730: Leadership is a Verb, Not a Noun – Jack M. Cohen

What if leadership wasn’t a title, but a toolbelt?

In this insightful and energizing episode, Denis sits down with Jack Cohen, founder of Dark Knight Ventures and former CEO of Cohen Financial, to unpack the deeper essence of leadership. Jack brings decades of wisdom across real estate, finance, and entrepreneurship, and a unique perspective shaped by Batman, bourbon, and his own “superhero complex.”

Together, they explore why leadership must be seen as a verb, an active, evolving force, rather than a static noun. From redefining team success to challenging comfort-zone leadership, Jack offers powerful metaphors and hard-earned truths for leaders ready to stop reacting and start leading forward.

Meet Jack Cohen: Investor, Operator, Optimizer

Former CEO of Cohen Financial, scaling it from $200M to $1B
Founder of Dark Knight Ventures, a consultancy inspired by Batman’s utility belt
Author of The Freedom Framework and lifelong student of leadership and curiosity

Leadership Is a Verb, Not a Noun

Many leaders “arrive” at a title and stop evolving; leadership must stay active
True leadership means guiding, guarding, and propping others up
It’s about pulling others toward a shared future, not pushing them toward performance

Curiosity and Context: The Leader’s Superpowers

Jack’s childhood heroes: Curious George and Batman (yes, really)
Leadership today is about creating a context that others want to step into
The quote that changed everything: “Follow the one who makes you curious where they’re going.”

Outcome Over Activity: Escaping the Tyranny of the Present

Too many teams are buried in busywork and tactical execution
Leaders must rise above daily noise to see the long-term vision
Strategy demands distance from the trenches, not deeper digging

From Sports Teams to Shareholders: What Real Leadership Looks Like

Why the triangle of traditional hierarchy should be flipped
Great leaders leave a legacy by building coaching trees, not kingdoms
Lessons from John Wooden, Bill Walsh, and even controversial figures like Hitler and Trump, studied not for approval, but for insight into influence