers a realistic perspective on the entrepreneurial journey and shares a wealth of knowledge that can inspire and guide you in your own business endeavors.Tune in now to learn from the best and embark on an unforgettable entrepreneurial adventure with Ben Evans! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow dreamers and doers.

In this latest interview, the last interview of Season 2, we're joined by Catherine Heath, CEO of HYL Architecture, an architectural design practice with a penchant for creating spaces that thrive in the modern business landscape. As we navigate the changing dynamics of office spaces in a post-pandemic world, Catherine sheds light on the critical considerations for law firms when it comes to reimagining their work environments.Drawing from her decades of experience, Catherine discusses the evolution of space planning for law firms, dispelling the myth of the cookie-cutter approach that once dominated the industry. She emphasizes the need for firms to set clear goals aligned with their mission and values, considering how spaces can attract talent, foster engagement, and promote mentorship.A key takeaway from this conversation is the importance of peak day occupancy. Catherine emphasizes the significance of designing spaces that accommodate the demands of the busiest days, debunking the one-size-fits-all approach that benchmarking metrics may suggest. She also addresses the challenges law firms face in striking a balance between senior mentorship and efficient space allocation, offering insights into fostering a culture of interaction and collaboration.For law firms pondering their real estate strategy, Catherine provides valuable advice: start by defining your goals, explore flexible and space-sharing models, and prioritize engagement-enhancing design elements. As the CEO of an architectural firm that understands the nuanced requirements of the legal industry, Catherine's expertise is invaluable for law firms navigating the path to a successful and effective workspace.To connect with Catherine and learn more about HYL Architecture's transformative designs, visit her LinkedIn profile or reach out via email at Catherine.Heath@hwlarch.com.Join us in our mission to explore the ever-evolving world of business through insightful conversations. Stay tuned for Season 3 of Conversations with Cohen, where we unravel the strategies, inspirations, and stories behind the brands shaping the vibrant landscape of New York City's business arena.

As we've been doing all season, on Conversations with Cohen, we continue to focus on issues managers in law firms deal with on a daily basis. For episode 8, I interviewed Jonathan Friedman of Friedman and Williams. They work heavily with law firms in a support function, including administrative and employee placement. They handle technology, finance, business development, legal assistants, and their newer Grant & Maxie division which strictly focuses on associate attorneys for clients across the nation.We discussed why law firms have so much difficulty hiring good professionals right now. Jonathan identifies competition as a main issue, as all the firms are competing for the same candidates. The demand for talent and workload is out there, so firms need to make their firms more attractive so new hires will stay. Company culture and career paths are a huge factor for candidates.Jonathan says that money isn't the main factor anymore in drawing in candidates. Expectations over how often an employee can work from home is a big topic right now. Firms are looking at how they want to structure their workweek for the long term, whether a hybrid work schedule or back in the office full-time.We went over different scenarios and how counteroffers work to entice new employees. Firms need to move candidates through the hiring process quickly, be prepared for counter offers and competition that will take place, and act quickly. The hiring market this summer looks different than last summer; it is an employee's market.If you're a law firm and you struggle with finding and retaining talented attorneys, Jonathan drops a lot of wisdom on this subject that will be invaluable to you and your hiring department. Forward-thinking and growth is a must to remain competitive in the current market. You can reach out to Jonathan through his LinkedIn or his company website.

I frequently help law firms find office space and have learned a lot about the issues they are facing. My latest interview for Conversations with Cohen features Abdi Shayesteh, the CEO of AltaClaro, where we discuss how law firms can improve operating efficiency, reduce associate burnout, and how mentoring can be done in a hybrid work environment. Managing partners know that training new lawyers is imperative, but they don't always know how to go about it internally. That's where Abdi and AltaClaro come in. Abdi worked in corporate banking law for over 15 years in a variety of settings and one issue he saw over and over was that lawyers were entering the workforce lacking real world knowledge of contract law, due diligence, and how to manage a deal.AltaClaro's job is to augment internal training and allow on-the-job training to be more high level. The courses are helping the attorneys to be more efficient with less wasted time and helping create a better work-life balance. Fear levels go down, and confidence levels go up.Managing partners that are looking for just the right training to take their firm to the next level should reach out to Abdi at AltaClaro.com and check out the courses and book an exploratory call.

