In this episode of The Outspoken Podcast, host Shana Cosgrove talks to Krista Crawford, Ph.D., MBA, SPHR, Vistage Chair. Krista is the first member in many generations to attend college, a fact she credits to her Grandma. She uses this thirst for knowledge and teaching to shape her approach at Vistage. With a background in HR, Krista views interpersonal conflict as an opportunity to identify root causes and generate creative solutions. By fostering trust, connection, and vulnerability, she breaks down barriers, both internal and external, that universally impact leaders. Krista understands that putting on your own oxygen mask first doesn’t only apply on an airplane: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

QUOTES

• “At the CE level, we don’t have anyone else in the room that is from your same industry. You hear from people who are not in your industry have your same issues; the way you apply them is different. There is some comfort in knowing you’re not alone.” – Krista Crawford [07:32]
• “The more you connect, the more you can feel comfortable and then be vulnerable. Those periods of vulnerability are where the real growth can happen. You have to stretch before you can grow.” – Krista Crawford [19:24]
• “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together” – Shana Cosgrove [27:30]

 TIMESTAMPS 

• [00:04] Intro
• [01:34] Meet Krista Crawford
• [02:58] Current Role as Vistage Chair
• [07:07] Benefit of Investing in a Vistage Group
• [09:04] Before and After: Business Growth with Vistage
• [12:12] Krista’s Experience with Vistage
• [18:19] Issue Processing
• [22:02] Vulnerability
• [24:42] Vulnerability Prompts 
• [29:48] Making the Best Choice from Bad Choices
• [32:23] Personal and Wellness
• [33:41] Consistency in Vistage
• [38:18] Krista’s Academic Pedigree
• [41:28] Conflict Resolution
• [44:00] Clarity of Expectations and Job Descriptions
• [47:50] Breathe
• [50:54] A Proud Career Moment for Krista
• [52:44] Book Recommendations
• [55:24] How Krista Became a Vistage Chair
• [58:00] Outro

RESOURCES

• The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
• True North by Bill George
• A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink
• 10 Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief and More
• Three Ways To Maintain Your Energy At Work
• Does Self-Care Make You a Better Leader? A Multisource Study Linking Leader Self-Care to Health-Oriented Leadership, Employee Self-Care, and Health

RELEVANT LINKS

• Krista Crawford on LinkedIn
• Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
• Nyla Technology Solutions