We recently connected with Antwon Harris and have shared our conversation below.
Antwon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Leaving the familiar and secure path of teaching and coaching to venture into the realm of entrepreneurship in education was a risk that I embarked upon with both excitement and trepidation. It was a decision that required careful consideration, as it had the potential to significantly impact my career and future.
The backstory to this risk began during my tenure as a teacher and coach. While I thoroughly enjoyed working with students and being part of their educational journey, I gradually developed a sense of restlessness and a desire to make a broader impact. I began noticing inefficiencies and gaps in the education system that I believed could be addressed through innovative solutions.
Motivated by this realization, I started exploring the world of entrepreneurship in education. I conducted extensive research, attended conferences, and connected with individuals who had successfully launched educational startups. The more I delved into this field, the more convinced I became that I wanted to take the leap and pursue my own entrepreneurial venture.
The circumstances surrounding my decision were both exciting and challenging. On one hand, I possessed a deep passion for education and a clear vision of the impact I wanted to make. On the other hand, leaving the stability of a teaching job meant stepping into the unknown, with no guarantees of success. It was a risk that involved financial uncertainty, long working hours, and the potential for failure.
However, armed with determination and a solid business plan, I decided to take the risk. I left my teaching position and began laying the foundation for my entrepreneurship in education. I spent countless hours refining my ideas, conducting market research, and gathering feedback from educators, students, and parents.
The initial stages were undoubtedly challenging. I faced numerous obstacles, including securing funding, building a team, and navigating the competitive landscape. Doubts and moments of self-doubt crept in, but I reminded myself of the purpose and passion that fueled my decision.
As time went on, my hard work and dedication started to pay off. I forged partnerships with schools and educational institutions, developed innovative products and services, and garnered recognition within the industry. The impact of my entrepreneurial venture began to materialize as I witnessed positive changes in the lives of students and educators.
While the journey was not without its fair share of setbacks and failures, the overall outcome of taking this risk has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the field of education, transforming the way students learn and teachers teach.
Looking back, I can confidently say that taking the risk to pursue entrepreneurship in education was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to break free from the confines of traditional teaching and coaching, and enabled me to explore my entrepreneurial spirit while making a positive impact on the educational landscape.
Antwon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For folks who may not have read about me before, I’m an educational consultant specializing in the integration of emotional intelligence into the realm of education. My journey into this industry began with a deep passion for empowering students and transforming the educational landscape.
Having witnessed the significant impact of emotional intelligence on personal growth and success, I recognized the immense potential it held for revolutionizing the traditional education system. This realization propelled me to delve further into the field and ultimately establish myself as an educational consultant.
Through my work, I offer a range of products and services aimed at fostering emotional intelligence in schools. One of my flagship offerings is a self-equity program designed specifically for students. This program equips students with the necessary tools and strategies to develop self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and social skills, enabling them to navigate their academic journey and beyond with confidence and compassion.
In addition to the self-equity program, I also provide professional development opportunities for educators. These sessions are tailored to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills to integrate emotional intelligence into their teaching practices, creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for their students.
Recognizing the crucial role of school leadership in driving positive change, I offer leadership development programs for administrators. These programs aim to cultivate emotionally intelligent leaders who can effectively guide their schools towards a more holistic and student-centric approach to education.
Furthermore, I am an experienced keynote speaker and frequently present at conferences, sharing insights and strategies for incorporating emotional intelligence into educational settings. My engaging and informative talks inspire educators, administrators, and other stakeholders to embrace the power of emotional intelligence and its potential to transform the educational experience.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my comprehensive approach to emotional intelligence in education. I believe in addressing the needs of all stakeholders involved in the educational process, including students, teachers, and administrators. By offering a range of programs and services, I ensure that emotional intelligence becomes deeply embedded in the fabric of the school community, leading to sustainable and impactful change.
