50 Leading Women: Dr. Crystal Clayton

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Dr. Crystal Clayton Ed.D., Executive Director for SMU Hegi Family Career Development Center. Dr. Clayton has spent her entire professional career working with college graduate and undergraduate students. If you were to ask her previous students; her relationship, mentorship, and impact does not end at graduation. She has and continues to pour into the next generation of leaders. Dr. Clayton is currently a Plano resident, along with her husband & daughter, and gives back locally by serving on the Plano Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Plano Culture & Inclusion Alliance Advisory Council.

1. Do you remember your first time attending one of our Women’s Division events?

The first Plano Chamber Women’s Division event I attended was a monthly networking luncheon. At this event, in just over an hour I met nearly 60 professional women. This group immediately created a sense of belonging and professional support which I noticed and appreciated.

2. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

My leadership style is first and foremost visionary and strategic. As a leader it is key to create a shared vision with stakeholders, then work collaboratively to establish a strategic plan for success. Once these common pillars and values are put into place, a team can continue to work together toward these common goals.

3. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Women can enhance their leadership skills in the workforce by developing relationships with other professional women through programming provided by the Plano Chamber and other professional organizations, finding mentors and champions in the workforce to talk through areas for growth, and utilizing the workplace as a lab to develop, refine, and build these skills.

4. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

The most important decisions I have made as a leader include choosing a husband who is an equal partner in supporting my professional pursuits, crafting a career which allows me to maintain quality of life both professionally and personally, and deciding to prioritize excellence over perfection.

5. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

Building programming which positively impacts how college students and young professionals approach their careers, and teaching them lifelong skills through professional development programming, has been a joy as a leader in Higher Education. It is satisfying and affirming to hear former students tell me that after 10 or 15 years post-graduation, they are still utilizing practical skills learned in leadership classes or career development trainings they received years earlier.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Hire a team with diversity and inclusion in mind. Teams with diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise, strengths, cultures, and experiences perform better and create a positive environment for professional growth.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

I would tell my 25-year-old-self to maximize your strengths and not ruminate on failures or short comings.

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Step up and lean in to leadership. Don’t pursue perfection, but instead pursue excellence by failing fast and constantly striving to be the best version of yourself.

9. Who inspired you and why?

The women in my family who have come before me have inspired me. My mother and grandmothers all worked professionally and motivated in me the ethic of hard work, the independence of making my own money, and the duty of providing for my family. I am forever grateful for their professional and leadership lessons.

10. What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as an Educator. After 25 years of working professionally in Higher Education with still several more years ahead, my students at various institutions are my legacy. If I impacted them positively, it is my hope they pay it forward and pass those lessons on for future generations.