It all started in high school, around 30 years ago. It was a science fair and Ira Koretsky presented his computer program on the heart and the circulatory system. One by one, the prizes were announced…honorable mentions…third… second…first place. After nearly 100 hours of computer programming, he slumped his shoulders and thought to himself, “I lost.” Then...Ira heard the announcer say, “We are awarding the grand prize to a young man that could sell me my own pair of shoes!” And his name was called.

His most pivotal experience was as a US Army public affairs officer. He designed presentations for himself and 40 military and civilian executives. At just 21, he gained invaluable insights into messaging and communications. Little did he know, this was the start of his life as a storyteller. 

Living on both coasts, he held various leadership roles in marketing and product management. In 2000, after finishing his MBA from the University of Maryland, he heeded the call of San Francisco during the heyday of technology. Spanning 12 years and more than 1,000 shows, he performed improvisational humor professionally with ComedySportz (Washington, DC and San Jose). While performing, Ira had this epiphany: “improv mirrors life.” Life experiences stem from random and planned connections with people. And the best improv professionals use these experiences to bond quickly with their audiences.

Drawing on his 25 years of eclectic experiences, he helps you become unforgettable through the ways you communicate—in writing, verbally, and online. He blends education, inspiration, and fun into everything he does. He delights audiences around the world with fresh perspectives and thought-provoking insights on communications, branding, leadership, messaging, marketing, customer service, and personal and organizational storytelling.

You’re sure to be inspired by his mantra, “Think deliberately.” Ira is an active blogger and writer, was a guest columnist for the Washington Business Journal and the Marketing Executive Networking Group, and an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland. He was a US Army captain in the Medical Service Corps. He started The Chief Storyteller in 2002 while living in California. 10 years later, it is an internationally recognized brand. Some quick examples of his success stories include:

The story continues in About The Chief Storyteller.