About Me - russmansfield

SYNERGISTic

Creative Leader

I have found over the years that I work best as a “creative synergist,” a catalyst who weaves together diverse pieces into something greater than the sum of its parts.

This role, especially in life and business, is about always moving forward, “Ever Forward”, no matter the obstacles that arise. The path is rarely straight, but progress comes when we start with a clear end goal and work backward, mapping the steps to get there.

Yet, true movement happens through collaboration. When you bring your team into this process early, share the vision openly, and reverse-engineer the path together, you create more than just a plan, you build alignment, trust, and momentum. Everyone sees not only where you’re headed but also how their unique role shapes the journey. This collective ownership fuels the kind of synergy that can overcome setbacks and inspire breakthrough solutions.

Being a creative synergist means thriving in complexity and change. It means harnessing the strength of diverse talents and ideas, expertly combining them to propel forward. The obstacles encountered become part of the creative construction, not stop signs. Together, focused on a shared outcome and empowered by collaboration, the team inevitably finds a way forward – ever evolving, ever advancing.

In life and business alike, it’s this mindset, of clarity, teamwork, and creative synthesis, that turns obstacles into opportunities and transforms vision into shared success. To move “Ever Forward” is not to ignore challenges but to embrace them as integral to the journey toward something more amazing.

Personally

I tell my kids all the time: “Stories are the one thing you can collect, give away, and never lose. They stay with you, and maybe even go with you when you’re gone.”

That’s why I try to uncover what inspires people in each story. If you can do that, you can connect with people emotionally, and if you’re lucky, they’ll share that story and its emotion.

As a person, I’m 100% “Dad“, just a father and a man trying to always be better today than the day before, and a Captain America fanatic. It’s that core belief that “you do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do” that guides me.

I enjoy kayaking with my son, helping my daughter concept cosplay costumes, and eating turkey drumsticks at the renaissance festival sitting beside them. I love Comic Cons, Art Shows, concerts and pop culture. In my limited free time I’ll be drawing, practicing guitar, reading book on theoretical physics or poetry. I’m also a big fan of the collected works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

I love thinking, challenges and finding logical and creative solutions.

Most of all I love my kids.

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Leadership & Strategy

20+ years as a Full Stack Creative Lead in agencies, in-house teams, start-ups, and franchise environments
Proven track record in building and scaling creative teams and departments
Calm, solution-focused leader known for driving alignment and momentum
Strategic thinker skilled in reverse-engineering creative solutions from end goals

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Creative Direction & Execution

Extensive hands-on experience across print, digital, video, OOH, radio, events, and experiential media
Adept at shaping and evolving brand identities across multiple touch-points
Strong ability to scale creative output based on scope, team, and goals
Known as a multi-tool creative — equally comfortable directing or executing

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Team Building & Mentorship

Passionate mentor & team motivator who genuinely enjoys helping creatives grow
Skilled in creating positive, collaborative environments that drive results
Trusted as a mediator and momentum-keeper across cross-functional teams

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Communication & Collaboration

Experienced in working with stakeholders, exec teams, vendors, and cross-discipline partners
Communicating vision clearly while empowering teams to contribute and take ownership
Thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments where flexibility and synergy matter most