Welcome back to Care to CEO, the podcast that proves extraordinary care businesses are built by ordinary people; no white coats or business degrees required. In today’s episode, you´ll hear from the inspiring Crystal Smith, owner, coach, and mentor, who’s living proof that all you need is heart, commitment, and the right guidance to step into the world of home care entrepreneurship.

Think you need a ton of experience, medical credentials, or deep pockets to start your own home care agency? Think again. Crystal breaks down the biggest myths about this purpose-driven industry, digs into the mindset shifts required to go from caregiver to CEO, and unpacks the real roadblocks and rewards of owning a care business.

You’ll hear Crystal’s honest advice about system-building, growth mindset, and why sustainable success starts with putting people first. Plus, Crystal shares a powerful client story that will have you rethinking what’s possible for yourself.

Whether you’re curious about launching your first business, seeking mentorship, or just need a little encouragement, this episode is your permission slip to believe you can do it and that you don’t have to do it alone.

Stay tuned as we turn purpose into profit and show you how to build a care business that changes lives, including your own.

Timestamps:

00:00 From Task Focus to Strategic Leadership

03:33 "Misconceptions in System Building"

09:12 "Turning Purpose into Profit"

13:22 Coaching Bridges Home Care Gaps

17:13 Home Care: Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship

18:52 "Empowerment for Aspiring Care Leaders"

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

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

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

Welcome back to Care to CEO, the go-to podcast for people dreaming of building real businesses in the care industry. In today’s episode, Crystal Smith takes us on the journey from securing a license to landing that all-important first paying client. Crystal shares the unfiltered story behind her entrepreneurial beginnings: the mistakes, the setbacks, the hustle, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.

She digs into why trust, reputation, and word-of-mouth matter far more than flashy ads when you’re just starting out, and offers real-world strategies for getting your name out there, even if you’re feeling intimidated or uncertain. Whether you’re frozen by fear, stuck after becoming licensed, or needing a nudge to get moving, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement that proves you don’t have to be perfect; just present, prepared, and persistent.

So if you’re ready to turn your care business dreams into dollars, tune in and let Crystal show you how she did it and how you can too.

Timestamps:

00:00 Starting a Residential Care Business

06:34 Relationships Drive Client Acquisition

09:38 Trust as Marketability

13:13 Embrace Learning and Consistency

16:14 "Emphasize In-Person Networking"

20:34 Networking with Ohio's County MRDD Boards

22:31 "Fully-Furnished Rentals Appeal"

26:58 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Politics

31:17 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

32:26 "Unexpected Business Growth Journey"

37:45 "Sporty Business Attire Evolution"

39:12 "Overcome Fear: Lead with Action"

41:58 "Get Clients: Be Present, Persist"

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

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

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

Welcome back to Care to CEO, the podcast where everyday caregivers transform into confident care entrepreneurs. In this episode, Crystal Smith - Mother, former CNA, Black Woman CEO, and City Councilwoman - digs into the real, often untold truth: women of color, especially caregivers, are not the underdogs. In fact, they’re uniquely built for business leadership.

Crystal shares her inspiring journey from managing a multigenerational household to founding her own care business and winning a city council seat. She unveils how the so-called "soft skills" develop through a lifetime of caregiving, like resilience, resourcefulness, and emotional intelligence. These are actually women's greatest business strengths. Crystal tackles the realities of impostor syndrome, being underestimated, and turning adversity into advantage.

Get ready for actionable insights, hard-won wisdom, and a strong message: those everyday skills you use to care for your family and community are the very building blocks of a powerful entrepreneurial legacy. If you’re a caregiver or a woman of a minority considering entrepreneurship, this episode will leave you feeling seen, equipped, and empowered to just start, because your story, your strength, and your leadership matter now more than ever.

Timestamps:

00:00 Innate Leadership in Adversity

03:57 Leadership Rooted in Compassion

07:23 Recognizing Undervalued Soft Skills

10:41 Empowering Entrepreneurs of Color

14:28 Entrepreneurial Journey: Triumphs and Trials

17:58 Mentorship for Marginalized Communities

21:28 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

25:12 "Embrace Trial and Error"

26:31 "Just Start Your Journey"

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

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

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/