PODCAST · society
Prepare For Takeoff
by Terry L. Cyrus
A podcast dedicated to amplifying Black Excellence by highlighting proven professionals and rising entrepreneurs, who are making a difference in the community. We feature subject matter experts who share their secrets of success and so much more. Our goal is to help our viewers and listeners take the next step to achieve your goals. We are here to pour into your professional development and help you Prepare For Takeoff.
Episodes
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Leading With Purpose | Dr. Joseph L. Jones on HBCU Leadership & Black Excellence
From growing up in a military family to becoming a college president, political scientist, author and professor, Dr. Joseph L. Jones has built a career defined by scholarship, perseverance and a commitment to advancing Black excellence. In Episode 140 of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus...
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Dr. Leroy D. Nunery II: From NBA Executive to Entrepreneur | Leadership & Perseverance
From banking to executive leadership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), higher education and entrepreneurship, Dr. Leroy D. Nunery II has built a career defined by leadership, reinvention and perseverance. In Episode 139 of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Dr....
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From United States Air Force Veteran to Tea Entrepreneur | E. Michelle Watson
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with E. Michelle Watson, Author and Founder & CEO of IngenuiTea™ Gourmet Tea and Spice Company. They discuss her journey from growing up in Connecticut to serving more than 20 years in the United States Air Force. Michelle shares…
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Blueprint for Excellence: Dr. Darryl Scriven on the Future of HBCUs
Dr. Darryl Scriven has built a career at the intersection of higher education, entrepreneurship and the future of HBCUs. In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Dr. Scriven, Executive Director of Centers and Institutes at Florida A&M University. They discuss his...
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From Teacher to CEO & Brooklyn Tea ATL Owner | Kerri-Ann T. Thomas
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Kerri-Ann T. Thomas, CEO of Movement Schools and Owner of Brooklyn Tea ATL, to discuss her journey from teacher to education leader and entrepreneur. Kerri-Ann shares how growing up in Brooklyn and attending Spelman College and...
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Own Your Space: AI, Representation & Career Growth | Nathalie Heywood
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Nathalie Heywood, Founder and CEO of Heywood Smith Consulting and Vice President of Growth and Partnerships at pocstock. Nathalie shares her journey from growing up in the Bronx with strong Jamaican roots to building a career...
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From Southwest Atlanta to the C-Suite: Redefining Success and Happiness | Craig Robinson
From Southwest Atlanta to the C-Suite: Redefining Success and Happiness | Craig Robinson In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Craig Robinson for a powerful conversation about his journey from Southwest Atlanta to the C-Suite and what success, leadership and...
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From Adversity to Purpose: The Power of Knowing Your Worth | Delbert Richardson on American History & Identity
From Adversity to Purpose: The Power of Knowing Your Worth | Delbert Richardson on American History & Identity In Episode 133 of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Delbert Richardson, community scholar, storyteller, educator, and curator of the award-winning The Unspoken Truths...
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Healthcare Is Personal: The Power of Advocacy | Courtney Lang, JD on Health Equity & Systemic Change
In Episode 132 of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Courtney Lang, JD, health justice attorney and Founder of Langco + Partners. They have a powerful conversation about healthcare advocacy, health equity, representation, leadership and creating systemic change. Courtney shares…
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Stories Create Change: The Power of Storytelling | Kelli McLoud-Schingen on Theater & Identity
Stories Create Change: The Power of Storytelling | Kelli McLoud-Schingen on Theater & Identity In Episode 131 of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Kelli McLoud-Schingen, Artistic Director of World Stage Theater Company, for an inspiring conversation about storytelling, identity,...
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Robert Clifton Jr.: Culture Creates Champions
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Robert Clifton Jr., Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Contender. Together, they explore how culture, creativity and authenticity have shaped one of advertising's most respected agencies. From his upbringing in Portsmouth,...
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Leading Lasting Change | James Breedlove on Leadership, Mentorship & Community Impact
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with James Breedlove, President of Bridge Builders Foundation Los Angeles, to discuss how leadership, mentorship and collective action can transform communities. A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, James shares...