In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, I sat down with Karen and David Skinner of Gimbal Canada. As former practicing lawyers, they understand the struggle lawyers face to run and scale their businesses. They work on teaching lawyers the business and practice management skills they need to build successful businesses, in less time, and with a lot less effort.Karen and David stress that doing the work the right way and using the right process can help lawyers increase their productivity and profitability. A sustainable approach to process improvement can lead to significant material benefits, as well as the economically efficient and effective allocation of limited resources.Karen and David know, from their experience, that firms that have a high-achieving growth over a sustained period of time generally share two characteristics. One, they are obsessed with providing the best possible experience for their clients, and two, they are laser-focused on being efficient. If you're interested in learning more about the coaching and courses taught by Gimbal, visit their website.

On this week's episode of Conversations with Cohen, I had a great discussion with Natalie Loeb, CEO of Loeb Leadership, and David Robert, Chief Talent Strategist at Loeb Leadership.Loeb Leadership is a firm that focuses on training, coaching, one-on-one executive coaching, and workplace culture work. More than half of their clients are law firms. During Covid, their culture practice has exploded. Companies are making the investment into building their company culture.We dive into the issues of retaining employees during a hybrid work environment, building trust, authenticity, and expressing realistic expectations. We discuss the importance of managing partners showing they care about how their employees are doing, and how to authentically build trust. This will lead to happier employees that like where they work. David shares research that shows that companies that invested in intentional trust-building had lower voluntary turnover, and higher financial gain.If you're a managing partner in a law firm, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, I am tackling an issue that keeps many managing partners at law firms up at night. I had a great interview with Dr. Fritz Galette of Loeb Leadership. Fritz is a psychologist that has worked with many in the legal field over the years. He does coaching and consulting to help companies improve inclusion and diversity in the workplace. With all that has been going on in the world, many firms are looking for not only an in-depth approach to inclusion, but are looking for a positive change in their company culture.We dive into the difference between the ‘optics of diversity' and the ‘culture of diversity' and how law firms can do more than just tick boxes. Change takes time, but getting people into these dialogues is the first step. Training starts from the lower rungs of the organization, all the way up to leadership and management. When leadership takes the initial step toward change, that will create momentum that leads to a more inclusive environment and safe space.This is a very important topic for law firms today. There is much more that needs to be explored, and I look forward to speaking to Fritz again. If you'd like to reach out to Dr. Fritz Galette, you can reach him by email fgalette@loebleadership.com. Stay tuned for my next episode of Conversations with Cohen.

In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, I interview Anthony Davies, Chief Revenue Officer at Forrest Solutions. Anthony provides great insight into the issue law firms are facing with employees working from home and not wanting to return to the office full time. One way that law firms are combating that is by hoteling, flexible workspace, or hot-desking.Many firms are operating on a hybrid work schedule, offering flexibility through shared desks and conference spaces. As an outsourcing provider, Anthony sees many firms redesigning the office space using hoteling. This has led to an increased need for a layer of hospitality in this hybrid model. Having a workplace concierge staff is key and is what makes it work.In addition, Anthony discusses the challenges faced by law firms in creating their office space experience and feels that creating loyalty and prestige for their brand as most critical. Covid changed the way that law firms feel about outsourcing. All the non-core responsibilities, outside of the legal function, can be handled through specialist providers without the headache. This is something law firms may want to consider if they're having trouble finding talented and knowledgeable core staff.You can reach Anthony Davies on LinkedIn or through Forrest Solutions in NYC.Are you a law firm considering hoteling or outsourcing? Let me know your questions or thoughts.

On this episode of Conversations with Cohen, I speak in-depth with Peter Fidler of WCA Technologies. We dive deep into law firms and how they handle the issue of their attorneys working remotely.Peter is the founder and president of WCA Technologies, a boutique consulting firm that works with a large number of law firms. Peter identifies issues that may arise when attorneys work from home using their own laptops and computers, including ransomware and maintaining the integrity of clients' data.Many law firms are having employees work from home on the firm's equipment, which extends the company firewall. By investing just a little bit into each attorney working from home, law firms can safeguard their client's and their firm's confidential data safely and securely.If you're a law firm and unsure how to get started in protecting your company's data, this interview is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this information-packed season of Conversations with Cohen where I touch upon all things law firms are wanting to know. Hit subscribe and let me know your thoughts and questions on this episode.Connect with Peter Fidler: wcatech.com or pfidler@wcatech.com and read his articles on cybersecurity here.

