We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crystal Stutler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Crystal, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
It was precisely where I was in life – a crossroads – and needing to make a new decision for where to go next in my career.
Success has a way of sneaking up on you—sometimes, it looks exactly like what you imagined. The high-powered career. The six-figure salary. The freedom to travel, to indulge, to live without checking price tags. From the outside, I had it all. And yet, on the inside, I was drowning.
I spent decades climbing the corporate ladder into senior leadership, navigating my way through high-stakes environments, leading global teams, and working alongside C-suite executives at some of the world’s largest financial institutions. I was a multi-business leader and entrepreneur. My career was thriving, and I was proud of the reputation I had built through dedication and hard work, but somewhere along the way, I lost something far more valuable—me.
The long hours, relentless demands, and constant pressure became my norm. I convinced myself this was the price of success, until my body sent me a bill I couldn’t ignore—ER visits, exhaustion, and ultimately, a hospital stay from stroke-like symptoms. I burnt out. And the most heartbreaking part? I had walked away from the things that once filled me with joy—quality time with loved ones, simple moments of presence, even my lifelong passion for competitive bowling.
I had been so focused on achieving success that I wasn’t fully experiencing the life I had worked so hard to create.
That realization led me on a journey back to myself. I asked the questions I had spent years pushing aside: What do I truly love? What lights me up? What am I meant to do? The answer became clear—I wanted to help ambitious professionals and entrepreneurs build success on their terms without sacrificing their health, happiness, or freedom. And so, my business was born.
As a career and business success coach and growth strategist, I now help mid-to-late career professionals, senior leaders, and entrepreneurs level up—whether they’re seeking a promotion, pivoting industries, or launching and scaling their own business. But I don’t just help my clients achieve more—I help them do it with clarity, confidence, and ease, so they can enjoy the success they’re working so hard to create.
Unlike many coaches, I bring decades of real-world corporate and business experience to the table. I’ve been in the trenches. I’ve navigated the challenges. I’ve made the mistakes, taken the risks, and reached the top. Now, I use that wisdom to guide others so they can accelerate their success without the burnout, frustration, and sacrifice that I once thought was unavoidable.
For the high achievers who feel like they’re spinning their wheels, for the professionals who know they’re meant for more but don’t know the next step, for the entrepreneurs who dream of building a thriving business while still having a life—I see you. And I’m here to help.
There is another way. Success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being. You don’t have to choose between making an impact, making money, and making time for what matters most. You can have it all—on your terms.
Crystal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a career and business success coach and growth strategist dedicated to helping mid-to-late career professionals, senior leaders, and entrepreneurs level up—whether that means earning a promotion, pivoting careers, or launching and scaling their own business.
Before starting my own business, I spent years as a senior leader at a consulting firm in the financial services industry, where I wore many hats—serving clients, leading product- and service-based businesses, managing teams, driving sales and business development, and overseeing customer relationship management for multiple business streams. I also led our unit’s training and development initiatives, mentoring and coaching professionals at all levels—including my peers, those I reported to, and those who reported to me. I’ve spent my career guiding, advising, and helping people step into their full potential, and it became clear that coaching was not just something I did—it was what I was meant to do.
<b>What I Offer & The Problems I Solve:</b>
I specialize in helping high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs get unstuck, overcome overwhelm, and move past roadblocks so they can achieve their goals with clarity, confidence, and ease. My services include:
✅ Private and group coaching—providing strategic career and business guidance, execution support, and accountability.
✅ Success planning workshops—helping participants map out a clear plan for achieving their next level of success.
✅ Business growth strategies—for entrepreneurs looking to scale sustainably without unnecessary struggle.
Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck, uncertain, or weighed down by competing priorities. They know they’re meant for more, but they don’t have a clear path forward. My role is to be their supporter, strategist, and accountability partner—helping them remove resistance, stay focused, and take intentional action that drives results.
