Russell Kern is the Founder and CEO of Kern and Partners, a leadership development consultancy that specializes in neuroscience-based, strength-centric programs designed to elevate team dynamics, collaboration, and innovation within organizations. With over four decades of experience, including leading a 400-person national advertising agency, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge in organizational development and human capital optimization. He is renowned for creating the K.E.R.N. Leadership Development Method, which fosters high-value teaming cultures aligned with strategic business objectives. Russell’s client portfolio includes global enterprises such as Caterpillar, Procter & Gamble, SAP, American Express, and AAA Auto Club, reflecting his broad impact across various industries.

In this episode…

The marketing world is noisier than ever, so how can brands truly capture attention and inspire action? With digital fatigue rising and inboxes overflowing, it is getting harder to stand out. Could the secret lie in something as traditional as direct mail, and how does cutting-edge tech like AI fit into the picture?

According to Russell Kern, a direct marketing pioneer with decades of experience, the key to breaking through the noise lies in understanding how the human brain responds to physical experiences. He highlights that direct mail engages more of our senses than digital channels and creates a lasting impact when executed with precision. The result is higher engagement and better ROI, especially when neuroscience and behavioral insights inform the creative strategy. Russell also emphasizes that while AI tools can supercharge ideation and efficiency, they work best when paired with human intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

In this episode of the Response Drivers podcast, host Rick Rappe is joined by Russell Kern, Founder and CEO of Kern and Partners, to discuss the neuroscience behind direct mail and the role of Human+AI collaboration in modern marketing. They explore why physical mail is making a comeback, how to blend creativity with data, and ways to improve strategic thinking using AI. Russell also shares his approach to building unbeatable, high-performing teams.