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"
Mentorship Matters: Breakthrough Lessons from Care to CEO
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur in the world of care businesses, or perhaps someone seeking authentic mentorship and proven guidance on your leadership journey? The latest episode of the Care to CEO podcast delivered a powerhouse of advice, inspiration, and practical steps for anyone aiming to build not only a business but a legacy. Here, we unpack the key lessons shared by Crystal Smith, revealing why mentorship is essential and how you can overcome barriers, find support, and achieve your biggest goals.
Redefining Mentorship: From Gatekeeping to Generosity
Unlike the usual “hidden playbook” style that leaves budding leaders lost and frustrated, Crystal champions a transparent, supportive, and truth-telling mentorship model. This involves sharing the real strategies and helping new care CEOs access resources that she herself once had to struggle to find.
Crystal’s mission centers on lifting others up, breaking down barriers, and eliminating the gatekeeping that is too often present in the care and entrepreneurial industries. She believes no one should be left Googling answers or feeling excluded from success.
Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Claiming Your Place
Throughout the conversation, the topic of imposter syndrome recurred. Crystal Smith candidly recounted her ongoing battle with feeling undeserving, even when surrounded by highly successful professionals. She shared her transformation from feeling nervous and out of place to walking into rooms with confidence, stating, “I don’t need your table; I’ve got my own.”
Her advice is crucial for new entrepreneurs: the fact that you are in the room means you belong there. The universe would not have aligned for you to be present if it was not meant to happen. Crystal’s story offers a powerful reframing of humility, teaching listeners that it is possible to be both humble and boldly confident at the same time.
The Importance of Asking for Help
Many business owners hesitate to seek assistance, worrying that they should already “know” what to do. In reality, Crystal describes asking for help as a core leadership strategy. No CEO succeeds alone. She emphasizes that leveraging different perspectives and expertise speeds up problem-solving and introduces novel solutions.
To those afraid of appearing weak, Crystal assures that asking for help is not only wise but essential. Collaboration drives businesses forward, prevents burnout, and cultivates a thriving mentorship community where every member can learn and grow together.
Breaking Free from Gatekeeping: Why Some Hide Knowledge
One standout insight addressed the issue of gatekeeping in the care industry. Crystal noted that fear and lack of confidence often cause others to withhold valuable information. She rejects this scarcity mindset and believes knowledge should be shared openly, though she also recommends setting proper boundaries. Mentorship can be offered through structured programs, paid consultations, or in select cases, especially with young people, freely given guidance.
Real-World Impact: Stories of Transformation
Crystal shared a memorable story about a mentee who was on the verge of giving up her care agency dream over insurance roadblocks. With Crystal’s direct help, she resolved the issue in minutes and moved forward with her business. This highlights the true value of mentorship: speeding up solutions, preventing burnout, and reigniting belief in one’s potential.
Whether through meticulously crafted templates, weekly support groups, or one-on-one guidance, Crystal’s mentorship community equips members with clarity, structure, and accountability. Her approach ensures that members do not lose momentum or feel isolated.
Final Thoughts: Why Now Is the Right Time
If you are nurturing a vision that won’t let you sleep, Crystal’s advice is clear. There is no perfect moment to start a business or leadership journey. If you wait for all circumstances to be ideal, you may never begin. Success happens when you take the leap, face the unknown with faith, and surround yourself with mentors who guide and support you every step of the way.
Care to CEO Podcast Episode 11 was a masterclass in overcoming self-doubt and embracing mentorship as the vehicle for success. For those serious about transforming experience into ownership and care into legacy, joining a mentorship community like Crystal’s may be the missing piece. Take the first step and watch as the right people and tools appear to help you build your dream.
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.”