I am most proud of my recently published book titled “Dreaming Big: Achieve Your Goals through G.E.A.R.S.” This self-help and personal development book holds a special place in my heart. It represents countless hours of research, dedication, and a genuine desire to inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
“Dreaming Big” takes readers on a transformative journey, providing practical strategies and insights to help them clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and create a roadmap for success. The book introduces the G.E.A.R.S. framework, a powerful tool that guides readers through the process of setting and achieving their goals with clarity, focus, and determination.
What sets “Dreaming Big” apart from other self-help books is its emphasis on practicality and action. I wanted to create a resource that not only motivates readers, but also equips them with tangible steps and techniques they can implement immediately in their lives. The book is filled with real-life examples, exercises, and actionable tips that encourage readers to take ownership of their dreams and make positive changes.
Seeing the impact that “Dreaming Big” has had on individuals who have read it is incredibly fulfilling. I’ve received feedback from readers who have experienced personal breakthroughs, gained clarity about their goals, and taken significant strides toward their dreams. Knowing that I have played a part in their journey towards personal growth and achievement fills me with immense pride.
I believe that “Dreaming Big” has the power to inspire and empower individuals from all walks of life. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone seeking personal fulfillment, this book offers guidance and tools to help you unlock your potential and create a life you truly desire.
I am honored to have written “Dreaming Big” and to have the opportunity to impact the lives of others through my words. I hope that readers find inspiration, motivation, and practical guidance within its pages, and that it serves as a catalyst for positive change and personal transformation.
I take immense pride in the positive transformations I have witnessed in schools that have implemented my programs. Witnessing students develop a greater sense of self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, and observing educators and administrators embrace emotional intelligence as a fundamental aspect of their practice is truly rewarding.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, it’s important to know that I am deeply committed to empowering students and transforming education through emotional intelligence. I bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and practical strategies that can make a real difference in the lives of students and the overall educational experience. Whether you are a school seeking to implement a comprehensive emotional intelligence program or an educator looking to enhance your teaching practice, I am here to support and guide you every step of the way. Together, we can reimagine the future of education and create a more compassionate and inclusive learning environment.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When transitioning into my new role as an entrepreneur and educational consultant, I had to unlearn certain preconceived notions and expectations. One of the key aspects I had to address was reintroducing myself to the world in this new capacity. While I naturally express motivational thoughts and ideas, it’s important to emphasize that I don’t consider myself a motivational speaker. My focus lies in providing actionable guidance, practical strategies, and valuable expertise within the realm of education and entrepreneurship. I aim to empower individuals, offer insightful advice, and contribute to their growth and success in these fields. By unlearning any misconceptions and embracing my unique role, I strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I work with.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic presented me with a unique opportunity to pivot in my career and pursue my true calling. The global health crisis drastically impacted the industry I was working in, and it became evident that I needed to adapt and find new avenues for growth.
As I reflected on my skills, interests, and long-term goals, I realized that I had always been passionate about a particular field or industry. Although I had never seriously considered pursuing it as a career, the circumstances pushed me to reevaluate my priorities and take a leap of faith.
I began researching and exploring various aspects of this field, attending webinars, online courses, and virtual conferences to gain a deeper understanding. I also reached out to professionals already working in the industry to gather insights and advice.
To make the transition smoother, I leveraged my existing network and connected with individuals who had experience in this new field. Their guidance and mentorship were invaluable in helping me navigate the uncharted territory and build a solid foundation.
Recognizing that I needed to acquire new skills and knowledge, I enrolled in relevant training programs and pursued certifications to enhance my credibility. This not only bolstered my confidence but also opened up new opportunities and expanded my professional network.
Throughout this journey, I remained flexible and adaptable. I embraced the challenges that came my way and learned from every setback. I remained patient and persistent, knowing that success would come with time and effort.
As the world slowly recovered from the pandemic and the industry began to regain stability, I found myself firmly established in my new career path. The process of pivoting not only allowed me to align my work with my passion but also provided me with a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to pivot in my career and life, leading me to discover and pursue my true calling. While the initial transition was challenging, the experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of uncertainty. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antwonharris.com/
- Instagram: @coach.aharris
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntwonR.Harris
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antwon-harris-046b5b88/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntwonHarris21
- Youtube: @antwonharris4716