Do Things That Don’t Scale (It’s the Secret to Scaling) With Crysta Tyus

Original Air Date: February 22, 2021

The way to differentiate yourself in today’s economy is by investing time and resources in things that don’t scale.

Deep listening + building lasting relationships will always = a fantastic customer experience. This is at the center of my conversation with this week’s return guest - Tech Founder and Millionaire Business Coach - Crysta Tyus.

As a refresher, Crysta Tyus is an online marketing consultant who helps service-based businesses get clients from social media, master sales without being salesy, and build multiple 6-figure businesses.

Crysta’s episode, which was released 1 year ago, is in our top 3 most listened to episodes from our almost 300 episode catalog.

‘How can I scale this and fast?’ is the question many entrepreneurs are pondering these days. 

Sadly, it often leads to a low-quality customer experience.  

What many business owners find is that when they start to scale, they water down the magic that brought them their initial success in the first place. 

That is because many businesses are willing to trade speed in exchange for real human touchpoints. 

Crysta shares with us how she has been able to build a 7 figure business and create a technology company, all without sacrificing building authentic connections with her customers. 

Deep listening and having actual conversations with your customers are what Crysta believes will give you an unfair advantage over your competitors. 

Over this past year, Crysta has also developed, designed, and launched an app that is able to add even greater value to her customers. 

Crysta shares with us the lessons she has learned serving as the CEO of a technology company, and the insights we can all take away no matter what industry we work in. 

This was a very special episode. 

Crysta and I also have real conversations on mindset, limiting beliefs, self-doubt, believing in yourself, and the power of being a visionary. 

I promise you will walk away transformed after listening to this episode. 

Do yourself the favor. 

Hit play. 

.P.S.

You can follow Crysta on Instagram or watch her on YouTube.

You can check out my past episode with Crysta here.

http://tomearl.me/ct

Listen to "Do Things That Don’t Scale (It’s the Secret to Scaling) With Crysta Tyus" on Spreaker.

Personal Stories From My Entrepreneurial Journey

Entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey. 

It brings to the surface every single fear, insecurity, doubt, and all of that nasty self-talk. 

Which is truly a gift, though it’s hard to see at the moment.

To succeed, it takes hard work, going through each and every emotion. 

Each new level of success invites us to go deeper within. To more fully own worthiness.To build that foundation of self, beyond external validation and outcomes. 

And at the same time, entrepreneurship invites us time and time again to really ask this question:

→ What do I truly want? 

→ And WHY?

There have been many times where I’ve finally climbed a tall mountain, only to look around and wonder, “is this really where I want to be?” 

Reflections that have led me to a life that I am truly grateful for. 

This week I’d like to get personal and share with you some of my deepest stories and their significance in my journey. 

I see it as a really special way to close out the year of this podcast. And I’m grateful that you’re here to share it. 

Let’s go on this journey together. 

🎧 Listen now: http://www.tomearl.me/ej

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Creativity Is: Passionate, Laughter & Difficult Conversations with Intisar Seraaj and Mitch Del Monico.

Where there is laughter, creativity also exists. 

Creativity is more than just the art on your wall. It’s also what we tap into as we maneuver difficult conversations. 

So then what is Passion? → Creativity’s best friend. 

...And that’s just the tip of the iceberg according to this week’s guests: Intisar Seraaj and Mitch Del Monico! These phenomenal return guests get super deep each time they’re with us. 

In this episode, Intisar and Mitch continue helping us by exploring the question: “What does it mean to be a Creative?”

Get ready to explore your unique creativity. 

In 6 words or less, Intisar describes herself as: “Confident. Creative. Passionate. Loving. Loyal. Trustworthy.”

You can learn more about Intisar here.

In 6 words or less, Mitch describes himself as: “Laughter gets me through it.”

You can learn more about Mitch here.

Listen to "Creativity Is: Passionate, Laughter & Difficult Conversations" on Spreaker.

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Do Things That Don’t Scale (It’s the Secret to Scaling) With Crysta Tyus

The way to differentiate yourself in today’s economy is by investing time and resources in things that don’t scale. 

Deep listening + building lasting relationships will always = a fantastic customer experience. 

This is at the center of my conversation with this week’s return guest - Tech Founder and Millionaire Business Coach - Crysta Tyus.  

As a refresher, Crysta Tyus is an online marketing consultant who helps service-based businesses get clients from social media, master sales without being salesy, and build multiple 6-figure businesses. 

Crysta’s episode, which was released 1 year ago, is in our top 3 most listened to episodes from our almost 300 episode catalog.

‘How can I scale this and fast?’ is the question many entrepreneurs are pondering these days. 

Sadly, it often leads to a low-quality customer experience.  

What many business owners find is that when they start to scale, they water down the magic that brought them their initial success in the first place. 

