Success Beneath the Surface

In a world obsessed with ROI and KPIs, the most valuable asset might be sitting across from you at lunch. This bonus conversation between Deborah Fell and Harold Green reveals something we often overlook in our digital-first world.
What stands out in this conversation is the genuine human connection that developed between two professionals who met by chance at a networking event. What started as a simple lunchtime conversation led to ongoing professional relationships and shared business insights that span decades.
Listen as Deborah and Harold reminisce about mutual connections, track the careers of shared acquaintances, and discuss how organizations like Vistage, TEC, and CEO Connections create environments where these vital relationships can flourish.
This isn't just small talk – it's the foundation of business resilience. When Harold mentions that "every conversation is an important conversation to be had," he's sharing a philosophy that has helped him navigate multiple successful ventures across different industries.
For CEOs leading mid-market companies, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that business is fundamentally about people. The connections you make today might open doors to opportunities you haven't even imagined yet. Your next breakthrough could begin with something as simple as asking the person beside you, "What do you do?"
Join Deborah and Harold for this candid conversation about the lasting impact of meaningful professional relationships and how they continue to shape business success long after the formal meetings end.
Listen to the full episode with Harold Green here.
About Harold Green:
Harold Green - CEO & Ecopreneur at Global Emissionairy
A lifelong entrepreneur focused on innovative business solutions that leverage technology. Harold's journey began with Chamberlain Contractors (1974), an asphalt paving business, and evolved to founding Global Resource Recyclers (1990), which pioneered recycled aggregates and sustainable pavement materials.
His current venture, Global Emissionairy, operates with a patented VERRA-approved methodology (VM0039) that captures, verifies, and sells carbon credits on voluntary markets. GE has expanded beyond VCUs into broader technical capabilities in the last four years. Harold has also invested in Care Commons, a comprehensive health information platform that prioritizes user privacy and delivers reliable wellness content without third-party interference.

In our conversation with Harold Green, one theme resonated particularly strongly: business evolution requires building on past experience while constantly looking forward. After nearly five decades in the paving and recycling industries, Harold has turned his attention to helping companies measure and monetize their carbon reductions. In this segment, he explains how his past work prepared him for this new mission and why translating complex climate concepts into measurable actions is critical for business leaders today. As major corporations commit to carbon neutrality by 2035-2050, Harold offers insight into the changes coming in the next three to five years that will make sustainability metrics a daily business reality.
 
Harold Green, CEO & Ecopreneur at Global Emissionairy
A lifelong entrepreneur focused on innovative business solutions that leverage technology. Harold's journey began with Chamberlain Contractors (1974), an asphalt paving business, and evolved to founding Global Resource Recyclers (1990), which pioneered recycled aggregates and sustainable pavement materials.
His current venture, Global Emissionairy, operates with a patented VERRA-approved methodology (VM0039) that captures, verifies, and sells carbon credits on voluntary markets. In the last four years, GE has expanded beyond VCUs into broader technical capabilities. Harold has also invested in Care Commons, a comprehensive health information platform that prioritizes user privacy and delivers reliable wellness content without third-party interference.

In today's business landscape, environmental consciousness isn't just about doing good—it's becoming a business imperative. Deborah Fell interviews Harold Green, CEO of Global Emissionairy, a business leader who has blended entrepreneurship with environmental stewardship throughout his career. Starting from humble beginnings working at a country club at age seven, Harold built multiple successful businesses before recognizing the opportunity in reducing carbon footprints. His current venture, Global Emissionairy, helps companies measure, document, and monetize their carbon emissions reductions, creating new revenue streams while addressing climate challenges. Harold shares practical insights for CEOs who want to take meaningful first steps toward sustainability without sacrificing profitability. His journey demonstrates that becoming an "ecopreneur" doesn't require radical transformation—it starts with awareness and incremental changes that can lead to both environmental and business benefits.
About Harold Green:
Harold Green
CEO & Ecopreneur at Global Emissionairy
A lifelong entrepreneur focused on innovative business solutions that leverage technology. Harold's journey began with Chamberlain Contractors (1974), an asphalt paving business, and evolved to founding Global Resource Recyclers (1990), which pioneered recycled aggregates and sustainable pavement materials.
His current venture, Global Emissionairy, operates with a patented VERRA-approved methodology (VM0039) that captures, verifies, and sells carbon credits on voluntary markets. In the last four years, GE has expanded beyond VCUs into broader technical capabilities. Harold has also invested in Care Commons, a comprehensive health information platform that prioritizes user privacy and delivers reliable wellness content without third-party interference.
 

