PUSH the Envelope™ began in 1994 when Laura Hess and Philip Cohen made a deliberate decision to build a business rooted in professionalism, integrity, and meaningful change.
At the time, coaching was still a new and emerging profession. Laura and Philip entered early, not only practicing the work, but helping shape the field as it evolved. Over the decades, they have remained deeply committed to coaching as a thoughtful, human-centered approach to growth, leadership, and decision-making.
From the beginning, one question has guided everything they do…
Laura Hess and Philip Cohen are widely recognized as pioneers in the coaching profession.
Often referred to as The First Couple of Coaching, they were instrumental in promoting coaching as a legitimate and powerful strategy for business owners and professionals. They have served the coaching community as founders, trainers, board members, and educators, while continuing to work directly with clients across industries.
Thousands of clients later, their focus remains the same: thoughtful conversations, honest perspective, and real progress.
Most coaches have never signed the front of a paycheck. Philip has.
As a former managing partner, he didn’t just advise business owners, he was one. He knows that running a business is deeply emotional, that it goes far beyond data and reports.
The weight of being responsible for other people’s livelihoods, the loneliness of decisions only you can make, the pressure that doesn’t show up on a balance sheet, he’s lived all of it.
That experience is what separates his coaching from the rest. He’s not guessing what you’re going through. He’s been there.
Philip began his professional career as a CPA and business consultant, helping business owners understand financials, systems, and growth strategies. When Philip became managing partner, everything changed. Running a business wasn’t just about numbers anymore, it was personal.
He recognized that numbers alone were never the full story. The responsibility of making payroll, of knowing that real people depend on your decisions, of carrying weight that doesn’t show up in any report.
While this impacted his workwithclients, it still felt that something was missing.
In 1994, Philip was introduced to professional coaching and immediately saw its potential. He closed his consulting practice and committed fully to coaching, expanding the scope of his work beyond finances into every area that supports or limits success. The most important conversations were about leadership, communication, decision-making, and balance.
That “ah ha” shaped everything about how he coaches today. He doesn’t just understand business strategy. He understands what it costs you emotionally to lead.
Today, Philip provides one-to-one coaching and mastermind group facilitation for business owners, executives, and professionals who want a clear, objective partner to help them challenge blind spots, examine assumptions, and move forward with intention.
Laura’s path to coaching was anything but linear.
Over the years, she has worn many hats, including CPA, consultant, trainer, marketing director, and educator. Like many people, she followed the path she believed she “should” take, until she realized it wasn’t the path that truly fit.
In 1994, Laura left accounting behind and committed fully to coaching, training, and speaking. The work touched her at her core and became the foundation for everything that followed.
Over time, Laura developed a deep passion for working with women, particularly women in business who want clarity, confidence, and meaningful support. She began leading mastermind groups for women in 2015, creating spaces where women could think openly, support one another, and grow together.
Known for her warmth, honesty, and ability to challenge when needed, Laura blends compassion with accountability. She helps clients simplify their lives, reduce overwhelm, and make choices that align with what truly matters.
Laura and Philip have worked together since 1994, both as business partners and life partners. That shared experience has shaped their perspective and expanded their work, particularly with clients who live and work alongside their partners.
Their ability to collaborate, challenge one another, and evolve together is not just part of their story. It’s part of the value they bring to clients navigating complex professional and personal dynamics.
Before you join a mastermind, know what to look for.
Thinking about hiring a coach? Read this first.
