Success Beneath the Surface

Twenty years ago, when Carolyn Lagarmasini launched her association management company as fully virtual, industry veterans said it was impossible. Today, her company spans 13 states with 26 employees, and COVID proved she was decades ahead.
"I once had a coach who said, the minute you start to shrink, you die," Carolyn reflects. Her story embodies this philosophy: jumping off cliffs without knowing where you'll land, seeing broken processes instead of broken people, and shifting from a loyalty-based to an accountability-based culture. From her mother, who ran for Congress, to her own leap from stay-at-home mom to entrepreneur, Carolyn turns uncertainty into opportunity.
She reveals how she's preparing for industry disruption as five generations collide in the workforce and what she's learned about building culture when teams never meet face-to-face.
Carolyn Lagermasini is President and Founder of Association & Conference Group (ACG), which she launched in 2005 after experiencing lackluster service as a volunteer board member and recognizing the industry's potential. With over 25 years of event and association management experience, including launching a successful division at a premier conference production company, Carolyn has grown ACG from an idea to a thriving firm employing over 20 professionals across 13 states. She holds a BA and BS from Rutgers University, earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, and actively serves on the Rutgers University Alumni Association Alumni Leaders Council and as a member of the AMC Institute.
 
LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
SOCIAL HANDLES FOR OUR GUEST:
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-lagermasini/
COMPANY ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-&-conference-group-llc/ 
COMPANY WEBSITE: https://associationconferencegroup.com/ 
CHIEF OUTSIDERS:
WEBSITE: https://chiefoutsiders.com 
LINKEDIN PAGE: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chief-outsiders/ 
X HANDLE: @chiefoutsiders
FACEBOOK HANDLE: @ChiefOutsiders
DEBORAH FELL ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahfell 

Deborah Fell reflects on one of the most powerful leadership insights from her conversation with Jonathan Moody: the radical humility of a CEO who built his success by recognizing he didn't need to be the central force driving everything. When Jonathan became CEO of Moody Nolan in January 2020, just before the pandemic, he made a crucial decision to create an executive team structure rather than trying to fill his legendary father's singular leadership role.
In this brief yet impactful commentary, Deborah explores how Jonathan's approach challenges the traditional CEO archetype and why his vulnerability and team-first mindset have become the foundation for navigating unprecedented uncertainty. For leaders struggling with the pressure to be perfect or those building their executive teams, Jonathan's story offers a refreshing alternative to the lone-wolf leadership model.
The full episode is here.
ABOUT JONATHAN MOODY:
Driven by a passion to continue his father’s legacy, Jonathan D. Moody has entrenched himself in firm leadership, driving growth and innovation. Moody Nolan has grown to over 350 employees and 12 offices across the nation. The firm’s designs have now won over 300 design citations, including 47 from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and 44 from the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Jonathan has helped continue and extend the firm’s position as the largest African American-owned architecture firm. Moody Nolan continues to garner national attention by promoting “diversity by design.”
CONNECT: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Jonathan Moody, CEO of Moody Nolan—recognized by Fast Company as one of the world's most innovative architecture firms—reveals the decade-long succession journey that positioned him to lead just before the pandemic struck.
"More time is better," Jonathan reflects on the gradual handoff from his father—a process filled with strategic "sink or swim" moments and culminating in a smooth transition of power in January 2020. His insights on building an executive team, establishing trust through transparent communication, and maintaining the firm's "diverse by design" philosophy provide a blueprint for sustainable leadership transition.
For family businesses and organizations planning succession, Jonathan's humble approach offers practical wisdom on preserving company values while evolving the leadership model—proving that deliberate, patient transitions build the strongest foundations for navigating uncertainty.
ABOUT JONATHAN MOODY:
Driven by a passion to continue his father’s legacy, Jonathan D. Moody has entrenched himself in firm leadership, driving growth and innovation. Moody Nolan has grown to over 350 employees and 12 offices across the nation. The firm’s designs have now won over 300 design citations, including 47 from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and 44 from the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Jonathan has helped continue and extend the firm’s position as the largest African American-owned architecture firm. Moody Nolan continues to garner national attention by promoting “diversity by design.”
CONNECT: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM
 