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From Modeling to CEO | Dr. Kim McNair on Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Legacy
In Episode 128 of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Dr. Kim McNair, Founder and CEO of Kim McNair Productions, accomplished entrepreneur, event producer, author and leadership advocate. From her early days in New Jersey and a successful modeling career to building a nationally...
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The Power of Brotherhood | Jonathan Griffin, Sr. on Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. & Leadership
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, retired U.S. Army Colonel of Infantry Jonathan Griffin, Sr. reflects on the power of brotherhood and servant leadership. He shares how being initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated through the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at Benedict College in…
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Compete to Win. Outwork Your Competition. | Leah Turner, Ph.D.
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Leah Turner, Ph.D. shares how BMX racing with her brother and playing sports in north central Ohio helped shape the resilience, determination and competitive mindset that have defined her journey. Dr. Turner reflects on earning a volleyball scholarship to...
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Beyond the Airwaves: Skip Dillard on Leadership, Radio and Community Impact
What does it take to build a career at the highest levels of radio while making a lasting impact on the communities you serve? In this episode, Skip Dillard shares the journey that took him from a curious high school student in Greensboro, North Carolina to one of the most respected radio...
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Dreams Into Reality: From West Virginia Roots to NYC Radio
From creating The Hip Hop Assault, the first Hip Hop mix show in West Virginia radio history, to becoming one of New York City's most respected DJs and radio personalities, DJ Jon Quick's journey is a powerful example of what can happen when talent, preparation and persistence meet opportunity.…
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Christopher Mercado: From Hot 97 to Amazon and Apple – The Power of Reinvention
Chris Mercado joins Prepare For Takeoff to share his incredible journey from growing up in the Bronx and Harlem to becoming a respected force in radio, music, advertising and technology. As Creative Services Director for Emmis Communications, Chris was responsible for all aspects of audio...
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How Bunmi Giwa-Bello Built BlackHouse Into a Culture-Driven Agency
Bunmi Giwa-Bello, Co-Founder & President of BlackHouse, joins Prepare For Takeoff to discuss her inspiring journey from Massachusetts to helping build one of the culture’s leading boutique experiential agencies in New York City. Bunmi reflects on the importance of faith, family, mentorship and...
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Always Bet On Yourself: Candace McIntyre’s Journey from Southeast D.C. to the Washington Nationals
Candace McIntyre, Human Resources Director for the Washington Nationals, joins Prepare For Takeoff to discuss her inspiring journey from Southeast Washington D.C. to working for a Major League Baseball organization. During the conversation, Candace reflects on growing up in a close-knit family…
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From the Courtroom to the Studio | The Story of Raymond L. Hamlin, Esq.
In this inspiring episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Raymond L. Hamlin, Esq. shares his remarkable journey from Long Branch, New Jersey, to becoming one of the region’s most respected trial lawyers and advocates for justice. As a founding partner of Hunt, Hamlin & Ridley Law Firm, Raymond reflects…
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How Crystal Hadnott Built High-Level Success Without Burnout
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Crystal Hadnott breaks down what it takes to sustain success at a high level. She is a PhD, entrepreneur, author and endurance athlete who built her career on discipline, purpose and consistency. Crystal shares how she helps leaders scale impact without...
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From Corporate Executive to Cannabis Entrepreneur: The Faye Coleman Story
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Faye Coleman shares her journey from Pittsburgh’s Hill District to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. She is a West Virginia University graduate and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She built her foundation through a...
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Ayinde Warren Took a Leap of Faith… Now He’s an American Gladiator
On this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, model, actor, influencer, personal trainer and American Gladiator, Ayinde Warren shares a powerful story of discipline, resilience and belief. A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he started as a student-athlete at West Virginia State…
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From Teen Mom at 14 to $10M Real Estate Developer | The Re'Shane L. Lonzo Story
In this inspiring episode, entrepreneur, real estate developer and vocational education advocate Re'Shane L. Lonzo shares her powerful journey from growing up in Detroit to becoming a developer creating economic opportunity in her community. Becoming a mother at 14 pushed her to work harder and...
