Gwen Cohen: Servant,Visionary, Author, Encourager

images of gwen cohen smiling, sitting, talking on phone

Gwen Cohen has dedicated her life to helping others discover the power of their purpose. She offers coaching that resonates, guides, and illuminates to help others unlock their God-given potential. Cohen is married to Elliot Cohen and has 45 years of experience as a mentor. She holds a BA in Sociology/Social Work, a Master of Divinity, and an MBA in Global Management. She is the author of several books including Enduring Difficult Days with God: Intimacy in Isolation, Life Words: Ten Spoken Messages for Everyday Challenges, and Real Life Real Time Real Talk with a Very Real God. Career & Lifestyle chatted with the native of North Carolina and asked her to share more about herself.

Q & A

Where are you from?

Charlotte, NC is my hometown. What people see now is not what Charlotte has always looked like. Both [my husband] Elliott and I are native Charlotteans and remember when there was a lot of land and even more cows. It’s been amazing and interesting to see Charlotte change over the years.

Your educational background?

I didn’t initially appreciate the value of a great education, even though education was a priority in my upbringing. I learned in my latter years just how important it is. I have been educationally blessed to earn an undergrad in Sociology with a concentration in Social Work from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA; a Master of Divinity degree from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC; and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Global Management from the University of Phoenix.

Did you have a teacher or professor who had a significant impact on your professional journey?

It’s funny how life is. The teacher who most affected me in my elementary school years turned out to be my future mother-in-law. I never was a kid on the playground; I enjoyed reading most of all. El’s mom, Ruth E. Cohen, was one of my third- through fifth-grade teachers. She would let me come into her classroom during recess and read. I don’t think she knew I was also “crushing” on her youngest son, Elliott, nor that we would eventually be married. My dad, George W. Moore was an avid reader, and always stressed the importance of reading. I remember always having a stack of books by my bed. Now, it’s a stack of books by my desk in my home office.

As far as professors, it was Dr. Christopher Hutson, the New Testament professor at Hood Theological Seminary when I attended there. He gave me my first F on a major paper. I remember him telling me my paper did not represent my intellect and he knew there was more to me than what was presented. He was right. I’ll never forget what he said, as it relates to biblical study, “Don’t take the text, let the text take you.” Wow! That changed my thought process and my approach to study and ministry.

What is your civic engagement?

My current civic engagement involves the Charlotte City Alliance and the Charlotte City Dive Advisory Board. Both organizations are focused on improving community relationships and educational opportunities for Charlotte citizens. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on numerous councils, boards, and organizations in the city. Serving the city of Charlotte and focusing on improving the quality of life for others, is something I embrace wholeheartedly.

What professional accomplishment are you most humbled by and why?

I’ve functioned in various high-level positions, from corporate to human services, and ministry. However, serving on the front desk of my youngest grandson’s charter school was my most professional and humbling experience. It’s one thing to sit in an office and be the boss. I’ve been there and done that too many times. But to be on the front line, touching base every day with concerned and loving parents, overseeing a food program during the pandemic, and encouraging teachers and staff who are dedicated to the success of young children, makes you recognize just how special we all are to God and the planet.

What have you come to learn about success?

At this stage (and age) of my life, I’ve learned success is not tied to how many degrees I have, boards I’m on, invitations I receive to speak, social media posts or hits I get, or stuff I have. Success for me is knowing each day I intentionally made someone feel valued, worthy and able to manifest their purpose.

What have you come to learn about balancing career and lifestyle?

Whew! Is there such a thing? I’m still trying to figure that part out. I have learned that what’s in my control is in my control and what isn’t, isn’t. I also realize I’m not omniscient, omnipotent or omnipresent. I’m not God! I realized I can’t be all things to all people. There are moments I will be up late, there will be all-nighters, and so on. But at the end of the day, does what I’m doing need to be done or can it wait? So, if I must stay up late to work on the business because my grandchildren want some Gigi time, then so be it. If I must shift an appointment to spend time with my husband or talk to my daughter or son, then it’s what I must do. And, yes, some days, balancing career and lifestyle, are better than others.

What part of your job brings you the most joy?

Everything! Our company is Speak Your Tomorrow Today/The Prophet’s Voice. We are there for those discouraged by unrealized aspirations and who feel unfulfilled wondering why fear and doubt keep showing up. Helping them deal with hidden barriers, restoring their self-confidence, and reclaiming their “why” is what we do. The joy of seeing the light in someone’s eyes when they realize they haven’t missed it, that they can still walk in purpose and live not just a full life, but a fulfilled life is EPIC! I love my team and our partners. I love the work and the wins, the successes, and even our most challenging moments. I’ve been blessed to have had many experiences in different venues and places, but to be a part of a person’s discovery or re-discovery of purpose means I’m living “MY BEST LIFE!”

What do you want people to know?

I want people to know it’s never too late! I’m 67 years old starting a company to help people discover, re-discover, and love who they were created to be. I am blessed to be gifted in many areas, but I spent years letting others assign me, dictate to me, and tell me who I was and what I should be doing. And I listened. After years of frustration, the revelation came. I knew there was so much more in me than I was willing to admit, and others were willing to acknowledge. I kept asking God why I was always overlooked. This was His answer; “Because who I created and designed you to be, you’ve chosen not to be. People are looking for the ‘you’ I created, not the one you’ve settled for. Be who I created you to be.”

Gwen Cohen’s favorite saying:

“God is not surprised. It’s okay. And this is not the end of your story!”

You can reach Gwen Cohen at gwencohen@theprophetsvoice.net and learn more about her work at theprophetsvoice.net. Her books are available on Amazon.com.