In today's volatile business landscape, the alignment between Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Chief Sales Officers (CSOs) isn't just a nice-to-have—it's critical for sustainable growth. Deborah Fell dives deep into why this partnership is more crucial than ever for mid-market companies. Drawing from Chief Outsiders' experience across 5,000+ engagements, she explains why the most successful leaders start with curiosity—asking the right questions, understanding the full customer journey, and challenging assumptions about digital transformation. She shares how the traditional disconnect between sales and marketing teams leads to wasted investments and declining conversion rates while highlighting how curiosity-driven leadership can turn these silos into synchronized growth engines. Whether you're experiencing dips in sales performance, struggling with digital transformation, or looking to scale before an exit, this conversation offers invaluable insights on fostering the vital collaboration between sales and marketing teams. Discover how leading mid-market companies leverage AI and modern tools while maintaining the human element that drives real business growth.

Leadership is a craft—refined through experience, challenge, and continuous growth. This past quarter, Success Beneath the Surface brought together some of the most dynamic CEOs and business minds to explore what it takes to lead with impact.
From James Hyman’s masterclass on corporate turnarounds to Ryan Clark’s formula for urgency-driven culture, these episodes aren’t just conversations—they’re playbooks for growth, innovation, and accountability. Will Bowie’s approach to generational wealth, Torey Carter-Coneen’s lessons on focus, and Jeff Ostenso’s game-changing engagement strategies round out a lineup that challenges conventional leadership thinking.
Each episode offers a fresh perspective on scaling businesses, building elite teams, and navigating the high-stakes world of decision-making. Whether you’re leading a startup or a Fortune 500, these insights will sharpen your leadership edge.
Dive into the top 10 episodes of Q4 below—every one a masterclass in its own right.

Deborah Fell recounts a chance meeting with J. Nicole Martin-Lawton, CEO of Phoenix Language Services, during an Amtrak service disruption. What started as strangers standing together in a crowded café car turned into an enlightening conversation about leadership and resilience. Nicole had stepped into the CEO role following her father's sudden death, successfully leading an all-women team while honoring her father's vision for language access services. Through her story, she demonstrates how collective support and shared mission can transform challenges into opportunities.
About our guest:
J. Nicole Martin Lawton is President and CEO of Phoenix Language Services, a company her father founded in 1993 to help break down language and cultural barriers in healthcare and beyond. A University of Pennsylvania graduate and former healthcare law partner, Nicole stepped into leadership in May 2020, combining her legal expertise with a deep understanding of language access needs. Under her leadership, Phoenix has expanded its interpreter training programs internationally and continues to innovate in language access technology. The company, now women-led, reflects Nicole's commitment to carrying forward her father's legacy while charting new paths in cultural connection.J. Nicole Martin Lawton on LinkedIn

When J. Nicole Martin Lawton suddenly became CEO of Phoenix Language Services in May 2020, it was under extraordinary circumstances. Not only was the world grappling with a global pandemic, but she had just returned from maternity leave with her second child when her father, company founder Bill Martin, passed away. In that moment, Nicole stepped into leadership of the company he had built from the ground up since 1993 - a business born from his experience as an ad hoc Spanish interpreter for his own mother.
This episode explores Nicole's remarkable journey from anthropology student to healthcare attorney to CEO, and how she navigated the delicate balance of honoring her father's legacy while making the company her own. Through her story, we see what's possible when the next generation is suddenly thrust into leadership, guided by deep respect for those who came before and a clear vision for the future.
In a delightful twist of fate, this conversation between Nicole and Deborah began during a chaotic day of canceled trains and power outages along the Northeast corridor - proving that sometimes life's interruptions lead to the most meaningful connections.
About our guest:
J. Nicole Martin Lawton is President and CEO of Phoenix Language Services, a company her father founded in 1993 to help break down language and cultural barriers in healthcare and beyond. A University of Pennsylvania graduate and former healthcare law partner, Nicole stepped into leadership in May 2020, combining her legal expertise with a deep understanding of language access needs. Under her leadership, Phoenix has expanded its interpreter training programs internationally and continues to innovate in language access technology. The company, now women-led, reflects Nicole's commitment to carrying forward her father's legacy while charting new paths in cultural connection.J. Nicole Martin Lawton on LinkedIn
 

