Care to CEO

Latest Episodes:

Turning Home Care Challenges Into Opportunities During the Federal Medicaid Moratorium Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Care to CEO! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest regulatory shake-ups the home health industry has seen in years: a nationwide moratorium impacting new Medicaid enrollments for home health and hospice agencies. If you’re an aspiring care business owner or feeling confused about what these changes mean for your business, you’re not alone.

Joining us is Crystal Smith, founder, consultant, and business acquisition advisor, who’s here to separate fact from fear, break down exactly who’s affected, what’s changing, and how you can adapt and thrive in this new environment. From practical advice on building resilient systems to finding new opportunities beyond Medicaid, Crystal shares actionable strategies for staying informed, flexible, and ready to build a lasting business, even in uncertain times.

Whether your plans are on pause or you’re searching for the right path forward, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and the mindset you need to turn obstacles into opportunities. Let’s jump in!

Timestamps:

00:00 Medicaid enrollment moratorium impacts

03:28 Medicaid moratorium impact on providers

06:33 Preparing for business compliance changes

11:34 Learning new business rules

15:04 Evaluating and Selling Business Assets

17:09 Entrepreneurs focusing on their progress

22:45 Consultation for health services

24:13 Adapting in the care industry

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

The Power of Showing Up: Mindset Shifts for First-Generation Entrepreneurs Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Care to CEO! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Crystal Smith, founder, business consultant, author, and now business broker, whose journey from caregiver and single mother to industry trailblazer is nothing short of remarkable. Crystal opens up about the steep costs and overlooked pitfalls of going solo in business, the invaluable role of mentorship, and the lessons she’s learned as she’s helped first-generation entrepreneurs, especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, build, grow, and ultimately exit valuable businesses. Together, we explore how the home care industry is evolving, why soft skills from caregiving translate into elite business leadership, and what it means to truly “show up” for yourself and others. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or a seasoned operator, get ready for powerful insights on creating sustainable freedom, building generational wealth, and embracing your unique superpowers as you grow from care to CEO.

Timestamps:

00:00 Crystal Smith's business journey

03:23 Helping Underdog Entrepreneurs Succeed

07:30 Ready-to-buy business market

12:00 Choosing the Right Mentor

13:30 Importance of getting guidance

18:04 Developing Skills Through Caregiving

20:26 Empowering women in the workplace

22:59 Expanding beyond health care

29:11 Showing up for yourself

30:48 Building a Valuable and Sustainable Business

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Evolving Healthcare: Avoiding Burnout and Building Sustainable Growth in Home Care Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

The conversation focused on the evolving landscape of healthcare entrepreneurship and the new challenges facing founders today. Growth in the industry now demands more than just vision and dedication; it requires robust systems, operational maturity, and stable teams to avoid chaos and burnout behind the scenes. The discussion explored common mistakes healthcare founders make as they scale, the rising importance of documentation and compliance, and why a strong infrastructure is more critical than ever. A key theme that emerged was the necessity for founders to adapt both personally and within their organizations to succeed in a rapidly changing, regulation-driven environment. The episode also delved into the impact of staffing, the role of mentorship, and what sustainable growth truly means for healthcare businesses looking toward the future.

Timestamps:

00:00 Shift in healthcare industry focus

05:35 Implementing business systems for growth

08:46 Achieving operational maturity

10:38 Challenges with staffing decisions

16:01 Embracing Change for Business Growth

17:10 Importance of having a mentor

21:28 Focus on sustainability in business

25:42 Struggles and triumphs in modeling

28:25 Commitment to serving others

30:25 Keys to sustainable growth

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Building Strong Backend Systems for Sustainable Service Business Growth May 13, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Care to CEO! In this episode, we dig into one of the least glamorous but most vital aspects of scaling a business: building a rock-solid backend infrastructure. Crystal Smith pulls back the curtain on what really goes on behind the scenes as service businesses grow. From the outside, expansion might look like more clients, more revenue, and more excitement, but internally, unchecked growth can quickly reveal cracks: broken communication, duplicated work, operational chaos, and even tighter cash flow despite rising income.

