About

Karen Russo

I bridge global talent, career advancement, and commercial strategy, designing scalable ecosystems that drive growth.

I build organizations by building the right talent systems behind them. I have founded and led executive search and advisory firms in the United States and Mexico, pioneering cross-border sourcing and global recruitment models.

Today I partner with organizations to rethink how they attract, build, and retain high-impact talent. My approach is ecosystem-driven: talent does not exist in isolation. It thrives when aligned with culture, opportunity, and clear advancement pathways.

In parallel, through Lifestyle Reset, I guide professionals in rebranding, increasing visibility, and aligning career ambition with lifestyle strategy.

If you are scaling, evolving, or reimagining your talent strategy, let's connect.

Where Karen specializes

  • Building high-performance leadership teams
  • Executive search and RPO solutions
  • Talent pipeline development aligned to business expansion
  • Recruitment strategy and tech-enabled hiring models
  • Succession planning and retention strategies
  • Career development and leadership excellence
  • Cross-border and bilingual talent advisory
average placement retention
4+ yrs
repeat client engagement
70%
of shortlists placed
85%
building teams, US and Mexico
30 yrs

President · founded 2007

IIPE International Executive Research

Pioneered one of the first sourcing and lead generation firms based in Mexico and Latin America supporting global executive search, then expanded it into a global practice covering LATAM, Europe, and APAC.

  • 85% of research shortlists resulted in placements
  • 1,100+ positions supported in 18 months for an international entertainment client
  • 40% year-over-year revenue growth

President · founded 1996

K. Russo Consulting

A boutique executive search and talent advisory firm specializing in human resources, corporate communications, and marketing, later extended into DEI, executive leadership, and development leaders. Clients include Fortune 500 companies.

  • Average placement retention beyond 4 years
  • 70% repeat client engagement
  • Served major industries and Fortune 500 companies

Lifestyle Reset

The career rebranding arm: guiding professionals in rebranding, increasing visibility, and aligning career ambition with lifestyle strategy.

Credentials and recognition

  • B.S. Marketing, Pace University, Lubin School of Business
  • DEI Workplace Certified · Diversity Certified Recruiter
  • Member of The Pinnacle Society since 2001
  • Strategic Alliance Partner, AESC
  • Quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Business Week

Ready to move?

The playbooks, the workbooks, the circle, and the door to working with Karen one on one. Atendemos en español.