Megan Crabtree: Leading by Example to Transform the World of Jewelry

In the dynamic world of business, only a few women truly stand out. Among these powerful women is Megan Crabtree, the CEO of Crabtree Consulting, who has garnered widespread acclaim as an inspirational leader. Her leadership journey is characterized by a remarkable blend of perseverance, dedication, and humility.

Megan’s interest in the jewelry industry was sparked at a young age, having grown up surrounded by the business due to her father’s involvement as a sales representative and later opening his own jewelry store when she was just a child. In 2007, Megan embarked on her professional journey by starting a jewelry retail position at minimum wage. Within an impressive six-month period, she was swiftly promoted to the role of manager, showcasing her innate leadership qualities and dedication to excelling in her career.

Even after achieving success at the retail chain, Megan chose to forge a new path by becoming a national trainer for a prominent brand, despite the pay cut it entailed. There was never anything that was beneath Megan.

In time, Megan ascended to the role of Vice President at one of the nation’s premier independent retail jewelry stores. However, when the store underwent acquisition and transitioned into a more corporate entity, she opted to chart a new course. Relocating to New York City, she assumed the role of Vice President at a leading jewelry manufacturer, overseeing the sales for top-tier independent multi-store jewelry chains across the United States. Her journey took her across the globe to factories in China and India, where she immersed herself in the intricacies of production, contributing significantly to the expansion and success of the business.

Through her journey characterized by humility, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Megan Crabtree embodies the qualities of a truly inspirational leader who paves the way for others to succeed.

In a recent interview, we caught up with Megan Crabtree to gain better insights into her inspiring business story.

Congratulations on being recognized as one of the ‘Most Inspiring Women Leaders of the Year 2024.’ The journey might not have been easy for you. Have you encountered any barriers to your success or growth as a female leader?

Well, the journey to entrepreneurship hasn’t been easy for me, but I’ve always believed that if it were easy, it wouldn’t be as rewarding. One significant barrier I encountered was when I tried to advance within a company, only to be denied the position I aspired to. This led me to resign, and the company presented me with a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that I had signed, basically stating I could not work for the new company I got the job with. At that point, I was in my 20s and signed the NDA without fully understanding its implications.

However, I eventually viewed this experience as a form of validation and a learning opportunity.

Navigating the jewelry industry, which is predominantly male-dominated and steeped in traditional culture, required a great deal of perseverance, determination, and unwavering focus on my goals. Managing employees who were significantly older than me was a challenge I faced in my 20s, but I approached it with resilience and a desire to prove my abilities as a leader.

Transitioning to launch my consulting firm in 2018 was a humbling experience. In the first year, the revenue was modest, and it was a stark contrast to the high-level roles I had previously held. However, I remained persistent and committed to making my business venture successful. Six years later, I’m proud to say that we have generated over a million in revenue, showcasing the growth and impact of my entrepreneurial journey.

While the details of this potential book remain uncertain, I see it as a meaningful way to contribute and inspire other women personally and professionally.

Could you name a woman who has inspired you the most?

I would probably say my grandma or my grandparents. They grew up very poor, were so humble, and taught me many things in life. They worked hard and built an empire by just starting with a $500 loan to open their first dry cleaners. I was always inspired by my grandma because of her joy in wanting to spend quality time with the family and truly being the head of the family when she was around. When you grow up in this era, you have a different viewpoint on life, and I always appreciated their quotes, morals, and stories that still impact my life today.

You have an unparalleled professional career and a repertoire of expertise in the field. How does your knowledge and experience help in serving clients from around the world?

I’ve been fortunate to gain diverse experience that spans across different sectors of the business world. This unique blend of expertise has been instrumental in shaping the foundation of Crabtree Consulting and establishing our reputation in the industry. While many individuals excel in either retail or wholesale, I have succeeded in both, which has proven to be a key asset in serving clients from around the world.

What are the most important values you demonstrate as a leader?

As a leader, I have come to realize the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and a balanced work-life approach. I have grown personally and professionally to understand the significance of valuing my team’s emotions, family commitments, and life outside of work and strive to create an environment where my team feels appreciated, supported, and respected.

Reflecting on my own experiences as an employee, I have made it a point to ensure that my team members never feel the way I did in situations that were not conducive to a positive work culture. I prioritize the well-being and mental health of my team members. This has helped us decompress, avoid burnout, and foster a more sustainable work environment for all. I want my team to see me not just as a CEO but as a real person who cares about their well-being and success both inside and outside of work.

How do you manifest your future life? What are your short-term plans and long-term goals?

Looking ahead, I want to maintain Crabtree Consulting’s position as a leader in the industry and constantly seek out opportunities to innovate and provide valuable solutions to our clients. For the long term, my goal is to continue nurturing our existing client relationships and expanding our project portfolio with them. I envision steady growth and expansion for Crabtree Consulting while staying true to our core values and commitment to excellence.

Another long-term aspiration of mine is to write a book. This endeavor would allow me to share my insights, experiences, and knowledge accumulated throughout my journey in both my personal and business life. While the details of this potential book remain uncertain, I see it as a meaningful way to contribute and inspire other women personally and professionally.

Do you have any advice for aspiring women leaders, especially in your field?

My advice to aspiring women leaders, especially in the consulting field, is to always be willing to offer assistance and guidance to those who are new to the industry. I strongly believe in “paying it forward” and helping others navigate their career paths.

By fostering a sense of community and collaboration among women leaders, we can empower each other to succeed and overcome any obstacles that may come our way. Remember that we are stronger together, and by lifting each other up, we can all achieve greater heights in our careers.