In this week's commentary, Deborah Fell explores the wisdom from her conversation with Rear Admiral Brian "Lex" Luther on leading through change. "The balance of leadership is hard," Deborah notes, "with internal issues, external forces, and human complexity creating cloudy challenges." Yet Lex's transformation of Navy Mutual reveals a fundamental truth: you can't lead if no one follows.
He prioritized his people rather than issuing directives and wondering why progress stalls. His approach of turning long-tenured employees into owners of change while managing "soft saboteurs" demonstrates that transformation starts with engagement, not mandates.
As Luther powerfully stated, "Leaders shine brightest with reflected light." Like Bill Marriott's philosophy that caring for employees leads to satisfied customers and ultimately profit, Lex's military precision and transparent communication created a framework where change could thrive.
 
Brian E. Luther, USN (Ret.), President and Chief Executive Officer | LinkedIn
Brian Luther assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Navy Mutual in October of 2020. Prior to his position as CEO, Luther served for two years as the Chief Strategy Officer of Navy Mutual, assisting the CEO with developing, communicating, executing, and sustaining corporate strategic initiatives. He considers it a privilege to lead an organization whose primary mission is to serve military service members and their families, and will continue to serve Navy Mutual Members and potential Members with honor and integrity.
Before joining the Navy Mutual Team, Luther served as a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy. At sea, his tours included operational squadrons Sea Control Squadrons (VS) 22 and 24, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN, and as the commanding officer of VS-24. After completing the Navy Nuclear Power Training program, he served as the Executive Officer on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Commanding Officer on the USS Tarawa (LHA-1) and the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), and Commander of Carrier Strike Group 2/George H.W. Bush Strike Group.
Luther also served multiple tours in the Pentagon on the Joint Staff, Navy Staff, and Navy Secretariat as an Action Officer, Financial Analyst, Congressional Liaison, Director of Operations and Plans (N31) and, before joining the Navy Mutual team, the Budget Officer for the Department of the Navy.
 
About Navy Mutual
Navy Mutual is a nonprofit, member-owned mutual association established in 1879 to provide affordable life insurance and peace of mind to members of the military and their families. As the nation’s oldest federally recognized Veterans Service Organization, its mission and commitment to protect those who defend us remain unwavering. Financially strong, Navy Mutual is proud to be a first-choice life insurance provider to servicemembers and their loved ones. Through quality life insurance products, no-cost educational and veterans services programs, and unparalleled service, Navy Mutual has earned the loyalty and support of its membership. For more information, visit navymutual.org.   

Deborah Fell sits down with Brian "Lex" Luther, whose distinguished naval career equipped him with the unique perspective that revolutionized Navy Mutual.
"The principles that guide a naval officer—discipline, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to mission—translate remarkably well to corporate leadership," shares Luther. "At Navy Mutual, we didn't just implement changes; we navigated a complete organizational transformation by applying the same decisive leadership principles that govern operations at sea."
Discover how military precision and operational excellence can reshape corporate culture and drive exceptional results in this must-listen conversation for forward-thinking executives.
 
Brian E. Luther, USN (Ret.)President and Chief Executive OfficerLinkedIn
Brian Luther assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Navy Mutual in October of 2020. Prior to his position as CEO, Luther served for two years as the Chief Strategy Officer of Navy Mutual, assisting the CEO with developing, communicating, executing, and sustaining corporate strategic initiatives. He considers it a privilege to lead an organization whose primary mission is to serve military service members and their families, and will continue to serve Navy Mutual Members and potential Members with honor and integrity.
Before joining the Navy Mutual Team, Luther served as a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy. At sea, his tours included operational squadrons Sea Control Squadrons (VS) 22 and 24, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN, and as the commanding officer of VS-24. After completing the Navy Nuclear Power Training program, he served as the Executive Officer on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Commanding Officer on the USS Tarawa (LHA-1) and the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), and Commander of Carrier Strike Group 2/George H.W. Bush Strike Group.
Luther also served multiple tours in the Pentagon on the Joint Staff, Navy Staff, and Navy Secretariat as an Action Officer, Financial Analyst, Congressional Liaison, Director of Operations and Plans (N31) and, before joining the Navy Mutual team, the Budget Officer for the Department of the Navy.
 
