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

Thomas, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I experienced much career success in politics at a very early age, and there was always a tug of wanting to genuinely serve others, and also fill my wounded self-esteem and ego from childhood traumas.

After hitting rock bottom in my life several years ago, I pivoted to a more servant leadership model, whereby I focused on how I could best serve others, rather than how I could move them on my personal chessboard to serve me.

Surviving mental health challenges (anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide), I changed much of my personal and professional endeavors to now inspire others to live their best life possible.

Life is a gift and I enjoy each day with happiness as my default position.

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

My story is the Sopranos meets Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Child who gets bullied growing up, vows to lose weight and not be chastised or made fun of anymore. Goes into politics during his teen years, runs campaigns, and becomes youngest councilman ever elected in his hometown of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, NJ. Serves two terms and loses his bid for a third term. Gets married, gets divorced. Bounces around careers until he realizes public service full-time is more admirable and productive than part-time political titles that are fleeting and superficial. Gets remarried. Goes BACK into politics, runs and wins in his new hometown of Bernards Township, NJ, and his ego comes back with a vengeance and his new world crumbles a 2nd time. While lying underneath the rubble, becomes severely depressed and contemplates suicide because it would be easier, and he can’t breathe and wonders what life is really all about. Gets tired of not having the answers but finally realizes he wasn’t asking the right questions. In his darkest moment, hears God say it is time to change permanently. Immerses himself in Scripture, Quiet Time, Mens Groups, counseling, a 5-day intensive, and lives to fight another day. Now wants to share his journey of pain, faith, hope, and redemption with others so they learn how to make their lives better through a belief system in rooted in faith, life, light, and love. Rooted in something greater than ego and self. This is a story of redemption. It is never too late.

Obstacles

The belief I was always the smartest person in the room because others treated me that way. I couldn’t fathom not being worthy of adulation or in control. Another obstacle was doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result (definition of insanity). I walked away from my Catholic upbringing to a broader Christian perspective and turned my entire life over to serve others in September 2015 and it changed everything.

I replaced certain people, places, and things in my life with those rooted in Scripture and faith. I learned it was ok not to have all the answers but to seek comfort and wisdom in God. I learned to love my humanity through faith in Him. I learned to have an attitude of gratitude daily about EVERYTHING – not just the victories, but the toils and tribulations.

I wrote the best-selling book, There Are No Politics In Heaven, so I can bring my story of faith and hope to all men throughout the world. As part of the book, I have developed a personal coaching program to help others directly heal the wounds of the past and persevere with courage, hope, and faith in something greater than self.

As a Recovering Politician, I am uniquely qualified to help others with challenges they face in relationships, career, money, health, etc. I have been through it all and seen it all and lived to fight another day. I want to bring healing and comfort to others through my book, but also through one-on-one coaching and speaking engagements. I feel like God has given me several spiritual gifts: the ability to motivate others and articulate messages effectively. I did so for many years in politics, continue to do so in my town manager duties as well as my undergraduate and graduate teaching endeavors. Now it is time for me to help others overcome obstacles so they can live their best life possible.

Any advice for managing a team?

You have to understand that everyone has different motivations for the work that they do. Some people are motivated by bi-weekly paychecks; other by the atta-boy comments; some want the prized parking space; others want the spot bonus, etc.

If you treat everybody has if they have the same goals and motivations, you will miss most of the story. Much of what true leadership entails is psychology and sociology, it is not just about the bottom line.

I always ask people in my job as city manager – who is my most important customer? The answer always comes back – taxpayer, business owner, voter, etc. All incorrect. The most important customer is my staff. If I can’t motivate and inspire them on a daily basis to deliver exceptional customer service to ther “outside” customer, nothing else matters.

You also have to foster an environment of respect, accountability, discpline, and yes, fun, too. People will spend more time in the workplace than they spend with their spouse or kids – make it meaningful.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I gave up politics after the 2nd time I was a local elected official, I decided to write down what my talents were and look for another avenue I could excel in and bring value to as a part-time side hustle…I was able to pivot into teaching at three colleges in NJ and still teach to this day.

Sometimes you have to reinvent yourself. You have to be honest about what you do well…and not so well. I did a personal SWOT analysis and now I coach people on how to do so for themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: thomasrussojr.com
• Instagram: thomasrussojr
• Facebook: thomassrussojr
• Linkedin: thomassrussojr
• Twitter: @ThomasSRussoJr