Krystal delivered a keynote titled “Apps And Partnerships To Promote Self-Empathy In Healthcare.” In her talk, she introduced the idea of self-empathy, which involves extending kindness and understanding to oneself, especially during challenging moments. While many professionals are trained to care for others, she noted that they often struggle to offer themselves the same support.

Drawing from her clinical experience and her book, Transforming Leadership Through Self-Empathy, Krystal outlined how mobile applications could serve as practical tools for mental wellness. She described how features like mood tracking, journaling, mindfulness prompts, and peer support forums can provide real-time emotional assistance. She cited platforms such as Eric Kit Track to demonstrate how users can monitor emotional patterns and access coping strategies when needed.

Krystal emphasized the importance of integrating these tools into the workplace and cultural systems. She used the story of an ICU nurse as an example of how unaddressed emotional strain can build over time, leading to burnout. She also highlighted the role of leadership in driving mental health normalization by supporting structured training, policy changes, and open dialogue.

Her keynote concluded with a live self-empathy exercise that encouraged attendees to pause, reflect, and connect with their emotions. The session demonstrated how simple, guided techniques can have a meaningful impact on stress management and self-awareness. With her extensive background in trauma-informed care and nonprofit leadership, Krystal Boothe offered FUELD Conference attendees a compelling vision. She illustrated how self-empathy, supported by technology and culture, can transform mental health support across industries.