Izzy Gesell is an organizational alchemist who helps individuals and organizations transform their thinking from commonplace to extraordinary. Through his keynotes, trainings, coaching and facilitated sessions, Izzy offers imaginative, intuitive and immediately useful insights and programs. He is skilled at delivering meaningful material in a way that makes participants enjoy their time with him.
Izzy was one of the first to use Improv Theater concepts as tools for personal and organizational learning. He is the author of Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater, a co-author of Cancer & the Healing Power of Play, a co-author of Humor Me: America’s Funniest Humorists on the Power of Laughter, and a contributor of a chapter on Improvisation as a facilitation tool in the IAF Group Facilitators Handbook.
His has authored 3 video courses on Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com),“Essentials of Team Building”, “Humor in the Workplace”, & “Leading with Applied Improv,” the video which was Lynda. Com’s first course shot before a live audience.
He has trained NASA engineers in leadership, helped Aetna Insurance customer reps learn to mange their stress, and guided Hewlett Packard global managers to communicate more effectively
Recognized by his peers, he has earned a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association. Less than 15% of NSA’s 4,000 members are CSPs
A former stand –up comedian and public school teacher, Izzy was raised in Brooklyn NY where commonplace thinking was frowned upon. He has earned a BA in Psychology, an MS in Education and a P…. that’s 1/3 of a PhD and now lives in Northampton, Massachusetts.