Troy Crutchfield is a seasoned life coach and the founder of TLC Systems Inc., a company dedicated to promoting personal growth and resilience. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Troy’s dynamic upbringing involved various sports and activities, fostering a robust foundation in teamwork and perseverance. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Hawaii in 2011, he channeled his passion for understanding human behavior into a career in life coaching. Troy, known professionally as “The Gemini Stoic,” uniquely combines stoic wisdom with his inherent adaptability to guide individuals towards achieving their full potential. Beyond his coaching, he is an active supporter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, deeply committed to enhancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention efforts. Through his professional endeavors and philanthropic activities, Troy Crutchfield strives to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.
Q&A with Troy Crutchfield, CEO of TLC Systems Inc and Advocate for Mental Health
What initially drew you to the field of life coaching?
Growing up in Long Beach, I was always intrigued by how different environments and challenges shaped people’s behaviors and decisions. During my studies in philosophy at the University of Hawaii, I became deeply interested in human potential and self-improvement. This fascination naturally led me to life coaching, where I could apply philosophical insights to real-world situations and help individuals navigate their paths to self-discovery and improvement.
How do you incorporate your philosophy education into your coaching practices?
My philosophy background provides a structured way of thinking and reasoning, which helps in dissecting the challenges my clients face. I use a methodical approach to help clients identify their core values and align their actions with these values. This alignment is crucial for personal satisfaction and effectiveness in one’s personal and professional life. My coaching style is deeply rooted in the idea that understanding oneself is the first step towards making meaningful changes.
What inspired you to adopt ‘The Gemini Stoic’ as your professional alias for writing and blogging?
‘The Gemini Stoic’ embodies the blend of flexibility and resilience that I strive to bring to my clients’ lives. As a Gemini, I naturally gravitate towards adaptability and communication, which are essential in coaching. The Stoic part of the alias reflects my commitment to helping clients develop emotional resilience and the ability to remain unperturbed by external circumstances. This duality captures the essence of my approach to both life and coaching.
Could you elaborate on your activities with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention?
My involvement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my personal and professional life. I participate in their events and initiatives, like the Out of the Darkness walks, which raise both funds and awareness. These activities are a vital part of my commitment to mental health advocacy, as they help bring the community together to support those affected by mental health issues and to educate the public on the importance of mental health care.
What lasting impact do you aim to have through your professional endeavors and philanthropic activities?
My goal is to foster a more empathetic and resilient society where individuals are equipped to handle whatever life throws their way. Through my coaching, I want to inspire individuals to achieve personal mastery and through my philanthropic efforts, I aim to contribute to a broader cultural shift towards better mental health support and understanding. Even if my work affects only a small number of people, the ripple effect of their improved well-being and productivity can be immense.
What’s next for TLC Systems Inc and your professional writing?
I am excited about the future of TLC Systems Inc. We are planning to launch a series of online courses and interactive workshops that focus on developing leadership skills and personal resilience. In terms of writing, I am working on a series of articles that delve deeper into how Stoic principles can be applied in modern life and leadership. My aim is to broaden the reach of these teachings and support more people in their quests for a fulfilling life.
Do you have any advice for aspiring life coaches?
To those considering a career in life coaching, my advice is to cultivate a genuine passion for helping others and an unwavering commitment to your own continuous learning and development. Understanding human psychology and having a toolkit of intervention strategies is crucial, but the real work is often in listening, understanding, and empathetically guiding clients towards their own insights and resolutions. Patience and persistence, along with a deep-seated respect for the individuality of each client, are your most valuable assets in this profession.
Finally, what does success look like to you?
To me, success means making a meaningful difference in people’s lives by empowering them to achieve personal growth and resilience. It’s about seeing the individuals I coach reach their own definitions of fulfillment and happiness, and knowing that through my efforts, I’ve contributed positively to their journey and broader community well-being.