Testimonials
Average Session Evaluation:
Hearing Russell Is the Best Decision You Will Make. Hands Down.
“In a time where everyone is stretched beyond thin and should be practicing all aspects of self-care, including being selective with how we invest the time we have, hearing Russell speak is hands-down one of the best decisions you’ll make for you and your team’s time. Russell tells you a story about himself that is so authentic and raw, you become easily immersed…he is one of those rare speakers that causes you to literally lose sense of time in a meeting room. You will walk away from hearing Russell with a rejuvenated sense of passion for your work as well as life in general, and a centering of empathy and person-centeredness that will help to elevate how you relate to those around you. The ripple effects Russell leaves behind in any audience he speaks to will create a better experience in health care and social services for those needing care and those delivering it.” /// Jessica Bax, Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Missouri Department of Mental Health
Highly Recommended. Inspiring, Compelling, Profound, and Powerful!
“Having had the privilege of hearing Russell Lehmann, a remarkable man with autism in his early 30s, share his journey, I am deeply moved by his transparency and willingness to open up about his experiences with severe OCD, panic, and depression. Mr. Lehmann not only advocates for people with disabilities but also serves as an inspiring example of embracing and sharing one’s unique journey for the benefit of others. His authenticity is a powerful force, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding. In addition to his compelling advocacy, his ability to express himself through poetry adds a unique and poignant dimension to his message. Through the artistry of words, he offers a profound glimpse into his world. He is truly an advocate making a lasting impact. I would highly recommend Russell Lehmann for your next speaker engagement.” /// Shawn Kros, CEO, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.
Russell Has an Irresistible Blend of Utter Transparency and Rare Authenticity
Russell has the unique ability to share wisdom in a different light that leads to stronger human connection in our world. This is especially important in the work he does promoting true inclusion of persons with disabilities. Through an irresistible blend of utter transparency and rare authenticity, he brings a message to society that is essential to creating attitudinal shifts necessary for revolutionary change. No spoon-feeding or sugar-coating here! Instead, you can expect to hear pure, refreshing, unapologetic truth that has the power to change hearts and minds! /// Leigh Anne McKingsley, MSSW, MPA Senior Director, The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability
Russell Unites His Audience by Building Upon the Human Condition
Russell’s written work and presentations unite his audience by building upon the human condition to connect. His message is one of finding acceptance within the random situations life puts us all in and the choice we all get to make to allow our chaos to control our outcomes or for one to use the chaos to build unique strengths and gain control of our own narratives. Through honest self-examination and incorporating philosophical wisdom passed down throughout the ages, Russell’s work challenges people of all abilities to use the adversaries one’s “fates” might have imposed on them to discover that without personal struggles, one would not be who they are. Russell encourages one to rise up to the destinies that are presented to them for individual growth and to positively impact humanity’s ongoing story. /// Aaron Stephens, Special project Director, The Arc of Frederick County, MD
Russell is a captivating, amazing, and inspiring speaker.
Russell came to our organization to present in our Trauma-Informed Speaker Series. Russell is an amazing and inspiring speaker. He captivated the audience with his vulnerability and openness about his life. He also identified accessible strategies to help people effectively. Our staff were so impressed by Russell and his message. We cannot wait to bring him back! /// Pam Kasinetz Corporate Clinical Director, Behavioral Health and Housing Resources for Human Development
Russell Had Us All Close to Tears; His Message Left Everyone Changed for the Better
Russell delivered a fantastic keynote speech at the 10th annual Missouri Behavioral Health Council conference in Kansas City. The entire room sat on pins and needles, close to tears. Russell told his story to a crowd of state employees, clinicians, CEOs, and family members with children experiencing similar situations. He helped normalize and bring a face to what it’s like to live with complex diagnoses. He used poetry, metaphors, and comedy to drive home critical points to his message that left everyone in the room changed for the better. /// Rhi Evans, BCBA, LBA BHIDD Integrated Care Manager Missouri Behavioral Health Council
“Unwavering Advocacy”
“In recognition of your unwavering advocacy and work to educate our citizens about autism, I commend your dedication to sharing your story through public speaking, poetry, and inspiring stories. I thank you for your commitment to ensuring no one feels alone.” /// Governor Brian Sandoval – President, University of Nevada, Reno and Former Nevada Governor
“Generating New Ideas”
“Thank you for your informative and inspiring message. The audience loved you and really gained a lot from your presentation and sharing of your personal experiences. You were the perfect kick off for our annual 2017 Symposium and contributed to many engaging discussions and generation of new ideas among participants throughout the three-day event.” /// Wendy Parent-Johnson, Ph.D., CRC, CESP – Center for Disabilities, University of South Dakota
“A Call to Action”
“Russell Lehmann gave an inspiring and engaging presentation to our Partners in Policymaking graduates in CT. His insight into how his own disability shaped his life was a message of hope and a call to action for our future leaders of the disability movement. Everyone was uplifted.” /// Molly Cole – Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities
“Positive Attitude”
“Russell’s powerful presentation, along with his ability to explain the lessons he has learned with an enduring positive attitude was both education and inspiring. Our faculty will be referring to his presentation throughout the year as Russell has provided practical, personal examples of living with autism that generalizes to compassion for all human beings.” /// Tina Rhodes – UConn Health
