Russ is co-founder of the Creative Youth Leadership Program and works as a facilitator and trainer in the areas of creative thinking, problem-solving, team-building and leadership. He has delivered creativity & innovation programs around the world including programs in India, England and Italy. Russ draws on his Master's of Science degree in Creativity & Innovation from the International Center for Studies in Creativity, SUNY College at Buffalo, and combines it with his background in psychology and improvisation to deliver programming that resonates with youth. His work with youth has been featured in Fast Company Magazine, Court TV and on NBC Chicago news.

Russ is also partner in Mindgarden Kids, a new product firm specializing in kid and teen innovation and a partner in Blair Miller & Associates, a creativity and leadership consulting firm. Some of the other organizations to benefit from his training and facilitation include: Allstate, Kraft, Tenneco, Avery-Dennison, International Flavors & Fragrances, and Pfizer.

A leader at the annual Creative Problem Solving Institute in Buffalo, New York and a faculty member at the Management Center, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, Russ also enjoys exploring Chicago, improvising, practicing aikido and spending time with his family and friends.