Performance is built through people.
We work with leaders, athletes, and organisations to build the capability, conditions and habits that help people perform at their best.
Russell Performance Co brings together two distinct careers shaped in high-pressure environments. Leigh’s work centres on leadership, people and organisations. Andrew’s centres on the preparation and performance of individuals and teams. Each has a dedicated practice, with a shared belief that lasting results depend on understanding people and putting good ideas into action.
For nearly three decades, Andrew 'Jack' Russell has been at the forefront of elite sport, shaping the performance, resilience and success of some of Australia’s most celebrated athletes and teams. But Andrew’s journey is more than just a list of premierships and accolades - it’s a masterclass in human performance, blending science, leadership, and an innate understanding of what truly drives sustainable success.
Andrew doesn’t just coach performance - he crafts high-performance environments where people think, move, and lead at their best. His approach is as much about mindset, energy, and relationships as it is about physical conditioning, making him one of the most sought-after performance architects in both elite sport and corporate leadership.
"Andrew has had one of the most significant impacts on my career. He has taught and challenged me in many ways to get the best out of myself as an athlete, a leader, and a person."
Patrick Cripps, 2x Brownlow Medalist, Captain Carlton Football Club
"Jack (Andrew) taught me the mindset required to succeed, how to get the best out of yourself, and that you can always push harder than your mind is telling you.
Most importantly, he taught me how to be a professional athlete, and he instilled in me that it is the unseen commitment to your profession that makes you go from good to great."
Luke Hodge - 4 x AFL premiership player, 3 x AFL premiership captain and 3 x All-Australian player.
"Jack has profoundly impacted my football career and continues to do so. I had my personal best seasons in 2017 and 2018 (2x All Australian seasons, Brownlow 2018) on the back of his ability to prepare me physically and mentally."
Tom Mitchell, Brownlow Medalist, Premiership Player Collingwood Football Club
Leadership, people and organisational performance.
Leigh works with CEOs, executives and organisations to strengthen leadership, develop high-performing teams and navigate complex people challenges. A former CEO and experienced Chief People Officer, she brings practical executive insight to coaching, leadership development and strategic people advice.
I have had the privilege of working with and being mentored by Leigh for over 20 years. She is incredibly driven, passionate, and deeply engaging, with a relentless commitment to excellence.
Leigh is an accomplished leader who consistently inspires those around her. I highly recommend her for her expertise, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to developing people and organisations.
Luke Emerson - CA, GAICD, GM Finance
In pursuit of a High Performance Culture, with Leigh you have the whole package. Drawing on her executive leadership background in high performance sport, Leigh intimately appreciates that business success relies on leaderships ability to prioritise our people as our most valuable asset.
Leigh is one of those unicorn like creatures – hugely successful and credible, her experience and insight delivered in a frank and candid style which cuts through, without shutting down thinking.
Kath Gobbi - Executive Leader
Leigh’s leadership and commitment to high performance and integrity have driven major changes in the organisation and have set Swimming Australia up for success both in the pool and out of it. As one of the few female sports leaders in the country, Leigh has championed inclusion and a culture of high-performance, support, mentorship and leadership that is underpinned by strong values.
Swimming Australia News.com.au
Practical ideas on leadership, people and performance from Andrew and Leigh Russell