Carrie On! - Season 2, Episode 6
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Carrie On!, host Carrie Murray sits down with one of her favorite humans—Crystal Whitaker, founder of Crystal Lily Creative and author of Brave Leadership Is a Choice.
Crystal shares her journey from a curious, resilient childhood to becoming a sought-after inclusive leadership coach, creative consultant, and educator. Together, Carrie and Crystal explore identity, belonging, discomfort, and what it truly takes to lead with integrity—especially when systems are failing and conversations get hard.
This episode goes beyond buzzwords. It’s about using your voice, doing your inner work, and choosing courage again and again—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or watch on Youtube.
✨ In this episode, we explore:
Why brave leadership is a choice, not a title
The difference between being nice and being inclusive
How Crystal’s lived experience as a biracial woman shaped her leadership lens
Why discomfort is not a sign you’re doing it wrong—but a signal you’re doing it right
The hidden “microcosms” that uphold white supremacy culture
How leaders can use privilege thoughtfully without co-opting movements
Why community—not institutions—is the future of leadership
What it means to lead sustainably without burning out
📘 About the Guest
Crystal Whitaker is the Founder and CEO of Crystal Lily Creative, an inclusive leadership and brand development consultancy. She is a coach, photographer, educator, and the author of Brave Leadership Is a Choice. Crystal helps leaders and organizations create values-aligned, human-centered environments rooted in belonging, equity, and courage.
🔗 Connect with Crystal
Website & resources: https://crystallily.co
Brave Leadership Roundtable (free community): linked on her site
🎧 If this episode moved you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who’s ready to lead a little more bravely.
