The Smart Talk Podcast

🎙️ Host: Kyra Renel, Smart CEO Founder & Managing Consultant at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: • Danielle Riley, RN, BSN – Concierge Clinicians of Houston• Pat Bailey – The Caregiver CoachIn this powerful, heartfelt, and deeply practical episode of the Smart Talk Podcast, we dive into the “legacy of care” — from cognitive health and prevention to how leaders can model wellness and restore connection in their families and communities.Kyra Rénel is joined by two extraordinary women: caregiver advocate and pastor Pat Bailey, and nurse entrepreneur Danielle Riley, RN, BSN. Together, they unpack what it means to build systems of care as Smart CEOs — at home, in business, and in our personal health.If you're leading at full capacity, navigating aging parents, raising the next generation, or simply trying to stay grounded while building legacy — this episode is for you.We talk about:What "digital dementia" is and why it matters nowCreating preventative systems for yourself and your familyHow caregiving shapes leadership and legacyWhy slowing down isn’t optional, it’s strategicThe small family rituals that protect our cognitive and emotional healthLeading by example and disrupting cycles of overfunctioningThe urgent need to talk about aging, succession, and restoration out loud — nowThis conversation is a warm reminder and urgent call: we cannot outsource our wellbeing. And we certainly can’t build legacy from burnout.🔥 Join the Movement: We’re building a thriving network of #3000SmartCEOs.🧠 Learn, grow, and lead with us in the SmartCEOs™ Community:📍 https://smart-ceos.mn.co📍 https://www.facebook.com/groups/tkcsmartceos

🎙️ Host: Kyra Renel, Smart CEO Founder & Managing Consultant at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Michelle Chenault, Founder of M Chenault Management Consulting, LLC.What if the key to building wealth wasn’t about having more — but doing more with what you already have?In this episode of the Smart Talk Podcast, host Kyra Rénel sits down with Kimberly Evans, West Region Lead for Commercial Banking at JPMorgan, for a rich conversation about financial readiness, business structure, and building companies that are sellable, sustainable, and scalable.Kimberly shares lessons from over two decades in banking, private equity, and business strategy — and gets real about how entrepreneurs can start making better financial decisions today, no matter their stage.In this episode, we explore:What it means to “leverage” your business assets (and what not to)Why understanding valuation, EBITDA, and balance sheets is not optionalThe emotional and financial impact of waiting too long to exitHow personal and business financial health are deeply connectedWhy your first hire should often be a strong financial advisorKimberly’s take on confidence, clarity, and the mindset behind smart growthWhether you’re growing from 6 to 7 figures or planning your eventual exit, Kimberly brings the strategy and clarity every founder needs to hear.📍 Ready to grow alongside a community of purpose-driven leaders?Join the SmartCEOs™ Community: https://smart-ceos.mn.coOr invite someone who should be in the room: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tkcsmartceos🎧 Listen. Learn. Leverage what you've got.

