An Inspired Chat with Stacia Crawford of western suburbs

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stacia Crawford. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Stacia, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I truly believe how you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows, so I try to be really intentional about my mornings. I usually begin with 30 minutes of prayer and meditation. This helps me get grounded before the pressures and demands of the day start pulling me in a million different directions. Then I take 30 minutes to set my intentions for the day, both business and personal. I keep a journal right next to my bed because my best ideas often show up before I’ve even had my first cup of tea. I jot them down, map out a plan to make them happen, and get moving. I’ve learned that slow implementation is what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who keep spinning their wheels. I aso know how important exercise is, so I set aside 30-45 minutes to move my body first thing eery morning. On most days, I start with a nice long walk or run with my two dogs. It’s a great way to bond with them, but it also gives me time to get my body revved up for whatever challenges the day may bring.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Stacia Crawford, a two-time Emmy-winning former TV producer turned PR strategist and the founder of Stay Ready Media. After spending more than 30 years in television news, working in newsrooms from Baltimore to Chicago, I decided to take everything I learned about what makes a story newsworthy and help entrepreneurs, authors, and experts get the kind of media attention that changes everything for their businesses and their brands.

At Stay Ready Media, we help our clients go from invisible to unforgettable by getting them booked on TV, radio, podcasts, and in print. What makes us different is that I don’t teach theory. I’ve actually been the person on the other side of the newsroom deciding which stories made it to air and which didn’t. That insider experience helps me craft pitches that journalists actually open, read, and say “yes” to.

Right now, I’m especially passionate about helping thought leaders and business owners understand that visibility is not a luxury; it’s a responsibility. I want them to share their stories with confidence, credibility, and purpose, because media is one of the fastest ways to build trust and authority in any industry.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I ran for student body president in the 5th grade and won. I remember standing in front of my classmates, giving my campaign speech, and realizing they were actually listening. When I won, I felt invincible. My classmates trusted me and counted on me to represent their voices, which was a big deal to me.

I was re-elected in 6th grade, and that experience really shaped how I see leadership and influence today. It taught me that power isn’t about control; it’s about trust, communication, and using your voice to make things better for others. That moment was the seed that grew into the impactful work I do now.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Throughout my entire childhood, I wanted to be a doctor- or at least, I thought I did. I was the straight-A student everyone in my family proudly called the future doctor. So naturally, I decided that was my path.

When I got to college, an Ivy League university, no less,I was surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the world. I pushed myself harder than ever to stand out. Then came my first C, in chemistry, of all subjects. I loved science, so that grade hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember calling my sister in tears because I had never seen a grade that low next to my name.

At the time, it felt like failure. But looking back, it was a turning point. That C cracked open the door to a completely different future. It pushed me to explore what truly lit me up: storytelling, creativity, and communication. I changed my major to Communications and never looked back. That so-called failure led me to a career I love and a purpose that fits me perfectly.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I protect integrity at all costs.

In both life and business, I believe how you do anything is how you do everything. I protect integrity because it’s the foundation of trust, and trust is the currency of every lasting relationship, whether with clients, colleagues, or the media.

Coming from the world of journalism, I’ve seen firsthand how critical integrity is. Everybody makes mistakes, but how you fix them is what really matters. Own up to your error and make it right. Even journalists get it wrong sometimes, but in our field, accuracy matters and correction is invaluable. It’s how you maintain credibility.

At Stay Ready Media, that same standard applies. We don’t chase attention for attention’s sake. We highlight truthful, meaningful stories that serve both our clients and the audience. I’d rather walk away from an opportunity than compromise my values or my word.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I’ve always believed that excellence isn’t about who’s watching; it’s about who you are when no one’s around.

Back when I was a TV producer, millions of people saw the finished story on air, but nobody saw the early mornings, the long nights, tight deadlines, or last-minute chaos behind the scenes. But that never bothered me. I didn’t do it for the credit or the awards. I did it because the stories mattered.

That same mindset guides me today. I give my best because my clients trust me with their stories, their reputations, their voices, and their dreams. Praise is nice, but impact is better.

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Image Credits
Stay Ready Media

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