Israel Gesell Obituary

In Memory of Izzy Gesell
A True Organizational Alchemist
I was writing with Izzy a training manual in improv for lawyers. This manual is dedicated to the memory of my beloved friend, co-author and wonderful colleague, Izzy Gesell, whose brilliant mind and generous spirit helped transform the commonplace into the extraordinary.
Izzy was far more than an organizational consultant-he was an alchemist of human potential. With his unique blend of humor, improvisation, and profound insight, he showed countless individuals and organizations how to move beyond their limitations and discover new possibilities. A pioneer in bringing improv theater techniques into the business world, Izzy understood that spontaneity, acceptance, and the willingness to say "yes, and..." were not just performance tools, but pathways to more effective leadership, stronger teams, and richer human connections.
Izzy brought his whole self to everything he did. He earned his Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association, worked with organizations from NASA to Microsoft, and touched lives across the globe. Yet for all his professional accomplishments, what we remember most is his warmth, his infectious laughter, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every person he met.
Izzy taught us that "honesty is improvisation of the heart" and that our ability to adapt, connect, and find joy in the unexpected are among our greatest strengths. He reminded us that in times of change and uncertainty, humor isn't just helpful-it's healing.
Let his legacy inspire you to transform your own thinking from commonplace to extraordinary, to approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear, and to remember that the best solutions often emerge when we're willing to laugh, learn, and leap together.
Izzy, you have taken "the leap off this earthly planet," but your wisdom, warmth, and wonder live on in all of us. Thank you for showing us how to turn life's improvisations into masterpieces of meaning.
"Don't forget to laugh along the way."
With much love, nourishing gratitude, and ongoing laughter, Joey Novick

Izzy was a fantastic guy who lifted the spirits of myself and other colleagues at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley when we had him at a couple of our retreats. I always enjoyed his company and kept in touch for a few years until my retirement. His humor and communication style was a welcome relief to all.

Loved Izzy! We met at NSA New England. Kept up over the years and he graced my fashion show and all day Spring Fling for medical personnel and professionals.