We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Hadnott recently and have shared our conversation below.
Crystal, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted in faith, my life experiences, and a deep sense of purpose. I’ve faced personal and professional challenges that have tested my strength—from navigating major shifts in my career to supporting my father through his battle with cancer. Each experience has taught me the power of surrendering control and trusting the process, even when the outcome is unclear.
In addition, my resilience truly blossoms from a belief that every setback is an opportunity for growth—a reminder that strength is often forged in moments of challenge. I trust that each step forward, no matter how small, brings me closer to a purpose-driven life. As a marathon runner and an entrepreneur, I’ve learned to embrace endurance, both physically and mentally, recognizing that every mile, like every milestone in life, counts. My marathon journey actually began in the face of adversity—I had to relearn how to walk (without a cane), and from there, I went on to run almost 200 marathons. This experience not only reshaped my perspective on what’s possible but also ingrained in me the mindset that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. It has taught me that resilience is not just about bouncing back but about rising stronger, knowing that the path may be challenging yet filled with purpose and potential at every turn.
Marathon training, in particular, has taught me that the journey isn’t just about reaching the finish line, but about the small, deliberate steps we take along the way, even when the path feels long and overwhelming…and even when you reach the finish line, the finish line is just the start to another race.
Ultimately, I draw my resilience from a commitment to showing up every day with intentionality, recognizing that my strength lies in my ability to adapt, trust in God’s plan, and continue moving forward—no matter the challenge. It’s a journey I explore more deeply in my memoir, The Finish Line Is Just the Start, where I share the lessons I’ve learned about strength, surrender, and the power of small steps that accumulate into monumental change. I hope to inspire others to see that every finish line is, indeed, just the beginning of a new chapter filled with purpose and potential.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a serial Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Endurance Athlete, and my work spans two major areas that are deeply connected to my values—Crystal Hadnott Philanthropy & Fundraising (CHPF) and Synergy Total Holistic Health and Wellness.
At CHPF, I partner with nonprofit organizations to elevate their missions on a global scale, helping them transform their impact through sustainable and strategic fundraising solutions. My work is deeply fulfilling, as I empower organizations to unlock their potential and secure the resources they need to drive meaningful change. What excites me most is the opportunity to create alignment between my clients’ missions and funders who are equally passionate about advancing social progress. Witnessing the powerful transformations that occur when people unite for a shared purpose is incredibly rewarding.
Recently, I launched the CHPF Impact Foundation, which is dedicated to expanding our reach and impact through four distinct initiatives. The Circle of Impact is a giving circle providing unrestricted funding to nonprofits, while the Impact Incubator Fund offers fiscal sponsorship to support emerging organizations. Our Empowerment Impact Fund is a grantmaking initiative that delivers flexible financial support to nonprofits focusing on community building, sustainability, economic development, and equity, ensuring our grants foster meaningful and sustainable growth. Lastly, the Impact Accelerator Program is a capacity-building initiative that offers mentorship, strategic guidance, and tailored workshops for high-potential nonprofits and social enterprises, empowering them to scale their impact and drive systemic change. This comprehensive approach allows us to support and strengthen the nonprofit sector from multiple angles, helping our partners achieve long-term sustainability and growth.
On the wellness front, Synergy Total Holistic Health and Wellness is my heart-centered passion project, created to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential by harmonizing rest and resilience. I deeply believe that true productivity and peak performance arise from a foundation of comprehensive wellness—mental, physical, and emotional. Through Synergy, I offer transformative tools like nutrition consultations, virtual Pilates classes, personalized wellness coaching, and rejuvenating retreats that foster restorative rest and build resilience. It’s a space where individuals are guided to not only achieve their goals but to thrive in every area of their lives.
Currently, I’m also gearing up for an exciting year ahead. I’m training for my first ultramarathon at the beginning of 2025, writing two books, and after successfully climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro this past summer, I’m already looking forward to climbing my next mountain in the summer of 2025. Alongside these personal milestones, I’m continuing to expand my work with CHPF and Synergy, helping organizations grow their impact while promoting wellness and resilience. It’s an exhilarating time as I combine my love for philanthropy, wellness, and endurance sports to create lasting change in both the nonprofit and wellness sectors.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, adaptability, and strategic vision.
Resilience has been the foundation of my personal and professional growth. Life and business will inevitably present challenges, and it’s easy to feel defeated when things don’t go as planned. But resilience—bouncing back and rising stronger after setbacks—has taught me that success isn’t about avoiding adversity; it’s about how you respond to it. For those just starting out, remember that each challenge is a stepping stone toward your potential. Resilience isn’t a trait you’re born with; it’s a strength you cultivate by facing difficulties head-on and choosing to move forward, one step at a time. Every setback can be a lesson, every challenge an opportunity to grow stronger.
Adaptability is the second key to success, especially in a world that is constantly evolving. The ability to pivot, embrace new skills, and adjust your approach is essential. This has been particularly true for me as both an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow, so being flexible enough to evolve is critical. To develop adaptability, embrace a mindset open to learning, stay curious, and look at each new situation as a chance to grow. Step outside your comfort zone, and you’ll find that adaptability becomes your superpower in facing any challenge.
Finally, strategic vision has been the compass that aligns my purpose with action. Knowing where you want to go and the impact you wish to make is essential. For me, it’s been about setting a clear direction while staying grounded in the present. This balance has allowed me to create meaningful, long-term impacts in the nonprofit sector and through my wellness work. For those beginning their journey, I encourage you to take time to define your vision—ask yourself, ‘What legacy do I want to leave?’ Then, reverse engineer that vision into actionable steps, making each day a step toward that bigger purpose. Remember, dreams become reality not just through ambition but through consistent, intentional actions that align with your highest goals.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always open to meaningful partnerships and collaborations, especially those that align with my work in philanthropy, wellness, and social impact.
In philanthropy, I’m eager to forge strategic alliances with consulting firms that share a commitment to advancing the missions of the organizations I support.
In wellness, I envision collaborations with like-minded wellness experts, athletes, and organizations dedicated to holistic health, resilience, and peak performance. I believe that by prioritizing wellness, we unlock the fullest potential of individuals, teams, and organizations alike. Whether through wellness retreats, corporate wellness programs, or resilience-building events, I’m excited to explore opportunities that inspire peak performance and foster meaningful growth.
If this vision resonates with you, let’s connect! I believe in the power of partnerships and collective action. Together, we can create something impactful, inspiring, and truly transformative.
You can reach me through my website, www.CrystalHadnott.com, or connect with me on Instagram (@CHPFImpact for my foundation or my personal account). Let’s create something impactful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CrystalHadnott.com
- Instagram: @CrystalHadnott
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalhadnott/
Image Credits
Photo Credit: QSP Studios (@qsp_studios)
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