That is because many businesses are willing to trade speed in exchange for real human touchpoints. 

Crysta shares with us how she has been able to build a 7 figure business and create a technology company, all without sacrificing building authentic connections with her customers. 

Deep listening and having actual conversations with your customers is what Crysta believes will give you an unfair advantage over your competitors. 

Over this past year, Crysta has also developed, designed and launched an app that is able to add even greater value to her customers. 

Crysta shares with us the lessons she has learned serving as the CEO of a technology company, and the insights we can all take away no matter what industry we work in. 

This was a very special episode. 

Crysta and I also have real conversations on mindset, limiting beliefs, self-doubt, believing in yourself, and the power of being a visionary. 

I promise you will walk away transformed after listening to this episode. 

Do yourself the favor. 

Hit play. 

P.S.

You can follow Crysta on Instagram or watch her on YouTube

You can check out my past episode with Crysta here. 

Listen to "Do Things That Don’t Scale (It’s the Secret to Scaling) With Crysta Tyus" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

New Year. Who are you?

Do our behaviors influence our identity? Or does our identity influence our behavior?  

And how do thoughts and feelings play into the mix? 

Here’s what we can say for sure - self-awareness is powerful.

As we begin this new year, I invite you to start with this question: who are you? 

What are the ideals you are going to live by this year? 

When you’re stressed, your moral compass is challenged, and your energy is low, what ethos is going to sustain you? 

On this week’s episode, we walk through specifically designed exercises that are intended to help you create a vision for who you want to be. 

We’ll start by constructing the mottos and ideals that make up your best self. 

For example, here are three of my ethos I live by:

Courage Over Fear. 

Creativity Over Regurgitation. 

Consistency Over Perfection.

Don’t let this be one of those things you bookmark and never return to. 

Allow yourself the gift of intention today. 

It will provide the foundation for you to cultivate your best self. 

Let’s do this. 

Hit play.

Listen to "New Year. Who are you?" on Spreaker.

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What is Islam to You? A Roundtable Discussion

“You’re Muslim? Really?” This is a question I’ve been asked many times by both Muslims and non-Muslims. 

Usually, shock and raised eyebrows accompany the question. 

Sometimes, it’s also accompanied by a clenched fist of anger and a feeling of betrayal, with an undertone of, “I thought you were one of us” permeating the question. 

It’s fair to say that in the American mindset, there is a dominant image that we picture when we are prompted to envision a Muslim. 

For the most part, that picture isn’t of a white guy named Tom hailing from a small rural town in Wisconsin. 

In fact, if we were to continue down Stereotype Road, the white guy named Tom socialized in a small rural American town would be the one voting for politicians who want to ban Islam. 

Accordingly, given my background, there has been some curiosity as to how I embraced Islam.  

Over the years, I have been asked to be a part of a few “viral” videos that explore the Muslim American identity. 

Each time these videos were released, I was gifted an opportunity to receive massive feedback on the deeper implications of “Meet a Muslim” type videos. 

One takeaway, for me, has been this: 

While my story has elements of it that are rich and unique, I also have many social advantages that my fellow Muslims may not. Therefore, there is a real danger that my story is continually elevated over that of other Muslims. 

We all have something beautiful and powerful to contribute in the telling of our own stories. 

Each time we listen to one another’s stories, it allows us an opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes. 

I believe this is one of the first seeds of empathy. 

This isn’t to discount or minimize my own story: but I do believe that when my story becomes a focal point, we lose sight of the richness of Muslim American experience. 

Whenever I am asked to share my experience as a Muslim American – these thoughts occupy my mind as I consider my participation. 

Which is why, when my good friend, Chris, asked me if he could interview me about being Muslim, I paused to consider first. 

After thinking, I said, “yes, and”: 

1. Let’s do a roundtable where you ask other Muslims about their experiences too. 

2. I’ll record the conversation and share it with my podcast listeners. 

He gave an enthusiastic green light to both ideas.

This was decided at 10AM. The interview was scheduled for 2PM that very same day. 

Over the next 4 hours, I sent out texts and DMs to my friends asking if they were free at 2PM and if they’d like to be a part of the roundtable. 

I am grateful to the guests who agreed to chat with Chris and me on such short notice, and with minimal detail and direction. 

Please accept my sincere apologies in advance if you feel your voice is absent from this conversation. Islam has an incredibly diverse following, and I could never do that diversity justice in a one-hour episode.

Now, this may go on the record books as the longest podcast writeup in the history of Tom Earl podcast writeups, so I’ll end it here, but:

My friends – do yourself this favor. 

Hit play on this one. 

Listen to "What is Islam to You? A Roundtable Discussion." on Spreaker.

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Segways, Birthdays, and Becoming Comfortable With Yourself With Alex and Ash Sullivan

In 1982, in a speech to Harvard University, Audrey Lorde famously said, “. . .If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.”

