Structure in Uncertainty — Dave Cohen

Dave Cohen is a multi-BAFTA-winning BBC writer who has spent four decades as one of the most successful contributors to the British comedy scene. As a stand-up, he started the Comedy Store Improv Group with Mike Myers and Paul Merton. He has written for top BBC shows and is the main lyricist for smash-hit show and movie Horrible Histories. He has since become one of the most respected coaches of new comedy writers, and his new podcast, The Shakespeare Mindset, is all about how to succeed in an uncertain world.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a lasting solo career by embracing structure, mindset shifts, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare.

Dave and I discuss:

• Dave’s career journey from journalist to comedian [02:02]
• How uncertainty shaped his approach to new ventures [03:21]
• Key strategies for evaluating a new project [04:33]
• What generates long-term business success as a solo entrepreneur [05:47]
• The challenges of maintaining structure when working alone [07:26]
• Advice for those transitioning from employment to freelance [09:09]
• The importance of work-life boundaries as a freelancer [10:31]
• Why mastering your craft matters more than ever [09:35]
• How lying to yourself can make dreaded tasks bearable [14:45]
• The origin of The Shakespeare Mindset podcast [17:02]
• What Shakespeare teaches us about thriving in uncertain times [19:09]
• Why going it alone is a myth — even Shakespeare didn’t do it [23:27]

Learn more about Dave at https://www.davecohen.org.uk/.

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About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

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