Ed Cohen

In this keynote, Ed Cohen and Devi Boddu share their transformative story of resilience and the power of vulnerability in leadership. Devi’s journey from a rural village in South India, faced with limited resources and societal constraints, to becoming a Network Engineer at Microsoft, was shaped by acts of kindness and mentorship.
At the time they met, Devi was just 12 years old, and Ed was a senior executive living in India. Their connection has lasted over 20 years and continues to inspire both of them. This story demonstrates how vulnerability fosters trust, drives innovation, and creates resilient organizations. Leaders will learn how embracing vulnerability builds deeper connections with teams and helps leaders learn from those they mentor, making leadership a reciprocal process.

Key Lessons:
Leadership is About Connection, Not Perfection: Vulnerable leadership fosters trust, engagement, and loyalty, moving beyond the myth of invulnerable leaders.
Vulnerability as a Strategic Advantage: Admitting uncertainty and asking for help creates psychological safety, which drives creativity and collaboration.
Mentorship as a Two-Way Relationship: Leaders learn from their mentees, creating mutual growth and stronger organizational culture.
Redefining Strength: True leadership strength comes from embracing authenticity and uncertainty.

About Ed Cohen:
Ed Cohen’s journey is a testament to resilience and leadership. He became a globally recognized expert in talent development and executive coaching, leading initiatives at Booz Allen Hamilton and Tech Mahindra, including rebuilding leadership pipelines during the Satyam crisis.
With experience in 75+ countries, including significant leadership roles in India, Ed has inspired organizations through keynote speeches, leadership workshops, and bestselling books like Leadership Without Borders and Riding the Tiger. His latest, Transformative Team Excellence, is set to be published by ATD Press in early 2026.

 

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