Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Denise Russo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Denise, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

etrics, and AI—specifically, how we can use these tools to identify the root causes of emotional responses in leaders.

I’m currently collaborating with top scientists and psychologists who are developing and testing technologies that don’t just track stress or output but go deeper—into the belief systems and thinking patterns driving behavior. In business, we often look at poor results and blame a lack of action. But what if the issue isn’t what someone did—but what they believe?

For example, we’re testing tools that can flag physiological signals like elevated stress levels or cognitive fatigue and connect those to thought patterns—helping individuals recognize when self-limiting beliefs are influencing decision-making. These insights are powerful because they shift the coaching conversation from reactive to proactive.

The opportunity? These tools bring a more holistic view of wellbeing—acknowledging that burnout, overwhelm, and emotional triggers don’t stay neatly in the “work” box.

The concern? We must ensure ethical use of data, and that coaches are trained to interpret these tools responsibly—not replace human connection with technology alone.

Used wisely, this technology enhances coaching by helping people make deeper, lasting changes—because we’re not just treating symptoms, we’re getting to the source.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

There is a much longer story to how I got into this industry, but in summary:
I’m a leadership development expert, executive coach, and organizational strategist with over 20 years of experience in talent development, leadership coaching, and organizational growth. My career journey spans across multiple industries including entertainment, tourism, aviation, HR, procurement, and SaaS cloud software, where I have had the opportunity to guide organizations in their quest for global growth and transformation.

I entered this field after recognizing a common thread across all industries—the need for strong leadership, clear vision, and the right strategies to help individuals and organizations thrive. I became passionate about creating environments that nurture talent, foster leadership, and drive organizational success. This passion led me to focus on helping leaders clarify their purpose, align their vision, and cultivate cultures where people can reach their full potential.

I specialize in crafting total talent strategies, which includes leadership development, coaching, and learning and development (L&D) solutions. I design and implement these strategies for businesses of all sizes, from Fortune 500 companies to emerging organizations, to ensure they achieve sustainable growth through empowered leadership and cohesive teams. One of my key focuses is experience management, where I oversee initiatives that guarantee high-quality, seamless transitions, whether in outplacement, relocation, or executive coaching.

What sets me apart from others in the field includes my tenure as not only a practitioner, but a people leader, and executive across multiple industries alongside my holistic approach to leadership development, which integrates the principles of Ikigai—the alignment of passion, potential, and purpose. I believe every challenge faced by a leader or organization is an opportunity for growth. This mindset has shaped my work and is central to the transformations I’ve facilitated. I work closely with clients to not only refine their leadership strategies but also to encourage authenticity, resilience, and purposeful action.

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the world’s most recognized brands and organizations, such as SAP, NARAS, Universal Studios, the Olympics, FIFA, the Super Bowl, and the NBA. These experiences have not only reinforced my belief in the power of strategic leadership but also allowed me to guide teams through complex and high-stakes environments, helping them thrive in adversity.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the tangible impact my work has had—whether it’s through increased employee engagement, stronger team cohesion, or measurable improvements in retention and promotion rates. Additionally, I am deeply proud of the personal relationships I’ve built over the years with senior executives, many of whom I continue to mentor and support as they navigate their own growth and leadership challenges.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is centered on creating lasting change that’s meaningful and measurable. I’m not just about theory or one-time solutions—I’m focused on delivering long-term results. My work empowers leaders to unlock their full potential, navigate obstacles, and lead with authenticity and purpose.

I offer personalized coaching, strategic leadership development programs, and experience management solutions to organizations that are looking to uplevel their talent strategy and leadership capabilities. I also host the What’s On Your Bookshelf podcast, where I engage with thought leaders to discuss insights into leadership, growth, and personal development.

