Meet the Founder
I’m Sam Russo—a certified Life Coach, Personal Trainer, and Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience guiding individuals toward clarity, growth, and alignment.
Throughout my HR career, I’ve always prioritized keeping the “Human” in Human Resources: coaching managers and employees through challenges, helping them rediscover their strengths, and supporting them in becoming their best selves—at work and beyond.
My passion for health and fitness runs deep. Growing up, I was “husky” and remained overweight through college—until I became an endurance athlete and developed my Aligned program. Since 2006, I’ve followed a consistent nutrition and training plan that’s helped me maintain the same weight I had in high school—proof that sustainable wellness is possible with the right mindset and systems. Today, I’m an avid skier, hiker, triathlete, and weightlifter, having competed in nearly 50 endurance events including a full Ironman, Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, 4.4 Mile Bay Swim, and a Century Bike Ride.
Across my 20+ year career, I held multiple HR roles in diverse organizations. For years, I focused on the work without pausing to understand myself—my strengths, values, and how they aligned with my career. Over time, I did the inner work, learned a lot, and now I share those lessons with others.
I’ve also seen firsthand how HR investigations, manager conflict, and disciplinary action can affect employees. While I’m not an attorney, I bring deep knowledge of employment law and extensive experience in performance management and employee relations across both public and private sectors. You don’t have to face these moments alone.
I founded Aligned Personal Coaching to bring together everything I’ve learned—about people, performance, and purpose. My coaching integrates personal growth, health, and workplace clarity to help clients realign their lives with what truly matters.
Whether you’re navigating a workplace challenge, rebuilding your health routines, or seeking more meaning in your day-to-day life, I offer authentic, empathetic support rooted in real-life transformation.
Mission & Vision
Aligned Personal Coaching, our mission is to empower individuals to align their life, health, and work with purpose—through thoughtful 1x1 coaching that fosters clarity, confidence, and sustainable transformation. I guide clients to reconnect with what matters most, build habits that support their well-being, and seek clarity at work to feel more authentic, energized, and aligned.
Our vision is for clients to live in full alignment—with purpose guiding their life, wellness supporting their growth, and authenticity shaping their success. Through integrated coaching, I empower clients to feel whole, intentional, and deeply fulfilled.
At Aligned Personal Coaching, we offer three distinct yet interconnected coaching tracks—each designed to support your growth from the inside out. Whether you're seeking clarity in life, strength in health, or confidence in your career, our coaching meets you where you are and helps you move forward with intention.
Transform Your LIFE Today!
Life & Wellness Coaching
Health & Fitness Coaching
Health & Fitness Coaching
This coaching track is designed to help you reconnect with yourself, rebuild your balance, and realign your life with purpose. Whether you're navigating stress, burnout, or a season of change, our work together focuses on restoring clarity, energy, and self-trust.
Through personalized support, we explore mindset shifts, emotional resilience, and practical strategies that help you move from survival mode to intentional living. You’ll uncover your authentic self, discover your strengths, clarify what truly matters, and begin making choices that reflect your values—not just your obligations.
Common areas of support include:
- Chronic stress
- Burnout and boundary-setting
- Mindset shifts and habit transformation
- Navigating life transitions and personal challenges
This is coaching is grounded, compassionate, and designed to help you feel more like yourself again.
Health & Fitness Coaching
Health & Fitness Coaching
Health & Fitness Coaching
This coaching track is designed to help you build sustainable health routines that actually fit your life—not disrupt it. We start by understanding your goals, lifestyle, and challenges, then craft a personalized plan that supports long-term well-being without rigidity.
Whether you're rebuilding your energy, refining your nutrition, or seeking accountability, this discipline offers practical, personal support to help you feel stronger, more confident, and more in control of your health.
Areas of support include:
- Nutritional habits and mindset around food
- Simple and flexible meal planning that works for your schedule
- Personal training (online or in-person) tailored to your goals
- Companion training—workout alongside a coach for motivation and support
This is coaching for real life—focused on progress, not perfection, and built to help you maximize your health.
Workplace & Career Coaching
Workplace & Career Coaching
Workplace & Career Coaching
This coaching track is built for professionals who want assistance to navigate workplace challenges with confidence and build careers that reflect their values—not just their titles. Whether you're looking for your next job, facing performance and/or disciplinary concerns, preparing for a transition, and/or seeking more alignment in your work, this discipline offers strategic, objective support from certified HR professionals who understand both the human and organizational sides of the workplace.
Together, we’ll unpack the complexities of your professional landscape and help you respond with strength, integrity, and purpose. You’ll gain tools to advocate for yourself, communicate with impact, and move forward with a career strategy that feels aligned and empowered.
Areas of support include:
- Career pivots and professional growth with aligned strategy and confidence
- Navigating negative feedback, disciplinary action, or performance concerns
- Resolving conflicts with peers or management
- Managing leadership changes and company transitions
This is coaching for professionals who want to thrive—not just survive—in the workplace.
Blended Coaching
Workplace & Career Coaching
Workplace & Career Coaching
Not sure what track is best for you? Depending on your needs, we can combine 2 or more coaching disciplines to provide the optimal coaching experience for you.
I believe that when your values, strengths, and actions are aligned, everything changes. You feel more confident. More energized. More like yourself.
Through personalized coaching, I help clients:
• Create space for reflection, growth, and meaningful change
• Build sustainable habits that support their health and fitness goals
• Navigate workplace challenges with clarity and confidence
• Realign their work with their values and strengths
This isn’t about perfection—it’s about living with intention. If you’re ready to feel more aligned in every part of your life, I’d be honored to support you.