<b>What Sets Me Apart:</b>
What makes me different from other coaches is my real-world leadership and business experience. I’ve been in the trenches—navigating corporate leadership, managing large-scale projects, driving change, and leading high-performing teams. I bring deep expertise in coaching, program and project management, change management, customer relationship management, and sales—all of which allow me to help my clients not just dream about success, but actually achieve it.
I’m also deeply invested in the people I work with. I don’t just offer advice—I listen, support, and hold my clients accountable. When they start to stray from their vision, I gently but firmly bring them back on track. I push them in a loving way because I see their potential, and I refuse to let them settle for anything less than what they’re capable of achieving.
<b>What I’m Most Proud Of:</b>
The biggest source of pride in my work? Seeing my clients win. Whether it’s landing a dream promotion, building a thriving business, or finally stepping into the freedom and fulfillment they’ve been chasing—nothing compares to witnessing their transformation.
<b>What I Want You to Know:</b>
If you’re ambitious but feeling stuck… if you know you’re meant for more but don’t know how to get there… if you want success but don’t want to sacrifice your well-being in the process—there is another way. Success doesn’t have to be a struggle. You can achieve more, make more, and create more freedom—on your terms. And if you’re ready to make it happen, I’m here to help.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Networking.
It sounds cliche, but it’s true – your network is your net worth. YOU are your best source of new clients, hands down. No connection is ever a waste. While some people may not be in your target audience or your “ideal client”, they could be one day or may know or meet someone who is.
I focus on a blend of both virtual and in-person networking, and I am thoughtful about who and when I talk with people. I make sure to talk with people every single day. Find where your people spend their time (online and in-person), especially when they are in a high-energy (positive state of mind). Add value/help/serve your network without expecting things in return. People will remember you. You will build the like, know, and trust factor. People will want to do business with you and will think of you.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team successfully starts with strong leadership and genuine support. Your team should feel empowered, valued, and trusted—because when they do, morale stays high, and performance follows.
1. Lead, Don’t Just Manage – Be the kind of leader your team wants to follow. Support them, guide them, and create an environment where they feel seen, heard, and respected.
2. Delegate Outcomes, Not Just Tasks – Instead of micromanaging, clearly define the desired result and allow your team to determine the best way to achieve it. This fosters ownership, creativity, and problem-solving. If they need guidance, provide it—but give them room to take initiative first.
3. Equip Them with Resources – High morale comes from confidence, and confidence comes from clarity. Ensure your team has well-documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for recurring tasks. If you don’t have SOPs in place, create instructional videos and have a designated team member turn them into written guides. Always test and refine these processes by having the person responsible for executing them in a production environment take ownership of testing and improving them. Get their feedback on what can be enhanced, and empower them to continuously refine the process as they identify opportunities for improvement.
4. Build Trust Through Support – When you lead with trust, your team will trust and respect you in return. Check in regularly, recognize their efforts, and provide constructive feedback. A supported team is a motivated team.
5. Win Together – A team that feels empowered and aligned with a shared vision will go above and beyond. When you lead with clarity, delegate effectively, and support your team’s growth, success becomes a collective achievement—not just an individual one.
By focusing on leadership, trust, and clear communication, you create a team that not only performs well but also enjoys the work they do—keeping morale high and results exceptional.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal.clear.coaching
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystalClearCoach
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalstutler/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrystalClearCoachingforyou
- Other: Free consultation: https://crystalclearcoaching.as.me/free
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Crystal.Clear.Coaching
Women in Business Spotlight Series feature: https://www.empowerher.ventures/post/clear-vision-with-crystal-stutler
Podcast guest interview: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/tamara-wamsley/episodes/How-To-Own-Your-Expertise-And-Build-A-Thriving-Coaching-Business-e2ltraa/a-abe6hlv
Image Credits
The professional photos can be credited to Jessica Jaeckel of J Rae Photography. The final, group photo does not need credited – it was on a personal cell phone by an unknown photographer.