Caitlin Crosby is a former Hollywood talent who didn’t finish college, never got an MBA, and wasn’t supposed to become a CEO, yet that’s exactly what she did. Caitlin’s passion for people led her to launch The Giving Keys, a give-back jewelry brand with the mission of helping its employees transition out of homelessness. Each of their one million plus keys sold represents a person who wore it, then shared it with someone else, in a unique pay-it-forward model. 

Seele Magazine: LA is known as the homeless capital of the US. What have you learned about homelessness in your years of living in LA and being CEO of The Giving Keys? 

Caitlin Crosby: There are many facts about homelessness that people would not assume. One of the main causes of homelessness is "loss of a job." A lot of people we have worked with were also born into the cycle of homelessness. It’s such a broken system where the cost of living is so high, and the waiting lists to get into shelters or rehabilitation support have so much red tape.

SM: A lot of responsibility has been placed in your hands as a CEO and you're tackling a major societal issue- homelessness. You didn't get the education for the leadership responsibility that you have. What do you say to those who don't feel qualified for their callings?

CC: When I first started trying to tackle it by myself, I realized there was a major limit to how sustainably helpful I could be. It was important to go the 'trial and error' route so I could discover all of the missing links. I then partnered with nonprofits who had social workers and caseworkers who specialize in support our employees needed. Anyone can start right now, just as they are, with what they know, and build off that as you go.

SM: How do you balance being a wife, mother and your professional calling?

CC: I recently let go of trying to find the perfect "balance" as I’m not convinced it is attainable. Some days, it will be off balance and I will learn and pivot. I try to make time for myself to pray, read, take deep breaths, journal (even if for 1 minute in the restroom!) to get my mind right before I can take on taking care of other people. I do also have to sacrifice a lot of social activities with friends as this season has other priorities. Learning when to say no and hold strong to boundaries, listening to my "peace o Meter," which is what chapter 3 is about in my new book, to make sure I’m listening to what's most important in that moment.

SM: What inspired your book, 'You Are the Key'?

CC: There were a lot of 'behind the scenes' struggles that I felt lead to share in hopes that others could relate and find healing through the wisdom I fought so hard to accumulate through the years. I wanted people to feel beautiful with all of their so-called imperfections. I wanted us all to feel released to be a human being in all of our frailties and special uniqueness. 

SM: What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

CC: Don't hold on too tightly to the dreams you have looking the exact way you want them to look. Let yourself enjoy the journey is letting life unfold.