Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Davis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Crystal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My shift from corporate to entrepreneurship happened over a period of time and methodical planning. I realized mid-career that I wanted to own a consulting firm. I loved my career choice, however, I didn’t like to bureaucracy and other restraints of the corporate environment that muddied the waters. I had seen others in my space make the successful transition, therefore, I knew I could be successful. What I didn’t know was could I be successful in running a business. It was this burning question that prompted me to be methodical in planning my exit.
While I started my business prior to leaving my role in corporate, my firm has been in full operation for five years now. We help our clients to develop strategies to improve operational processes to increase productivity and profitability while developing leaders as coaches. A sampling of our client roster includes Coca-Cola Refreshment, Moog, and Carlisle Transportation.
Additionally, I have a passion for women working in male-dominated industries and STEM, because I am one. I understand and empathize with the challenges these women face at work on a daily basis. Therefore, I have launched a coaching program specifically designed for this audience.
The road from getting started to where I am today has been a wild ride. The road wasn’t straight or smooth. I contribute to my success first and foremost my faith, and connection to my purpose. I know that I am operating in what I was destined to do. Secondly, I invested in developing my business acumen. I have invested heavily in programs and coaching.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I have had long term projects, i.e. loss revenue, to bring my business to a standstill overnight. I have faced illnesses that impacted my ability to work in or on the business. I have experienced the up and down waves when I didn’t think new business would come in. Moments when I thought about giving up, but God!!!
The Lean Coach, Inc. – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Lean Coach, Inc. is a certified women-owned boutique coaching and consulting firm. We help our clients to develop leaders and to continuously improve their operations to run more efficient and profitable. We do this via training, coaching and consulting. We utilize Lean and Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement and leadership development methodologies of John Maxwell.
We specialize in turnaround efforts, up-leveling operations due to recent M&A, developing strategies when business growth threatens to outpace their capacity, and lean cultural and leadership transformations.
I am most proud the business is still alive after five years and that we are continuing to learn and grow as the marketplace shifts.
We are set apart by our ability to partner in the situations of our clients. We don’t just provide consulting advice, we are lockstep with our clients through the implementation and transfer of knowledge.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is variable. It is primarily accomplishing personal and professional goals, and delighting our clients. Personally, success for me is to never accept the status quo. Therefore, one criterion is how I manage and overcome failure. What should I learn from these mistakes? For me, failure is the indicator that I am trying new things, stretching and growing. The markers for me are about taking action. I’m okay if I/we don’t achieve the goal in the timeframe allotted as long as we are progression forward and at a reasonable pace. I’m comfortable in this approach because we have set stretch goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crystalydavis.com
- Phone: 877-437-1537
- Email: Crystal@CrystalYDavis.com
- Instagram: @crystal_y_davis
- Twitter: @Crystal_Y_Davis
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/crystalydavis
Image Credit:
DreaNicolePhotography
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