Building an Inclusive & Values-Driven Brand with Crystal Whiteaker

This episode is sponsored by Bloomerang, a solution that helps nonprofits like ShowerUp, which provides mobile showers and personal care for those experiencing homelessness. Thanks to Bloomerang, ShowerUp increased their volunteer signups by 60% and first-time donors by making it easy to give right on their site. ShowerUp's Executive Director, Paul Schmit, said, "Bloomerang is an ideal marriage of volunteer and donor management. The deeper we get into it, the more we love it." If you want to see how ShowerUp easily manages its volunteers and donors with Bloomerang, go to bloomerang.com/bearing-witness.

In This Episode

Crystal Whitaker, an inclusive branding and leadership development consultant, shares her insights on creating authentic, values-driven brands that foster a sense of belonging. 

Crystal delves into the fine line between intentional inclusion and performative actions, stressing the need for consistent, year-round efforts that go beyond tokenism. She provides practical strategies for brave leadership, such as disrupting the status quo, practicing attunement, and incorporating trauma-informed principles into business operations. 

Weaving insights from her book Brave Leadership is a Choice, Crystal invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-reflection, aligning their values with their brand messaging and leadership approach. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to create an inclusive, human-focused, and values-aligned brand that celebrates diversity and fosters a true sense of belonging.

About Chrystal Whiteaker

Crystal Whiteaker is an Inclusive Branding and Leadership Development Consultant, and author of Brave Leadership is a Choice: An Inclusive Guide to Creating Belonging. Crystal helps mission-driven brands and leaders create inclusive, human-focused, values-aligned environments. Crystal brings 20 years of practical, creative, relational, process-driven experience across multiple industries. She is a self-described "corporate-trained, creative hippie” and has been honored as the 2024 Empowerment Leader of the Year by BRA Network. 


Connect with Chrystal Whiteaker

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Celebrate Consciously Days of Recognition 


Connect with Maria

Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email 

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The When Bearing Witness Podcast is produced by Rustic Roots. They are video storytellers passionate about sharing the impact of nonprofits. From story ideation to beautiful and powerful videos on screen, they've got you covered. Learn more at Rusticroots.co.

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