Today, Crystal Smith shares hard-won lessons from her own journey of rapid business growth, highlighting the systems, team structures, and tools every service-based founder needs to support real, sustainable success. Whether you’re noticing the early warning signs of disorganization or simply want to get ahead of future chaos, tune in as we unpack how to build a business that doesn’t just grow but thrives.

Timestamps:

00:00 Challenges with inconsistent onboarding

04:57 Signs of failing infrastructure

08:54 Building efficient business systems

11:55 Implementing Tools and Assigning Roles

15:49 Improving organizational processes

17:38 Emphasizing accountability in scaling

22:10 Taking on tasks gradually

25:00 Being amazed by innovative services

27:49 Closing remarks and farewell

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Home Care Is Just the Beginning: Expanding Your Business Beyond the Basics Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Care to CEO, the podcast where we break down what it really takes to build, grow, and scale a care-based business from the ground up. In today’s episode, we’re challenging everything you think you know about home care. Home care isn’t the end goal; it’s just the entry point.

Crystal Smith shares her personal journey of starting hands-on in the care industry and realizing that running a home care agency is only the foundation for an entire healthcare ecosystem. She discusses how mastering operations, building strong referral relationships, and developing solid systems can open doors to countless expansion opportunities, from adult day services to staffing, Medicaid certifications, and beyond. If you’ve ever wondered how to break out of survival mode and think bigger in the care industry, this episode is for you.

Get ready for actionable insights, real talk about scaling, and inspiration to turn your care business into a platform for long-term impact and success.

Timestamps:

00:00 Building a career in home care

04:23 Realizing broader business potential

08:27 Knowing when to expand

12:07 Expanding home care services

14:54 Starting a consulting business

20:06 Finding the right documentation system

23:13 Early career in elder care

25:19 Networking and learning from others

29:38 Expanding home healthcare services

31:32 Expanding industry opportunities

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Building Systems That Let Service Businesses Thrive Beyond the Founder Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Care to CEO, the podcast where we dig deep into what it truly takes to scale a service-based business while staying true to your mission and values. In today’s episode, host Crystal Smith tackles one of the toughest transitions every founder faces: stepping back from personally handling every aspect of client care.

Crystal unpacks why letting go of day-to-day service delivery is so emotionally charged, especially in the care industry, where client trust is everything. Crystal Smith shares her own journey from being involved in every client interaction to building a dedicated team and rock-solid systems that allow the business to thrive without her daily presence. She offers practical insights on setting company-wide standards, training a diverse team, and gradually handing off responsibility, so quality and heart don’t get left behind.

This episode is packed with real-talk about what happens when founders stay too involved, the signs it’s time to let go, and the freedom that comes with growing into the CEO role you and your business deserve. Whether you’re struggling to delegate or ready to take your company to the next level, Crystal gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how to grow your mission-driven business without losing its soul.

Timestamps:

00:00 From Caregiver to CEO

04:24 "Building Trust, Growing Quality"

09:15 "Standardized Care Over Individual Style"

12:35 "Effective Delegation and Leadership Growth"

16:25 "Strategic Growth Over Direct Care"

17:56 Endless Opportunities in Home Care

21:22 "Scaling Mission-Driven Businesses"

Care to CEO - Podcast Show Website - https://caretoceo.com/

Crystal Smith - https://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Leading Under Pressure: How Home Care Bosses Handle Underrated and Overlooked Roles Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

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://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Earned Authority: How Crystal Smith Leads Her Business, Family, and Community Feb 28, 2026

Show notes

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://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Why Letting Go Is the Key to Service Business Growth Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

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://sellwithcsmith.com/

TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Real Estate Power Moves for Care Business Owners: Avoiding Pitfalls and Building Wealth Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

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://sellwithcsmith.com/