EPISODE · Feb 25, 2026 · 51 MIN
From HBCU to U.S. Air Force Colonel: Dr. Gerald D. Curry’s Leadership Blueprint
from Prepare For Takeoff · host Terry L. Cyrus
In this powerful episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Dr. Gerald D. Curry to discuss leadership, discipline and purpose.Dr. Curry is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated at Rho Psi chapter. He served more than 30 years in the United States Air Force before retiring as a Colonel. He later served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Force Resilience, helping oversee policies that impacted nearly 670,000 Airmen and Guardians. He also held senior executive roles supporting the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, including interagency work at the White House.An accomplished author and avid reader, Dr. Curry shares how lifelong learning shaped his leadership mindset. He rose to become ranked number three in the world in kickboxing and was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame. As Chief Operating Officer of Curry Brothers Publishing, he advances literacy and empowers new authors. He also leads innovative efforts to bring major data center initiatives to HBCU campuses with support from companies like Google and Microsoft.Anchored by a promise to his father to break the cycle of poverty through wise decisions, Dr. Curry emphasizes discipline, mentorship, community and mastering your craft. This episode is a blueprint for leadership, resilience and legacy.Prepare For Takeoff. 🚀Chapters00:00 - The Impact of HBCUs02:13 - Brotherhood and Fraternity Life04:55 - Military Service and Leadership10:03 - Martial Arts and Discipline15:23 - Navigating Military Challenges20:39 - Political Accountability and Activism22:42 - Transitioning from Military to Civilian Leadership25:12 - Navigating Senior Executive Challenges28:53 - The Importance of Mentorship and Community30:06 - Curry Brothers Publishing and Literacy Advocacy34:55 - Innovative Educational Initiatives39:05 - Philanthropy and Data Centers at HBCUs42:08 - Keys to Personal and Professional Growth51:25 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingThe future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj.Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP to get started.
What this episode covers
In this powerful episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Dr. Gerald D. Curry to discuss leadership, discipline and purpose.Dr. Curry is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated at Rho Psi chapter. He served more than 30 years in the United States Air Force before retiring as a Colonel. He later served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Force Resilience, helping oversee policies that impacted nearly 670,000 Airmen and Guardians. He also held senior executive roles supporting the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, including interagency work at the White House.An accomplished author and avid reader, Dr. Curry shares how lifelong learning shaped his leadership mindset. He rose to become ranked number three in the world in kickboxing and was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame. As Chief Operating Officer of Curry Brothers Publishing, he advances literacy and empowers new authors. He also leads innovative efforts to bring major data center initiatives to HBCU campuses with support from companies like Google and Microsoft.Anchored by a promise to his father to break the cycle of poverty through wise decisions, Dr. Curry emphasizes discipline, mentorship, community and mastering your craft. This episode is a blueprint for leadership, resilience and legacy.Prepare For Takeoff. 🚀Chapters00:00 - The Impact of HBCUs02:13 - Brotherhood and Fraternity Life04:55 - Military Service and Leadership10:03 - Martial Arts and Discipline15:23 - Navigating Military Challenges20:39 - Political Accountability and Activism22:42 - Transitioning from Military to Civilian Leadership25:12 - Navigating Senior Executive Challenges28:53 - The Importance of Mentorship and Community30:06 - Curry Brothers Publishing and Literacy Advocacy34:55 - Innovative Educational Initiatives39:05 - Philanthropy and Data Centers at HBCUs42:08 - Keys to Personal and Professional Growth51:25 - Prepare For Takeoff ClosingThe future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj.Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP to get started.
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From HBCU to U.S. Air Force Colonel: Dr. Gerald D. Curry’s Leadership Blueprint
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