Hey there! This is Christy Rutherford, your host for Why She’s Winning. Today, Crystle Johnson and I talk about the power of taking breaks.

Crystle Johnson is a data-driven, organizational architect who leverages equitable process design to create spaces where underestimated talent can grow and thrive. Going beyond traditional, superficial means, she is laser-focused on building relationships across diverse communities, intentional career pathing, sponsorship, and removing barriers in everyday processes.

She founded The DEI Coach to create a safe space for black women who serve as DEI professionals, as she understands firsthand what it means to DO and BE the work. It leads to stress, burnout, and the loss of YOU. So, she is creating curated spaces where black women can show up authentically, cultivate community, and thrive through self-care and rest.

Join in and listen to get the core fundamental essentials for your business growth and success!

Here’s Just a Taste of This Episode’s Talking PointsThe Need to Change and do Something Different

One thing that pushed Crystle to do something different was being raggedy. Most people see her as someone who has it all together and has all the answers, but behind the curtain, it was raggedy, stuff was everywhere and it was not good.

For Crystle, perfection was real. It was possible, and it was just something everybody chased. Coming into coaching, she didn't have the self-awareness she needed for coaching, until her leader referred me and gave me a call right away.

The Thing Crystle Felt She was Called Out on

Over the years, Crystle had taken the messages she received from her parents about being perfect and working hard, but it seemed no matter how hard she worked, she was not having a lot.

She ended up working hard and working herself into the ground so much I called her out because she felt like she didn't have enough and was not going to have enough, and she felt she was going to lose everything she had. That was the driving force behind why she was so raggedy and behind, why she just kept trying to chase perfection, do everything and reach everyone's expectations, whatever they were, even if they were unrealistic.

Other Topics We Covered on the Show:

• How Crystle’s change affected the way she showed up at work?
• What was Crystle’s biggest AHA moment?
• How did Crystle’s transformation change how other women are showing up?
• Crystle’s thoughts about the power of self-care when it comes to friends and what we are responsible for.
• Crystle’s insight into the layering process required for  freedom.
• What did Crystle think imposter syndrome was in the beginning?
• She also discussed the power of a group of women.
• Lastly, Crystle talked about setting boundaries and taking breaks.

How To Stay Connected with Crystle Johnson

Check out Crystle’s social media profiles below.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedeicoach/