Russell Samuels

I bring over two decades of hands-on experience leading IT teams, managing complex systems, and delivering business-critical solutions — particularly in the healthcare administration space. I’ve held senior leadership roles in software development, systems management, and business operations, leading teams of up to 70 people and overseeing systems that support claims payments exceeding R30 billion annually.

I’ve worked across the full software lifecycle — from development and architecture to migration and support — and I understand the technical, operational, and human sides of running large systems. My background spans COBOL, Java, Sybase, SQL, Excel, and Power BI. I've built real-time pharmacy claim engines, led legacy-to-modern platform migrations, and implemented data processes that supported key decision-making.

Some of my standout projects include the successful migration of core systems from MPE to UNIX, where I led a team that built automated tools to ensure a seamless transition. I also helped launch a real-time pharmacy benefit platform using open-source tools, enabling 99% uptime at pharmacy point of sale and opening new revenue streams.

In recent years, I’ve focused more on data — using it to drive better business decisions. I’ve built dashboards, cleaned up data pipelines, and used tools like Power Query and SQL to translate raw data into useful insights. I'm currently completing a certification in Power BI to deepen my analytical toolkit.

Beyond the technical side, I bring a leadership style built on clarity, trust, and accountability. I’ve hired, mentored, and grown high-performing teams, always with a focus on practical delivery and long-term growth.

Now, I’m combining this experience with life and executive coaching. I help people reconnect with purpose, build resilience, and take meaningful steps forward. My coaching is grounded and direct — just like my consulting — and I work well with people who are navigating change or looking for clarity in complexity.

If you need someone who can bridge the gap between data, systems, and people — I can help.