Available to book
Transform leadership and orchestrate collaboration with Itay Talgam, speaker and orchestral conductor turned leadership consultant. Itay works with businesses and governments to apply musical principles to organisational dynamics, delivering insights featured at TED Global, Google Zeitgeist, and the World Economic Forum.
Itay Talgam is an accomplished orchestral conductor and leadership consultant, known for his innovative approach to organisational dynamics. Known as a "conductor of people," he applies the principles of musical collaboration to fields as diverse as government, business, education, and therapy, helping teams create harmony through cooperation.
A protégé of the legendary Leonard Bernstein, Itay has conducted prestigious orchestras worldwide, including the Orchestre de Paris and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic. As Music Director of the Tel-Aviv Symphony Orchestra and Musica Nova Consort, he received the esteemed "Best Performance of the Year" award for Israeli orchestral music. Passionate about contemporary music, he has been recognised by Israel’s Composers Association for his contribution to performing and promoting Israeli compositions.
Itay is also the author of The Ignorant Maestro: How Great Leaders Inspire Unpredictable Brilliance, which explores leadership through the unique styles of six world-famous conductors. His TED talk, Lead Like the Great Conductors, has amassed over 4 million views, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in leadership and creativity.
With an Artist Diploma in conducting from the Jerusalem Rubin Academy and further studies in France, Italy, and the US, Itay blends musical expertise with a deep understanding of philosophy. His work highlights the power of intuitive leadership, emphasising the importance of listening, adapting, and fostering collaboration.
A sought-after speaker, he has captivated audiences at global events including TED Global, Google’s Zeitgeist, DLD, and the World Economic Forum. His ability to translate the art of conducting into practical leadership strategies makes him a compelling figure in organisational development, offering valuable insights for those seeking to inspire innovation and teamwork.
Topics, sessions and talks
Itay Talgam reveals the surprising parallels between conducting a great orchestra and leading a successful organisation. Drawing on the distinctive styles of legendary maestros, he explores how different approaches to leadership can inspire collaboration, creativity, and excellence. Through engaging storytelling and compelling video analysis, he demonstrates how conductors create harmony - not by controlling every note, but by enabling others to contribute their own voices.
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frequently asked questions
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To book Itay Talgam, email itay.talgam@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Itay's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.
Itay Talgam uses video analysis of legendary conductors alongside storytelling to draw direct parallels between conducting styles and leadership approaches, demonstrating how different methods of enabling — rather than controlling — produce collaboration and excellence.
Itay Talgam speaks on orchestral leadership parallels, collaborative organisational dynamics, and creativity through the lens of conducting. His TED talk, Lead Like The Great Conductors, has exceeded four million views, and he is a protégé of Leonard Bernstein who has conducted the Orchestre de Paris and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic.
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