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Bench Strength Advisors
Being an expert is not the same as leading other experts.
We help you select and develop a strong bench of future leaders who can motivate independent-minded experts and individual contributors, with a distinct focus on organizations that rely on deep expertise — like AmLaw 100 firms, PE firms, and their portfolio companies.
Bench Strength Founders
A unique partnership focused on strategic leadership and career advice plus PhD level coaching focused on behavior change.
More about Jeffrey and CarrieThe Book
The thesis our practice is built upon.
Why Are We Bad at Picking Good Leaders?
Even the best companies in the world make mistakes when it comes to picking and promoting leaders. Being an expert is different than being a leader of others.
More about the book →Over two decades of thought leadership in the Harvard Business Review
Growing Talent as if Your Business Depended on It
October 2005
Finding and Grooming Breakthrough Innovators
with Jon Katzenbach
December 2008
Picking the Man Who'd Lead Basketball's Dream Team to Gold
August 2012
A Board's Unrealistic Hopes Can Derail a CEO Succession
February 2014
Why CEOs Should Model Vulnerability
May 2020
What we do
BoardsThe evidence behind the appointment — built before you pull the trigger and announce a key appointment.Law FirmsPartner leadership, assessed and developed — experts learning to lead other experts.Private EquityBuilding the bench the growth plan assumes, weighted to healthcare.Thought LeadershipExplore upcoming thought leadership in Harvard Business Review and beyond.
23%
Rise in office profitability over two years, under a managing partner we coached.
The conversations behind the work.
On our Imperfect Leaders podcast, our firm's founder, Jeffrey Cohn, talks with leaders including Alex Spiro, Doug Leone, Kent Thiry, Roger Martin, and Amy Edmondson, and other thought leaders.