About Navy Mutual
Navy Mutual is a nonprofit, member-owned mutual association established in 1879 to provide affordable life insurance and peace of mind to members of the military and their families. As the nation’s oldest federally recognized Veterans Service Organization, its mission and commitment to protect those who defend us remain unwavering. Financially strong, Navy Mutual is proud to be a first-choice life insurance provider to servicemembers and their loved ones. Through quality life insurance products, no-cost educational and veterans services programs, and unparalleled service, Navy Mutual has earned the loyalty and support of its membership. For more information, visit navymutual.org.   

In last week's conversation with Ryan Frederick, Principal of Transform Labs, we explored the delicate balance between expertise and humility. Ryan shares how the companies that failed in his experience often stumbled due to assumption-driven leadership rather than curiosity-driven validation.
"I think there's a lot to be said in approaching things in a humble manner where you don't assume that you know," Ryan reflects. "You actually assume that you don't know and you're just sort of on a journey of continuous not knowing, but making progress along the path."
This commentary focuses on the key point of how genuine success comes not from positioning oneself as the expert with all the answers, but from creating effective conversations between systems, between people, and between organizations. As we navigate an era of unprecedented technological change and potential disruption, Ryan reminds us that while we get paid for what we know, the future belongs to those who remain open to what they have yet to discover.
Listen to his full episode here.
About Ryan Frederick:
Ryan Frederick, Principal at Transform Labs, is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and advisor renowned for exploring technology’s impact on global economics, politics, labor, and society. With deep expertise in digital transformation, he has successfully founded, built, and invested in multiple technology companies. Ryan authored two influential books, "The Founder's Manual" and "Sell Naked," and regularly discusses AI’s macroeconomic and societal implications. Passionate about social impact, he founded i.c.stars, a nonprofit training under-employed adults in digital skills. Ryan’s experience uniquely positions him as a compelling voice on how technology reshapes economies, labor markets, and political landscapes worldwide.
Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangfrederick/

Deborah Fell connects with Ryan Frederick of Transform Labs about strategic technology implementation. Ryan positions his firm as independent advisors rather than product reps, ensuring "our advice to clients is in the best interest of the client."
Ryan captures the uncertainty many CEOs face with a compelling metaphor: "It's almost like being in the woods on a foggy trail... you're not sure if you should turn right or left or if you should wait for the fog to sort of dissipate."
What makes this conversation valuable is Ryan's candid reflection on failures and how ego-based assumptions derailed even previously successful ventures. His advocacy for "continuous not knowing" offers a counterintuitive but powerful framework for leaders.
The episode explores why challenging clients with education, prioritizing questions over answers, and genuinely serving client interests separate successful professional services firms from the rest. Ryan concludes by discussing his book Sell Naked, which advocates stripping away "fancy pitch decks" to focus on authentic understanding of client needs.
About Ryan Frederick:
Ryan Frederick, Principal at Transform Labs, is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and advisor renowned for exploring technology’s impact on global economics, politics, labor, and society. With deep expertise in digital transformation, he has successfully founded, built, and invested in multiple technology companies. Ryan authored two influential books, "The Founder's Manual" and "Sell Naked," and regularly discusses AI’s macroeconomic and societal implications. Passionate about social impact, he founded i.c.stars, a nonprofit training under-employed adults in digital skills. Ryan’s experience uniquely positions him as a compelling voice on how technology reshapes economies, labor markets, and political landscapes worldwide.
Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangfrederick/