“Captured the Audience”
“Russell’s keynote presentation at our symposium was an emotional, raw and very personal story about the lived experience, including the triumphs and the challenges. His story captured the audience and inspired us all.” /// Eric Kurtz, Ph.D – Executive Director, Center for Disabilities University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
“Moving Speech in London”
“Russell’s inspiring and moving speech touched the hearts of the scientists and students who heard him when he spoke at our research Centre in London. We all learnt a great deal from him sharing his personal journey, his poetry and his wisdom.” /// Francesca Happé PhD – Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, King’s College London
Community Engagement Conference
Dear Russell, On behalf of the Community Engagement Conference 2022 Planning Committee we would like to thank you again for the wonderful keynote address that you presented on our theme of “Building Community” at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. The conference had over 300 people in attendance. The audience feedback on your presentation was outstanding! Out of approximately 50% of returned surveys, 100% of the respondents gave you the highest possible review on your presentation. We felt honored to have you as our guest in Northeast Missouri. Russell, your presentation came at a pivotal moment for our community as we discuss and plan the development of the Greenwood Center for Autism in Northeast Missouri. To quote one of the key players from the conference, she said “Russell is saying exactly what everyone in this room needs to hear.” We appreciate your transparency in sharing your inspiring personal journey. Your willingness to discuss your story, identify what worked and what didn’t work for you as well as your balance in reviewing educational and community supports had enormous impact on our community leadership. We are confident that your message will be considered in the planning and providing services for the autistic
“A Poet and Storyteller”
“Russell isn’t just a poet. Or a young man with autism who suffers with OCD issues and PTSD. He is an entrepreneur, a poet, a storyteller, and educator and an amazing individual with a fantastic story to tell. Bring him to speak to your organization and watch him fly with all his superpowers. He will touch your heart.” /// Ira M. Gostin, MBA, APR – Second Start Learning Disabilities Programs Inc.
“Instrumental in Spreading Awareness”
“Russell speaks from the heart, and is an insightful, well-spoken presenter. He is not afraid to share deeply and openly, and is candid with both his triumphs and struggles. He is instrumental in bringing awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism and gives those who are not living with autism a very real inside look into his experiences.” /// Mary Helen Richer – Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati
“Fantastic Presentation, Perfect Speaker!”
“Russell is a fantastic speaker! I would recommend him to any group! Russell is very articulate, passionate, and has a great message to share with everyone. Not only was his message great, but he brought it to our audience in a way that kept their attention and connected with them. He was able to still click with our audience even though his presentation was on a virtual platform. With our group, Russell was speaking to young adults with all types of disabilities. He was the perfect speaker for this type of audience. Russell was real with them and validated their thoughts and feelings. They connected with his story because his story is also their story. We are just so pleased that we had Russell as a speaker and would invite him back anytime!” /// Carrie Greenwood – Program Coordinator – Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy
“Dynamic Expert”
“I recently had the good fortune of meeting Russell Lehmann. I was immediately drawn into the conversation. Russell is sincere, honest, and generous with sharing his story. As the MA DDS Statewide Director of Training & Staff Development, I am always on the lookout for dynamic, informative speakers. People who are not only subject matter experts, but also have so much more to share. Russell is able to address an experience as only he can. Difficulties at a young age, where he was bullied as a quirky kid, finally leading to a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Russell’s description is not fiction. It is a story which he lives every day. He will tell you the heartbreak, the hard times, and the truth about what it is to grow up autistic. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear him speak! We valued all the insights we learned as he spoke of his life.” /// Valarie (Oresto) Whiting, PhD – Statewide Director of Training & Staff Development, MA DDS
“Dynamic and Authentic!”
“Words don’t seem strong enough to express the impact Russell had on our event. His ability to share some of the most vulnerable experiences in his life created a dynamic and authentic presentation. Russell’s perspective was crucial to provide a client-centered perspective for our conference. He set the stage for the social workers attending our conference to be vulnerable and authentic. I believe the social workers who attended our event will continue to pull from Russell’s presentation and be reminded that our clients and their struggles are far more than what we view during a case management session. Russell’s personality, perspective, and willingness to be authentic would transform anyone’s training event, as it did for ours. It was such a pleasure to work with Russell- we hope to be able to again!” /// Tess Peterson – Nevada Public Health Foundation (NPHF)
“Powerful and Unforgettable”
“Russell came and spoke to our Special Education team, a group of educators that work directly with students with various disabilities. These are professionals that have advanced degrees and years of experience in the field. They described Russell’s presentation as “eye-opening, powerful and unforgettable”. Russell speaks in an authentic way about his struggles with autism. He is candid in the way he describes his experiences and is willing to answer questions to help his audience gain an insight and understanding that only an individual living with autism can. Russell touched all of our lives and he gave us hope for the students that we support that are dealing with some of the same challenges.” /// Dana Johnson, M.Ed. Special Education Director – Georgetown ISD, Texas