Keynotes and briefings
Speaking and Executive Briefings
CRW Diversity offers keynotes, executive briefings, and facilitated conversations that challenge audiences to think differently about leadership, culture, systems, and the decisions that shape people's experiences at work. Each is delivered by Celeste Warren, a TEDx speaker, author, and former Fortune 100 Vice President.
Last updated: November 2026. Published by CRW Diversity.
What is an executive briefing, and when should you book one?
An executive briefing is a focused session for a senior leadership group that gives them a shared understanding of an issue before they decide what to do. Book one when leaders need alignment, a fresh frame, or candid perspective from someone who has led this work inside a large company.
Definition
Briefings at CRW Diversity
CRW Diversity uses three speaking formats. A keynote addresses a larger audience and sets a direction. An executive briefing gives a senior team a concise, candid look at a leadership, culture, or talent issue. A facilitated conversation helps a group work through the issue together. All three draw on Celeste Warren's nearly four decades in human resources and organizational leadership and on the Equity in Action Model. The common thread is the question she asks leaders to consider: not only what people need to do differently, but what the organization needs to change around them.
Compare the speaking formats
| Format | Audience | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Keynote | Conferences, company events, larger groups | Challenge thinking and set direction |
| Executive briefing | Senior leadership teams | Build a shared understanding before decisions |
| Facilitated conversation | Leadership teams and groups | Work through an issue together with structure |
TEDx: The Cost of Standing Still
What happens when talented people are ready to move forward, but the systems around them are not? In her TEDx talk, Celeste Warren explores how organizational momentum is shaped not simply by individual effort, but by the systems that either enable progress or quietly restrict it.
What hosts say
"Celeste delivered an insightful and engaging presentation that provided our members with practical strategies they could immediately apply in their career."
"Celeste is a phenomenal leader. A true natural communicator who speaks with candor, passion, and lived experience."
To request a keynote or briefing, use the CRW Diversity contact form. Briefings often lead into executive advisory or the wider leadership development programs for companies described in this guide.
Common questions
What is an executive briefing?
An executive briefing is a focused session for senior leaders on a specific topic. CRW Diversity’s speaking and executive briefings challenge audiences to think differently about leadership, culture, systems, and the decisions that shape people’s experiences at work. A briefing is a practical first step for a leadership team exploring the work.
Does Celeste Warren give keynote speeches?
Yes. Celeste Warren delivers keynotes, executive briefings, and facilitated conversations. She is a TEDx speaker whose talk, The Cost of Standing Still, explores how organizational momentum is shaped by the systems that either enable progress or quietly restrict it. Speaking inquiries go through the contact form on crwdiversity.com.
What formats does CRW Diversity offer?
CRW Diversity offers three main formats: executive advisory, leadership and organizational development workshops and learning experiences, and speaking and executive briefings, which include keynotes and facilitated conversations. Organizations can combine formats, for example a briefing for senior executives followed by workshops for the managers who report to them.
What if our leadership team is not aligned?
Misalignment is a frequent starting point. A Gartner survey of 297 CHROs, cited by Braintrust Growth, found only 24% of leadership teams are aligned on who is accountable for AI agents, one example of how quickly new questions arise. An executive briefing or advisory engagement can give senior leaders a shared framework for decisions.
How do I contact CRW Diversity?
Use the contact form on crwdiversity.com, found at crwdiversity.com/#contact. The form handles inquiries about executive advisory, workshops, speaking, and press. Include your organization, your leadership audience, and the challenge you want to address so the first conversation is useful from the start.
See all 45 questions in the leadership development programs FAQ
Request a keynote or executive briefing
Share your audience, date, and the conversation you want leaders to have.