Success Beneath the Surface: Leadership Insights from Q1 2025
Welcome to our curated collection of the most impactful conversations from the first quarter of 2025. This playlist features transformative discussions with leaders who have mastered the art of building thriving organizations through unconventional wisdom and authentic leadership.
Join us as we explore the hidden dynamics of successful leadership with extraordinary guests including Eddie Solomon, who built Net at Work from immigrant roots to serving 5,000+ businesses; Jeff Ostenso, who's reinventing family business leadership at Ironmark; and Ray Hatch, who boldly grew profits while intentionally cutting revenue at Quest Resource Holding Corporation.
You'll discover Scott Jackson's counterintuitive "follower of leaders" approach that helped Global Impact channel $2.5 billion to global causes, and Joe Yaccarino's insights on building a culture of everyday heroes that transformed MTF Biologics from 100 to 1,400 employees while performing 500,000 transplants annually.
These conversations reveal the uncommon threads that connect truly exceptional leaders: empowering others without micromanaging, balancing innovation with scale, building cultures that embrace individuality, and creating environments where trust transcends into faith in what's possible.
Whether you're scaling a family business, transforming an organization, or seeking to unlock your team's full potential, these episodes offer practical wisdom for leading with purpose in today's complex business landscape.
Links to the top episodes for the quarter:
#1:-Eddie Solomon - Why This Successful Family Business Said No to Nepotism
#2: Jeff Ostenso - The Unexpected Impact of a Company Picnic
#3: Eddie Solomon - Take No Prisoners Path of Entrepreneurship
#4: Deborah Fell - Adapting Leadership Styles to Different Teams
#5: Scott Jackson - When Leadership Feels Like Going Slower to Go Faster
#6: Scott Jackson - Take Me With You: How a CEO's Early Lessons in Trust Shape Modern Leadership
#7: Ray Hatch - Humble Leadership Between the Ceiling and the Net
#8: Joe Yaccarino - Heroes at Every Level of Healthcare Innovation
#9: Jeff Ostenso - How Teaching the Game of Business Built an Empire
#10: Ray Hatch - Breaking the Consensus Trap in Leadership

Welcome to the 100th episode of Success Beneath the Surface. This is a podcast where we dig into what lies beneath the surface of a CEO's success, your success, and insights deeply rooted at times in family, beliefs, or a drive that's just always been there. Our top downloaded episodes include Lessons from Navy Seal Kyle Buckett, number 57, who challenges the notion of leadership from the top, and gives life-saving reasons to build leadership capability at all levels, or at least business-saving reasons. 
James Hyman's episode number 64 gave fodder for a discussion on leading leaders, because if you have leadership at every level, the old management archetypes of top-down management simply don't work. 
Key lessons on building cultures based on trust, transparency, accountability, and urgency can be found in episode number 74 with Clay Spitz, 54, Torey Carter-Conneen, episode 64 with James Hyman, and episode 72 with Ryan Clark. 
And even when exogenous factors and forces create more uncertainty, the intentional leader, Will Bowie, in episode number 70, grows his business team and community through grit, determination,  and purposeful living and somehow still finds time to pay it forward. Check them all out. It strikes me that with all of these CEOs, in the words of Angela Duckworth in her book, Grit, it's not the intensity but the consistency that builds a sustainable business.
Here is the playlist from this episode :
EP74 Exterminating Distrust: M&A Successfully Merging Business Cultures
EP64: Leading Leaders - Balancing Accountability and Empowerment
EP57: Lessons from a SEAL - Culture Improvement with Culture Fit to Build Your Elite Team
EP72: Building a Culture of Urgency 20 Seconds at a Time
EP49: Navigating Change Through Stakeholder Engagement
EP70: The Intentional Leader - Creating Generational Wealth and Opportunity
 

This commentary features Carl Satterwhite, President and Owner of RCF Group. This segment focuses on the evolving workplace landscape. Carl shares his unique observations on post-pandemic challenges, multigenerational workforces, and the often-overlooked phenomenon of "culture creep." His remarkable business philosophy—Making Others Realize Extra (MORE)—has powered RCF Group's expansion to 50 states and 22 countries. At the same time, his innovative approach to developing next-generation talent offers valuable wisdom for today's leaders.
Carl's full episode is here.
 
About Carl Satterwhite:
Carl Satterwhite is President/Owner of The RCF Group, operating in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Louisville. His company provides comprehensive workplace solutions tailored to clients' specific culture and needs, living by the motto "We Make The Workplace Work For You." As a National Minority Supplier Development Council Corporate Plus Member, RCF Group is among less than 150 minority businesses to receive this prestigious endorsement. Carl serves on numerous boards including Fifth Third Cincinnati, Key Bank Great Lakes, and the Anthony Munoz Foundation. He holds a Stationary Engineering certification from the University of Cincinnati and lives in West Chester, OH with his wife Dawn.