Leader Spotlight - Cheryl Stauffer

Our Leader Spotlight includes advice and insights from our clients and friends. It is our pleasure to shine the light on leaders who inspire growth, collaboration, and impact.

Meet Cheryl Stauffer, CEO + Principal, Crimson Design Group

One piece of advice for leaders to create a workplace where people can flourish:

"My advice is twofold: 1) Trust the people you work with and see both your own strengths and also elevate the people in the job to do the best that they can.  I expect a lot and I know that my team of 18 staff can meet my expectations. The biggest thing is getting out of the way! 2) Don't be a roadblock to the team’s success.  I have people who are much more capable and better at things than me."

Balancing organizational goals with people's needs when facing a tough decision:

"That’s always the challenge. Last year we had to right size the company, knowing that we have really high functioning team members. This was about knowing when to hire support staff to help the larger team. It’s always a challenge to balance the financial aspect with the goals of the organization and we've worked hard to figure this out over the last 23 years. You have to evaluate when you hire someone. . . will that person bring value to generate enough income to cover the role? As the next generation has come onboard, work-life balance looks different and more people are sticking true to 40 hour work-weeks. I think burnout comes more quickly in today's environment. Now I hire two people for what I used to hire one person to do."

A practice or mindset that has helped me lead with confidence and how this has influenced my team:

"For me, it’s having the very diligent time to myself and being able to find integration in my own life. I spend time with God and allow Him to be the CEO of my company. I ask Him for peace, confidence, and everything I need in my business. Mindful meditation has made a huge difference in how I lead. You have to stop listening to the voice in your head that makes you feel small. I've been fortunate to always have different coaches in my life and leaders who are my friends. I have advisors who speak truth into my life and this has been invaluable. I realize we all need help at times."