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Amy DuBois Barnett on Her Debut Novel If I Ruled the World and the Hulu TV Adaptation
Amy DuBois Barnett joins Prepare For Takeoff for an inspiring conversation about vision, reinvention and building a career at the highest levels of media and storytelling. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Barnett earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her...
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Dinisha Mingo: Faith, Healing and Leadership in Mental Health
In this inspiring episode, Dinisha Mingo, Founder and CEO of Mingo Health Solutions and Founder and Executive Director of Solutions of Change, shares her journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a mental health advocate, entrepreneur and licensed minister. She reflects on being raised by...
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Adrianne C. Smith: From HBCU Roots to Global Influence | Cannes Can & Leadership
In this inspiring conversation, Adrianne C. Smith, SVP & Senior Partner and Chief Inclusion & Impact Officer at FleishmanHillard and Founder of Cannes Can: Diversity Collective, shares about her journey from her childhood in Alabama and Texas to becoming a global leader in diversity, equity and...
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How a Journalist from West Philly became a Boeing 737 Captain | Carole Hopson’s Incredible Story
Join Terry L. Cyrus for an inspiring conversation with Carole Hopson, a Boeing 737 Captain with United Airlines, author and nonprofit founder. She shares her journey from West Philadelphia to the cockpit of a major airline. Before aviation, she built a career as a journalist with the Philadelphia...
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From HBCU to U.S. Air Force Colonel: Dr. Gerald D. Curry’s Leadership Blueprint
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,...
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Experience, Experiment, Engage with Attorney & Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker, Joshua V. Barr
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus interviews Joshua V. Barr, Attorney, Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker, Human Relations Consultant and Public Speaker. He shares his journey from South Carolina to becoming a civil rights advocate and bridge builder. He reflects on earning his...
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Legacy Leadership and the Power of Community with Jerry Holliday
In this powerful episode of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Jerry Holliday, a licensed mortgage banker and founder of the Omega Black Writers Series. Their conversation explores Black excellence, identity and purpose through lived experience. Jerry reflects on growing up…
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A Living Legacy: Jesse C. Swanigan, Last Living Founding Member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Jesse C. Swanigan, the Last Living Founder of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Jesse shares how he left his small hometown of Cairo, Illinois after high school and moved to St. Louis to find work and save money to pay for...
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Reinventing the Path: Education, Entrepreneurship and Cybersecurity with Dr. Carlous Caple
In this engaging episode, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Dr. Carlous Caple, an author, cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur and professor from Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Caple shares his journey from aspiring actor to technology leader and reflects on how early interests in psychology and the...
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Building Brands, Mindset and Opportunity with Award Winning Marketer, Desi Okeke
In this inspiring episode, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Desi Okeke, an award-winning marketer and brand strategist with a proven record of building global brands and strong cultures rooted in integrity and inspiration. Desi shares her journey from growing up in Los Angeles to building her life…
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Prepare For Takeoff: From Jamaica to the Cockpit with Captain Leighton Jamieson
In this inspiring conversation, Captain Leighton Jamieson shares his journey from a small rural community in Jamaica and migrating to New York City at an early age to becoming a successful airline pilot with JetBlue Airways. He reflects on the profound impact of being invited into the cockpit on...
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The Black Man Can: Turning Purpose into Powerful Impact with Dr. Brandon Frame
In this episode of Prepare for Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Dr. Brandon Frame, author, professor, Founder & CEO of The Black Man Can Foundation, Inc. He shares his journey from Connecticut to Morehouse College and his path through education, nonprofit leadership and academia. Dr....
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From IRS Field Agent to Financial Leader: The Journey of Tishawa Howard
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus interviews Tishawa Howard, author, financial advisor and Regional Vice President at PFS Investments. She shares her journey from growing up in Miami to building a successful career in financial services. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta...
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The Psychology of Community Healing with Dr. Howard C. Stevenson
In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Howard C. Stevenson, Director of the Resilience Empowerment Collaborative and Constance Clayton Professor of Urban Education at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his journey from Delaware to becoming a national leader in racial literacy and community...
