I took a chance on myself, leaving the corporate path, and learned that knowledge is most valuable when shared.
Crystal Williams · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Crystal
Crystal Williams serves as Principal Advisor at Dharma Group Advisory Firm, where she operates in an entrepreneurial capacity and provides strategic guidance to healthcare organizations. With more than 17 years of healthcare experience, including approximately 15 years specializing in substance abuse residential treatment, Williams works closely with executives and frontline teams to optimize operations, identify and close performance gaps, negotiate contracts, strengthen revenue cycle processes, and enhance veteran access programs. Her collaborative approach is centered on improving patient access to care while helping organizations achieve stronger operational, financial, and sustainable outcomes.
Williams brings a comprehensive perspective developed through hands-on experience across the healthcare industry, advancing from frontline positions to executive leadership. Her career includes leadership roles with Oak Street Health, Monogram Health, American Addiction Centers, and Apria Healthcare, where she gained extensive expertise in admissions, insurance and placement, business services, member enrollment, revenue cycle management, sales operations, process improvement, and performance management. She earned a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Capella University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and participating in the National Society of Leadership and Success, and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management and Organizational Leadership from Bethel University of Tennessee. Her professional accomplishments include supporting Veterans Affairs programs, establishing connections across veteran care networks, and contributing to significant revenue growth and operational improvements.
Beyond her professional achievements, Williams is guided by her faith, family, continuous personal growth, and commitment to meaningful relationships. She attributes her success to her faith in God, an internal drive to continually improve as a person, mother, and professional, and her willingness to embrace opportunities and learn through strong connections with others. She is passionate about developing leaders, growing businesses, expanding access to care, and creating meaningful change within the communities she serves. Looking toward the future, Williams plans to continue expanding her advisory work while ultimately transitioning elements of her professional mission into a nonprofit focused on helping veterans and their families access the care, resources, and support they need to thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Crystal
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my foundation in God. My faith has been a constant source of spiritual and mental strength, helping me remain grounded and balanced even when the work becomes difficult or emotionally demanding. I also credit my life experiences for cultivating a strong sense of self-motivation and a continual desire to grow and become better as a person, mother, and friend. Ultimately, I believe my success comes from my willingness to take risks, embrace opportunities, and have the courage to take the leap even when the outcome is uncertain.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to recognize the value of connecting and building meaningful relationships with people. Networking has opened doors for me and allowed me to meet individuals who recognize my potential and share my vision. One of those relationships developed into a mentorship where we learned from one another, exchanged ideas, co-created, and continually refined our business venture. That experience reinforced for me that collaboration, genuine relationships, and being open to learning from others can be powerful catalysts for both personal and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry: take the risk.
You will not always feel ready. You may walk into rooms where you’re the youngest person, the least experienced, or the only woman. Walk in anyway.
Be a sponge. Gather knowledge from every person, every conversation, every mistake, and every opportunity. Ask questions. Listen. Learn. And don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something.
One mindset that has helped me tremendously is remembering that there are really only two people in the room: the teacher and the learner.
You and everyone else in that room will play either role—and sometimes you’ll switch roles throughout the conversation.
So don’t sit in a room thinking, “Am I good enough to be here?”
Sit there thinking, “What can I learn, and what can I contribute?”
Take the seat. Ask the question. Raise your hand. Take the opportunity before you feel completely ready.
Confidence doesn’t always come before the risk. Sometimes confidence is what you build because you took it!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field are the ability to continue thriving in my advisory role, helping organizations grow while leading, developing, and empowering others. I’m also focused on expanding my business and increasing access to care for the people and communities who need it most. Looking ahead, one of my greatest aspirations is to establish a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and connecting them with the resources and services they need to thrive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life begin with my faith in God. I am a God-loving woman, and I recognize that He has brought me through so many experiences and continues to be the foundation of my purpose and the reason I am here. I am also deeply grounded in my role as a mother and feel incredibly blessed to have three beautiful daughters. My children are at the heart of everything I do and inspire me to lead with love, strength, and purpose. Equally important are the connections I build with people, because I value genuine relationships, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to support and learn from others.
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