Prepare For Takeoff

Terry L. Cyrus
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. Adrianne C. Smith: From HBCU Roots to Global Influence | Cannes Can & Leadership

    2D AGO

    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 inclusion. She reflects on the role HBCUs played in shaping her leadership and the career milestones that helped establish her voice in the advertising and communications industry. Adrianne discusses the importance of mentorship, relationships and networking in creating opportunities. She shares insights on legacy building and empowering the next generation of leaders. The conversation also explores the founding of Cannes Can: Diversity Collective. She launched the organization after attending the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2017 and discovering that only about 200 of the more than 20,000 attendees were Black. Through initiatives like the CC:DC Ambassador Program, the organization creates opportunities for HBCU students and early to mid-career professionals to attend global gatherings such as the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the World Economic Forum in Davos. An inspiring conversation about leadership, access, and creating opportunity. Now it’s time to Prepare For Takeoff. ✈️ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Adrianne C. Smith 00:54 - Growing Up in Alabama and HBCU Influence 03:51 - The Journey to Spelman College 07:40 - Experiences at Spelman College 11:14 - Entering the Advertising World 15:36 - Transitioning into Entrepreneurship 22:22 - The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 26:01 - Navigating the Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship 32:07 - Balancing Multiple Roles as an Entrepreneur 36:56 - Creating Opportunities and Leading by Example 43:05 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing The 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.

    43 min
  2. How a Journalist from West Philly became a Boeing 737 Captain | Carole Hopson’s Incredible Story

    MAR 4

    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 Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer and The Bergen Record. She later held roles with the NFL and Foot Locker before following her passion for flight and becoming a Certified Flight Instructor and airline captain. Captain Hopson discusses her historical novel A Pair of Wings, which tells the inspiring story of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman, who traveled to Europe to earn her pilot’s license after being denied flight training in the United States because she was a Black woman. She also highlights the work of her nonprofit, the Jet Black Foundation, which is helping create pathways for future aviators, including initiatives connected with Tuskegee University. A powerful story of perseverance, purpose and chasing your dreams. Now it’s time to Prepare For Takeoff. ✈️ Chapters 00:00 - Growing Up in West Philadelphia 01:49 - Early Career Aspirations and Journalism 05:17 - Transitioning from Journalism to the NFL 08:24 - Corporate Leadership and Training Initiatives 11:59 - The Journey to Aviation and Curiosity 12:42 - Manifesting Dreams and Taking Flight 18:20 - The Journey to Aviation: Overcoming Barriers 24:04 - Flight School: The Path to Becoming a Pilot 27:07 - Navigating Challenges: The Reality of Aviation Careers 31:46 - Balancing Motherhood and Career 34:45 - A Pair of Wings: The Story of Bessie Coleman 40:28 - Crafting Bessie's Story 42:24 - The Journey of Resilience 43:53 - Pursuing Passion Over Fear 45:06 - Health, Weight, and Personal Growth 47:14 - The Impact of Motherhood 49:07 - The Power of Humility and Hard Work 52:45 - Empowering Future Aviators 54:46 - Bessie Coleman: A Legacy of Excellence 57:49 - The Importance of Representation 01:00:31 - The Journey of Growth and Process 01:02:19 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing The 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.

    1h 3m
  3. From HBCU to U.S. Air Force Colonel: Dr. Gerald D. Curry’s Leadership Blueprint

    FEB 25

    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, 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. 🚀 Chapters 00:00 - The Impact of HBCUs 02:13 - Brotherhood and Fraternity Life 04:55 - Military Service and Leadership 10:03 - Martial Arts and Discipline 15:23 - Navigating Military Challenges 20:39 - Political Accountability and Activism 22:42 - Transitioning from Military to Civilian Leadership 25:12 - Navigating Senior Executive Challenges 28:53 - The Importance of Mentorship and Community 30:06 - Curry Brothers Publishing and Literacy Advocacy 34:55 - Innovative Educational Initiatives 39:05 - Philanthropy and Data Centers at HBCUs 42:08 - Keys to Personal and Professional Growth 51:25 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing The 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.

    52 min
  4. Experience, Experiment, Engage with Attorney & Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker, Joshua V. Barr

    FEB 18

    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 undergraduate degree at Francis Marion University and his law degree at the University of South Carolina, later completing his MBA at Penn State. Joshua explains how global exposure shaped his worldview. His advice is direct: put yourself in new rooms, travel when you can, test your ideas, build authentic relationships, and stay civically engaged. He emphasizes that growth requires action, not comfort. He also discusses his Emmy award-winning documentary, Breaking Bread, Building Bridges, created to address polarization and show that we are greater than our differences. His message is clear. Experience more, experiment boldly and engage fully. Now it is time to Prepare For Takeoff. Chapters   00:00 - Introduction to the Journey 01:15 - Roots and Foundations of Identity 03:55 - Education and Expanding Horizons 06:24 - The Importance of Community Engagement 08:50 - Transitioning from Law to Public Service 11:16 - Civil Rights Work and Community Impact 14:08 - Understanding Systemic Issues 16:38 - The Role of Travel in Perspective 18:57 - Documentary and Bridging Divides 21:52 - Building Bridges Through Dialogue 26:49 - Facilitating Human Connections Through SharedExperiences 28:58 - Transforming Perspectives: The Power of Understanding 33:04 - The Impact of Community Engagement and Public Speaking 37:18 - Navigating Opportunities for Change 42:35 - Preparing for Community Engagement and Action 49:52 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing   The 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.

