Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Crawford.
Hi Caroline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I love what I do and lead with my values: Connection, Equity, Communication, and Empowerment. I have worked in the people field for over a decade. From a camp counselor facilitating her cabin to a camp director managing 200 counselors to the Chief Program Officer of a non-profit in charge of over 6,000 people, I know the importance of creating a culture based on emotional intelligence and psychological safety. I know how to wear many hats and how to put out fires. I know how to inspire teams and how to influence those around me. I know how to unlock potential and empower others to use their voice. I see the need to understand yourself before you can truly lead others. But that takes work. I went to graduate school at The University of Texas for Clinical Social Work to understand myself. I had to take a hard look at my biases and prejudices. I had to learn theories and diagnoses. I had to unpack my fixed mindsets and turn them into growth mindsets. I had to name my values and go live by them. I pushed myself further to take continuing education courses like Yale University’s Fostering Inclusion and Diversity course and the Society of Emotional Intelligence’s EQ-I 2.0 and EQ 360 course. I started sharing my knowledge more and more. I saw the value of creating an authentic connection to inspire positive change. I decided my passion needed to become my vocation. I began my own business while obtaining my Certified Positive Psychology Coaching certificate. I am an LMSW and an Enneagram facilitator. I love working with individuals, teams, and entire businesses.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I quit my job and launched a business in March 2020. It was the exact day Austin shut down for the pandemic. It was terrifying. My planned networking events, speaking opportunities, and workshops were all canceled. I remember the Talking Heads lyric, “My God, what have I done?” played in my head repeatedly. Did I make a huge mistake leaving my job? Could I even be an entrepreneur? My anxiety spiked. I had no idea what to do with myself. I started sharing my thoughts and insights on LinkedIn and created a presence. I got my first client 8 weeks after starting. Even then, it was for one hour a week. I had 39 other work hours to figure out still! I got a second 4 weeks after that. Suddenly, companies realized they couldn’t rely on being in person and needed help navigating the working-from-home dynamics.
I got my first corporate contract for a workshop on Mental Health in the Workplace. From there, I started doing all sorts of virtual team building, leadership development, and communication sessions. I facilitated panels on Emotional Intelligence and Inclusivity. I started executive coaching, as well as life and leadership coaching. I have now coached 1000s of people from Seattle to New York. I made it when I was asked by the business school at The University of Texas to facilitate a leadership retreat for their students. I was paid by the institution that I was once paying to be a student in! It was a very cool, full-circle moment! Hook ‘Em!
As you know, we’re big fans of Caroline Crawford Consulting. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
After a decade of coaching and counseling, I know this to be true: When my clients feel stuck, they need to be seen. When they are overwhelmed, they need to be heard. When they are confused, they need clarity. When they are lost, they need someone to call. Deep, meaningful conversations create clarity and motivate change. And that change makes for more confident, more inspired, more dedicated people wanting to make the world a better place for themselves and those around them. Changing the world can start with one conversation. I love digging deep into impostor phenomena, psychological safety, conflict/resolution, self-compassion, change management, inclusion, and empowerment.
My deep experience is rooted in leading teams, and my journey to mastering the art of emotional intelligence is never-ending. I understand that when a workplace becomes aligned on certain levels, it becomes a well-oiled machine with a common purpose – and that’s when the magic happens. Achieving authentic connection through curiosity, compassion, and clarity is often a journey. As a clinician, coach, and facilitator, I specialize in encouraging emotional intelligence through positive psychology. Change is the driver of success, and I provide the tools to lead others down a positive, workable path to life-changing change. I can help you create and lead, whether it’s company culture, leadership skills, or individual development.
I love watching my clients have an AHA moment. I like to change patterns by increasing self-awareness and self-love. My work is rooted in a deep understanding of the therapeutic and coaching processes – a product of formal and extensive training in both. This unique and potent mix of psychological and leadership training allows me to create authentic connections through curiosity, compassion, and clarity that motivate clients and facilitate positive change.
Every voice deserves to be heard. My clients realize everything they need is already inside them. But life, careers, relationships, and trauma can get in the way. My job is to help you make sense of it all, help you find clarity in the chaos, and create powerful self-awareness. I am a nerd for Enneagram (certified), StrengthsFinder, and Values work. They are incredible tools for self-discovery. I help individuals and groups focus on their strengths and values – because recognizing and embracing them is the catalyst to creating the life you want to lead.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
- https://gosolo.subkit.com/caroline-crawford-consulting/
- Here is another write-up that may give you more insight into me: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/develop-brag-brave-caroline-crawfords-path-entrepreneurship-%3FtrackingId=cWswaJkvcfijS8YxeFiz5w%253D%253D/?trackingId=cWswaJkvcfijS8YxeFiz5w%3D%3D
I am also happy to hop on a call!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolinecrawfordconsulting.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineccrawford/
