Care to CEO

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.”

Welcome to episode 12 of Care to CEO! In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Crystal Smith and her husband, Ryan Smith, pull back the curtain on what it's really like to build a healthcare business and a life together as a married couple. The duo dives into their journey from chaos to structure, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the unique challenges of balancing work, family, and faith.
You'll hear candid stories about taking leaps of faith, overcoming business disagreements without hurting the marriage, and what it means to truly support your partner's dreams (even if it means jumping all-in on a brand new industry!). Crystal Smith and Ryan Smith share the systems and boundaries they've developed over the years, and how communication and a healthy dose of humor keep them moving forward.
This episode is packed with lessons about leadership, legacy, and the power of partnership. Whether you're navigating your own business with a loved one or simply looking for insight on building something that matters, this candid conversation will give you real, relatable advice and leave you inspired to keep building your own legacy. Tune in and join the journey from care to CEO!

Timestamps:
00:00 "Care to CEO: Our Journey"
05:42 "Faith, Trust, and Ambition"
08:16 "Beautiful Chaos of Everyday Life"
11:02 "Faith as Life's Compass"
13:41 Reliable Logistics Problem-Solver
17:51 "Unpacking and Patience"
22:38 "Importance of Clear Communication"
24:41 "Protecting Relationships and Peace"
26:54 "Sports Historian Husband Dreams"

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, the show where real-life experiences transform into ownership, leadership, and lasting legacy. In today’s episode, host Crystal Smith, an entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for breaking down barriers in the care industry, dives deep into the power of mentorship that doesn’t just hand out surface-level advice but lifts the curtain and truly opens doors.
You’ll hear Crystal Smith reflect on her journey from feeling like an outsider, struggling with imposter syndrome and gatekeeping in her field, to building her own tables where everyone is welcome. She shares personal stories of perseverance, building generational wealth, and how she now champions other women and new care agency leaders to become CEOs themselves. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at her recent experience at a professional convention, insights on building supportive communities, and honest conversations about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and why asking for help is the ultimate strategy.
If you’ve ever felt held back by self-doubt or struggled to find genuine support, this episode is for you. Crystal Smith opens up about what real mentorship looks like, why it’s especially vital for women, caregivers, and first-generation business owners, and how it’s never too early, or too late, to step into your power as a CEO.
Stay tuned as Crystal Smith reminds us that success is not reserved for a select few, and building a legacy starts with showing up for yourself and others, every single day.

Timestamps:
00:00 "Mentorship That Breaks Barriers"
06:43 Redefining Humble and Empowerment
11:24 "Struggling with Success Guilt"
17:28 Presence Speaks Louder Than Words
23:05 "Figuring Things Out Through Calls"
28:12 Fear, Confidence, and Sharing Information
36:18 Unlocking Your Natural Potential
43:11 Caregiver to CEO Mindset Shift
44:33 "Delegation Over Control"
51:06 Clarity, Structure, Accountability
56:13 "Overcoming Hesitation to Start"
01:01:38 "Mentorship, Access, and Care Business"

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 the 10th episode of Care to CEO! This is the show where caregivers learn to step confidently into entrepreneurship and turn their passion for helping others into thriving, profitable businesses. In this milestone episode, care business expert Crystal Smith gives an honest deep dive into one of the trickiest (and most crucial) parts of running a business: pricing.
So many caregivers struggle with putting a dollar value on the work that comes so naturally to them. Crystal shares her journey from undercharging out of guilt to claiming her worth and building an impactful, sustainable care agency. Crystal has an open conversation about overcoming the mindset blocks around money, shifting from a caregiver to a CEO perspective, and the nuts and bolts of setting rates with confidence, whether you’re working with Medicaid, private pay, or contracts.
You’ll hear real stories about setting boundaries, honoring the value of your services, and why you simply can’t build an empire if you’re afraid to invoice. Crystal offers tips for new agency owners on researching their market, factoring in those easily-forgotten expenses, and how to powerfully communicate their worth: no guilt, no apology.
If you’ve ever wondered how to price your care services, battle with imposter syndrome, or just need a boost to stand firm in your value, this episode is your permission slip to finally charge what you’re worth and build the business you deserve. Tune in to get inspired, empowered, and equipped for your next bold step as a Care to CEO!

Timestamps:
00:00 Caregiving to CEO Mindset Transition
06:09 Pricing and Value in Social Services
08:54 Transforming Confidence Through Care
12:43 "Strictly 24-Hour Care Model"
16:16 "Benefits of 24/7 Care Model"
17:16 Bold Goals Beat Fearful Limits
20:33 Changing Views on Property Leasing
24:05 "Owning and Showing Your Value"
29:33 "Proven Success Through Foundations"
33:00 "Building Value Through Networking"
34:33 "Knowing Your Worth, Women"
37:16 "Price Confidently, Build Powerfully"

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.”