Welcome to the second season of Conversations with Cohen, where I dive into all things pertaining to law firms.My guest on this episode is Larry Marner of Marner Architecture. His company specializes in designing space for law firms in New York and New Jersey. At the moment, we are seeing law firm occupancy upwards of 50%. Larry shares his insight into law firms and is confident that the office will always be a big part of law firm culture. In fact, last year has been great for many law firms!Larry shares his thoughts on how law firms will work more efficiently with their real estate, and what effects that will have on the various parts of their real estate. We dive deep into how law offices will look as we move forward in the pandemic. If you're a law firm looking for office space, this video is for you! Don't miss out on this information-packed season of Conversations with Cohen. Hit subscribe and let me know your thoughts on this episode.Connect with Larry: You can reach him at https://www.marnerarchitecture.com/

In my most recent interview, I spoke with Dr. Alden Cass, a sports psychologist, and performance coach. He offers coaching, often conducted online, to help people overcome fears and achieve the life they want through being more productive and through accountability. We discussed ways that you can tackle your to-do list and be more productive. This has been increasingly difficult for a lot of people due to the challenges presented by working from home.Dr. Cass explained how people try to tackle too many things at once and assign the same importance to each task. This often results in most things going undone as people get overwhelmed. The Doctor shared with me his system of creating three different lists; a hot list, a lukewarm list, and a cold list. By assigning your tasks by level of importance and due date, you can develop a system that helps you be more productive. If you are struggling with productivity, getting things off the to-do list, or working from home, I suggest you watch this video for how to set up your lists and try this technique out for yourself.

In my recent interview, I spoke with Aaron Gordon of Gordon Companies about insurance coverage and how to protect your business as well as save it money. The last few months have taught us a lot and who better to opine than a member of an insurance business that has been around for 50+ years. Additionally, Aaron explains best practices for businesses to help limit their exposure as well as limit their out-of-pocket expenses. It's about adequate coverage and preparing for the things that may never happen but sometimes do. We also speak about how to protect your company during remote working including cyber threats, business interruption as well as the benefits of an insurance audit right now. Aaron provides invaluable information for companies looking to navigate the 'new normal' in regards to their insurance coverage. If you're a business owner, you don't want to miss this interview!

Today I interviewed Mary Miele, of Evolved Education, about the best way to help our children succeed this school year, whether they are learning remotely or heading back into the classroom or both.Mary has been an educator her entire career and has degrees in both special education as well as general education K-12. Her company, Evolved Education, supports families through one-on-one tutoring, parent education, and school placement advisement.With all of the uncertainty surrounding school right now, we as parents are feeling very uneasy. Many of us don't know what to expect and we have questions about how to best set our children up for success. Mary gives great insight into how to approach back-to-school so that it is a positive experience for your child. She offers some great advice on how to best advocate for your child including checking in with your child's teachers if you think a certain aspect of remote learning isn't working for your child. Mary suggests having a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C to help set up our children for success. Parents need to work through the uncertainty as best they can. This is new territory and advice from a professional is helpful.Mary delves into the topics of synchronous and asynchronous learning, breakout rooms on Zoom, 'pods', and much more! If you have school-aged children, you do not want to miss my interview with Mary Miele!

Company Culture. It's crucial.But how do we maintain it and even strengthen it when we aren't all in the same office?In this interview, I spoke with David Friedman, the CEO of High Performing Culture. He's a subject matter expert given that his company consults with businesses across the United States to help them implement strategies to enhance their company cultures. He has a proven method that he has used with over 300 clients.David shares with me ideas of how companies can maintain office culture while working remotely. From small businesses to large enterprises, company culture is something that every business either thinks about or should be thinking about. With the physical barriers created by COVID resulting in employees working from home, some companies are struggling with team engagement and maintaining the culture of the organizations they've worked so hard to build. A cornerstone of David's program involves instilling fundamental behaviors amongst employees. The goal is for these behaviors to become routine, thus resulting in more high-performing employees and thriving company culture.David offers the strategies he is helping his clients put in place to help them build stronger company cultures. Have a listen to see what you might be able to do to enhance your own firm's culture.

