Russ works as a trainer and facilitator in the areas of deliberate creativity, innovation, team-building and change leadership for both adults and youth. He has delivered programs worldwide including programs in Singapore, Italy, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the US.
A sampling of organizations to benefit from his training and on-going facilitation and speaking in the last few years include: T. Rowe Price, International Flavor & Fragrances, Kraft, Coca-Cola, TAP Pharmaceuticals, SC Johnson, Philips Electronics, Praxair, Discover, Kimberly-Clark, Zimmer and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Russ is a contributing author to a number of innovation-related materials including the FourSight suite of materials. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member at the Center for Studies in Creativity where he teaches graduate courses in facilitating creative process.
Russ holds a Master of Science in Creativity, Innovation and Change Leadership from State University of New York at Buffalo and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory specializing in improvisation. He is a specialist in the field of individual, team and organizational innovation and leadership. He holds certifications in a number of additional training programs including Polarity Management and Emotional Intelligence.
Russ is a co-founder of the Creative Youth Leadership Academy (www.creativeyouthleadership.org) which helps train young people to adopt a mindset and apply a toolset to help them see more options in their lives and to make healthier choices. In addition, Russ serves as a leader at the annual Creative Problem Solving Institute, the annual Creativity European Association conference in Italy and the Mindcamp Creativity Conference in Toronto.
When Russ is not working, you can find him around Chicago, practicing aikido, improvising or learning Italian!
Some of Russ’ other favorite things include:
Bruce Springsteen, the color Blue, Thai Food, basset hounds,
Red Sox, Green Mill, New Zealand, Shawshank Redemption, and his passport!