Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” In a world that often values practicality and conformity, it’s easy to forget the profound impact that imagination can have on our lives and our organizations. Imagination has the power to inspire creativity, drive innovation, and unlock possibilities that were once thought impossible. But how do we tap into this wellspring of imagination? It starts with going back to our roots, back to a time when we were weird kids when everything was possible.
In a groundbreaking study conducted by NASA, renowned creativity expert George Land and his team sought to understand the development of creativity and imagination. They designed a series of tests that measured the creative thinking abilities of 1,600 children at various age levels. The results were astonishing. At the age of 5, a staggering 98% of the children exhibited genius-level creativity. However, as the children grew older and progressed through the education system, their creativity drastically declined. By the time they reached adulthood, only 2% of the participants retained their creative thinking abilities.
What this study reveals is a sobering truth about the impact of societal conditioning on our imagination. As we navigate through the educational system and conform to societal norms, we unknowingly suppress our innate creative abilities. We become accustomed to linear thinking, rigid structures, and the fear of failure, all of which stifle our imagination.
But there is hope. We can reclaim and reignite our imagination by reconnecting with the weird kid that resides within each of us. That weird kid represents a time when we were uninhibited by societal expectations, free to explore, create, and dream. It’s that same childlike wonder and curiosity that propelled us to imagine the extraordinary.
Frankie Russo, a visionary entrepreneur, 
understands the power of unlocking imagination. He recognizes that embracing our inner weirdness is the key to reigniting our creative spark. In his own journey, Russo has seen the transformative effects of allowing oneself to be authentically weird. By creating a culture that fosters imagination, he has witnessed the birth of innovative ideas, breakthrough solutions, and a sense of empowerment among his team.
Imagine what could happen if we all embraced our inner weirdness and allowed our imaginations to run wild. Imagine the possibilities that lie beyond the confines of what we deem “normal” or “practical.” By tapping into our innate creativity, we can challenge the status quo, find unconventional solutions to complex problems, and create a future that surpasses our wildest dreams.
So, as we embark on this exploration of Frankie Russo’s entrepreneurial success and his embrace of weirdness, let us remember the power of imagination. Let us reconnect with that weird kid within us, unafraid to dream, create, and think differently. Let us draw inspiration from the NASA study and the untapped potential that lies dormant within each of us. By doing so, we can unlock the limitless power of our imagination and usher in a new era of innovation, authenticity, and possibility.
This concept resonates deeply with Frankie Russo, a visionary entrepreneur who embodies the spirit of embracing the weird. As an entrepreneur, Russo understands that the fundamentals of entrepreneurship go beyond just making money. It’s about creating value, fostering innovation, and bringing people together. By embracing our individuality and being inquisitive, resilient, and eloquent, we can tap into the wellspring of creativity that resides within us.
Russo’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of embracing weirdness. From the early days of selling a T-shirt to his friends, he went on to co-found Potenza Inc. in 2008—a highly successful advertising agency known for its groundbreaking marketing strategies and branding expertise. Through Potenza Inc., Russo created a space where imagination thrived, enabling his team to craft compelling advertisements for auto dealers, television stations, and food chains.
Building upon his entrepreneurial success, Russo founded 360 Intelligent Automation (360ia) in 2015. This innovative company revolutionized marketing automation and intelligence, utilizing exclusive target strategies, outreach, automation, and attribution. The results were astounding, with 360ia generating six times more sales, reaching diverse market segments, and exponentially creating revenue for client companies.
But Russo’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there. In 2018, he founded Russo Capital—a venture dedicated to investment activities across various sectors, including sports, technology, advertising, media, marketing, automobiles, music, agriculture, publishing, and finance. Through Russo Capital, he continues to create opportunities and fortuities for others, supporting entrepreneurs, artists, professionals, and passionate individuals in fulfilling their dreams.
Furthermore, Russo’s commitment to unlocking imagination led him to establish The School of Why in 2016. This unique venture provides practical opportunities and frameworks for individuals from all walks of life to tap into their creative potential and pursue their passions.
Russo’s collaborations with companies like Origin A.I. and 247 Out of Home, as well as his strategic investments with partners like Voodoo Growers and Mudita Venture Partners, further exemplify his dedication to fostering innovation and imagination.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Frankie Russo is a renowned keynote speaker and author. His engaging and insightful speeches have inspired thousands, and his books, such as The Art of Why: Master Your Purpose and Breaking WHY: Hacking and Rebuilding Strategic Emotions for Authentic Success, have resonated with readers worldwide. Through his words and actions, Russo exemplifies the transformative power of embracing one’s weirdness and harnessing the limitless potential of imagination.
Frankie Russo’s accomplishments have garnered him numerous accolades and recognition. From Addy Awards and AWA Automotive Awards to being named ABIZ Entrepreneur of the Year and 20 under 40 Honoree by The Daily Advertiser, Russo’s contributions have left an indelible mark. His companies, Potenza Inc. and 360ia have been listed in Inc. 500 as the fastest-growing organizations for eight consecutive years, while his visionary leadership propelled 360ia to achieve an astounding 6000% profit within three years.
As we reflect on Frankie Russo’s remarkable journey, we are reminded that true success lies not only in personal achievements but also in helping others find their purpose.
Through his companies, ideas, books, and speaking engagements, Russo has made it his mission to ignite the spark of imagination in others. His contributions have been featured in leading international media publications and magazines, including Bloomberg, Businessweek, The Startup Weekly, Time, Inc., Fortune, and Entrepreneur.
In conclusion, Frankie Russo’s story serves as a powerful reminder that embracing our inner weirdness and unlocking our imagination can lead to extraordinary achievements. By going back to the time when everything was possible and fearlessly pursuing our passions, we tap into a wellspring of creativity and potential. Russo’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies the transformative power of embracing change with resilience, creating value, and helping others along the way.
As we navigate a world that constantly evolves, let us remember that the true formula for success lies in fostering a life centered around imagination, individuality, and the pursuit of making a positive impact. By embracing our weirdness, we can unlock the extraordinary and reshape the world around us. So, dare to be different, embrace your inner weird, and let your imagination soar to new heights. The possibilities are limitless.
