Conversations with Cohen

Hosted by Gregg Cohen

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Apr 2025

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About the show

Join host Gregg Cohen as he dives deep into the world of entrepreneurship with a diverse lineup of Founders and CEOs. In this season, he demystifies the entrepreneurial journey, offering a front-row seat to the invaluable insights, experiences, and wisdom of industry leaders and visionaries.

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40 recent

April 30, 2025Episode 1647 min

Andy White: From Wire Fraud to Fintech Success

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it takes to bootstrap a business in a highly traditional industry, where moving millions of dollars still depends on outdated systems like email and wire transfers.In this conversation, you’ll learn:The real-life origin story behind Closinglock and how a personal encounter with wire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.🔗 Learn more about Closinglock: https://www.closinglock.com📧 Connect with Andy White: andy@closinglock.comSubscribe to Conversations with Cohen for more founder stories, leadership insights, and candid conversations from the front lines of business.

March 27, 2025Episode 1541 min

Frank Carone: Building a Legacy Through Empathy and Grit

🎙️ In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, Gregg sits down with Frank Carone—an accomplished attorney, Marine Corps veteran, former Chief of Staff to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and co-author of Everyone Wins. His path from growing up in Canarsie, Brooklyn to leading legal and political strategy at the highest levels of city government is nothing short of remarkable.Frank shares how his early life experiences and time in the Marine Corps shaped his mindset around leadership, resilience, and overcoming perceived limitations. His military training instilled a discipline and mental toughness that later helped him navigate the pressures of law, politics, and business—whether it was passing the bar, leading teams through chaos, or keeping a firm vision in high-stakes environments.As managing partner at Abrams Fensterman, Frank helped grow the firm from a modest Long Island presence to the largest law firm in Brooklyn, fueled by his focus on authentic relationships and community-first values. He opens up about the importance of credibility, listening, and integrity in building influence—and how these principles became the foundation of his book Everyone Wins, which offers a roadmap for relationship-based success in business.The conversation also dives into Frank’s philosophy of “Nodal Networking,” a strategic way of nurturing connections and growing your referral-based network with intention. It’s about giving without expectation, operating with empathy, and playing the long game—concepts that resonate deeply for business owners and professionals at any stage.Gregg and Frank also explore Frank’s post–City Hall venture, Oaktree Solutions, a firm that helps clients navigate the complex intersection of law, politics, and regulation. Frank shares real-world examples of how his team helps startups and organizations break through bureaucratic walls to create real impact—whether it’s government procurement, messaging strategy, or regulatory compliance.They round out the episode by reflecting on the City of Yes initiative, the cultural mindset of getting things done, and the leadership lessons Frank continues to live by: stay calm, stay present, and remove ego from the equation.If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring changemaker, this conversation is a masterclass in tactical empathy, long-term thinking, and building meaningful influence that lasts.📘 Learn more about the book: https://everyonewinsbook.comSubscribe for more candid conversations with leaders, visionaries, and builders on Conversations with Cohen.

January 7, 2025Episode 1443 min

Saad Alam: Redefining Men's Health and Building a Mission-Driven Business

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.

December 3, 2024Episode 1348 min

Dilip Rao: From Wall Street to Fighting Food Insecurity

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.

October 29, 2024Episode 1226 min

Larry Hutcher: The Evolution of Law in the AI Era

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!

August 21, 2024Episode 1142 min

Jasson Casey: Balancing Security with Convenience Online

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!

July 16, 2024Episode 1056 min

Dima Gutzeit: From the Soviet Union to Silicon Alley

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.

June 13, 2024Episode 936 min

Seonghoon Woo: Pioneering an Energy Revolution

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.

May 30, 2024Episode 842 min

Dr. Teodor Grantcharov: The OR Black Box Making Surgery Safer

🎙️ On today’s podcast, I’m diving deep into the world of surgical innovation with Dr. Teodor Grantcharov, founder of Surgical Safety Technologies. He’s a visionary surgeon with a mission to make surgery safer. From humble beginnings in Bulgaria to pioneering Surgical Safety Technologies in the United States, his journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.Growing up during communist times in Bulgaria, Dr. Grantcharov was deeply influenced by his mother and relatives, many of whom were doctors. This family legacy naturally led him into medicine, where he fell in love with surgery. For over 20 years, he has been a dedicated surgeon at Stamford, researching human performance in the operating room and striving to enhance surgical safety.Starting his research career in 1999, Dr. Grantcharov aimed to develop a system to accurately measure surgical success. Despite facing skepticism and lack of support, his perseverance paid off in 2014 when he introduced the first prototype of his surgical black box into the operating room. Drawing inspiration from aviation, this black box technology captures comprehensive data on various factors affecting surgical outcomes, such as surgeon performance, team quality, distractions, fatigue, and stress.Dr. Grantcharov's work is not just about identifying what went wrong but about understanding and predicting patient outcomes with greater accuracy. With medicine being the third leading cause of death in the US, the need for systems that learn from errors and improve efficiency is critical. His objective data approach aims to drive better decisions, enhancing both efficiency and safety in hospitals.Despite concerns about monitoring, many surgeons see the value in learning and improving from objective feedback. Currently, there are 40,000 operating rooms in the US, but only 30 are equipped with his black box technology. The goal is to replace traditional beliefs with data-driven decisions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and transparency in healthcare.Tune in as we explore the power of data-driven decisions, the transformative potential of black box technology in surgery, and the importance of embracing a culture of learning and improvement in healthcare.

April 25, 2024Episode 71 hr 8 min

Sarah Paiji Yoo: Making the Impossible, Possible

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!