Leonard Cagno is a business leader, entrepreneur and partner whose career bridges aviation, finance and wellness. Growing up in West Hempstead, New York, he grew up playing soccer, 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 earning his CFI, CFII, CPL and instrument ratings, he flew the Q400 and CRJ900 for a regional airline under the Continental Airlines brand. Flying taught him discipline, precision and calm under pressure – qualities he later incorporated into the business world.
Cagno transitioned from aviation to finance, working as a financial advisor at AXA, where he earned his Series 7, 66, and Health and Life licenses. His interest soon shifted to 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 developing systems that connect health, technology and people through wellness-focused solutions. His leadership philosophy combines adaptability, structure and empathy – characteristics that have shaped his career in numerous industries.
Outside of work, Cagno is a dedicated father who enjoys flying, playing hockey and spending time with his children. He continues to champion balance, purpose and personal growth as true indicators of long-term success.
Q&A interview
Q: You started your career in aviation. What motivated you to fly and how did it shape your attitude as a leader?
A: Flying fascinated me from the beginning – the mixture of structure and freedom. I studied Aviation Management at Dowling College and became a flight instructor. When you’re in the air, every decision is important. You have to stay calm, think clearly and rely on training. This experience taught me discipline, precision and how to handle pressure – skills that translate directly into business.
Q: You later moved from aviation to finance. What inspired this change?
A: I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment. At AXA, where I became a financial advisor, I learned that finance is not just about numbers, but about trust. People tell you about their hopes and fears. This role gave me a true understanding of human behavior and the importance of listening, which is essential in leadership.
Q: How did you move from finance to entrepreneurship?
A: It happened little by little. I started to see patterns – what worked and what didn’t work in different industries. I realized that I wanted to build systems, not just operate within them. Over time, I helped start or grow companies such as Cambridge Who’s Who, Marquis Who’s Who, ACS Consulting, TEG Health and TEG Wellness. Each 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 fill?
A: Many companies view wellness as an afterthought, but it is directly related to performance. When employees are healthy, supported and connected, everything runs better. At TEG Wellness, we focus on aligning healthcare benefits, technology and payroll – ensuring the systems communicate with each other so businesses can run smoothly.
Q: You often mention adaptability as a key theme. Why is this so central to your leadership approach?
A: Because change is constant. In aviation, weather changes quickly. You adapt or you’re in trouble. The same applies to business. Markets evolve, technology advances, and people’s needs change. I have learned to remain flexible – not by reacting blindly, but by planning changes. 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 was about achieving goals or proving people wrong. Now I see it differently. Success is about growth, balance and impact. Have I helped someone else succeed? Did I learn something new? Have I stayed true to my principles? If the answer is yes, that is a success for me.
Q: You talked about work-life balance. How do you maintain that?
A: Balance is not about doing everything at once. It’s about being present everywhere. I make time for my children, play hockey and still fly whenever I can. These moments recharge me. Without this balance, even great successes can feel empty.
Q: What motivates you to keep pushing forward?
A: My motivation comes from intention and the people who have shaped me – mentors, family and leaders who lived with integrity. When challenges arise, I think about them. I remember 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. Constantly learn. Be flexible but structured. Build relationships based on trust. And remember: consistency is more important than speed. You can build anything if you show up every day and keep improving.