Through my book, Twelve Days: A Christmas Exploration, and my podcast, What’s On Your Bookshelf?, I share stories, lessons, and leadership principles that inspire both individuals and organizations to grow, evolve, and succeed.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Throughout my career, I’ve found that the books I read and the lessons I learn from them shape both my personal and professional growth. Books have always been a way for me to find new perspectives, refine my leadership strategies, and discover new approaches to tackling challenges. As the host of What’s On Your Bookshelf?, I get to share those lessons with my listeners, diving into the books that have had a profound impact on my life.

Some of the key books that have shaped my thinking and that I often reference include:

Crazy Busy by Kevin Deyoung: This book is a wake-up call about the importance of slowing down in a world that’s constantly demanding more of our time and attention. It’s a reminder of the value of intentional living and being fully present in both our personal and professional lives.

The 5 Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell: As a leadership development expert, this book offers timeless principles on how to grow as a leader at every stage of your career. It has been a cornerstone in my approach to leadership coaching, emphasizing how leadership begins with self-awareness and extends to creating a legacy.

The Bible: As the foundation of my faith, the Bible guides my personal and professional decisions. The wisdom found in its teachings on leadership, humility, and integrity profoundly influences how I coach leaders and how I live my life.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This book has been a constant reminder of the importance of pursuing your personal purpose and never losing sight of your dreams. It speaks to the power of perseverance and the belief that the journey itself is just as important as the destination.

The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins: This is a practical guide to leadership transitions. As someone who has guided many leaders through new roles, this book offers a structured approach to navigating the first critical months in a new position.

The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday: In my most recent podcast episodes, we’ve been exploring this bestseller. It’s all about reframing obstacles as opportunities, and it aligns with my philosophy that challenges should not be seen as setbacks but as catalysts for growth.

Coach Wooden by Pat Williams: Coach John Wooden’s principles on leadership, character, and success continue to inspire me. His ability to develop winning teams through fundamental skills and mental toughness is a constant reminder of the power of discipline and consistency in leadership.

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin: This book has had a profound impact on my approach to leadership. It teaches the importance of accountability, ownership, and taking responsibility for both individual and team outcomes—key principles I emphasize in my coaching and leadership strategies.

I’ve read hundreds of books over the years, and many of them have been instrumental in my approach to coaching, leadership, and personal growth. I’m often asked to recommend books, and one of the greatest joys I have is sharing the life-changing lessons I’ve learned from them with others through my podcast. Whether it’s a timeless leadership classic or a modern bestseller, the books on my shelf serve as a wellspring of inspiration for everything I do.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Early in my college journey, I had my heart set on becoming a music teacher, following a passion that seemed to guide my path. However, about six months before graduation, I had a realization that I wasn’t fully aligned with that direction. It was a difficult but necessary decision to pivot away from teaching. I shifted focus and entered the music industry, working on producing events and festivals, which felt like a natural extension of my passion for music and creativity. That lasted for about 7 years.

But then, after 9/11, everything changed. The world of live events came to a sudden stop, as people were no longer attending festivals and concerts like before. The music industry was deeply impacted, and I found myself at another turning point. Faced with this challenge, I pivoted again—this time, I pursued a Master’s in Tourism Administration. During my thesis research, I discovered an opportunity at AirTran Airways, which marked the beginning of my long career in leadership development, coaching, total talent management, and learning and development.

After reaching a high point in my career at SAP in 2023, where I held the position of VP leading a large global team, I encountered a glass ceiling. Having reached the peak of that role, I realized it was time for another pivot. I embraced the opportunity to create an entire vertical in fractional executive leadership, focusing on learning, leadership, and coaching for a startup. Along with this, I started consulting for other organizations in the areas of quality, experience management, coaching in organizations, resilience, total quality management, and operational strategy. This shift brought everything full circle for me—combining my years of expertise and passion to make a more significant, direct impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.schoolofthoughts.net
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniserusso1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtZjTSmbHp1LIJX6JGJ5dR_EIYSR2sj0v
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/whats-on-your-bookshelf/id1688553668

Image Credits

These photos all belong to me