Welcome to Episode 1 of Care to CEO! In this inspiring kickoff, we introduce you to our host: Crystal Smith, a remarkable caregiver-turned-entrepreneur who shares her heartfelt journey from humble beginnings as a caretaker for her great-grandmother to becoming the CEO of a home care business. Crystal opens up about her childhood in Canton, Ohio, her family’s strong work ethic, and how the invaluable skills she learned caring for loved ones naturally evolved into running her own business.

She discusses the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the realities of being undervalued as a frontline worker, and the empowering moment she decided to bet on herself - transforming not just her own life, but the lives of those around her. From pivoting during the uncertainties of Covid to opening her home to those in need, Crystal’s story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of turning care into action.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a healthcare worker, or someone searching for inspiration, this episode will remind you that the skills you have - and your heart for helping others - might just be the blueprint for your own success.

Timestamps:

00:00 From Caregiver to Entrepreneur Mentor

04:02 "From Caretaker to Entrepreneur"

08:58 Natural Caregiver's Journey

12:32 "Undervalued Healthcare Workers' Plight"

15:22 "Perseverance as a Single Mother"

20:12 Starting a Mentorship Business Journey

23:54 "Embracing Pressure to Succeed"

26:35 24-Hour Childcare for Special Needs

28:45 Balanced Life Through Caregiving

33:04 Emergency Respite Care Decisions

34:43 Support Challenges in Service Industry

40:16 Examples of Envy and Progress

41:56 "Natural Humility as Success Blueprint"

44:35 Eager for Episode Two

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

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

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

The only podcast built for underdog entrepreneurs, everyday people, and caregivers who want to build their own care-based business (Group Homes, Home Care, Foster Care, Behavioral Health Housing, Veteran Housing, etc.) without a trust fund or a fancy degree.

This show is hosted by Crystal Smith, a former CNA turned CEO & City Councilwoman, who shares the real, unfiltered, from-the-trenches playbook, helping you focus on the transformation journey from being an overworked and underpaid worker to becoming CEO and business owner — just like Crystal did — with tactical steps, mindset shifts, mentorship, and hard truths.

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

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

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/