What happens when a hard-charging CEO realizes their leadership style is holding back their organization's potential? In this commentary on last week's conversation with Scott Jackson of Global Impact, we explore the counterintuitive truth about scaling impact. Sometimes, the fastest path forward is creating space for others to lead.
Full episode is here.
About Scott Jackson
Scott Jackson is the President and CEO of Global Impact. He also leads Global Impact Ventures, a family of mission-driven organizations, including Global Impact, Geneva Global, Capital for Good, GI Social Welfare Fund, and Global Impact's international affiliates. Jackson is a global philanthropy, fundraising, communications, and marketing veteran with over 25 years of experience. He oversees advisory and infrastructure services and provides leadership, direction, and oversight for Global Impact, which has raised nearly $2.5 billion with our partners for global causes. Jackson is the author of the 2017 book “Take Me With You,” which was rereleased with new content in 2021. Previously, he served as Vice President for External Relations at PATH, as Senior Vice President of World Vision US, and as President of APCO Seattle. Jackson received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Edinburgh. He also holds a bachelor’s degree and an honorary doctorate from the University of Puget Sound.

When Scott Jackson says his role as CEO of Global Impact is to be a 'follower of leaders,' he challenges conventional thinking about executive leadership. In our conversation, he explains how this counterintuitive approach—empowering others while providing crucial behind-the-scenes support—has helped his organization channel over $2.5 billion to global causes. Scott's practical insights on trust-building and strategic empowerment offer a compelling leadership model for CEOs grappling with how to scale impact while developing their teams.
About Scott Jackson
Scott Jackson is the President and CEO of Global Impact. He also leads Global Impact Ventures, a family of mission-driven organizations, including Global Impact, Geneva Global, Capital for Good, GI Social Welfare Fund, and Global Impact's international affiliates. Jackson is a global philanthropy, fundraising, communications, and marketing veteran with over 25 years of experience. He oversees advisory and infrastructure services and provides leadership, direction, and oversight for Global Impact, which has raised nearly $2.5 billion with our partners for global causes. Jackson is the author of the 2017 book “Take Me With You,” which was rereleased with new content in 2021. Previously, he served as Vice President for External Relations at PATH, as Senior Vice President of World Vision US, and as President of APCO Seattle. Jackson received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Edinburgh. He also holds a bachelor’s degree and an honorary doctorate from the University of Puget Sound.

In this commentary, Deborah Fell examines the psychology of entrepreneurship, drawing from her conversation with Net at Work Co-Founder and Co-CEO Eddie Solomon. Through stories of infrastructure pioneers, transformational leaders, and second-generation successors, she reveals how true entrepreneurs share an unshakeable mindset – they may pivot, but failure is never an option.
Listen to the full episode here.
Eddie Solomon - Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Eddie has over two decades of entrepreneurial experience in the technology and services industry. In 1996, Edward co-founded Net at Work, offering a service-oriented approach to IT and network support. As an owner of an emerging business, Edward completely understands the value of executive-level involvement- and its contribution to a project’s ultimate success- from the earliest planning stages through completion and beyond. 
Additionally, Eddie has co-founded several start-ups, including Docutrend Imaging Solutions, a managed provider of office equipment and print management services; Cloud at Work, a hosting services provider; Pixafy, an eCommerce agency recently acquired by Kensium, LLC. with a focus on integration to ERP, and Swype Payments, a payment processing provider acquired in 2021 by FortisPay. Eddie serves on the board for Young Jewish Professionals (YJP), a not-for-profit organization focused on providing business, educational, and mentoring opportunities for the new generation of Jewish business leaders.
In 2021, Edward was named to the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.
Before starting Net at Work, Edward worked in commercial and investment banking for Republic National Bank and NatWest Markets, where he managed accounting for real-estate properties and restructured Chart of Accounts, respectively. Edward received his MBA in Finance from Baruch College, NY.
 
Company Overview
Net at Work is a well-established IT service provider based with offices in the United States, Canada, and India specializing in software solutions and services for small and medium-sized businesses. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in New York City, the company has grown to over 450 remote-based, full-time employees. Net at Work’s core offerings include software sales, implementation, managed services, fractional CIO, and hosting services for ERP, CRM, HRMS, and e-commerce solutions. 
Net at Work serves a diverse North American client base exceeding 6,000 customers across various industries such as service, distribution, manufacturing, retail, software, technology, healthcare, not-for-profit, and construction. Providing a strong portfolio of value-added professional and managed services, Net at Work partners with industry-recognized software publishers like Sage, Oracle NetSuite, Acumatica, Creatio, and Rippling to provide comprehensive business management solutions. In addition to its primary services, the company offers IT-managed services and private hosted cloud services through its sister company, Cloud at Work and a strong alliance program that includes Sage 100/300 ERP resellers and over 300 managed service providers. Net at Work’s technology solutions, deep business expertise, and strategic partner network together provide highly adaptable and scalable solutions that empower clients to optimize performance and drive growth.