Crystal Lay
CEOGBS Worldwide
Crystal Miller Lay is the Chief Executive of GBS Worldwide, an end-to-end Talent Attraction Firm specializing in employer branding, recruitment marketing, and organizational talent transformation. With over 20 years of experience in marketing strategy, behavioral psychology, and award-winning digital marketing, she has worked with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 10 companies, earning over 13 Webby, Davey, and Communicator Awards in 2023-2024 alone.
Crystal recently led a study into the impact of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) on job seekers, job search activities and outcomes with the University of Wolverhampton. In 2023, she completed the largest study on neurodivergence with the University of Wales, focusing on the Employer Value Proposition (EVP) development gap for individuals with disabilities and the neurodiverse. This research highlights the disconnect between employer branding and inclusive employment practices. In addition to her academic contributions, she runs the Autistic Teen Program for the Freddie Ford Foundation and serves as a Board Member, where her anti-bullying initiative has earned global recognition for its social innovation and inclusion impact.
A lifelong advocate for education and neurodiversity, Crystal holds an MBA in Leadership and Organisational Innovation from the University of Wales and is a candidate for MSc in Industrial Organisational Psychology. She is also working toward a third Master’s degree in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton, and is pursuing her doctorate.
When she's not working (and often even when she is), you're likely to find Crystal either traveling or with her family. She's also fond of (badly) patio gardening, an occasional glass of red wine, and is completely hooked on writing. She recently finished her first book, and is working on the outline for her second.
11:45 am–12:25 pm PDT —
Employer brand storytelling isn’t about spinning a good tale—it’s about shaping perception, influencing behaviour, and forging connection at scale. In this session, Crystal Miller Lay—award-winning strategist and CEO of GBS Companies—breaks down how to craft an employer brand narrative rooted in the science of I/O psychology, fueled by positive psychology, and designed for real-world hiring results.
You’ll learn how to:
Build psychologically resonant messaging that aligns to organisational goals and talent motivations.
Infuse storytelling with positive psychology to spotlight strengths, foster emotional engagement, and elevate employer brand perception.
Design story systems that are inclusive, emotionally intelligent, and scalable across platforms.
Avoid the trap of generic brand content by tapping into behavioral data and your actual employee experience.
This isn’t fluff. It’s the science-backed, story-smart approach your brand needs to stand out in a market overwhelmed by sameness. If your company says it’s different, it’s time to show it—through better employer brand storytelling.