WHERE STORY

BECOMES STRATEGY.

I help people and institutions name truth, reshape narrative, and build what comes next.

👋 Keynote speaking, convening + more

better systems.

Identity clarified. culture activated. execution owned. every day.

About CRYSTAL AS A SPEAKER.

Our history steadies the moment. Our stories move the room.

I’m Dr. Crystal A. deGregory—storyteller, historian, and convener of good people for great outcomes. In this reel you’ll hear moments from keynotes, firesides, and facilitated sessions where story becomes strategy. I translate research and lived experience—HBCU histories, women’s leadership, radical empathy, and community resilience—into tools teams can use the very next day. We make brave rooms: people listen fully, speak plainly, and leave with language for decisions. I moderate so your speakers shine; I facilitate so inspiration becomes implementation. From campuses and museums to civic coalitions and corporate ERGs, I help audiences connect values to practice and crisis to capacity.

If you’re planning a conference, convocation, museum program, or leadership retreat, this is what working together feels like: human, rigorous, and unforgettable. Book me for keynotes, moderation, workshops, or bespoke convenings—where history informs the moment, story moves the room, and we align around outcomes that last.

Outcomes + takeaways

Discover clear outcomes and actionable takeaways designed to inspire growth, strengthen skills, and create lasting impact. Each session empowers participants with practical tools, fresh insights, and confidence for real-world success.

01

Decision‑ready language

positioning, promise, and proof points.

02

Practical tools

culture playbooks, facilitation prompts, service standards.

03

Operational alignment

who owns what, by when, with resources.

04

Action Memo within 5 days

commitments, risks, metrics, and next experiments.

Package shapes

Sprint (2–3 weeks)

North Star + messaging, 90‑day map.

Build (6–8 weeks)

identity + culture playbook + content kit.

Convene (1–2 days):

leadership offsite or organization‑wide working session.

Quarterly Retainer

cadence of convenings, content, and iteration.

Signature talks

Engage in powerful signature talks that spark ideas, motivate action, and deliver transformative lessons to inspire growth, leadership, and success.

Brand identity & narrative

Positioning, promise, and proof (North Star). Messaging architecture (pillars, value props), voice & tone, and a tight tagline set. Naming guidance for programs/initiatives and an audience messaging matrix.

Culture by design

Values → behaviors → standards. Rituals, leader scripts, and service benchmarks that make belonging operational. Culture playbooks with facilitation prompts and onboarding integration. Accessibility & care embedded from the start.

Story‑driven strategy (roadmaps & experiments)

Shared priorities with a 90‑day execution map—owners, cadence, and metrics. Experiments backlog with feedback loops and a risk/assumption log. Action Memo delivered within 5 days to capture decisions and next steps.

Thought‑leadership & content studio

Keynotes and moderated interviews with media‑ready talking points. Op‑eds, articles, and narrative campaigns that extend the brand. Social starter kit (5–10 posts), reel scripts, and ghostwriting support for leaders.

Signature programs + workshops

Deep, immersive experiences designed to shift culture, clarify purpose, and activate leadership.

Convening Courage (Keynote + Workshop)

Design rooms where honest change can happen.

Radical Empathy → Radical Execution (Leaders Lab)

Turn empathy into real policy, practice, and systems.

Brand North Star Sprint (2–3 weeks)

Clarify promise, audience value, and strategic voice.

Story-Driven Strategy (Half-day to 2 days)

Move from narrative to roadmap and ownership.

Live Conversations & Interviews

Moderation and fireside experiences that move people and create reuseable content.

Let me serve

Nonprofits & NGOs • Associations • Foundations • Startups • SMBs • Enterprise Teams •

Philanthropy & Social Impact • Public Sector and Civic Organizations

Deliverables

Brand Narrative + North Star
Pillars, positioning, and value clarity
Messaging Matrix
Audiences, channels, and sample language
Voice & Tone Guide
With clear do/don’t direction
Stakeholder One-Pager
A polished summary for boards, leaders, funders

Tagline & Signature Lines
3–5 options to anchor campaigns or movements
Culture Playbook
Norms, rituals, scripts, and internal standards
90-Day Implementation Roadmap
Priorities, milestones, and accountability
Social Starter Kit
5–10 post prompts + reel/script guidance

Inquire about booking

First name

Last name

Organization

Phone

Event name

Date(s) + location/virtual *

Audience size

Budget range

Decision timeline

Message

What our clients say about us

Our clients’ stories highlight trust, growth, and success. Their positive experiences inspire us to deliver excellence and lasting impact daily.

Her gift of storytelling and knack for keeping her finger on the pulse of contemporary issues that plague institutions make our nation’s premier historians on HBCUs.

Her delivery — with original and thought-provoking context as well as a breadth of historical references and appropriate analyses — have made her a voice for her generation.

Dr. Crystal deGregory is the type of historian we need more of today. Not only is she a brilliant researcher; the is communities both inside and outside of the academy.

Frequent asked questions

Find quick answers to common questions. Our FAQ section helps you understand services, processes, and support with clarity and ease.

Do you travel?

Yes—domestic and international. Travel is billed at cost.

Virtual or hybrid?

Yes. I adapt formats for engagement and accessibility.

Can we film?

With advance notice. Usage rights are clarified in the agreement.

Do you offer sliding-scale pricing?

A few slots per year for mission-aligned partners.

Do you speak or appear for free?

I reserve a small number of pro bono or reduced-fee engagements for community-serving organizations. These are application-based, scheduled as availability allows, and travel is still billed at cost.

How far in advance should we book?

Ideally 6–12 weeks. Rush timelines are possible depending on scope.

Will you customize content to our audience?

Always. I tailor remarks, prompts, and examples to your goals and context.

What formats do you offer?

Keynotes, firesides, panels, workshops, and full convening design/moderation.

What AV/tech do you need?

Clear audio, confidence monitor if available, and a tech check. I’ll share a short run-of-show and cues.

What do you deliver after the event?

A brief Action Memo with key takeaways and next-step prompts (when scoped).

What’s your deposit and cancellation policy?

Dates are held with a deposit (typically 50%). If you cancel, the deposit is non-refundable; if you reschedule, we’ll apply it to a new date within six months when possible. Final terms are set in the agreement.

Accessibility & care?

We design for access from the start—wayfinding, mobility/sensory needs, and speaker prep. Tell us what your community needs.

Can you moderate sensitive or high-profile conversations?

Yes. I specialize in building brave rooms where people feel safe, seen, and accountable.

Will you meet with speakers or organizers beforehand?

Yes—briefings are included for moderation and larger convenings.

How do we start?

Send your dates, goals, audience, budget range, and decision timeline via the inquiry form. We’ll follow with a quick scoping call and a written proposal.