#58: “Founder” is a status; “CEO” is a skill you’re ignoring - Alisa Cohn.

Alisa Cohn has spent decades coaching CEOs through the moments that define their leadership: rapid growth, board pressure, and the quiet isolation of the role. Named the #1 Startup Coach in the World by Thinkers50, Alisa has advised leaders at Venmo, Etsy, and Pfizer. In this episode, we explore why reactive management no longer works and how scaling CEOs must move from firefighting to proactive “North Star” planning as complexity increases. This is a grounded, practical conversation about CEO craft, how to lead with intention when the stakes are high, and the answers aren’t obvious. Based in New York, she advises founders and Fortune 500 executives at companies like IBM, Dell, and The New York Times. A frequent contributor to HBR and Forbes, Alisa is also an angel investor and former startup CFO. A content & production studio for New York’s visionary Builders, Investors, Artists, Musicians, & Creators to amplify their voice & share bold stories. Use the code “Decoded” for 25% off your first booking.