    50 min
  5. Legacy Leadership and the Power of Community with Jerry Holliday

    FEB 12

    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 in St. Louis during a time of social change. He shares how navigating college life at the University of Southern California expanded his worldview. He explains how desegregation, culture and access to education shaped his personal and professional journey. Jerry speaks proudly about his membership in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Lambda Chapter. He describes how brotherhood strengthened his leadership, discipline and commitment to service. Jerry highlights the mission of Omega Black Writers Series, which focuses on amplifying Black voices. The organization supports authors in publishing and marketing their stories with purpose. This episode is a call to lead with intention. It is an invitation to invest in others and honor the journey ahead, so Prepare For Takeoff. 00:00 - Growing Up in St. Louis 06:06 - NEWCHAPTER 06:28 - The Impact of Education and Community 10:08 - Transitioning to USC 24:00 - Joining the Fraternity and Its Influence 27:50 - Leadership Journey and Early Involvement 29:31 - Academic Excellence and Recruitment Efforts 30:21 - Career Path: From Aerospace to Real Estate 35:51 - Entrepreneurial Mindset and Banking Experience 39:49 - Founding Omega Black Writers: A Passion for Reading 44:58 - The Omega Black Writers Forum: Purpose and Structure 48:24 - Promoting Scholarship and Community Engagement 52:24 - Key Takeaways for Personal and Professional Growth 01:04:14 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing The 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.

    1h 4m
  6. A Living Legacy: Jesse C. Swanigan, Last Living Founding Member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

    FEB 5

    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 college. That decision laid the foundation for his academic success, including earning his MBA and a distinguished career as a Retired Corporate Auditor at The Boeing Company and Senior Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. He also reflects on his enduring leadership with 100 Black Men of America, Inc., where he is currently a member of the national Board of Directors and the holds the title Treasurer Emeritus. His story shows that sacrifice and determination can open doors, build momentum and help you Prepare For Takeoff. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Jesse Swanigan and His Background 00:43 - Growing Up in Segregation 02:19 - Transitioning to St. Louis and College Life 05:33 - Navigating Higher Education Challenges 06:38 - Career Path and Achievements at McDonnell Douglas 14:34 - Founding 100 Black Men of America 17:57 - A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship 19:21 - Transitioning from Corporate to Academia 22:17 - Staying Active and Engaged in Aging 23:43 - Advice for Healthy Living and Stress Management 26:12 - The Role of Faith in Personal Growth 27:40 - Inspiring Future Generations 28:30 - The Importance of Sharing Knowledge 28:39 - NEW CHAPTER 31:10 - Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Projects 34:52 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing The 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.

    35 min
  7. Reinventing the Path: Education, Entrepreneurship and Cybersecurity with Dr. Carlous Caple

    JAN 28

    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 power of representation in media shaped his career path. He explains how education and mentorship supported his transition into cybersecurity and reinforced the importance of continuous learning in an ever changing digital landscape. As a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, Dr. Caple speaks to the value of brotherhood, service and community empowerment. He also discusses entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity and how AI as well as emerging technologies can be used for personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the critical role of community colleges in expanding access to education and building sustainable careers. This episode is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pivot, pursue your purpose and create meaningful impact when you are ready to Prepare For Takeoff. 00:00 - The Journey Begins: From Psychology to Acting 13:11 - Transitioning to Cybersecurity: A New Path 24:09 - Building a Business in Cybersecurity 25:15 - Navigating Opportunities in Contracting and Education 28:33 - The Importance of Entrepreneurship for Ex-Offenders 30:55 - Identifying Market Trends and Career Paths 35:00 - Leveraging Technology and AI for Growth 38:12 - The Role of Mentorship and Community in Success 42:46 - Preparing for Takeoff: Key Takeaways for Listeners 48:10 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing The 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.

    48 min
  8. Building Brands, Mindset and Opportunity with Award Winning Marketer, Desi Okeke

    JAN 21

    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 in New Jersey. She explains how earning her MBA from Cornell University sharpened her strategic mindset and clarified her vision. Desi reflects on her work at Fortune 500 companies including Unilever, Mars Wrigley and Johnson & Johnson. She discusses blending creativity with strategy to deliver impactful campaigns and meaningful innovation. Her passion for youth empowerment and community impact led her to found Halo and Kin. The organization equips young people with tools for personal branding, mindset development, goal setting, resilience and leadership. Desi emphasizes the power of exposure and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. The episode reminds listeners that success is built through clarity, intention and consistent action when you are ready to Prepare For Takeoff. The 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.

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

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 the next step to achieve your goals. We are here to pour into your professional development and help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Information

  • Creator
    Terry L. Cyrus
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Terry L. Cyrus
  • Show Website
    Prepare For Takeoff