We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Simmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Crystal, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
This question immediately peaked my interest because I’ve heard it non-stop during adulting (adult life-ing lol) without feeling that I received a clear and concise answer of what this looks like. So this is my attempt to accept that challenge of what does “work life balance” look like.
Let’s begin with the definition that Oxford Languages provides: .
balance is an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
Before we dive into evenly distributing the weight, we should consider asking….”How solid is the foundation that’s expected to HOLD that combined weight work and life loads on us all.”
I know you may be thinking, “Well, what does foundation mean?”
No worries, I got you.
Foundation is defined as an underlying basis or principle. As a Coach who supports UnStuck-ing her Clients in their thoughts, beliefs and assumptions that leads to purposeful action with ease by understanding the “why” is based on their foundation and/or values.
My foundation is fortified with resources like my “inner compass” which is based on my value of collaborating with others, having integrity, fun and authenticity in my actions and words. That foundation never changes, it is the core of who I am and “why” I do or don’t partake in certain actions. With that understanding the “weight” of work/life can be balanced on that foundation as needed.
For example, I used to believe in order for me to be a trustworthy person with integrity I had to keep my work on an agreement I made last week or even a year ago. Even though, I changed as an individual and possibly the circumstances of the agreement had changed I would only commit and later resent myself, the situation and possibly the other individual.
That led to me burning bridges which is in complete violation of one of my core values, collaborating with others.
I have now learned to be courageous and invite the other party into a discussion about the changes that have come up and this deepens the collaboration and trust with the other individuals and we have collective created better solutions together.
It became a win/win situation that created a beautiful balance in the end.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Crystal Simmons is the founder of Crystal Clear Purposes where she offers Coaching, Speaking Collaborations and hosts the “UnStuck Yourself with Crystal Simmons” podcast. She believes that everyone deserves to speak up, be heard, and be valued for their unique contributions, and that when businesses listen- they can literally change the lives of their employees and customers.
Crystal started off as a Radiology Instructor and Administrator where she experienced firsthand the cost of voices not being heard in organizations. She worked long hours, strived to train and empower her team of 50+, but ran into road blocks at every front. Leadership didn’t want to hear about employee dissatisfaction, unsafe conditions, and shut her down when she attempted to shine a light to improve the situation for everyone. Their answer was to work harder, work longer hours, and to shut up. She left this career in 2019 shortly after one of her employees suffered greatly from this work/life imbalance- and made it her goal to prevent similar tragedies in other workplaces.
In her one-on-one work she coaches individual contributors and business leaders to discover their authentic voice, and speak up to effect change in their worlds. She guides clients to explore what it is that they really want, and walks them through how to make the necessary steps to bring that desire to life.
In her corporate work she helps businesses analyze where they are having communication breakdowns from one level to the next, trains leaders on how to invite feedback, and how to implement real change.
In all areas of her work she empowers her clients to speak uncomfortable truths that everyone is too afraid to say, but make the biggest difference when brought to light. She also speaks on topics of leadership, effective communications, and discovering your path.
Crystal lives in Richmond Virginia with her husband, DeVon, and their schnoodle, Shoes. She holds a Bachelors of Health Science and continues her education studying to become a certified Core Energy Leadership Coach with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC).
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots are where water, nature and food resides. Thankfully, our neighborhood has a club house that is surrounded with a big, beautiful body of water where geese and birds reside which is heavenly for me. I would grab a bike for them to accompany me on the bike trail that outlines that body of water. After which we would definitely be hungry from that peaceful experience/workout so we can head over to The Boathouse which is a restaurant that overlooks more water and has a very well=priced happy hour appetizers.
My husband has embarked on his dream of becoming a comedian so I am now privy to local open mics at no charge!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Whew, do we have enough room for this?? lol First, I want to shout out the lovely and considerate Simone Walker for presenting this opportunity to share my voice on this platform.
And of course, the very people who created this platform and ease to share your story and voice, I appreciate you Sofia and Shoutout Atlanta for this space, it is so needed.
Huge shoutout to Madison Butler for launching he Black Speakers Collection as a way to close the speaker pay gap. The support, gems that are dropped by the hundreds and hundreds of talented speakers is priceless.
God’s Universe, my family and friends are always encouraging me in every aspect I venture to and I am so thankful and grateful for it all!
Website: https://crystalclearpurposes.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalclearpurposes/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-simmons-mindsetcareercoaching
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crystal-Clear-Purposes-102373615595560
Other: When you connect with me, just send me a quick message of: SHOUTOUT ATLANTA!! lol
Image Credits
S.Helena Photography | Branding & Lifestyle Photographer