"I think Gary's Ask Don't Tell leadership Approach is an insightful and unique way of looking at the leadership problem that will give a leader a very definite way of putting positive leadership into practice. In other words, taking your ego out of it, listening to your people - those positive leadership attributes that I think are important. Just say to somebody, 'If you just ask a lot of questions instead of telling people to do things, you will get this.' It is a very concrete way of putting into practice those things that I think are important to leadership."

Captain James A. Symonds USS Ronald Reagan - Nimitz
class aircraft carrier.

"This is my favorite kind of book! A fascinating way to learn how alteration
in your approach to leadership can have radical effects on results. Ask Don’t Tell is a thoroughly engaging, well-researched book that has changed the way I run my business. Where will your next breakthrough idea come from?"

Kayle Neeley Vice President Norwegian Cruise Line

Executive Coaching Minneapolis

Gary B. Cohen

In 1987 Gary co-founded a company with $4,000 in start-up money. Over the years the company grew from 2 to 2200 employees. During the start-up phase Gary and his business partner hired a consultant to guide them through the process. Though the consultant charged more money than the two partners were making at the time, they made the investment because they recognized the value of expert advice.

Gary is convinced ACI Telecentrics, Inc. never would have become the 25th largest call center outsourcer in the United States without the consultant’s help.

After 18 years of leading a company in an industry that went from go-go to no-go, Gary has experienced the entire corporate lifecycle and weathered the constant up-and-down transitions. “City Business,” a Minneapolis/St. Paul publication, distinguished Gary as one of their “40 under 40” award winners.

Besides serving on the board for ACI Telecentrics, Gary has been a board member of 9 different corporations, ranging from non-profit organizations to financial institutions.

The insight gained from real-world experience gives him a true understanding of the issues other entrepreneurs are working to resolve. Gary has the skills and the empathy to guide his clients through the pitfalls of entrepreneurial leadership.

Gary received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and attended Harvard Business School. He has participated in several leadership programs at institutions including the Covey Leadership Center and Disney University and the Aspen Institute as a Crown fellow.

Gary is based in Minneapolis.