Crystal Kadakia
Keynote Speaker: Two-Time TEDx Speaker & Author of "Social Equations"; Authority on Modernizing Culture & Building Emotionally Aware Leadership
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Categories:TED, Youth, Futurism, Professional Development, Human Resources, Disruptive Thinking, Author, Bestselling Authors, Change Management, Future of Work, Female Leadership, Women in Business, Business, Innovation, Business Leadership, Leadership, Women's History Month, Women, Influential Women, Motivational, STEM, Diversity & Inclusion, Strategic Leadership, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Belonging, Asian & Pacific Heritage, Corporate Culture, Non-Profit, Resilience, Personal Growth, Mindset, Happiness, Peak Performance
Crystal Kadakia Biography
Crystal Kadakia is a two-time TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and trusted advisor to mission-driven and STEM organizations navigating the complexities of culture change. With over 15 years of experience partnering with private sector and nonprofit executive teams, Kadakia brings a rare combination of systems thinking, strategic rigor and emotional intelligence —grounded in a cross-disciplinary education and a multidimensional identity.
As a South Asian woman raised in Texas, and as someone who bridges right-brain empathy with left-brain logic through her background in chemical engineering and organization development, Kadakia draws on the tensions and wisdom of both worlds. These lived and learned perspectives have driven her success in helping legacy organizations modernize their cultures, speak truth to power, and redesign status quo systems that stand in the way of today’s work.
Through her bestselling book, "The Millennial Myth," she began her work by debunking generational change and instead, doubling down on integrating digital ways of working. She advised C-suite leaders across a wide range of industries on how to build a resilient and relevant company culture for the digital age. She continued to deepen her work as a consultant in driving organization transformation, by especially helping to evolve power and structure. Recently, she led the Sierra Club’s most expansive stakeholder engagement process to date for a new structural vision, resulting in ten unanimously approved board resolutions. Today, her consulting work is focused on empowering healthy and resilient org capacity and culture in the sustainability sector.
Kadakia’s talks draw from her consulting experience and drive culture-forward transformation by growing audiences’ capability to work together.
She speaks to a wide range of audiences with tailored outcomes:
- For STEM professionals, she demystifies social dynamics and leadership through frameworks rooted in her book Social Equations, equipping technical minds with the relational tools their education often overlooked.
- For leadership development audiences, she reframes emotional intelligence as a core operational skill, showing how to work with—not around—emotion in the pursuit of progress and performance.
- For C-suite leaders, she delivers bold, unorthodox human insights from the front lines of change, challenging the usual prescriptions and assumptions about what drives genuine cultural transformation.
These talks address tough challenges like inclusion, power dynamics, and the role of emotions in a can-do way for organizations big and small. In particular, she brings insights in from her work in the sustainability movement, including lessons learned from the manufacturing and tech sector, energy and utilities sector, and conservation nonprofits.
Kadakia is the author of four books, and her keynotes are known for blending transformative “aha” moments with opportunities to process the message into practical individualized takeaways. She has been recognized with honors such as Power 30 Under 30, ATD’s One to Watch, and CLO’s Learning in Practice award.
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, she is the daughter of Indian immigrants with roots in Gujarat from the village of Balasinor. She now lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband Jeremy and their two children.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Crystal Kadakia and other top speakers and celebrities.
Crystal Kadakia Speaking Topics
Every day at work, emotions are present—whether we acknowledge them or not. From stress in high-stakes meetings to joy in a team win, or frustration when things don’t go as planned, our emotional landscape deeply shapes how we show up, how we relate to others, and how well we work together. That’s why it’s vital to tap into the emotional currents underneath, driving our conversations. The most skilled leaders are able to work with, not around, emotions to drive progress. This insightful and energizing keynote will uncover how key emotions such as the search for meaning, fear, love, grief, and power can elevate wellbeing and performance.
Audience takeaways:
- Recognize and name common emotions in themselves and others in the moment
- Ease the stress that unsaid emotions play in our work lives
- Channel emotions like fear, love, grief, and power to drive progress, instead of serving as invisible barriers
- Empower themselves and those around to bring their full selves in a healthy and supportive way at work
Technical brilliance may get you in the door—but the next great challenge is navigating people.
STEM professionals are trained for precision, analysis, and problem-solving. But when it comes to working across teams, managing conflict, or influencing change, most are left to figure it out on their own. That’s where Social Equations comes in. In this interactive keynote, we’ll explore what it takes to build high-performing teams in STEM environments. This session demystifies the “soft” side of work by treating social dynamics like any other system—something you can understand, predict, and improve.
Audience Takeaways:
- Learn self-awareness tools to grow soft skill capability
- Use practical frameworks to quickly and easily navigate people problems
- Practice scenarios to build positive relationships and achieve peak performance at work
- PBeat the stereotype that technical professionals can’t be great people leaders!
Inclusion isn’t just about redesigning the systems that keep people out, it’s about each individual building their daily practices of belonging, safety, and tapping into the power of human connection. Neuroscience proves we already know how to include others, through moments of empathy, openness, and shared purpose. The challenge is making those moments intentional and systemic.
Audience takeaways
- Discover what is meant by inclusion on a day-to-day level
- Learn the often-overlooked strengths we all naturally possess that support inclusive behavior
- Design a practical, individualized plan to lead with greater inclusion every day
Transforming organizational culture isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. In fact, it often requires holding space for deep complexity, where passion runs high, diverse perspectives clash, and motivation to collaborate feels elusive. This session is for leaders who are faced with getting a culture to move from A to B. Through stories and lessons drawn from diverse sectors, discover how true culture change depends on more than just inspiring language or having good ideas. Sometimes, the deepest changes happen because you built the plane while you were flying it.
