We Build with Michael Russell is a podcast about leadership, legacy, and the real work of shaping cities and communities.
Hosted by H.J. Russell & Company CEO Michael Russell, the series features candid conversations with industry leaders, community stewards, and trusted partners who are building what matters most—strong organizations, enduring places, and communities built to thrive.
With more than 70 years of experience across construction management, program management, and development, H.J. Russell & Company brings a unique perspective shaped by execution at scale. Episodes explore how major projects actually get done—from navigating complexity and managing risk to aligning people, capital, and vision across sectors such as aviation, higher education, sports, affordable housing, and mission-critical facilities.
We Build goes beyond project highlights. It examines how leaders think, how decisions get made, and how long-term value is created through disciplined execution, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to doing the work the right way.
Designed for C-suite executives, developers, and public-sector leaders, We Build offers practical insight into what it takes to lead, deliver, and build with purpose in today’s evolving built environment.
Because building isn’t just about structures—it’s about the people, partnerships, and decisions that shape what comes next.
Michael Russell is CEO of H. J. Russell & Company, one of the largest African American owned construction management and program management firms in the United States. Founded by his father, H. J. Russell, Jr., the company has played a defining role in shaping Atlanta and other major markets for more than 70 years.
As a second-generation leader, Michael has built on the foundation his father established, guiding the firm through continued growth, geographic expansion, and increasing project complexity. Under his leadership, H. J. Russell & Company has delivered complex, high-profile projects across the country, navigating diverse delivery models and regulatory environments in sectors including aviation, healthcare, affordable housing, higher education, and mission-critical infrastructure.
Michael brings an engineer’s discipline and a long-term perspective to leadership, balancing operational rigor with a deep understanding of how the built environment shapes communities and economic opportunity. His approach reflects both the firm’s legacy and its future—focused on execution, trusted partnerships, and sustained impact.
