Karen introducing Izzy Gesell on the “main stage” at a National Speakers Association Convention in Denver

Picture you’re at your annual professional association convention…

It’s 4:30 pm and you’re overwhelmed… you’ve attended educational sessions all day. Do you have the energy for one more? That was me and that last breakout session was a game changer.

I learned about improv and I met the fabulous facilitator of that program … Izzy Gesell.

Izzy Dear – Karen Dear

Over time Izzy became one of my best friends and business confidants. We made a commitment to each other. For the next 30+ years we talked once a month, for an hour about our speaking/consulting businesses and about life. He was Izzy Dear and I was Karen Dear.

Izzy Dear died last week from medical complications and this blog is dedicated in memory of Izzy and the wisdom he shared across North America and beyond about the power of play and laughter.

One memory stands out ➜ When I began my year as President of the National Speakers Association N. TX Chapter Izzy flew to Dallas to facilitate our Strategic Board of Directors’ Retreat. We played, we laughed and we learned how to be better team players, communicators and leaders. My year as president flowed well and it began with this solid foundation.

Izzy’s 6 Paradoxes of Improv (and life)

You don’t have to do improv or become a stand-up comic to gain from these concepts.

1. To become spontaneous.…………. practice spontaneity.
2. To experience freedom.…………….embrace the necessary structure.
3. To feel in control in a situation.….relinquish the need to be in control.
4. To exude confidence…………………acknowledge your vulnerability.
5. To prepare for victory………………..contemplate what you can surrender.
6. To demonstrate your bravery…….step into your fear.

Thank you, Izzy Dear, for sharing your insights with me and many others.

“Humor, imagination and playfulness are powerful resources, helping us become even more effective both personally and professionally.” Izzy Gesell, CSP – motivational speaker, improv guru and teacher