Russ works as a facilitator and trainer for Innovationedge’s clients in the areas of deliberate creativity, innovation, team-building and leadership. He has delivered innovation and leadership programs worldwide including programs in Singapore, Italy, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the US.

Russ holds a Master of Science in Creativity, Innovation and Change Leadership from State University of New York 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.

A sampling of organizations to benefit from his training and on-going ideation facilitation in the last few years include: T. Rowe Price, Prudential, Blue Cross Blue Shield, International Flavor & Fragrances, Kraft, Frito-Lay, TAP Pharmaceuticals, SC Johnson, Philips Electronics, Praxair, Discover, Kimberly-Clark and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Russ is an adjunct faculty member of the Center for Studies in Creativity, Innovation and Change Leadership where he teaches graduate courses in Facilitating Creative Process. He is a contributing author to a number of innovation-related materials including Your Guide Book, An Innovation Road Map and Your Tool Cards, an Innovation Catalyst published by THinc Communications.

Russ is also the Co-founder of the Creative Youth Leadership program, a holistic 5-day experience for enhancing leadership, communication and problem-solving skills among teens.

A leader of the facilitating creative leadership program at the annual Creative Problem Solving Institute, the annual Creativity European Association conference in Italy and the Mindcamp Creativity Conference in Toronto, Russ spends his free time in Chicago improvising and practicing aikido.