Crystal Mayo’s story is one of resilience and growth, shaped by her experiences in a chaotic family environment and her journey through various career paths. From her childhood aspirations of becoming a teacher or even a computer hacker, to stumbling into a career in healthcare technology, Crystal’s narrative is one of embracing the unexpected and carving out her own path. Her pursuit of a peaceful life amidst the chaos and her determination to remain true to herself while navigating corporate challenges is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Crystal Mayo's journey is not one that followed a straight line. Growing up in Concord, North Carolina, in a family she lovingly describes as “chaotic,” Crystal’s life was filled with high-energy, hot-headed relatives who didn’t shy away from conflict. “I come from a family full of... I don't want to call them chaos, but my family is very different from me. They are hotheaded, they are very on edge, and maybe a little anger management issues,” she says with a smile. This upbringing, while tumultuous, instilled in her an unwavering resolve to pursue a different path—a path defined by peace, stability, and personal growth.
Despite the disorder around her, Crystal found solace in being the calm within the storm. She attributes her laid-back nature to observing the negative impact of constant conflict in her family. “I've always been trying to be the opposite of that,” she reflects. It’s this ability to stay centered that would later become a cornerstone in her professional and personal life.
Crystal's early dreams were as varied as they were ambitious. At first, she wanted to be a teacher, inspired by the educators she admired in school. Then, influenced by the thrilling portrayals of hackers in 1980s movies, she briefly entertained the idea of becoming a computer hacker, visualizing herself uncovering government secrets from behind a keyboard. But as she approached high school and college, her aspirations shifted towards business, albeit without a clear direction.
She pursued a degree in business and sociology, drawn to the study of social behavior and human interaction. However, she quickly realized that a career in sociology could be heavy and emotionally taxing. “I enjoyed the study of social behavior and society, but I realized soon after graduating I didn't want to do work in that. It can be like a heavy thing to work in every day,” she admits.
Her foray into the corporate world began somewhat serendipitously. Crystal started working at a healthcare company, handling administrative tasks, before moving into a philanthropy role at a local hospital in Charlotte. This role, although corporate, introduced her to the healthcare sector and set the stage for her future career. “I stumbled into that just by chance,” she recalls. It was during this time that she was recruited by her current company, initially for an account management position.
Over the years, Crystal’s role evolved. She transitioned into a corporate trainer, a position that allowed her to deepen her understanding of healthcare technology and client interactions. From there, she moved into quality assurance and product management, gaining a more technical perspective while still maintaining a client-facing role. Her adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges did not go unnoticed. When she expressed a desire to leave the company in search of something new, they created the role of Director of Solutions Engineering specifically for her. “They didn’t want me to leave, so they made up this job so I would stick around,” she says, still surprised at the turn of events.
Crystal’s story is one of finding balance and maintaining authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. As a Black woman in corporate healthcare technology, she navigates the complexities of dual identities, striving to be true to herself while fitting into the predominantly white corporate culture. “I struggle sometimes with walking that fine line of being a part of it, having white corporate friends and building relationships, but then hearing them say certain things or do certain things that you got to correct... You can't go full, you know, Black Power, because you still need the job,” she explains. It’s a delicate dance, but one she’s mastered with grace and resilience.
Despite these challenges, Crystal has never felt like an imposter. Instead, she’s used her unique position to build meaningful relationships and establish boundaries that protect her peace. She’s selective about who she lets into her inner circle, preferring to keep work relationships professional unless she truly connects with someone. “I’m nice to everyone I work with, but I don’t open up to everyone. It makes it very clear not to cross that line with me,” she states firmly.
Crystal’s family, although not directly influential in her career choices, played a significant role in shaping her perspective on life. Her grandmother, a loving and influential figure, showed her the power of kindness and resilience, even in the face of adversity. Her husband, Derek, has also been a source of inspiration, bringing a vibrant, creative energy into her life that contrasts her typically reserved nature. “Meeting him was different than the chaos that I knew... He helped me think about myself a little differently,” she says, acknowledging his role in encouraging her to embrace more of life’s possibilities.
For young Black professionals entering the corporate world, Crystal offers this advice: “Don't be afraid to do the hard work. Sometimes I wonder if I just flowed into the things that came easy to me. But what if I did that thing that was not natural? At least try it, because you'd be surprised if you make it to the other side.”
As she looks to the future, Crystal is contemplating what’s next. She’s not content to remain static, especially in a field as dynamic as healthcare technology. Her current focus is on staying relevant in her industry or perhaps finding a passion outside of work that fuels her in a different way. Whatever path she chooses, it’s clear that Crystal will navigate it with the same calm, collected determination that has defined her journey so far.
In a world often dominated by noise and chaos, Crystal Mayo’s story is a testament to the power of quiet resilience and the pursuit of a peaceful, purposeful life.