Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Crutchfield.
Hi Angela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born and raised in Memphis, TN, I embarked on a path that led me to the University of TN Chattanooga. However, my passion for musical theater led me to Los Angeles, where I briefly attended LA City College and became involved in a Christian musical stage play, “Before We Say I Do.” Not only did I perform in the play, but I also served as a production administrative manager, showcasing my multifaceted skills.
My educational journey continued at Biola University in LaMirada, CA, where I earned a BS in Organizational Leadership. Following this, I contributed to organizations like Union Rescue Mission and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in LA, gaining valuable experience.
In 1998, I became a single mother, marking a significant chapter in my life. Undeterred, I ventured into a new career as a trainer and public speaker, where I have since left an indelible mark. My professional path took me across the country, with stints in various cities, including Nashville, TN, and Boston, MA.
My commitment to personal and professional development is evident in my educational achievements. I completed a Masters in Organizational and Human Relations Management from Cumberland University and a Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
My focus on empowering women as a leadership consultant, certified coach, trainer, and public speaker has undoubtedly made a positive impact. The pride and joy in my life, my son Jonathan Kermah, has blossomed into an adult with a bachelor’s degree and a successful career as a podcast producer for The Ringer (Spotify).
Currently serving as the Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion for Riverside Community Care, I’ve continued to make strides. Simultaneously, my role as an independent consultant and lifestyle coach speaks volumes about my dedication to holistic well-being.
In summary, Dr. Angela Crutchfield, my journey reflects resilience, continuous learning, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion, inspiring those who come across it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been a blend of challenges and triumphs, forging a path that’s uniquely mine. Becoming a single mother brought its own set of hurdles, including financial challenges, some of which were self-imposed. Navigating the complexities of single parenthood while managing finances required resilience and resourcefulness.
I did find love and marriage, but unfortunately, it ended in divorce. This added another layer of difficulty, as the emotional toll of a failed marriage can be profound. Additionally, being a black woman in America, I have often faced the painful reality of being devalued. It’s a struggle that many individuals from marginalized communities can relate to, and it has shaped my journey in profound ways.
However, despite these obstacles, I’ve maintained a positive outlook. Happiness, health, and blessings have been constants in my life. The challenges I’ve faced have not defined me but rather propelled me to grow and evolve. Each hurdle became an opportunity for resilience and self-discovery.
In essence, my journey has been far from a smooth road, but the bumps and turns have added depth and character to the narrative. I’ve embraced the struggles, learning from them, and emerging stronger. Life’s twists and turns have only reinforced my gratitude for the happiness, health, and blessings that have accompanied me throughout this remarkable journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As the Founder and Principal of Crutchfield Group, I am an Executive Leadership Consultant and Coach specializing in transformational Human Resources and Culture Change. Our focus at Crutchfield Group is on elevating lives through wholeness lifestyle coaching, leadership consulting, and motivational speaking, all centered around sustainable transformational change.
At the core of our mission is empowering women through personalized leadership strategies for success and well-being. We uniquely connect the concept of wholeness with nature, recognizing the integral relationship between personal fulfillment and the world around us.
With extensive experience in senior human resources leadership positions, I bring a wealth of knowledge in sustainable organizational culture change. As a Lifestyle Coach for women, I am dedicated to promoting wholeness, ensuring that individuals thrive not only in their professional roles but also in their personal lives.
Crutchfield Group stands out through a combination of human capital insight, people skills, and tactical know-how. I offer personal coaching, design and deliver training programs, and provide business consultation. With a diverse client list spanning nearly 30 years, I have assisted thousands in achieving higher levels of success in leadership and life.
What sets us apart is not just expertise but an unrivaled engaging style, a sense of humor, and motivational presentations. Whether through individual coaching sessions, public seminars, private workshops, or online platforms, I deliver impactful programs that drive personal and organizational behavior change.
As a Diversity & Inclusion practitioner, I bring a unique blend of experiences across various industries, including healthcare, aerospace & defense, and academia. My brand is built on the principles of motivation, encouragement, and positive change. I am most proud of the liveliness and energy I bring to every engagement, creating an environment conducive to learning and growth.
In essence, Crutchfield Group is not just a consultancy; it’s a catalyst for transformation. I live by the belief that life should be lived to influence and impact positively. My passion is to motivate and encourage others, and through Crutchfield Group, I aim to do just that – to be a source of inspiration for meaningful change in the lives of individuals and organizations alike.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in Memphis, TN, during the challenging 1970s for blacks in the segregated South, my early years were shaped by a city marked by racial divides. Attending schools with little to no racial diversity, I navigated an environment that reflected the era’s societal challenges.
Despite the external challenges, I had a wonderful upbringing within a core community that included my parents, sisters, and an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Reading was a passion that kept me engaged, and I often found solace in staying to myself. I admired my dad and attempted to emulate him, earning me the playful moniker of a “tomboy,” a term that my current diversity and inclusion lens recognizes as needing reevaluation.
One significant aspect of my childhood was learning to swim at a local community center, a skill I tried to master as efficiently as my dad, although humorously, it never quite happened. My early connection to the military came through my father’s service, inspiring me to join ROTC in high school. This journey culminated in me becoming the battalion commander as a Junior, a testament to my commitment and leadership skills.
Despite my quiet nature, I was voted “most friendly” in high school, reflecting an outgoing and approachable side. I balanced academics with a love for sports, playing volleyball and softball throughout my high school years. Church attendance was a cornerstone of my upbringing, and I began singing in church as a pre-teen, fostering a connection to music and spirituality.
Describing my younger self, I was a mix of nerdy and shy, yet surprisingly outgoing when the situation called for it. My interests ranged from academic pursuits to sports, and my personality encompassed a unique blend of introversion and sociability. These formative years laid the foundation for the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape me today.
Contact Info:
- Website: crutchfieldgroupllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drangelaspeakspessce/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAngelaSpeaks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drangelacrutchfield/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrAngelaPESSCE
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMbr1ovczzQLRGdypmMwsbQ
Image Credits
Nahzah Blair
