Krystal Tomlinson

Public Speaking Coach and Communications Consultant

Style Observer (SO) Do you see your profession as a calling or something that you worked towards?

Krystal Tomlinson (KT) In many respects my work in communications feels like a calling. I’ve always been an orator – since the first grade, performing at JCDC festivals, to theatre and performing arts in high school, to debating and World Public Speaking Champion in University (UWI, Mona). Elocution has been a defining part of my journey, my career and my personal brand. But it also feels like my art. It’s through public speaking that I’ve been able to express my passions and frustrations and to tell stories that connect me with people I may never meet. And is that not the purpose of art?

SO: What are you most passionate about?

KT: In this season I am most passionate about family and friendships. Over the last four years it’s become clear how the quality of my relationships impact the quality of my life and I have become fiercely protective of my tribe, deeply committed to my family and friends and deliberate about spending high quality time with the people I love.

SO: Share with us a few career highlights.

KT: The flagship moments in my career have so far been:

– Publishing my book, Kill Fear: The Art of Courageous Living which was added to the UWI’s 75th Anniversary Reading List

– Being named by Success Magazine in 2022 among its list of 125 Most Influential Global Voices

– Securing the title of World Public Speaking Champion: The first and only female from the Caribbean and Latin America to hold the title

– The privilege of working personally with 300+ individuals who struggle to overcome their fear of public speaking through my Speak With Courage Online Course, personal coaching and workshops

– Creating a business (The Success Farm) that has allowed me to work with women, teams and teens in my zones of genius and passion – elocution and emotional intelligence.

SO: We have just wrapped International Women’s Day. What are your thoughts on how far we as women have come and indeed, how much further we have to go?

KT: In Jamaica we have closed the gap significantly, especially given the global context where women continue to struggle to access legal and economic protection. That we have secured for women the right to maternity leave with pay, equal pay for equal work, property rights, unfettered access to education and now, exceeding the global average of women in Parliament, which is testament to a steady momentum to restore full rights and reduce barriers to women’s success and excellence. But we certainly need to ‘accelerate action’ as this year’s theme calls us to. I’d love to see, in the next decade or less, true wage transparency to ensure women are paid fairly and equally; State funded child care services so parents don’t have to worry about the safety of children while they are at work; and a shift to evidence-based prosecution for cases of domestic violence to reduce the rate of women murdered by their partners (Jamaica still has the highest rate of femicides globally!). A mouthful, but women’s rights are my rights and we have to commit to making Jamaica a safe society for all, especially our women and girls.

SO: Have we shattered the glass ceiling?

KT: I think we have a few layers of that glass ceiling left to dismantle, but I am reminded of Audre Lorde’s reflection that “The master’s tools will never destroy the master’s house.” If we are to create a more equitable society for women we can’t continue to depend on inequitable systems to resolve the issues. New tables must be built as we simultaneously seek our seats at the existing ones. Tables that see women as essential to leadership (not tokens) and social partnerships and inclusive decision making us fundamental to development (not exclusion and oppression). The winner-takes-all, zero-sum world view remains dominant and is by nature meant to create second-class citizens. Women must collaborate to build new tables.

SO: Which three women (locally or internationally) inspire you?

KT: Without mentioning the matriarchs of my family:

Odetta Rockhead-Kerr for her grit and resilience. Her journey from rural poverty and exclusion to building new and inclusive tables for wealth creation continues to inspire me.

Patricia Duncan Sutherland, who demonstrates an indomitable spirit of selfless service and patriotism. She has kept an open heart and a loving posture as she straddles a ‘man’s world’ of banking and finance as COO of JMMB Bank, while pouring into people through community building, motherhood and politics. Tough spaces, no matter the era!

Michelle Obama for providing the world with a fresh example of black woman excellence – a legal luminary, attentive and loving parent, visible and articulate partner, leader and advocate. She has helped to redefine the image of a ‘strong black woman” from one who struggles with a little to one who unapologetically pursues (because she knows she deserves) MORE.

SO: How would you describe Krystal in a few sentences?

KT: Krystal is brave, compassionate and purposeful. She trusts herself to make good decisions and to alchemise her life lessons into wisdom. She loves a good boundary and enjoys helping others speak up for themselves and set boundaries that keep their cups and hearts full. She is an expression of God’s love, light and intelligence and unapologetic about the depth, wattage and creative impetus that each of those elements nurture.

SO: What’s currently in the rear view mirror?

KT: Self-doubt and the fear of being misunderstood.

SO: Which song is playing in your head?

KT: Made A Way by Travis Greene. Because GOD DID! I am so grateful for the closed chapters. They allow me to fully embrace the new books and the pages still unwritten.

SO: What are your must-have fashion essentials?

KT: Pearls, black patent leather pumps, African print dress, skirt or blazer, and a solid pair of blue jeans.

SO: And your make-up bag essentials?

KT: Sunscreen, lip gloss and Fenty Hella Thicc Mascara

SO: How important are what you wear and how you look?

KT: What I wear is a reflection of my personality – whether the colour, the dynamic print, a statement piece. I wear what flatters my frame, complements my energy and inspires confidence so it is very important.

SO: An evening in or out?

KT: An evening out (preferably dancing)!

SO: What are you drinking?

KT: It’s a cocktail called Unreserved Passion

SO: Finally, what’s your philosophy?

KT: Dream big and kill fear. Everything I want wants me, too.