🎙️ Host: Kyra Renel, Smart CEO Founder & Managing Consultant at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Michelle Chenault, Founder of M Chenault Management Consulting, LLC.In the Season 6 premiere of the Smart Talk Podcast, host Kyra Rennell sits down with powerhouse consultant and entrepreneur Michelle Chenault, founder of M Chenault Management Consulting, LLC.Michelle shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey—from not graduating high school to earning an MBA and becoming a highly sought-after coach and government contracting expert. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of leaning into your genius.In this episode, Michelle reveals:How political campaigns and proposals launched her consulting careerThe pivotal role of mentorship and community (shoutout to Shirley Brooks and the Houston WBC!)What the pandemic taught her about narrowing focus and scaling with purposePractical strategies for women business owners to prepare for capital, certification, and government contractsHow she fuels herself while helping others build thriving enterprisesConnect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: LeRoy Willis, CEO of LW Realty and LW Dream AppraisalIn this episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, host Alena Conley sits down with LeRoy Willis, CEO of LW Realty and LW Dream Appraisal, to explore his journey from aspiring federal agent to real estate broker and business owner.LeRoy shares how his childhood experiences of instability inspired his passion for real estate and his drive to help others achieve stability through homeownership and investment. With nearly two decades in the business, he offers invaluable insights into both the residential and commercial real estate markets, and why adaptability, integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning are crucial in the industry.From working at major firms like Coldwell Banker and Century 21 to now running his own brokerage, LeRoy explains how he leveraged corporate lessons to build a thriving business. He also discusses Chicago’s unique real estate culture, generational wealth-building through property ownership, and why he calls himself a “real estate thumper”—always encouraging others to seize opportunities in property investmentConnect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: NaKeitha Ross, CEO of 360 Degrees Hair Studio For more than two decades, NaKeitha Ross, CEO of 360 Degrees Hair Studio, has been redefining what it means to create not just a salon, but a community hub. What started as a career inspired by her mother’s own entrepreneurial path has evolved into a thriving business that serves as both a beauty destination and a space for connection, empowerment, and growth.In this episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, NaKeitha opens up about:Her journey from corporate America to beauty entrepreneur.The role of the salon as a modern-day “country club” for the Black community.What it means to feel “stuck” in business — and how the SmartCEO™ Capacity Builder program helped her shift her mindset, reset her strategy, and approach her 22-year business with fresh eyes.The realities of scaling a salon business, including moving from booth rental to commission models, leveraging retail, and creating multiple streams of revenue.Why bankability matters — and how asking the right financial questions has transformed the way she looks at her numbers.NaKeitha’s story is proof that even after years in business, growth is always possible when you’re willing to rethink, reinvest, and reimagine what success looks like.👉 Tune in and learn how she’s preparing to take her salon — and her community — to the next level.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Ashley Morgan, Founder and CEO of Salubrious Salon In this inspiring episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, host Alena Conley sits down with Ashley Morgan, founder and CEO of Salubrious Salon in Chicago, IL. Ashley shares how her journey in the beauty industry was rooted in entrepreneurship from the very start and how she has expanded her salon to offer restorative and wellness-focused services. From hair restoration to skincare and beyond, Ashley’s vision for Salubrious is centered on holistic beauty and wellness, empowering clients to feel confident both inside and out. She opens up about the importance of financial discipline, building bankability, and why scaling a business takes both strategy and heart.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Tiffany McRae, Founder & CEO of McRae Specialty ServicesIn this episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, we sit down with Tiffany McRae, Founder & CEO of McRae Specialty Services, to explore how she’s scaling a security guard company with excellence, purpose, and community impact.From her early career in corporate America to launching a minority woman-owned security firm, Tiffany shares the moment she realized she could apply her expertise to her own business—and leave a lasting legacy for her family. She opens up about choosing an industry based on need over want, filling a critical gap in safety services, and creating job opportunities for a diverse workforce.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Hope Malveaux (CEO) and Miracle Semien (COO) of Veaux Pro  In this powerful episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, host Alena Conley sits down with Hope Malveaux (CEO) and Miracle Semien (COO) of Veaux Pro to explore what it truly means to build intentional workplace culture—and why it’s no longer optional for organizations that want to thrive. With backgrounds in HR, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership development, Hope and Miracle share how they’ve transformed the traditional HR model into a human-centric, culture-driven approach they call “Conscious HR.” Their mission: to help organizations—from startups to Fortune 500s—define clear behavioral expectations, create accountability, and foster environments where employees feel seen, valued, and heard.