Leonard Cagno is a business leader, entrepreneur, and partner whose career bridges aviation, finance, and wellness. Raised in West Hempstead, New York, he grew up playing football, volleyball, and basketball — early lessons in teamwork and resilience that shaped his leadership style.
He earned a degree in Aviation Management with a minor in marketing from Dowling College, where he also became a flight instructor. After gaining his CFI, CFII, CPL, and Instrument Rating, he flew the Q400 and CRJ900 for a regional airline under the Continental Airlines brand. Flying taught him discipline, precision, and calm under pressure — traits he would later carry into business.
Cagno transitioned from aviation to finance, working as a financial adviser with AXA, where he earned his Series 7, 66, and health and life licences. His interest soon shifted toward entrepreneurship and operational growth. Over the years, he has founded or helped build companies including Cambridge Who’s Who, Marquis Who’s Who, ACS Consulting, TEG Health, and TEG Wellness.
Today, he focuses on creating systems that connect health, technology, and people through wellness-driven solutions. His leadership philosophy blends adaptability, structure, and empathy — qualities that have defined his career across multiple industries.
Outside work, Cagno is a dedicated father who enjoys flying, hockey, and spending time with his children. He continues to advocate for balance, purpose, and personal growth as the true markers of long-term success.
Q&A Interview
Q: You started your career in aviation. What drew you to flying, and how did it shape your mindset as a leader?
A: Flying fascinated me from the start — the mix of structure and freedom. I studied Aviation Management at Dowling College and became a flight instructor. When you’re in the air, every decision matters. You have to stay calm, think clearly, and rely on training. That experience taught me discipline, precision, and how to manage pressure — skills that translate directly into business.
Q: You later shifted from aviation to finance. What inspired that change?
A: I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment. At AXA, where I became a financial adviser, I learned that finance isn’t just about numbers — it’s about trust. People open up to you about their hopes and fears. That role gave me a real understanding of human behaviour and the importance of listening, which is essential in leadership.
Q: How did you move from finance into entrepreneurship?
A: It happened gradually. I started spotting patterns — what worked and what didn’t in different industries. I realised I wanted to build systems, not just operate within them. Over time, I helped launch or grow companies like Cambridge Who’s Who, Marquis Who’s Who, ACS Consulting, TEG Health, and TEG Wellness. Each one taught me something different about innovation, people, and scalability.
Q: Your work now focuses on wellness and benefits integration. What gap are you trying to solve?
A: Many businesses treat wellness as an afterthought, but it’s directly tied to performance. When employees are healthy, supported, and connected, everything runs better. At TEG Wellness, we focus on aligning health benefits, technology, and payroll — making systems talk to each other so organisations can operate smoothly.
Q: You often mention adaptability as a key theme. Why is that so central to your leadership approach?
A: Because change is constant. In aviation, weather shifts fast. You adjust or you’re in trouble. The same goes for business. Markets evolve, technology advances, and people’s needs change. I’ve learned to stay flexible — not by reacting blindly, but by planning for change. I use frameworks like the “must do, should do, nice to do” system to keep priorities clear.
Q: How do you define success today?
A: I used to think success meant hitting targets or proving people wrong. Now I see it differently. Success is about growth, balance, and impact. Did I help someone else succeed? Did I learn something new? Did I stay true to my principles? If the answer’s yes, that’s success to me.
Q: You’ve spoken about balance between work and personal life. How do you maintain that?
A: Balance isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about being fully present wherever you are. I make time for my kids, play hockey, and still fly whenever I can. Those moments recharge me. Without that balance, even big achievements can feel empty.
Q: What motivates you to keep pushing forward?
A: My motivation comes from purpose and from the people who shaped me — mentors, family, and leaders who lived with integrity. When challenges hit, I think about them. I remind myself why I started and who I’m doing it for.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business?
A: Stay curious. Learn constantly. Be flexible but structured. Build relationships based on trust. And remember, consistency matters more than speed. You can build anything if you show up every day and keep improving.
