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From Start-Up to Grown-UpAuthor: Alisa Cohn
One of the top startup coaches in the world, Alisa Cohn, talks to founders, creators, advisors, investors and builders of all kinds about their insights and experiences in growing from Start-up to Grown-up. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Careers, Entrepreneurship Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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116: Gina Bianchini, Founder of Mighty Networks, Stop Building an Audience. Build Community Instead [ENCORE]
Monday, 20 April, 2026
What if the thing you’ve been told to build… isn’t the thing that actually creates results?In this encore episode, Gina Bianchini joins Alisa Cohn to break down why community, not content, not audience size, not algorithms, is the real driver of transformation, retention, and long-term business growth.This conversation goes far beyond theory. It’s a masterclass in how communities actually work, why most founders get it wrong, and what it really takes to build something people don’t just follow… but belong to.Gina shares the exact frameworks behind thriving communities, the psychology of engagement, and the structure that turns passive consumers into active participants.This is also a raw look at entrepreneurship behind the scenes, from navigating dark moments and doubt, to leading with mission instead of ego, to building something that feels inevitable before it’s proven.If you’re building a brand, a business, or a movement, this episode will change how you think about growth.You’ll learn:Why community is the most powerful driver of transformation and resultsThe difference between an audience and a true community (and why it matters)The simple framework behind high-engagement communities that actually lastHow to structure your community for consistency, growth, and retentionWhy giving advice kills engagement and what to do insteadThe role of purpose in attracting and sustaining membersHow founders can navigate doubt, feedback, and uncertaintyWhy entrepreneurship is irrational, and how to stay grounded anywayThe real skill CEOs need to master, and it’s not what you thinkHow to manage energy, not just time, to lead effectivelyWe talk about:00:00 Why community is the foundation of transformation02:30 The founding vision behind Mighty Networks05:00 Growing up in community and why it shaped everything12:30 Founder mental health and why it’s not for everyone14:00 Using mission to move through doubt and dark moments16:00 When investors don’t believe in your vision18:30 How to process feedback without losing your direction22:30 The core elements of building a powerful community29:30 The biggest mistake that kills community engagement31:00 Simple rituals that create deeper connection33:00 Why energy management matters more than time management36:00 The hidden cost of poor leadership energy38:00 Morning routines and protecting creative thinking time44:00 Agreements vs policies inside a company47:00 Building a human system, not a mechanical one50:00 What great leadership actually looks like in practice58:00 Advice for founders building something meaningfulFollow Gina onhttps://www.instagram.com/gbianchini/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginabianchini/https://www.mightynetworks.com/Connect with Alisa!Follow Alisa Cohn on Instagram: @alisacohnTwitter: @alisacohnFacebook: facebook.com/alisa.cohnLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisacohn/Website: http://www.alisacohn.comDownload her 5 scripts for delicate conversations (and 1 to make your life better) Grab a copy of From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn from Amazon