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Chef Krystal Mack, Founder of Early Bird VeganIn this inspiring episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, we sit down with Chef Krystal Mack, founder of Early Bird Vegan, a thriving plant-based restaurant and food truck concept born out of a mission to bring healthy, flavorful vegan cuisine to underserved communities.Krystal shares her entrepreneurial journey from catering and personal cheffing for NBA players to creating a beloved restaurant concept in the heart of a food desert. She talks about the balance of artistry and business in the culinary world, what it really takes to run a successful kitchen, and how she’s leveraging systems and strategy to grow sustainably.You’ll hear how the SmartCEO™ Capacity Builder Cohort helped Krystal streamline her menu, improve processes, and free up time to focus on scaling her vision—including franchising, product development, and future expansion.Plus, Krystal gets candid about: Navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry Building a mission-driven business that serves the community Scaling strategically while maintaining quality Finding time for family and self-care as an entrepreneurIf you’re a foodie, a community builder, or a growth-focused entrepreneur, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to push your vision forward.🎧 Tune in now to hear how Krystal Mack is feeding both bodies and communities with purpose.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Brandy Jackson, Founder of The Brandy Jackson AgencyIn this episode of the SmartCEO™ Podcast, we sit down with Brandy Jackson, founder of The Brandy Jackson Agency, to explore her journey from corporate sales to entrepreneurship in the insurance industry. Brandy opens up about the leap from a 16-year career at AT&T to building her own agency — starting with no clients and no playbook, just grit, purpose, and a vision.She shares how she leveraged her corporate experience, sales training, and mentorship to learn the business from the inside out before launching her own firm. We talk about the challenges of building systems, hiring and training staff (including a fully remote overseas team), and what it really takes to scale a service-based business with integrity.Brandy also reflects on her experience in the SmartCEO™ Accelerator—highlighting collaboration, community, and the power of being in the right rooms. If you're navigating a growth phase in your business, this episode is packed with relatable insight and hard-earned wisdom.Key Moments:Why Brandy left corporate to pursue insuranceLearning the business by working with new vs. established agentsScaling her agency with systems and an overseas teamHow the SmartCEO™ cohort reshaped her growth strategyAdvice for entrepreneurs in a transition stageTune in to hear how Brandy has turned structure and service into a sustainable business — and what she’s doing next to grow and give back.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Brayonna Harris, Founder of First Step to GreatnessIn 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 entrepreneurshipWhat it really takes to build and scale a childcare center in today’s economyThe role of support systems, collaboration, and bankability in long-term business growthWhy cybersecurity and supply chain readiness matter—even in educationWhat’s next for First Step to Greatness, including a new community-centered facilityWhether 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.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Randy Gatewood, CEO of Randizzle'sIn this episode, we sit down with Randy Gatewood — former pro football player turned food entrepreneur and the creative force behind Randizzle’s Food Truck in Gilbert, AZ. From walking away from the wine industry to launching one of the region’s most sought-after burger experiences, Randy shares how he followed his instincts, bet on himself, and built a business rooted in flavor and community.You’ll hear how he reinvented the burger experience, tested his concept from the ground up, and why brick-and-mortar expansion is next on the menu. Plus, Randy gets real about personal loss, the power of believing in your vision, and how the SmartCEO™ Accelerator helped him sharpen his growth strategy through collaboration, bankability, and supply chain readiness.Whether you’re scaling your first venture or thinking about your next big leap, this conversation will inspire you to lead with purpose and flavor.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast | Season 5, Episode 8🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Vanessa Garcis, CEO of Performant ScoutIn this inspiring and practical episode of the SmartCEO™ Smart Talk, we sit down with Vanessa Garcia, CEO of Performant Scout and member of the SmartCEO™ Capacity Builder cohort. Hosted by Alena Conley, Vanessa dives into her journey from corporate recruiter to business owner, and how she balances entrepreneurship with motherhood.Vanessa shares what sparked her move into entrepreneurship, her experience launching a company while navigating new motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned while growing Performant Scout into a national executive search firm. She also discusses the powerful impact of her SmartCEO™ cohort experience — how it helped her clarify her vision, track key metrics, and embrace new growth strategies.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠⁠

Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast | Season 5, Episode 7🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Edith Eubank, Founder and CEO of Artastic ArtIn this episode of the Smart CEO™ Podcast, we sit down with Edith Eubank, Founder and CEO of Artastic Art, to explore how her 37-year career in education evolved into a thriving creative enterprise focused on bringing art back into schools, homes, and communities.Edith shares how she’s using art as a tool for problem-solving, emotional development, and self-expression, all while creating scalable models that engage parents, schools, and local communities. We talk about the business side of creative work, her plans for expanding Artastic Art, and why advocacy for arts education is more critical now than ever.Whether you're an educator, a creative, or a founder thinking about your “what’s next,” Edith’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to turn your passion into purpose—and that every business can be a vehicle for impact.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠

Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast | Season 5, Episode 6🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Shanta Eaden, CEO & Founder of Leaders Edge Consulting | www.leadersedgeconsult.com/In this powerful episode of the Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast, we’re joined by Shanta Eaden, a dynamic leader and visionary entrepreneur who left the corporate world to build a more human, inclusive, and agile approach to organizational change. As the CEO of Leaders Edge Consulting, Shanta has pioneered a fractional leadership model that provides part-time executive support to companies undergoing transformation—particularly in the areas of HR, technology, and DEI. Shanta shares the pivotal career moments that led her to entrepreneurship, including the corporate experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy and fueled her desire to “do more” for communities and companies alike. She opens up about the need for workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered—and how she’s using her expertise to help organizations achieve just that.The conversation also dives into timely topics like the evolving future of work, the importance of leadership alignment in DEI efforts, and what it means to scale a service-based consulting firm through collaboration, culture, and readiness for supplier opportunities.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠

Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast | Season 5, Episode 5🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Eleanor Curry, Founder & Managing Attorney of Curry Law Firm | https://www.theclfirm.com/In this episode of the Smart CEO™ Podcast, we sit down with Eleanor Curry, an attorney, entrepreneur, and business strategist who turned her experience in real estate, sales, and law into a thriving legal practice. Eleanor shares her unconventional journey from commercial real estate to law school and how she built a firm that prioritizes work-life balance, strategic partnerships, and business growth beyond the traditional billable hour model.She opens up about: The power of relationships and leveraging your network in business How sales skills helped her navigate real estate and law The value-based pricing mindset and why charging your worth matters The importance of legal strategy for entrepreneurs beyond crisis management Finding alignment between work and personal fulfillmentThis episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs looking to protect and scale their businesses while maintaining balance and intentionality in their careers.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠⁠

Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast | Season 5, Episode 4🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Patrice Cousin, Founder of Envision Designs & Development | envisiondesignschicago.comIn this episode of the Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast, host Alena Conley sits down with Patrice Cousin, Founder of Envision Designs & Development, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, the power of strategic partnerships, and what it takes to scale a business beyond the startup phase. Patrice shares how he turned a financial setback into an opportunity, building a thriving architectural consulting and design firm that helps property owners navigate permits, zoning regulations, and city compliance.As a second-time Smart CEO™ cohort member, Patrice embodies the growth mindset—leveraging connections, fine-tuning strategy, and scaling beyond the solopreneur phase. His experience highlights the Smart CEO™ pillars: bankability, collaboration, and supply chain readiness, demonstrating how the right partnerships and strategic planning can transform a business.Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple PodcastsWatch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/fDTD3aI7zX8💻 Stay updated at:⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠

Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast | Season 5, Episode 3🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Director of People & Coaching Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Dr. Nelly Clotter Woods, Founder & CEO of NCW Grants & AssociatesIn this episode, we’re talking funding, scaling, and strategy with Dr. Nelly Clotter Woods, Founder & CEO of NCW Grants & Associates. Dr. Nelly shares how she turned her passion for serving underserved communities into a thriving grant consulting business—helping nonprofits and for-profit businesses secure funding, build sustainability, and maximize their impact.She also dives into why bankability is key (yes, even if you’re getting grant money!) and how entrepreneurs should be thinking about collaboration as a tool for growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to secure grants, build banking relationships, or strategically position your business for success, this episode is for you! Grants 101: How to position your business (nonprofit OR for-profit) to attract funding Bankability Matters: Why grant money alone isn’t enough—and how strong banking relationships fuel growth Collaboration is Key: The power of strategic partnerships in securing funding and scaling your business Investing in Yourself: How Dr. Nelly leveraged education, networking, and mentorship to build her business Finding the Right Grants: The mindset shift that will help you identify funding opportunities for your businessConnect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at:⁠ tkcsmartceos.com⁠📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠⁠

Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast | Season 5, Episode 2🎙️Host: Alena Conley, Senior Director of People & Coaching Development at The Kyra Company🎧Guest: Pamela Coleman (Chef Pam), Founder & CEO of Ms. C’s HomestyleIn this episode, we sit down with Chef Pam, the powerhouse behind Ms. C’s Homestyle, a growing culinary business in Phoenix, Arizona. Pam’s journey is one of grit, determination, and community-driven entrepreneurship. From selling plates outside local bars to catering for corporate clients, her story is proof that passion, persistence, and cooking with love can turn a side hustle into a thriving business.She opens up about the challenges of growth, the power of collaboration, and how Smart CEO™ Accelerator helped her gain the tools and confidence to scale. Plus, she shares the moment she realized she had to let go and delegate to take her business to the next level. Cooking with Purpose: How Chef Pam turned a passion for food into a full-scale business From the Streets to Success: Why she started cooking outside bars and how it led to corporate catering deals Scaling Smart: The tough but necessary mindset shift of delegating and expanding a team Bankability & Growth: How Smart CEO™ helped her understand funding, financials, and supply chain readiness Innovation in Business: Chef Pam’s journey into AI and how she’s integrating tech into her operations Collaboration is Key: The importance of having a support system of fellow entrepreneurs Connect With Us:🎧Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻Stay updated at: tkcsmartceos.com📱Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co

Smart CEO™ Smart Talk Podcast | Season 5, Episode 1🎙️ Host: Alena Conley, Senior Division Leader of Coaching and People Development at The Kyra Company🎧 Guest: Angel Cornelius, Founder & CEO of Maison 276 | Maison 276:⁠ www.maison276.comIn this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Angel Cornelius, an “unintentional entrepreneur” who turned a personal pain point into a thriving beauty brand, Maison 276. Starting with DIY haircare solutions in her kitchen, Angel’s story unfolds from her early days on Etsy to a game-changing appearance on QVC’s The Big Find.Angel opens up about the challenges of scaling a beauty business, navigating supply chain hurdles, and preparing for her brand's first brick-and-mortar retail launch in 2025. She also shares insights on bankability, the importance of strategic partnerships, and how the Smart CEO™ Accelerator cohort has helped shape her growth strategy. Innovating Beauty: How Angel identified and solved a personal need for silver hair care, leading to the creation of Maison 276. From DIY to Commercial Success: The transition from handmade products to partnering with cosmetic chemists and manufacturers. QVC Breakthrough: How winning QVC’s The Big Find helped Angel dispel myths about Black beauty founders and reach a national audience. Scaling Smart: The role of supply chain readiness, financial strategy, and preparing for omni-channel distribution. The Power of No: Using rejection as a tool for growth and understanding how to turn a “no” into a future opportunity. Balancing Life & Business: The personal sacrifices of entrepreneurship and aligning business goals with life seasons. Connect With Us:🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts💻 Stay updated at: tkcsmartceos.com📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @tkcSmartCEOsJoin the Smart CEO™ Community:⁠ smart-ceos.mn.co⁠

 Smart Talk Podcast with Courtney L. Sanders, digital entrepreneur, speaker, and influencer! https://courtneylsanders.com/

Listen to the Smart Talk Podcast with Shirley Brooks, Executive Director of the WBEA Women's Business Center https://wbea-texas.org/womens-business-center

This episode is Part 2 of the May Breakfast with Smart CEO’s in-person networking experience featuring Smart Talk Experts Attorney Philip Yates of Equiliberty, Jennifer Counter of Jennifer Counter Consulting, and our Host, Kyra R. Hardwick. I recommend that you have your pen and pad because this triple threat discussion is going to give the nuggets, the steps, the insight, the information, and the inside scoop on all things VC including startup VC positioning and business credit. The Smart Talk Podcast is dedicated to serving you in excellence; Jennifer and Philip have done nothing other than at. So if you are wondering should you finish listening to this entire podcast get all the way through it...I believe that you should. Connect with Jennifer Counter HERE Connect with Phillip Yates, ESQ HERE