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Balancing Success, Motherhood & Coaching Women to Win with Nadia Batchelor
In this episode of Prepare for Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Nadia Batchelor, a first generation American, a single mother of four, Chief Operating Officer of Jefferies Wealth Management and the founder of Inspired by Nadia. She shares her journey from her Guyanese roots to the…
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The Love Coach of Atlanta: Mastering Romance with Kelvin Troy Johnson
In this episode, Kelvin Troy Johnson shares the truth about romance and what it really takes to build meaningful relationships. He is proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, author, motivational speaker, owner of Counselors Success System and is widely known as The Love Coach of...
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Athlete to PhD: Dr. James Norris’ L.A. Journey to Healing
In this powerful episode, Dr. James Norris shares his journey from growing up in Los Angeles to becoming a National Board Certified Counselor, Licensed Mental Health and Professional Clinical Counselor and Assistant Professor at the University of the Cumberlands. He talks about surviving…
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PhD, Purpose and Power: Dr. June Cara Christian’s Path to Advocacy
In this inspiring episode, June Cara Christian, PhD shares her journey to becoming a passionate advocate for social justice and education. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she reflects on the strength of sisterhood, community and mentorship that have shaped her path. Dr....
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From Chicago to Change Management: The Evolution of Bryant K. Smith
In this inspiring episode, Bryant K. Smith shares about his journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a successful entrepreneur, consultant and author of ten books. He talks about how mentorship, being a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and family shaped his identity…
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The Power of Perseverance: Sheldon Shaw on Building a Creative Legacy
In this captivating episode, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with filmmaker, serial entrepreneur and Creative Services Director for Outspoken Media Group, Sheldon Shaw. He shares about his journey from a young dreamer in Toronto to a leading voice in film and creative media. Sheldon talks about how...
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Charles Clayton: A Journey of Redemption and Purpose
In this conversation, Charles Clayton, Founder and CEO of AFES: Athletics For Education and Success, discusses the importance of community, accountability and mentorship in youth development. Born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Charles reflects on how growing up in a loving Black community…
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The Global Yogi: Nino Mendes' Path to Self-Discovery
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, international yoga teacher and scholar Nino Mendes shares his inspiring journey of resilience, purpose and transformation. Growing up in a small French village as one of the only Black families, he faced challenges of isolation and racism that shaped his...
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Real Talk on DEI and Humanity with Kimberlee Yolanda Williams
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus speaks with DEI Manager, Author and Public Speaker, Kimberlee Yolanda Williams. She shares how growing up in Washington, DC shaped her view of culture, language and identity. Kimberlee explains how her diverse upbringing led her to...
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From Crackhead to PhD: Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr.'s aka (Dr. Diversity) Remarkable Journey
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Founder & Executive Director of The Privilege Institute and Founder & Program Director of the White Privilege Conference, Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. shares his journey from a childhood in Florida, where three of his older brothers were imprisoned before he...
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From Fortune 500 to Creative Freedom: The Story of Producer & Voiceover Artist Nia Watenza
Host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Nia Watenza, a former Fortune 500 Brand Manager turned Producer and Voiceover Artist. Her credits include national campaigns for American Express, Ford, Chevrolet, Intel and Procter & Gamble, along with promos for Fifth Third Bank and Resideo. She served as...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast dedicated to amplifying Black Excellence by highlighting proven professionals and rising entrepreneurs, who are making a difference in the community. We feature subject matter experts who share their secrets of success and so much more. Our goal is to help our viewers and listeners take the next step to achieve your goals. We are here to pour into your professional development and help you Prepare For Takeoff.
HOSTED BY
Terry L. Cyrus
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Prepare For Takeoff have?
Prepare For Takeoff currently has 139 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Prepare For Takeoff about?
A podcast dedicated to amplifying Black Excellence by highlighting proven professionals and rising entrepreneurs, who are making a difference in the community. We feature subject matter experts who share their secrets of success and so much more. Our goal is to help our viewers and listeners take...
How often does Prepare For Takeoff release new episodes?
Prepare For Takeoff publishes regularly with 139 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Prepare For Takeoff?
You can listen to Prepare For Takeoff on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Prepare For Takeoff?
Prepare For Takeoff is created and hosted by Terry L. Cyrus.
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