Meet Danny Russo

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

Hi Danny, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Confidence and self-esteem didn’t develop overnight for me—it was a process shaped by both personal and professional experiences. In my career as an interior designer, I’ve had to trust my instincts and take creative risks, which has been crucial to building that confidence. But it goes beyond just work; I’ve always surrounded myself with an “army” of designers, friends, and mentors whose support has been invaluable. Their belief in me helped me see my own potential. Over time, each success, and even every failure, reinforced that I could handle whatever came my way.

Learning to listen was also crucial to my growth. Early in my career, I thought having all the answers was what made someone successful, but I quickly realized that listening—truly listening—to clients, collaborators, and even critics—deepened my understanding and creativity. Along the way, mistakes happened, but I treated each one as a learning tool. Those moments taught me to pivot, adapt, and grow rather than see them as setbacks.

Being willing to change my thought process, to adapt and evolve my ideas, was key in building both confidence and a more refined sense of self. I also believe that confidence grows from staying true to yourself. The design world is full of trends, but I always aim to put my own unique spin on things. Staying authentic to my vision, even when it’s not the obvious choice, has been key to building a strong sense of self.

And, of course, embracing challenges—like navigating the pandemic—was a true test of resilience and self-belief. I pivoted so much during that time that I was practically doing pirouettes, and it really shaped my confidence in a profound way.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As the founder and President of SRG Interiors INC. and the Creative Director of Daniel Russo Home, I’ve had the privilege of shaping spaces that are visually stunning and deeply personal to each client. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to blend art, design, and functionality in ways that elevate how people experience their environments. My focus has always been on creating spaces that tell a story—spaces that feel authentic and lived in, while still being aesthetically refined.

What sets my brand apart is the personal touch I bring to each project. I don’t just follow trends; I listen closely to my clients’ needs, adapting to their style while infusing my own creative flair. The most special part of the process is the collaboration, where my vision merges with my clients’ dreams to create something truly unique. Every project teaches me something new, and that’s what keeps me inspired.

Beyond design, I truly enjoy helping others in our business. It’s important to me to foster community and growth within the design world, which is why I’m thrilled about launching The Daniel J. Russo Foundation. This foundation is focused on supporting creative youth on their artistic journey, providing mentorship and resources to help them develop their talents. Giving back is a core part of who I am, and I’m excited to make an impact on the next generation of designers.

We also have some exciting upcoming launches, including expansions in our bespoke design services, which cater to high-end, tailored design experiences. There are a few exclusive collaborations in the works that I can’t wait to reveal, blending design with other creative fields.

At the core of it all, my goal is to design spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them, making them not only functional but filled with meaning and beauty. There’s a lot of exciting growth ahead, so stay tuned for some major announcements!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are adaptability, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Adaptability: The ability to pivot when faced with challenges has been crucial. The design industry, like any creative field, is always changing. Whether it was navigating trends, client needs, or something as unexpected as the pandemic, being adaptable allowed me to stay ahead and keep my vision moving forward. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing change rather than fearing it. Stay flexible in your approach and be open to trying new things, even if they seem out of your comfort zone.

Empathy: Understanding people on a deeper level has been a game-changer for me. Interior design is so personal—it’s about creating spaces that reflect the heart of a person or brand. By truly listening and empathizing with clients, I’ve been able to create designs that resonate emotionally. For anyone starting out, practice active listening and put yourself in your client’s shoes. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about how people feel in the space.

Continuous Learning: This industry is constantly evolving, and staying curious has been key to my growth. Whether it’s learning new design techniques, studying emerging trends, or simply being open to other people’s perspectives, a commitment to learning keeps you on the cutting edge. For those just starting, invest time in learning from others—whether through formal education, mentors or even learning from your own mistakes. Keep asking questions, and never assume you know everything. The moment you think you’ve mastered something is the moment you stop growing.

My advice to anyone early in their journey is to focus on these qualities. Be adaptable, empathetic, and committed to learning, and you’ll find your way, no matter the obstacles you face.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in leadership, as well as honing my organization and time management skills. As a designer, my focus has always been on the artistry, but as I’ve taken on larger projects and prepared to launch new ventures, like The Daniel J. Russo Foundation, I’ve had to step more fully into the role of a leader. This meant not only managing a team and business operations but also becoming a mentor to others in the industry.

A big part of this growth has come from improving my organization and time management. With multiple projects happening simultaneously, I’ve learned how crucial it is to stay organized, not just with design tasks, but with business strategies, timelines, and overall project management. Time management has become key—balancing client work, team meetings, and the creative process requires planning and discipline, two areas I’ve really focused on this year.

I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about giving direction—it’s about listening, empowering those around you, and creating a space where everyone’s talents can shine. It’s been a shift in perspective for me, going from being solely a creator to also being a facilitator for others’ creativity. I’ve become more intentional about delegating, trusting my team, and ensuring that the work environment fosters growth for everyone involved.

This shift has not only strengthened my business but also deepened my own understanding of collaboration, adaptability, and how good organization and time management can take both creativity and operations to the next level. It’s been a humbling and rewarding experience to realize that my role as a leader can amplify the creativity of others while staying true to my own vision.

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