255 | The Hidden Cost of Growth and How Smart Leaders Fix It with Megan Crabtree

Behind every growth problem is a lack of structure.

Many businesses scale fast, only to realize they've outgrown their systems, their teams, and sometimes even themselves. The result? Burnout, chaos, and missed opportunities are hiding in plain sight.

In this episode of The Business of You, we explore what it really takes to grow a business with intention — learning from someone who survived the burnout and chaos caused by the hidden traps of growth for growth’s sake. This conversation is about leadership that balances people and performance, and why data without heart (or heart without data) will only take you so far.

Megan Crabtree is the Founder and CEO of Crabtree Advisory, a consulting firm trusted by some of the most recognized jewelry retailers and manufacturers in North America. With decades of experience across retail, manufacturing, and wholesale, Megan brings a rare, 360-degree perspective to scaling businesses, building teams, and modernizing operations.

In this episode, Megan breaks down how structure fuels sustainable growth, why people-first leadership drives profitability, and how business owners can scale without sacrificing culture or balance.

Building Structure That Supports Growth

One of the biggest challenges Megan sees across jewelry retailers and manufacturers is a lack of operational structure. Many companies experience explosive growth but don't have the systems, reporting, or processes to support it. 

Without SOPs, accountability frameworks, and clear data, growth can quickly become expensive and inefficient.

Megan shares how her team helps businesses implement structure that saves time, reduces waste, and creates clarity across departments. From reporting and data analysis to process documentation, these systems allow leaders to make better decisions — faster — while empowering teams to perform at a higher level.

The result includes stronger numbers, confidence, consistency, and a foundation that allows companies to grow without constantly putting out fires.

Leading with Heart — Without Burning Out

After years of working 90-hour weeks in high-pressure retail environments, Megan reached a turning point. Today, she's intentional about balance — for herself, her team, and her clients. Her philosophy is simple: results matter, but how you get there matters more.

Megan talks about building a culture rooted in trust, flexibility, and genuine care for people's lives outside of work. That people-first approach extends into her client relationships, where long-term partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and real connection.

By focusing on clarity, consistency, and confidence, Megan proves that you don't need endless growth to build a successful business — just the right growth, supported by the right systems and leadership.

Enjoy this episode with Megan Crabtree…

Soundbytes

03:50 – 04:22
“Everyone thought I was crazy moving to Manhattan to go wholesale when all my success was retail. I was the vice president of a manufacturer that sold to the better independents. After eight months when I grew the business by 70%, I realized I'm really good at this side of the business, too. It made sense to start a consulting firm because I had a 360 view, hands on my entire life. I had never worked another job other than jewelry.”

23:44 – 24:21
“We had one instance with a retail client where we segmented out the people that had purchased engagement rings and the people that had not purchased wedding bands and sent out customized, personalized mailers, that made sense to their buying history. Here's what we're recommending. And we got a 35% return rate, which on a mail piece is nearly impossible. So the proof is in the pudding. There's no doubt, but you just have to put in the work and organize the data and segment the data to make sense.” 

Quotes

“Success today requires both heart and hard data.”

“I don't want to grow for the sake of growing — I want to stay passionate about what we do.”

“Structure gives you freedom, not restriction.”

“Data should guide your decisions, not overwhelm them.”

Links mentioned in this episode:
From Our Guest

Website: https://www.crabtreeadvisory.com/

Connect with Megan Crabtree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-crabtree/

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