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"
Lessons in Marriage and Entrepreneurship: Insights from Care to CEO Episode 12
In episode 12 of the Care to CEO podcast, hosts Crystal Smith and Ryan Smith open up about their journey as partners in both life and business. Sharing candid experiences from their marriage and entrepreneurial endeavors, they address the challenges, strategies, and growth that come with building a healthcare business together. Here are key takeaways for couples pursuing both relationship happiness and business success.
Navigating Chaos in Business and Marriage
Crystal Smith describes the early days of their venture as “chaos, but beautiful chaos.” The couple didn’t begin with a clear plan for separating work and home life, and the result was a messy, unpredictable period. However, it wasn’t just disarray; it was an opportunity for growth. Through establishing boundaries and consistent communication, they learned to protect not only the business but their family life as well. Ryan Smith notes, “You have to figure it out,” recognizing that the process of learning and adapting is ongoing.
The Power of Partnership and Support
Trust and faith played fundamental roles in their story. When Crystal decided to dive into the healthcare industry, she persuaded Ryan to leave his longstanding job in logistics, a leap he took with some hesitation but ultimate commitment. Crystal Smith credits Ryan’s willingness to trust her leadership as a major factor in their collective success. Many spouses might hesitate to follow such a bold vision, but Ryan’s decision to support Crystal empowered both to grow as leaders and partners.
Communication: The Cornerstone of Collaboration
Open and honest communication is a recurring theme throughout the episode. Crystal Smith emphasizes the importance of “unpacking the day and processing it” together, allowing them to address challenges, strategize for the future, and share laughter after tough moments. Their nightly routine helps them avoid carrying stress into the next day, fostering resilience and unity despite a demanding schedule involving business, family, and public service.
Handling Disagreements and Business Stress
Business disagreements are inevitable, but it’s how couples handle them that makes the difference. The Smiths candidly acknowledge that managing conflict isn’t always smooth. Crystal Smith notes, “Sometimes it can’t be, because you just never know what you’re going to get hit with on a day-to-day basis.” Through pausing, having patience, and remembering their shared goals, they have learned to push through challenging times.
Ryan Smith has often been the calm influence during periods of stress. He helps keep Crystal grounded and reassures her when she feels overwhelmed. This dynamic highlights the importance of complementary personalities and mutual support in a healthy business partnership.
Faith, Family, and Finances: A Guiding Compass
For the Smiths, faith, family, and finances guide every major decision. They walk by “blind faith,” especially during uncertain times. Their discipline and systems help them lean on faith when things go wrong. The intersection of these three pillars forms a reliable compass for navigating life and entrepreneurship.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Legacy is central to their mission. Crystal Smith shares, “The choices you make today really structure your life and future for yourself, your children, your grandchildren.” By creating a strong foundation, the Smiths ensure that their children and future generations don’t have to start from scratch. Their story has already inspired others, with their daughter, niece, and sister starting agencies of their own.
Advice for Couples in Business
The most valuable advice from the episode is to “find your role and know it.” Ryan Smith underscores the importance of partnership over competition. Crystal Smith recommends honest communication, handling feelings promptly, and being willing to walk away from toxic relationships or friend groups that threaten your partnership. Protecting your relationship and surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people lays the foundation for thriving together.
Final Thoughts
Episode 12 of Care to CEO is a powerful reminder that with trust, communication, patience, and faith, couples can build both a strong relationship and a successful business. The Smiths’ journey showcases the importance of supporting one another through chaos, embracing ongoing growth, and working toward a legacy that benefits not only their family but the wider community.
For more insights and inspiration, connect with Crystal and Ryan Smith on their social media platforms, and tune in to upcoming episodes of Care to CEO.
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.”