Quotes are inspiring.

And, seeing them put into action is empowering. 

That is why this week’s guests, Alex and Ash Sullivan, are two of my favorite people. 

Despite the pressure of a white supremacist capitalist patriarchy, 

They define themselves for themselves every single day. 

As they will share in the episode - that doesn’t mean it is easy. 

I mean - how does one go about living their bold self without being eaten alive? 

Let this interview be a roadmap that can guide you to your own internal answer to that question. 

Oh - and did I mention that this episode is being released on their birthday?  

*Cue the confetti*

For real though - Ash and Alex are the best. 

Alex Sullivan is the Co-Founder of Artists Call to Action.  They are also a dope poet, facilitator, activist, educator and freelance diversity consultant in academia. 

As a mixed agender human being, Alex’s work is often reflective of how the self is presented in the digital world and how current socio-political events can distort that presentation. 

Their creative and academic work is focused on the black queer experience and every aspect of it, frequently tying in themes of womanism, examination of power structures in the United States, and the experience of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora as the communities have spread out all over the world. 

Ashley Sullivan is a counselor-in-training and poet who is currently being considered for licensure, actively publishing, and putting energy into other creative endeavors such as starting their own business. 

Ash is balancing pursuing a career in poetry while also pursuing work in mental health and public health. Currently, they have been published in five or more running publications as well as fulfilling activism work centered around gender, creativity, and community. 

They are a current candidate for their Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. 

On this week’s episode we go all in on: 

creativity, 

activism,

learning to trust yourself, 

finding your own voice,

the unique relationship Ash and Alex have with each other, 

getting comfortable with your own silence,

getting to know yourself better, and,

Well...you’re gonna need to push play to find that out! 

We could all invite a little more grace, community and courage into our lives. 

And Ash and Alex deliver all of that and more in abundance on this week’s episode. 

Let’s do this. 

Hit play.

And join us. 

Check out their past interviews here

And here

Check out Ash’s LinkedIn here

Check out Ash’s Instagram here

Find out more about the Artist’s Call to Action here

Check out ACTA on Facebook and Instagram

Listen to "Segways, Birthdays, and Becoming Comfortable With Yourself With Alex and Ash Sullivan" on Spreaker.

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Why “I Don’t See Color” is a Lie With Dr. Angela Courage! and Dr. LaTonya Jackson

“I don’t see color.”

“We all bleed red.” 

“We’re all just human.”

Oh God. No. 

#FacePalm

If you’ve ever engaged in a dialogue on race or attempted to invite someone in on their racism, I would bet my favorite pen that you’ve heard some variation of these.

Hey.  I’ll up the bet. 

I’d wager my favorite pair of headphones that more likely than not it was one of us white folks who uttered said phrases too. 

All jokes and bets aside, phrases like “I don’t see color”—while good intentioned—derail efforts towards anti-racism. 

Rather than being egalitarian, they are actually racist. 

Now you might be saying to yourself, “What the hell, Tom? How is this racist?” 

Here’s my suggestion:  listen to this week’s episode. 

My guests this week are Dr. Angela Courage! and Dr. LaTonya Jackson, authors of “5 Blinders to Seeing Color.”

We took a deep dive into this topic and provided insights on how “I don’t see color” is problematic at best. 

If you’re striving to unpack your whiteness and privilege, or you’re looking for resources to send to a friend who keeps saying “I don’t see color,” we have you covered.

In addition, during this episode we talked about: 

• race 

• power 

• privilege 

• color 

• colonialism.  

• control  

• social privilege 

• economic privilege 

• layers of privilege  

• international question: “we don’t have white privilege in my country” → colorism.  

• corporate issues ←- relating to race. 

• individual issues ←- relating to race. 

We really went in on this one and I know it will bring you tremendous value. 

Hit play and let me know what was your biggest aha. 

You can learn more about Dr. Angela Courage! and Dr. LaTonya Jackson’s work at - seecolorr.com

Listen to "Why “I Don’t See Color” is a Lie With Dr. Angela Courage! and Dr. LaTonya Jackson" on Spreaker.

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Gifts for My Child Episode 5

Featuring: Sadiya Sassine, Cet Mohamed-Moore, Shaan Dasani, and Travis Ray

Here it is! Episode 5 of the ‘Gifts for My Child’ series. In case you’re just jumping in, be sure to listen to episodes 1 & 2 of this series to get the backstory. And, of course, you can always check out episodes 3-4 too. 

Honestly, these interviews really gave me an opportunity to connect with people I care about and have some real conversations with them.

Of course, if there is a question I asked a guest that you have an insightful reflection on, please be sure to share it with me!  

Enjoy this week’s episode!

Listen to "Gifts for My Child Episode 5" on Spreaker.

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