Audience takeaways:
- Actionable insights from the narratives of complex changes that delivered measurable impact.
- Practical strategies to design the container for culture change
- Weave bigger, shared visions even across differences and without letting conflict stall progress.
Crystal Kadakia Videos
How do I book Crystal Kadakia to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Crystal Kadakia for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Crystal Kadakia, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Crystal Kadakia or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Crystal Kadakia for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Crystal Kadakia, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Crystal Kadakia are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Crystal Kadakia, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Crystal Kadakia speak about?
Crystal Kadakia is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as TED, Youth, Futurism, Professional Development, Human Resources, Disruptive Thinking, Author, Bestselling Authors, Change Management, Future of Work, Female Leadership, Women in Business, Business, Innovation, Business Leadership, Leadership, Women's History Month, Women, Influential Women, Motivational, STEM, Diversity & Inclusion, Strategic Leadership, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Belonging, Asian & Pacific Heritage, Corporate Culture, Non-Profit, Resilience, Personal Growth, Mindset, Happiness and Peak Performance.
Where does Crystal Kadakia travel from?
Crystal Kadakia generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Crystal Kadakia?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Crystal Kadakia for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Crystal Kadakia for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Crystal Kadakia or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Crystal Kadakia is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including TED, Youth and Futurism. The estimated speaking fee range to book Crystal Kadakia for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Crystal Kadakia generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Libby Gill, Haydn Shaw and Dr. Jackie Freiberg. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Crystal Kadakia for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Crystal Kadakia Speaking Topics
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Working with Emotions, Not Around
Every day at work, emotions are present—whether we acknowledge them or not. From stress in high-stakes meetings to joy in a team win, or frustration when things don’t go as planned, our emotional landscape deeply shapes how we show up, how we relate to others, and how well we work together. That’s why it’s vital to tap into the emotional currents underneath, driving our conversations. The most skilled leaders are able to work with, not around, emotions to drive progress. This insightful and energizing keynote will uncover how key emotions such as the search for meaning, fear, love, grief, and power can elevate wellbeing and performance.
Audience takeaways:
- Recognize and name common emotions in themselves and others in the moment
- Ease the stress that unsaid emotions play in our work lives
- Channel emotions like fear, love, grief, and power to drive progress, instead of serving as invisible barriers
- Empower themselves and those around to bring their full selves in a healthy and supportive way at work
-
Social Equations: Cracking the Code of People, Teams, and Influence
Technical brilliance may get you in the door—but the next great challenge is navigating people.
STEM professionals are trained for precision, analysis, and problem-solving. But when it comes to working across teams, managing conflict, or influencing change, most are left to figure it out on their own. That’s where Social Equations comes in. In this interactive keynote, we’ll explore what it takes to build high-performing teams in STEM environments. This session demystifies the “soft” side of work by treating social dynamics like any other system—something you can understand, predict, and improve.
Audience Takeaways:
- Learn self-awareness tools to grow soft skill capability
- Use practical frameworks to quickly and easily navigate people problems
- Practice scenarios to build positive relationships and achieve peak performance at work
- PBeat the stereotype that technical professionals can’t be great people leaders!
-
Inclusive and Psychologically Safe Cultures
Inclusion isn’t just about redesigning the systems that keep people out, it’s about each individual building their daily practices of belonging, safety, and tapping into the power of human connection. Neuroscience proves we already know how to include others, through moments of empathy, openness, and shared purpose. The challenge is making those moments intentional and systemic.
Audience takeaways
- Discover what is meant by inclusion on a day-to-day level
- Learn the often-overlooked strengths we all naturally possess that support inclusive behavior
- Design a practical, individualized plan to lead with greater inclusion every day
-
Culture Transformation in Complex, Passion-Driven Organizations
Transforming organizational culture isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. In fact, it often requires holding space for deep complexity, where passion runs high, diverse perspectives clash, and motivation to collaborate feels elusive. This session is for leaders who are faced with getting a culture to move from A to B. Through stories and lessons drawn from diverse sectors, discover how true culture change depends on more than just inspiring language or having good ideas. Sometimes, the deepest changes happen because you built the plane while you were flying it.
Audience takeaways:
- Actionable insights from the narratives of complex changes that delivered measurable impact.
- Practical strategies to design the container for culture change
- Weave bigger, shared visions even across differences and without letting conflict stall progress.
VIDEO
Crystal Kadakia Videos
BOOKS
REVIEWS
Crystal Kadakia Reviews
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Unknown - May 16 2019
FAQS
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How do I book Crystal Kadakia to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Crystal Kadakia for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Crystal Kadakia, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Crystal Kadakia or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Crystal Kadakia for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Crystal Kadakia, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Crystal Kadakia are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Crystal Kadakia, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Crystal Kadakia speak about?
Crystal Kadakia is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as TED, Youth, Futurism, Professional Development, Human Resources, Disruptive Thinking, Author, Bestselling Authors, Change Management, Future of Work, Female Leadership, Women in Business, Business, Innovation, Business Leadership, Leadership, Women's History Month, Women, Influential Women, Motivational, STEM, Diversity & Inclusion, Strategic Leadership, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Belonging, Asian & Pacific Heritage, Corporate Culture, Non-Profit, Resilience, Personal Growth, Mindset, Happiness and Peak Performance. -
Where does Crystal Kadakia travel from?
Crystal Kadakia generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Crystal Kadakia?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Crystal Kadakia for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Crystal Kadakia for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Crystal Kadakia or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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