Speaking and executive briefings
Keynotes and executive briefings on culture, systems and leadership
Last updated: November 2026
Celeste Warren delivers 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.
A TEDx speaker, author and former Fortune 100 Vice President, she speaks to leadership teams, conferences, universities and organizations through CRW Diversity. Her central message for executives: stop asking only what your people need to do differently, and begin asking what you need to change around them.
Part of our guide to organizational culture consulting for senior executives.
What is an executive briefing, and how is it different from a keynote?
An executive briefing is a focused session for a senior leadership group, built around the decisions that group faces, while a keynote speaks to a larger audience to shift how people think. CRW Diversity offers both, plus facilitated conversations that help a group work through what a message means for its own organization.
The Cost of Standing Still
What happens when talented people are ready to move forward, but the systems around them aren't? 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.
Themes Celeste speaks on
- How policies, practices and unwritten norms shape workplace culture
- The Equity in Action Model and turning good intentions into everyday practice
- Leadership decisions and access to opportunity
- What fairness really requires, from her book The Truth About Equity
- Everyone's role in inclusion, from How to Be a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador
What hosts have said
“We have welcomed Celeste as a leading authority to speak at our DIAL Global Virtual summits as she truly epitomizes authenticity through her passion for positive affirmative change.”
“Celeste was one of the most impactful speakers I have had visit my class. She has a vast knowledge of DEI issues and was tremendously effective in helping my students make connections between research and practice.”
“I would highly recommend Celeste to schools, universities, and organizations looking for a knowledgeable and impactful speaker.”
Books by Celeste Warren
The Truth About Equityasks what happens if the problem isn't the people, but the systems surrounding them. It challenges leaders to look beyond good intentions and examine how everyday policies, practices, systems and decisions shape access to opportunity.
How to Be a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador (Everyone's Role in Helping All Feel Accepted, Engaged, and Valued) guides individuals in using their abilities to create the culture they want to see. For deeper work after a talk, see executive advisory.
Common questions
What is The Cost of Standing Still?
The Cost of Standing Still is Celeste Warren's TEDx talk. It explores how organizational momentum is shaped not simply by individual effort but by systems that either enable progress or quietly restrict it. It asks what happens when talented people are ready to move forward but the systems around them are not.
Can we book a single session instead of a long engagement?
Yes, single-session formats exist. Speaking and Executive Briefings include keynotes, executive briefings and facilitated conversations, which suit organizations that want to start a leadership conversation. For deeper change, the workshops and executive advisory go further. Contact CRW Diversity to discuss which format fits.
Who is Celeste Warren?
Celeste Warren is the Founder of Celeste Warren Consulting, LLC, which operates as CRW Diversity. She spent 28 years at a Fortune 100 company, including a decade as Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. She is a TEDx speaker, executive advisor and author of The Truth About Equity and How to Be a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador.
Are workshops and briefings available virtually?
CRW Diversity does not publish a fixed delivery policy, so confirm the format directly. Celeste Warren has spoken at DIAL Global virtual summits, according to its founder, which shows virtual delivery has been part of her work. Ask about in-person or virtual options when you contact CRW Diversity.
What do people say about working with Celeste?
Kenneth Frazier, Former Executive Chairman of Merck and Co., Inc., wrote: "The guide for creating cultures where everyone feels welcomed and empowered." Leila McKenzie-Delis, Founder and CEO of DIAL Global, called her "a phenomenal leader." Will Moss, CEO of HBCU CONNECT, said her session gave members practical strategies they could immediately apply.
How do I start working with Celeste Warren?
Use the contact form on the CRW Diversity website at crwdiversity.com. Share what you are trying to accomplish and which format interests you: executive advisory, workshops or speaking. Every organization is different, so the work begins with a conversation about where you are, your goals and what may be standing in the way.
Book Celeste for a keynote or briefing
Share your event or leadership meeting, the audience and the date, and the CRW Diversity team will follow up.
Contact Celeste Warren