In today's interview, my guest is Rich Colucci, Owner of Distinctive Offices. We talked about two of the biggest trends we are currently seeing in the New York office market- subleasing and renewals.Regarding subleasing, more and more space is becoming available every day. 3 Million square feet in the last 60 days. For tenants looking to sublease their space, it's highly competitive. Rich offers some helpful tips on what you can do to make your space more marketable and attractive. Ultimately resulting in subleasing your space faster!If renewing, you are in many cases, entitled to some refreshed space. Rich shares his biggest pieces of advice when renewing and looking to refresh your offices. He also offers insight into the best ways to refresh your office and how much to ask per square foot for an allowance from your landlord.

Legal Insight on Lease Issues due to COVID.In this episode, I spoke with Larry Hutcher, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of Davidoff, Hutcher, and Citron. Larry is an expert litigator and concentrates on representing business owners in solving their business issues including matters regarding their real estate.We talk about what you can do if your business has been a victim of COVID and you can't meet your lease obligations. An unfortunate reality of the coronavirus is that many businesses have seen a material impact to their bottom lines which has affected their ability to pay their rent. There are a lot of tenants that just don't know what to do. So I thought it was best to speak with Larry, an expert, to shed some light on what can be done.Larry has built his career focused on commercial law and litigation. He has significant experience in real estate litigation representing tenants in lease disputes as well as development issues. He's been published in the New York Times, The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal as well as numerous real estate publications including Real Estate Weekly.Even with the best of negotiations of an office lease with the most tenant-friendly terms, things can go wrong, which is why we looked to Larry for insight.Today's show will help answer some of the questions from tenants about how to get out of their existing lease obligations and trying to understand their options. Listen to what Larry has to say!

Learn tools to help keep your office clean and your staff healthy:I had the opportunity to speak with David Wiltshire-Craine, the owner of Mr. Hudson's Cleaning. His business focuses on commercial cleaning for companies, as well as, large governmental organizations and hospitals.We talked about all things cleaning, which is a very crucial topic for everyone in a COVID-world. We discussed cleaning inside your physical office, public transportation, which plays a role in the commute for so many, and also cleaning inside your house. I think it's a topic that many of us took for granted and didn't appreciate 6 months ago-now it's front and center!David's story resonates with me because, much like me, he had previous business experiences that helped him see an opportunity that existed in the market. In his case, the level of service for the cleaning of his previous business offices didn't meet his expectations. So 8 years ago, he started Mr. Hudson's Cleaning which focuses on commercial and residential spaces.The workplace, commuting, and home health are all such hot topics. Tenants have lots of questions about getting back to the office and the impact of COVID, as well as concerns about commuting, namely on public transportation. Since we're all home cleaning right now, it's fresh on everyone's mind. This interview helps to answer many of these important questions.Connect with David Wiltshire-Craine: david.wc@mrhudsoncleaning.com Mr. Hudson's Cleaning website: http://mrhudsoncleaning.com/​

Looking to better set you and your kids up for success during quarantine and work from home?In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Dana Rosenbloom. She is an educator and started her practice to help children and families work through the cycle of child development. She is an amazing resource for families whether there are physical, emotional, behavioral questions. Dana has an amazing perspective given her years of almost 20 years of experience with families.    Right now, parents have a lot of questions. Whether it's what do parents do for their kids without camp, or the absence of a physical school for kids to potentially go to in the fall combined with children at home with all the pressures of work. We did this interview because working from home with a young family is a challenge and a constant conversation between families that are going through this right now. And it's a real struggle to work and give children all the things that they need and deserve as well as all the things parents need. Dana is a parent coach and someone who can help navigate the current environment where parents are not only business professionals but also teachers and camp counselors. Dana provides tools parents can implement to help their families.

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Mark Green of Sher-Del Transfer. Sher-Del specializes in corporate relocations, including commercial moving and storing, for over 30 years. Mark and his firm are truly a safe pair of hands for tenants when it comes to their furniture, IT equipment, and valuables.In addition to helping companies relocate, during COVID, Sher-Del has been helping companies access otherwise inaccessible physical files through their online data storage platform. This has enabled a seamless transition to a virtual workspace for many. After thousands upon thousands of moves, Sher-Del has proven itself to be a go-to resource for moving, storage, and the best way to handle the decision whether to move, liquidate, or donate office furniture. Many tenants don't know the right questions to ask when choosing a mover. In this interview, Mark explains how long in advance they should be brought into the relocation process. Given Mark's wealth of experience, specifically focused on moving and storage, I wanted to find out how tenants can use his help to work more successfully from home in the short-term. We also delve into what tenants can do to have the most successful move they can, going forward to their next space.

