Gary B. Cohen

Gary B. Cohen

Founder and Executive Coach, CO2 Partners LLC

Like many successful entrepreneurs, Gary Cohen co-founded a call-center company in 1987 with just $4,000 and a limitless supply of enthusiasm. Not knowing what they didn't know, Gary and his business partner hired a consultant to guide them through the start-up phase. What a shock! The consultant charged more money than the two partners were making together. They bit the bullet and swallowed, and the rest is history. ACI Telecentrics, Inc. grew from 2 to 2,200 employees.

Of course, ACI's success was not entirely the result of the consultant's advice. Gary attributes the bulk of it to question-based leadership - not being afraid to ask when he didn't have all the answers. In the process of learning to ask, he empowered coworkers to make decisions and created new ranks of leaders throughout the organization.

Now, after eighteen years of leading his company in an industry that went from "go-go-go" to "no-go," Gary coaches other executives based on his experience throughout the entire corporate lifecycle. And his new company, CO2 Partners (based in Minneapolis), has become another fast-growing success.

City Business, a Minneapolis/St. Paul publication, recognized Gary as one of its "40 Under 40" award winners for business accomplishments and community contributions. Gary has served on the board of nine different organizations, ranging from non-profits to financial institutions. And, he's frequently asked to contribute to articles on leadership, executive, and talent development. In the past year, he has been quoted in USA Today, The Washington Post, Business Week, The Wall Street Journal Europe & Asia Editions, Chief Learning Officer, Investor's Business Daily, Training Magazine, and many other HR, training and industrial publications.

Gary received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and attended Harvard Business School Owner/President Management Program. He also participated in several leadership programs (including the Covey Leadership Center and Disney University) and was nominated as a Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.