It’s no secret that corporate environments have historically been spaces where well-being wasn’t prioritized. A report by the Workforce Institute at UKG found that managers have more of an impact on employees mental health than their doctor or therapist, and an equal influence to that of their partner. As someone who spent over a decade in corporate and has experienced toxic work environments, I know this is possible. So, I was thrilled when Dr. Portia Jackson Preston reached out to me to create brand photos that reflected her commitment to create inclusive cultures that prioritize well-being and sustainable performance.

Dr. Portia is a two-time TedX speaker, Founder of Empowered to Exhale, and an Assistant Professor of Public Health at California State University, Fullerton, where she conducts research on multilevel approaches to self-care, and examines stressors such as racism drivers of health inequity. Her specialty is equity-minded wellness, holistic well-being, and sustainable work practices. Getting to know Portia and her brand felt like a manifestation of a dream client relationship! In addition to brand photos, I also had the privilege of working with Portia on her messaging since she took advantage of Empowered Branding and 1:1 coaching with me.

Portia’s approach to wellness was so aligned to my own perception that I also invited her to share deeper perspective in my book, Brave Leadership is a Choice: An Inclusive Guide to Creating Belonging, because we all need to think about wellness differently, with a more accessible, inclusive lens. From her personal self-connection practice to how she connects and engages with others, and prepares for speaking engagements, it was important to showcase Portia’s multi-dimensional, multi-passionate character.

“My journey with Crystal began with a request for photography, but I quickly discerned she had much more to offer! As I reviewed her online portfolio and website, I was captivated by Empowered Branding, which leverages her expertise in inclusive leadership–an unparalleled offer in this space. Her approach to expressing your brand in a way that calls your community in and centers inclusivity was so refreshing to me. I eagerly signed up, and for several weeks leading up to my photoshoot, I engaged in deep reflection of my organization’s values, mission and vision. Together, we crafted copy for my website that feels deeply authentic and aligned. She even worked with my web designers to ensure the overall vision would be cohesive. On the day of the shoot, I finally had a chance to meet her in person. Crystal was nothing short of a powerhouse! She is a consummate professional–from developing a vision for the shoot, to carefully planning out even the smallest of details, I was in great hands. She is somehow simultaneously an expert behind the lens, while creating a space where you feel safe to be fully authentic in front of the camera. She masterfully worked with my team to ensure we got all of the shots we needed, and was extremely creative in leveraging my rented space. After the shoot, Crystal was a sleuth in creating a robust portfolio of options that would serve my brand for years to come. I truly feel that she helped to co-create my vision and bring it to life. I feel great using my pictures for marketing, social media, and my website sharing the website for my business with potential clients, because of the quality work that Crystal has done.”

Want to bring your mission, vision, and values to life with cohesive visual and written messaging that reflects your brand and leadership ethos? Reach out to schedule a clarity call and book a session.