Welcome back to Care to CEO! In this episode, host Crystal Smith is joined by her business partner, Latanya Billings, a seasoned business consultant, and her sister Gracie Dillard, who serves as operations manager. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to be at the helm of a home care agency and highlight the unique challenges faced by those who transition from hands-on caregiving into executive leadership.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of being underestimated in the industry, especially when your journey didn’t start in the corporate world. Crystal Smith, Latanya Billings, and Gracie Dillard candidly discuss everything from tackling daily barriers like complex county systems and professional gatekeeping to navigating industry politics and overcoming intentional obstacles like delayed authorizations and discrimination.

But it’s not just about the struggles; the team also shares the strategies that have helped them turn adversity into fuel for growth. They stress the importance of meticulous documentation, building strong teams, staying up-to-date on ever-changing regulations, and, above all, keeping the focus on the individuals they serve. Throughout, listeners will find actionable insights on maintaining professionalism, protecting their mindset in the face of resistance, and scaling their impact as leaders in home care.

So, whether you’re in the caregiving field, are thinking about making the jump to leadership, or just want to hear honest stories from women who’ve walked the walk, this episode delivers real talk and hard-earned wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

00:00 Caregiver to CEO: Overcoming Bias

03:37 "Team Lacks True Collaboration"

09:09 "Resilience Amid Industry Challenges"

10:38 "Protecting Mindset: Remember the Mission"

15:56 Caregivers Overlooking Established Plans

18:17 "Less Is More Communication"

21:49 "Never Shrink, Stay Bold"

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 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.”