🎙️ In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, Gregg sits down with Frank Carone—an accomplished attorney, Marine Corps veteran, former Chief of Staff to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and co-author of Everyone Wins. His path from growing up in Canarsie, Brooklyn to leading legal and political strategy at the highest levels of city government is nothing short of remarkable. Frank shares how his early life experiences and time in the Marine Corps shaped his mindset around leadership, resilience, and overcoming perceived limitations. His military training instilled a discipline and mental toughness that later helped him navigate the pressures of law, politics, and business—whether it was passing the bar, leading teams through chaos, or keeping a firm vision in high-stakes environments. As managing partner at Abrams Fensterman, Frank helped grow the firm from a modest Long Island presence to the largest law firm in Brooklyn, fueled by his focus on authentic relationships and community-first values. He opens up about the importance of credibility, listening, and integrity in building influence—and how these principles became the foundation of his book Everyone Wins, which offers a roadmap for relationship-based success in business. The conversation also dives into Frank’s philosophy of “Nodal Networking,” a strategic way of nurturing connections and growing your referral-based network with intention. It’s about giving without expectation, operating with empathy, and playing the long game—concepts that resonate deeply for business owners and professionals at any stage. Gregg and Frank also explore Frank’s post–City Hall venture, Oaktree Solutions, a firm that helps clients navigate the complex intersection of law, politics, and regulation. Frank shares real-world examples of how his team helps startups and organizations break through bureaucratic walls to create real impact—whether it’s government procurement, messaging strategy, or regulatory compliance. They round out the episode by reflecting on the City of Yes initiative, the cultural mindset of getting things done, and the leadership lessons Frank continues to live by: stay calm, stay present, and remove ego from the equation. If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or aspiring changemaker, this conversation is a masterclass in tactical empathy, long-term thinking, and building meaningful influence that lasts. 📘 Learn more about the book: https://everyonewinsbook.com Subscribe for more candid conversations with leaders, visionaries, and builders on Conversations with Cohen.
