Speaker, Author, Educator

I’m Izolda Trakhtenberg. I’m here to help you become a creative leader from the inside!

I have traveled the world as a speaker, educator, and trainer for NASA, the National Geographic Society, and as reader, guide, and coach for my clients.

I have been facilitating leadership, team-building, and communication workshops since 2001.

Early Life

Izolda as a wood sprite in Moldova

Born in Bendery, Moldova in the USSR, I and my family immigrated to the USA in 1974.

I survived a year-long immigration process from the Soviet Union. As we moved, I immersed myself in the cultures and languages in the many countries we visited. As part of this journey, we spent nine months in a war zone. The communication, perception, and listening skills I developed during that time are universal. Furthermore, I have developed the system that can teach these skills to others. 

When we arrived in the USA, after the multi-country immigration process, we settled in Michigan. As a child, I was tossed into the regular classroom with no ESL classes or other help in learning the language or culture. As a result of some traumatic experiences at school, I developed a public speaking phobia. I carried it with me for years, and I only overcame it when I discovered theatre in high school. Once I did, I never looked back. I graduated as valedictorian of my high school class and also graduated from the University of Michigan.

I then moved to Washington DC and worked as an educator and workshop facilitator at the National Geographic Society and NASA where I still occasionally consult.

Growth

I developed the Life Elements personal growth system and released the book, “Life Elements: Transform Your Life with Earth, Air, Fire, and Water,” in 2008.

After more than thirty years reading experience (having been taught to read by my great-grandmother) and after more than 13,000 individual readings, I released the Win the Day! interactive ebook. The interactive book allows the reader to choose a new focus every day. Additional, the reader receives a call to action for living a full and abundant day, every day.

Communicator

In 2001, I released my “Learn to Sing” classes and workshops. Participants use singing to free their creative spirits and to build confidence and purpose.

I developed the “Raise Your Voice” team-building through singing corporate workshop to help teams and organizations coalesce into units. One of the greatest results from these workshops has been how often people who are otherwise in the background end up the stars of the show.

In an effort to help others conquer public speaking fears, I developed the “Own Your Talk” workshop. I teach this workshop on how to connect with and engage audiences and speak authentically. Additionally, one of my greatest goals is to help the employees and staff members of companies and organizations feel like they have a voice. If they believe they have the right to communicate, they will become happier, more productive, and have better lives.  improve their public speaking skills on the roots of connecting and communicating.

I believe that with a few techniques, we can empower ourselves to connect and communicate our best selves.

Today

I speak on how my past has shaped me into a survivor and a consummate communicator. Additionally, I have a thriving private coaching practice where I help my clients find their voices, define their goals, and create the lives they want to live. Also, I facilitate seminars on how we can enhance our interactions and connections with others authentic engagement. And I facilitate creativity and communication programs and workshops at corporate functions and other events. I infuse science, music, and laughter into every speech and presentation. (See the demos.) 

My latest book, “Speak From Within,” was released in Septmber, 2018.

I live in Greenbelt, MD, USA with my husband, our dog, two cats, and a house full of books, musical instruments, and travel guides.