Welcome back to Season 2 of “Care to CEO”! This season is all about earned leadership, integration, and transformation, and Crystal Smith’s journey is a masterclass in building, scaling, and leading a care-based business from the ground up. She is a powerhouse who’s grown from humble beginnings as a caregiver and CNA to a respected CEO and city councilwoman.

Get ready to dive deep as Crystal Smith shares candid stories about turning responsibility into strategy, the behind-the-scenes sacrifices no one claps for, and the importance of structure over hustle. You’ll hear honest tips on how to create routines that serve both business and family, why true leadership means modeling the way instead of dominating, and how to stay grounded and emotionally present in the face of high pressure and public scrutiny.

Whether you’re a caregiver dreaming of entrepreneurship, a professional looking to pivot, or a seasoned leader trying to balance profit and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to redefine credibility, embrace your story, and build with standards, not stress. Tune in and learn how you, too, can lead boldly without losing yourself.

Timestamps:

00:00 Leadership Rooted in Responsibility

06:34 From Responsibility to Strategic Success

10:44 Leadership Skills: Home vs. Business

13:38 Leadership Lessons from Public Service

16:46 "Leadership's Challenges and Resilience"

19:56 "Reset Your Mind Daily"

22:33 "Systems for Balance and Growth"

24:31 "Building Repeatable Business Systems"

29:09 "Confidence Through Authentic Leadership"

33:44 "Building Endurance Through Struggles"

34:45 Respecting the Process

40:15 "Start Your Care-Based Business"

43:14 "Season of Grit and Leadership"

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://www.crystalsmithandco.com/

Crystal Smith Mentoring - https://ft.crystalsmith.online/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to Season 2 of Care to CEO! In this episode, Crystal Smith, CEO and former city councilwoman, kicks off the season with an honest conversation about the essential shift every service-based founder needs to make: stepping out of the weeds and embracing the true role of a CEO. This isn't just about "doing less", it's about leading differently, building systems, and empowering your business to grow beyond you.

Crystal Smith opens up about the emotional challenges of letting go, moving from being indispensable in the day-to-day to building a business that can run on its own. The conversation explores the pitfalls of micromanaging, why delegating is a vital CEO skill, and how clinging to the identity of the "fixer" can hold your business back. Crystal Smith breaks down what it really takes to shift from operator to true leader, including practical advice and a dose of real-world vulnerability.

If you've ever felt stretched too thin or wondered why growth seems to stall even after success, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how embracing systems, strategy, and soul can set you and your business up for sustainable, scalable success.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Shifting from Operator to CEO"

04:43 "Decentralize to Avoid CEO Burnout"

08:54 From Job to Business Asset

11:09 "Success and Avoiding Stagnation"

14:29 Trusting Team and Hiring Right

19:21 "Solitude for Clarity and Insight"

22:00 "Vision Through Self-Reflection"

26:17 "Failure Fuels Transformation"

28:45 "CEO Shift with Crystal"

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://www.crystalsmithandco.com/

Crystal Smith Mentoring - https://ft.crystalsmith.online/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome back to Care to CEO! In this powerful season finale, Crystal Smith dives into one of the most critical and challenging aspects of running a care-based business: real estate. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this episode is packed with wisdom and hard-earned lessons on everything from choosing the right property and navigating leases to building real wealth and protecting yourself from common traps.

Crystal Smith shares her personal journey, including the costly mistakes she made early on and how those experiences shaped her approach to real estate today. She breaks down the unique challenges care businesses face, why your first property should be a learning lab, and why renting might be the smartest move for new providers. They also cover tips for negotiating with landlords, handling licensing hurdles, and the importance of doing your local homework before signing anything.

If you’re passionate about growing your care business or just want to avoid the missteps that can sink your company, this episode is essential listening. Get ready to walk away with practical insights, renewed confidence, and actionable steps for protecting your business and setting yourself up for long-term success.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Real Estate: Balance of Roles"

04:27 Renting Over Buying

07:36 Avoid Early Lease Guarantees

09:55 "Confidence Over Details Matters"

16:09 Childcare Licensing and Zoning Variability

17:09 Navigating Home Care Zoning Requirements

22:56 "Start Small, Seek Counsel"

23:45 "Seek Legal Help and Resources"

27:28 "Strategic Thinking in Real Estate"

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://www.crystalsmithandco.com/

Crystal Smith Mentoring - https://ft.crystalsmith.online/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”