Care to CEO
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
Real Mentorship Revealed: Building Legacy and Confidence in the Home Care Business
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.”