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.”

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.”

Welcome back to Care to CEO, the podcast where we empower real people to build thriving care businesses. In this episode, the inspiring Crystal Smith digs into a topic that’s truly at the heart of any successful care company: client retention.

Crystal shares lessons learned from her years of experience, from landing that vital first client to building systems that keep clients, families, and caseworkers coming back. You’ll hear practical tips on how to make new clients feel safe from day one, the top reasons care agencies lose clients, and what it takes to build trust through strong communication and follow-up. Plus, Crystal opens up about the key systems she’s put in place to make sure no client or team member falls through the cracks, and how client experience has become her best marketing tool.

Whether you’re just starting your care agency or looking to level up your retention game, Crystal’s transparent, actionable advice will show you how retention, reputation, and real relationships are the true foundations of a thriving care business. Stay tuned for insights on creating a genuinely supportive culture and Crystal’s next step: mentoring other care entrepreneurs. Let’s dive in!

Timestamps:

00:00 Retention and Relationship in Caregiving

04:57 Navigating Post-Honeymoon Adjustments

08:09 Avoiding Common Client Service Mistakes

11:56 Nonstop Meetings and Updates

14:55 The Power of Word-of-Mouth

16:22 Choosing Caregiver Systems: Research & Options

20:46 Embracing New Business Passions

23:14 Open Feedback Embraced

27:44 Empathy and Feedback in Caregiving

30:30 Client Retention and Business Growth

32:08 "Exciting Conversation Awaited"

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.”