Smart Talk Podcast with Ebony Wiley, CEO of Pretty Little Leader www.EbonyWiley.com LISTEN HERE

We invited Terra Fontenot-Beard to the Smart Talk Podcast as a featured guest to learn what it was like to transition from corporate America into entrepreneurship. Terra shares her journey, not only as a CEO, but as a mom carrying the grand responsibility of raising five children, and then figuring out that you have a tremendous gift to bring to the world. Terra gives us great insight on the journey of becoming and the importance of being faithful to your skill set. Her focus on processes, bookkeeping, and accounting makes a difference in the lives of Smart CEOs, specifically calling out her goal to increase the sustainability and success of 60% of the entrepreneurs that she works with directly. Press PLAY to join the journey. Connect with Terra. @FontenotSolutions [email protected]

Smart Talk Podcast Featuring Lyndsey Brantley owner of Camellia Alise.

Smart Talk Podcast Featuring Fern Carty Dawkins.

The Smart Talk Podcast is designed to make sure you have ACCESS to the REAL LIFE, REAL EXPERIENCES, and the REAL JOURNEY of a Smart CEO... ...Smart Talk is about the JOURNEY! So what happens when the Smart Talk Podcast has two Powerhouses on at the same time talking about some of the AMAZING work that they're doing in the BUSINESS COMMUNITY -- then really sharing their stories & their life journeys?  Well, I am Kyra Renel, your Host, and I am GRATEFUL that YOU are HERE -- as I would say, I am THRILLED, thrilled, thrilled to have you!! Our featured guests, Tamika Griffin and Brandy Jackson are nothing shy of AMAZING!! Brandy & Tamika are going to be talking not just about the Grace and Hustle Conference, and what they've got going on... ...but we're going to talk about their journey -- their lives as they've grown and evolved to the place where they can actually bring a platform to the world that serves women in a particularly incredible way! So, Jump in & make sure you CLICK the links & FOLLOW them on all of their platforms! BrandyJacksonInsurance.com www.TamikaGriffin.com CLICK HERE TO LISTEN!

The Sports and Wellness Doc, nurse and chiropractor has taken huge strides as she drives her practice into a full service medi-spa. Every journey has twists, bends and straight-a-ways listen to this episode and be inspired!

When you show up, show up ready to deliver. Your time and your efforts are all important. You cannot expect to influence within your sphere if your presence is less than notable.  For those with that winning personality and that winning smile although, both are an phenomenal assets what else do you have to offer? When it is time to engage and your charm is exchanged for expertise or specific insight how will you fare? You’ve got to know your stuff. Download a your free copy http://www.thekyracompany.com/smart-ceo/

As we discover and rediscover our purpose it is so critical that we understand that we simply will not have all of the answers regarding our lives. Kyra Rénel shares the awakening she had as she followed her dreams and what she considered her "life plan". What she did not realize was that things change, the plan changes and you gain so much knowledge and insight along the way. Sounds basic, but in your early 20's you haven't seen enough life to understand how this thing changes and becomes! Point 1: Be open to Change Point 2: Expect the Casualties  Point 3: Purpose Walk with people that drive and support your 'Purpose'. www.thekyracompany.com

Today's hot topic is something that IMPACTS everyone! It could actually take you down! We are talking about the " Truth About Not Trusting Yourself". A lack of trust in ourselves can literally impede our progress. There are three major ways that our lack of trust effects us: 1) We LIMIT our capacity when we lack trust within. 2) We pull back our willingness to be vulnerable, therefore, missing out on the intimacy of life. 3) Relationships become an unequal space of emotional exchange. All because of the trust you have in yourself.

This is the welcome segment...you’ll hear it over and over... it’s the intro!!!