The Amazing Resilience of Russell Redenbaugh

Russell Redenbaugh never backs down from a challenge.

This approach to life was ingrained in him from a young age–long before he moved to The Hill at Whitemarsh–when he survived a chemical explosion while assembling a model rocket as a teenager, resulting in the loss of six fingers and his eyesight. Refusing to believe that the bright future ahead of him would be derailed because of his newfound disability, Russell continued to move forward, no matter the obstacles in his way.

“I had to learn how to navigate the prejudice of the world around me as well as my own prejudice,” Russell recalled. “I made a declaration that I would not live my life being limited by what others think.”

After graduating first in his class at The University of Utah, Russell was rejected by his first two graduate school choices. Both schools felt that a blind person could not manage such a challenging program. Fortunately for Russell, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania saw Russell’s potential. The dean of admissions told him that he would be admitted and would be treated just like anyone else. He issued a caveat, however, telling Russell that if he couldn’t do the work, he would have to leave. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, finishing fifth in his class.

Russell faced additional challenges upon entering the job market. Eventually, he was hired as a securities analyst at a prominent Philadelphia investment firm and once again proved his capacity for vision and innovation. Within a few years, Russell became the firm’s first chief investment officer.

Around the time that Russell turned 50, he set his sights on a new challenge: Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

“I was training at a gym and decided to try it, because why not?” Russell said. “I came to understand that it’s really a thinking person’s sport and rewards strategy over strength and skill over size.”

Often underestimated on the mat, Russell began to garner a lot of attention at the gym for winning many of his matches.

“They started off as friendly competitions, but advancement is predicated on winning, and I was pleasantly surprised to win more often than not,” he said. “As a result, my trainer, Phil Migliarese, encouraged me to compete at the World Championships in Brazil.”

There, Russell earned three consecutive gold medals in Brazil for winning in his weight class in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and also won silver medals in an unlimited weight class in 2004 and 2005. In 2010, Russell earned his black belt in jiu-jitsu and over the years has advanced to fourth-degree black belt.

Russell’s life story is a reminder that there are truly no limits to what we can achieve when we put our mind to something.

“People don’t have to limit themselves by their narratives. Don’t conclude that something can’t be done. Find a way to shift the narratives that limit you.” – Russell Redenbaugh

“I refused to accept the way it was,” said Russell. “I always knew I had to find another way.”

Russell’s life is a testament to the idea of shifting one’s narrative, and he founded The Shift the Narrative Foundation to help others change the ideas about themselves that are limiting. He aims to both inspire and help young people recognize that anything is possible. Visit www.shift-narrative.foundation for more information.