Phil Cohen didn’t plan on changing careers. As a longtime VP of Sales, he was settled. Until he wasn’t.
He began waking up with a growing sense that he was meant to do something else—something with more purpose. He started posting content online, sharing thoughts, and exploring new directions. But nothing really clicked until he saw an ad from Leadr.co (Formerly Thought Leader)
“It was really by giving this TEDx talk that launched a whole new career for me,” Phil shared.
That talk didn’t just change his resume. It changed his direction.
Finding the Right Starting Point
Phil admits he had no idea where to begin. What Leadr.co offered, he said, was more than inspiration—it was structure.
“They help you go from a crazy idea in your head to a talk that gets accepted.”
From narrowing down the message to practicing the talk live, every step of the process was clearly laid out.
Inside the Thought Leader Process
What stood out in Leadr’s approach?
Phil pointed to the framework: a seven-step structure, live feedback, and regular talk practices. But what made the biggest difference wasn’t just refining a script. It was learning to lead with authenticity.
“You’re not up there to be a robot. It’s about sharing yourself in a way that others can relate to.”
That message stuck with him. When it was finally time to deliver his TEDx talk, Phil didn’t feel like he was performing. He felt like he was telling the truth.
The Ripple Effect
And then, the ripple effect began.
- The Wall Street Journal reached out to feature him.
- Authority Magazine published an article about his work.
- The American Bar Association asked him to write about wellness during crisis.
All of that happened after his TEDx talk went live.
But what meant the most was something less flashy and far more personal—the comments from strangers online.
“Comments on YouTube saying, ‘Thank you for showing me how to heal.’ That’s worth more than money.”
Phil’s TEDx talk didn’t just boost his visibility. It became the foundation for his new career, coaching men through trauma, grief, and major life transitions. It was a bridge from the life he was leaving behind to the one he was meant to build.
“TEDx gave me credibility. It gave me authority,” he said. “It wasn’t just a talk. It was a shift.”
On the Investment
When asked about the price tag, Phil doesn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely. If you have a message inside and don’t know where to start, they walk you through the whole thing.”
What he emphasizes most is that Thought Leader (Leadr.co) didn’t hand him a new career. They didn’t promise easy answers or viral fame. What they gave him was the structure, support, and courage to build something real.
“Most people think you need to have it all figured out,” he said. “You don’t. You just need a willingness to begin and the right people in your corner.”
Thought-Leader LLC is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by TED Conferences, LLC or any of its affiliates.
