In this episode of Commercial Construction Coffee Talk, CCR Publisher and Editor David Corson sits down with Desiree Russo, Senior Vice President of Operations at MasonMade Ventures, for a candid conversation on leadership, growth, and people-first operations shaped by her real-world experience.
Desiree’s journey didn’t begin in a boardroom — it began by learning the business from the ground up. From her early days at Empire Facilities Management to her current leadership role at MasonMade, she has held nearly every operational position along the way. That hands-on path, combined with lessons learned from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, has shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in discipline, integrity, accountability, and hustle.
Desiree shares her perspective on:
1: How learning every role in an organization builds stronger, more empathetic leaders.
2: Why people—not processes alone—are the foundation of sustainable growth.
3: Leading teams through disruption with a “progress over perfection” mindset.
4: How remote work, flexibility, and trust reshaped operations post-pandemic.
5: Preparing organizations for the future while keeping human connection at the center.
This episode offers a grounded, human look at what it really takes to lead, adapt, and grow in an evolving industry, reminding listeners that while the dream may be free, the hustle is earned one disciplined step at a time.
Enjoy the conversation.
https://www.masonmade.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-russo-a3894582/
Enjoy the discussion.
👇 Connect & Support
Like 👍 | Comment 💬 | Share 🔁 | Subscribe 🔔
👉 Subscribe to get new motivation, insight, and leadership wisdom every day.
https://www.youtube.com/@commercialconstructionreno1615
🏗️ Commercial Construction & Renovation — Branded Footer
Here we talk about—
🏗️ Construction
🔧 Renovation
📈 Business
💡 Mindset & Leadership
🔥 Success Habits
📲 Follow Us on Social Media:
🔗Website: https://ccr-mag.com
🔗 Instagram: https://instagram.com/ccr.magazine
🔗 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccrmag
🔗 Facebook: https://facebook.com/ccrmagazine
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/commercial-construction-renovation/
🔖 RELEVANT HASHTAGS: #CommercialConstruction #FacilitiesManagement #RetailDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #OperationalExcellence #LeadershipDevelopment #PrivateEquity #Entrepreneurship #ConstructionIndustry #ServiceOperations #PeopleFirstLeadership #ScalingBusinesses #BusinessStrategy #CoffeeTalk #CCRMagazine #FacilityOps #MultiSiteOperations #GrowthMindset #BusinessPodcast #IndustryLeaders
