In this In the Margins episode, we step into a quiet but powerful moment with Michelle Rago, one of the most respected voices in luxury event production.

Michelle opens up about how her childhood shaped her ability to stay grounded under pressure—and how that emotional clarity has become a cornerstone of her leadership. She shares why she no longer feels the need to prove herself, what she looks for in creative collaborators, and how true confidence often arrives quietly, without the need for noise or performance.

This conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to be the loudest in the room to be the most trusted, and that calm, kindness, and presence are still the most underrated superpowers in business.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to work harder to be taken seriously—or questioned your place in high-stakes creative spaces—this episode will meet you right where you are.

Guest Bio:

Michelle Rago is the founder of Michelle Rago Destinations, a global event production firm known for curating unforgettable destination weddings and celebrations around the world.

Her greatest strength lies in her ability to interpret her clients’ desires and translate them into events that are both meticulously planned and effortlessly beautiful. With years of hands-on experience, a refined eye for design, and a mastery of logistics, Michelle has built a reputation for navigating complex destination productions with grace and precision.

What truly sets her apart is her curiosity—about people, about place, and about how aesthetics, culture, and hospitality come together to shape meaningful experiences. It’s this lens that makes her work not just admired, but remembered.

From private estates to faraway coastlines, Michelle creates moments that are intentional, elegant, and deeply rooted in connection.

In this episode, James and Otto sit down with renowned planner and designer, Beth Helmstetter, for a masterclass in emotionally intelligent event design. Known for her deeply intentional, soulfully refined approach to luxury weddings, Beth shares how she’s built a brand rooted not just in aesthetics—but in hospitality, heart, and human connection.

From working with ultra-high-net-worth clients to managing teams across multiple ventures (including her gifting company and boutique hotel), Beth reveals how she brings a sense of calm leadership to every space she enters.

She shares her philosophy on true hospitality, why emotional safety matters more than wow-factor, and how planners can lead with softness while still commanding respect.

Beth also discusses The Good Beginning, her charitable registry platform that invites couples to start their marriage with generosity and intention.

If you’re a wedding planner, designer, or creative searching for more meaning in your work, this episode is an invitation to rethink what luxury really means—and how to infuse it with presence, purpose, and care.