Are you a seasoned business owner? Or leasing for the first time?Learn more about commercial real estate: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxa...​In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Larry Haber. Focused on real estate for over 30 years, Larry helps both tenants and landlords in the negotiation of their office leases.There is a ton of uncertainty about business continuity as well as the timing of re-entry into the physical office space. Tenants have a lot of questions about their financial exposure to their office lease and how to get more flexibility going forward. Given Larry's wealth of experience specifically focused on leasing we wanted to find out what tenants can do now and what they can learn for the future in a post quarantine world.

Are you trying to keep your team connected while working remotely?Are you actively preparing to go back to work post after Covid19?Chris Smith, CEO of Cloud9 Smart, and I discuss how technology can help keep your team productive whether in the office or at home.Learn more about commercial real estate: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxa...​In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, I had the opportunity to speak with Chris Smith. In business for 20 years, they design and install technology for your office and home. Workplace strategy has been top of mind for businesses. Chris starts by addressing the technology with his clients and finds solutions to fit their needs. Now more than ever, technology is crucial for promoting and maintaining a healthy workforce AND workspace. Chris provides his expert insights and the latest technology that businesses will be incorporating into their offices.

Trying to figure out what you need to do to create a safe office space for your partners and employees? Jen Meilan of 71 Visuals speaks to Gregg about what the office of the future will look like, the crucial role signage will play going forward, and how 71 Visuals pivoted to help in the fight against Covid-19. ​Learn more about commercial real estate: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxa...In this episode of Conversations with Cohen on GreggC TV, I had the opportunity to speak with Jen Meilan, Principal of 71 Visuals. While sometimes overlooked after an office's initial move-in, signage plays a crucial role in the workplace: From maintaining the safety of a company's staff to helping contribute to a company's culture.With all of the uncertainty with re-entry into the workforce, tenants have a lot of questions about what changes should be made. It is clear this conversation must include signage to ensure a firm's team members adhere to social distancing protocols to stay healthy. Given Jen's depth and breadth of knowledge, she answered a lot of the questions that you may or may not be thinking about. It's a must-watch for businesses that are heading back to the office! 

Thinking about what you can do to reconfigure your office space to make it safe for your employees and partners when they return to work?Are you asking yourself if there is a way to amend your office furniture to give your team more space to work? In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, I had the opportunity to speak with Mark Benhar, Owner of Benhar Office Interiors, which is one of the premier Herman Miller dealers in New York City. With lots of uncertainty about re-entry into the workforce, I'm getting a lot of questions from clients about how to prepare their office furniture and office space configuration. I figured Mark would be a great person to ask how companies can prepare to come back to work.We discuss furniture innovations, biophilia, the top 3 items you need to work from home successfully, tips for first-time tenants, and Mark's favorite spots for Omakase. Connect with Mark Benhar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbenhar/​Benhar Office Interiors: https://www.benharoffice.com/​

In this video, I had the opportunity to speak with Jim Pirot, Head of Project Management & Managing Principal at Cresa in New York. Cresa is a Global Tenant Advisory Firm. Cresa's mission is to be the advisor that brings the greatest value to occupiers.In addition to being a colleague, I have the pleasure of working with Jim on a number of projects and I value his experience and insight as a project manager, former engineer, and facilities manager with a deep understanding of construction and building operations. Jim and I spoke in-depth about the future technology of offices and how not only landlords but tenants, business owners, are going to make a transition to focus on office wellness. Additionally, Jim discusses the importance of office air and how facility equipment upgrades and innovation are going to potentially create new standards across the board for all office occupiers. If you as a business owner want to know how to keep your office healthy and encourage a healthy re-occupancy process OR if you are an employee looking to provide your employer with a resource for healthy re-occupancy, contact us at Cresa.

In my inaugural audio experience of Conversations with Cohen, I interviewed Marc Spector, Principal at Spectorgroup, an architectural firm in New York.I had the pleasure of meeting Marc a few years back and now, he and I collaborate on projects together. He has an incredible and inspiring start-up story; the quintessential American dream. In this episode, we talk about where Marc sees the future of office space heading in a post-COVID-19 world. Get in touch with Marc: Marc SpectorOwner and Principal at SpectorgroupLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbspector/Website: http://www.spectorgroup.com/