Encore OTS 196: Paint On Your Own Canvas – Crystal Washington

Today’s guest is a technology strategist and certified futurist. She is known for her ability to take complex technology topics and make them accessible to everyday professionals, across multiple generations. She works with organizations that want to leverage social media, apps, smartphones, and the web to increase profits and productivity. She has entertained and educated audiences around the globe, including at Google, Microsoft, and GE. She is the author of two books, “One Tech Action” and “The Social Media Why” and has appeared in numerous publications including Entrepreneur, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Forbes. Please join me in welcoming Crystal Washington.  Dive into the dynamic world of Crystal Washington on this week's episode of On the Schmooze, where she unpacks her journey from a spirited entrepreneur to a renowned technology strategist and certified futurist. In this episode, we discuss: 🎨 Crystal's transition from a digital marketing expert to a full-time professional speaker showcases her adaptability and forward-thinking approach in leveraging technology for business growth, serving as an inspiration in the tech and entrepreneurial space. 🎨 Recognizing and Harnessing Personal Strengths: From an early age, she identified her inherent leadership abilities and entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to convert her college side hustles into a formidable career in technology and public speaking, exemplifying the importance of self-awareness and initiative. 🎨 Genuine Relationship Building: Crystal stresses the significance of nurturing authentic connections in professional settings, sharing personalized gestures like thoughtful gift baskets for clients, which not only demonstrate cultural competence but also deepen business relationships. 🎨 Cultural Engagement and Adaptability: Her love for travel and experiencing diverse cultures has not only enriched Crystal's personal life but also influenced her professional interactions, allowing her to bring unique perspectives and inclusive strategies to her consultancy and speaking engagements, encouraging professionals to embrace global diversity. Join us as we explore Crystal Washington's dynamic transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship, delving into her strategies for leveraging technology and nurturing genuine connections that amplify productivity and growth. Links Crystal Washington on LinkedIn and Twitter. www.CrystalWashington.com Books mentioned in this episode: “One Tech Action: A Quick-And-Easy Guide to Getting Started Using Productivity Apps and Websites for Busy Professionals” by Crystal Washington “The Social Media WHY: A Busy Professional’s Practical Guide to Using Social Media Including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+ and Blogs for Business” by Crystal Washington Other Resources Learn more about Karen McCullough. On the Schmooze is a podcast that features interviews with talented professionals who have overcome challenges to achieve success. I ask probing questions, and guests share untold stories about their leadership journey and how they built and sustained their professional network. Subscribing (or following) and leaving a rating and review wherever you are listening helps this podcast be discovered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices