About Russ
I am dedicated to educating and inspiring people to reach their creative potential.
Working as a facilitator, trainer and speaker in the areas of productive thinking, innovation,
and leadership, I have delivered innovation programs throughout the world including programs
in Singapore, Italy, Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the US. I hold a Master
of Science in Creativity, Innovation and Change Leadership from State University of New York,
Center for Studies in Creativity and am a graduate of the Second City Conservatory specializing in
improvisation.
I am a contributing author to a number of innovation articles and books including The inGenious Thinking suite of creativity materials published in collaboration with New & Improved, LLC.
A sampling of organizations that I have worked with in the last few years include:
Kraft, SC Johnson, Coca-Cola, International Flavors & Fragrances, Bristol Myers Squibb,
Pfizer, Tap Pharmaceuticals, New Zealand Milk, Quaker and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
In addition, I am a consulting partner with a number of innovation training and new product firms
(see links/affiliations). I am also the co-founder of the Creative Youth Leadership Program, which is a program dedicated to enhancing leadership, communication and problem-solving skills among teens.
In 2004, I spent a month working in South Africa and then two additional months teaching English in Tanzania. Now back in Chicago, I am focused on speaking, training and facilitating.
When I am not working, you can find me around Chicago, practicing aikido, improvising or attempting to renovate my new apartment!
Some of my favorite things include:
Bruce Springsteen, the color Blue, Thai Food, basset hounds,
Red Sox, Green Mill, New Zealand, Shawshank Redemption, and my passport!