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.

2D AGO

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
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
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
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
JAN 14

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 his flight to America, a moment that helped spark his dream of flying. Captain Jamieson speaks candidly about the lack of representation in aviation and the urgent need for more Black pilots. He explains how seeing people who look like you can reshape what young people believe is possible. Captain Jamieson discusses the financial and systemic barriers many aspiring aviators face, especially people of color. He highlights organizations like the OBAP - Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, which works to increase minority participation in aviation and aerospace through mentorship, scholarships, training, youth outreach and career development programs. He reinforces the importance of community, visibility, and paying it forward. His message is clear and empowering. Representation matters, access matters and with the proper support, discipline and belief, the next generation can rise and Prepare For Takeoff. 00:00 - Introduction to Captain Leighton Jamison 00:52 - Journey from Jamaica to the Cockpit 02:59 - Military Influence on Aviation Career 05:34 - Pathways to Becoming a Pilot 08:19 - The Importance of Seniority in Aviation 10:52 - First Officer to Captain: The Journey 13:14 - Life as a Pilot: Challenges and Rewards 15:31 - Navigating the Airline Industry 18:00 - The Economics of Being a Pilot 20:18 - Hurdles in Aviation for Minorities 22:43 - Financial Barriers in Aviation Training 25:44 - The Importance of Military Experience 28:16 - Navigating the Training Landscape 31:10 - Preparing for a Career in Aviation 36:22 - The Role of Representation in Aviation 39:30 - Networking and Mentorship in Aviation 42:26 - The Challenge of Landing 44:27 - The Precision of Autopilot Landings 47:25 - Inspiring the Next Generation of Pilots 48:04 - The Importance of Preparation and Positivity 49:16 - Key Takeaways for Aspiring Pilots 51:18 - 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
JAN 7

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. Frame discusses how his lived experiences and passion for positive representation of Black men and boys led him to build a nonprofit focused on social emotional learning, mentorship and entrepreneurship. He also details his role as a professor of social emotional learning at Sacred Heart University. Dr. Frame opens up about his unlikely and nontraditional path to earning his doctorate, the obstacles he faced and how persistence, community and purpose guided his journey. The conversation highlights the power of storytelling, education and service, reminding viewers and listeners that staying committed to the vision helps you 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.

42 min
12/17/2025

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 Sorority, Incorporated and a graduate of West Virginia State University, Tishawa reflects on her nearly decade long career as an IRS Field Agent and how it shaped her passion for financial literacy and community empowerment. She speaks candidly about building a business as a single mother and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people. She also emphasizes taking ownership of your financial future. Tishawa highlights the seventh year of her Convergence Empowerment Conference and her book, both created to help others overcome self imposed barriers, walk in faith and pursue their dreams as they Prepare For Takeoff. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Setup 00:18 - Tishawa Howard's Background and Early Life 03:11 - Transition from Miami to West Virginia 04:32 - Sorority Life and College Experience 06:06 - Career Beginnings with the IRS 08:21 - Life as an IRS Field Agent 11:11 - Transitioning from IRS to Financial Services 15:14 - Building a Financial Advisory Career 18:35 - Faith and Perseverance in Business 19:30 - The Power of Perseverance 19:58 - Financial Literacy and Community Empowerment 22:27 - Building a Strong Financial Foundation 25:46 - The Importance of Supporting Each Other 28:45 - The Convergence Empowerment Conference 33:30 - Becoming an Author and Sharing Your Journey 38:18 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement 42:36 - 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
12/10/2025

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 healing. He explains how barbershops can serve as powerful therapeutic spaces for Black men. He speaks to the importance of preparing children for racial challenges and the lasting impact of trauma on mental and physical health. Dr. Stevenson also highlights the mission of Lion’s Story, the nonprofit he co-founded to help communities build racial literacy, reduce identity based stress and reclaim their own stories. He shows how community, healing and joy can strengthen our resilience as we Prepare For Takeoff. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Black Excellence and Community Healing 01:05 - Growing Up in Delaware: Cultural Roots and Family Dynamics 03:30 - Sports as a Pathway: From Soccer to Higher Education 05:14 - Innovative Healing: The Role of Barbershops in Mental Health 08:53 - Navigating Race: Experiences from the East Coast to the West Coast 11:21 - Returning to the Community: The Importance of Family Therapy 13:56 - Giving Back: The Responsibility of Success 14:31 - The Changing Landscape of Faith and Community Engagement 21:43 - Racial Socialization: Preparing the Next Generation for Challenges 24:08 - Understanding Racial Conundrums in Healthcare 24:42 - Navigating Challenges in DEI Initiatives 25:36 - The Importance of Healing Strategies 27:06 - Collaborative Efforts for Change 28:01 - Black Excellence Across Various Fields 29:59 - Empowering Individuals to Pursue Their Purpose 30:22 - Community-Based Interventions for Youth 34:16 - The Role of Nonprofits in Healing 36:52 - Addressing Black Trauma and Its Impacts 43:35 - Preparing for Takeoff: Key Takeaways 46:43 - 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.

47 min

5

out of 5

7 Ratings

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.

Creator

Terry L. Cyrus
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

109
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Terry L. Cyrus
Show Website

Prepare For Takeoff