Foundations for Greatness — Brayonna Harris on Empowering Early Learners

The Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company

🎧 Guest: Brayonna Harris, Founder of First Step to Greatness

In this inspiring episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, host Alena Conley sits down with Brayonna Harris, founder of First Step to Greatness, to explore the powerful story behind her journey from teenage assistant to thriving early childhood education entrepreneur.

Brayonna shares how a life-altering health scare at just 19 years old redirected her career path — and how her passion for children and community inspired her to co-found her first childcare center at 21. Now, nearly two decades later, she's leading a major expansion with a bold vision for blending education and community services under one roof.

Tune in to hear:

• How Brayonna overcame health challenges to find purpose through entrepreneurship
• What it really takes to build and scale a childcare center in today’s economy
• The role of support systems, collaboration, and bankability in long-term business growth
• Why cybersecurity and supply chain readiness matter—even in education
• What’s next for First Step to Greatness, including a new community-centered facility

Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or parent passionate about early learning, this conversation will leave you motivated to lead with heart and scale with purpose.

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