Guy Katz

Activist, Concerned citizen, Educator/Teacher, Jewish, Parent, World traveler

Guy Katz is a professor, pilot, and public voice for courageous ideas in business, society, and politics. Born and raised in Israel and Germany, he has one foot in the world of data and the other in storytelling, and believes that the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Guy holds a PhD in negotiation from LMU and teaches at the Munich University for Applied Sciences, where he’s also leading the university’s first-ever TEDx event. He’s trained executives from BMW, Rolex, and private banks in decision-making under pressure, often drawing from his background in Israeli intelligence. Off-campus, he’s become a driving force in public advocacy: organizing demonstrations against antisemitism, publishing articles that reach millions, and building bridges between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. He also writes a newsletter called “The Flying Professor Presents,” blending thought leadership with tuba-playing humor and honest reflection. Guy’s philosophy? Stand out or get lost. Whether in leadership, activism, or daily life, he believes that only those who dare to be different can truly make a difference.

I’m passionate about teaching people how to think under pressure, act with purpose, and never apologize for their uniqueness. I’m passionate about fighting antisemitism and hate—with words, with music, and when needed, with marches. I’m passionate about using aviation to make ideas soar, from student flights to flying interviews with CEOs. I’m passionate about storytelling, especially when it challenges assumptions. And yes, I’m passionate about dessert. No shame.

In a world obsessed with fitting in, my idea is this: we need more people who are willing to stand out—even if it means being misunderstood, disliked, or alone at first. I’ve seen this truth play out in business negotiations, political activism, and personal identity. Whether you’re pitching to a CEO, marching for human rights, or just trying to live authentically—being average won’t move hearts or minds. People remember what’s bold, what’s different, what challenges the pattern. But standing out isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about having the courage to show your quirks, your convictions, and your contradictions. That’s where change begins. And that’s where we start to matter.

Activism, Aviation, Decision Making, Leadership, Negotiation Strategy • Leadership & Decision-Making • Behavioral Economics • Public Speaking • Antisemitism & Activism • Aviation & Education Innovation • Corporate Training • Storytelling & Communication, Storytelling

Like many here, I am addicted to TED, so after speaking twice at TEDxZurich, I’m now organizing the first TEDx event at Hochschule München, titled “Learning for a Responsible Life.” It’s a bold experiment to bring students, staff, and society into one room to share lessons that truly matter. My talk—“Stand Out or Get Lost”—is a theatrical, heartfelt exploration of what it means to leave a mark in a noisy, cautious world. TED has always inspired me as a space where ideas breathe freely. Now I want to contribute to that space—not just with slides, but with soul.