Prepare For Takeoff

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.

Prepare For Takeoff is a society podcast hosted by Terry L. Cyrus, with 131 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Terry L. Cyrus hosts Prepare For Takeoff, a society show with 131 episodes published.

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  Episode #132

  Healthcare Is Personal: The Power of Advocacy | Courtney Lang, JD on Health Equity & Systemic Change

  Aug 19, 202648 min

  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 her journey from Washington, DC to law school and a career in healthcare advocacy. She explains how her personal experiences with healthcare and corporate America ultimately led her to entrepreneurship. Courtney takes us inside her work in rural “frontier communities,” where access to healthcare can mean traveling more than 75 miles to reach a facility. Her experiences reinforced a simple approach to navigating healthcare: know what to do, who to call and where to go. The conversation gets personal when Terry shares the experience of his 91-year-old father waiting hours in an emergency room and how having the right advocate and connections helped change the outcome. Courtney and Terry explore healthcare disparities, mental health stigma in Black communities, the role faith leaders can play in connecting people to care and why representation on hospital boards matters. Courtney closes with three powerful lessons: know your superpower, don’t ask for permission and serve on a board. It’s a grounded conversation about using your voice, advocating for yourself and others as well as turning personal experience into meaningful change that can help us all Prepare For Takeoff. ️ Thinking about starting your own business? Build your online store with a free Shopify trial using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj ️ Thinking about starting a podcast? Prepare For Takeoff is recorded with Riverside. Start recording like a pro using our affiliate link: https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP If you enjoyed this conversation, like, comment and subscribe to Prepare For Takeoff. What did Courtney’s story make you think about? Share your thoughts below and let us know how advocacy, representation or access to healthcare has impacted your community.

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  Episode #131

  Stories Create Change: The Power of Storytelling | Kelli McLoud-Schingen

  Aug 12, 202653 min

  In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Kelli McLoud-Schingen, Founding Artistic Director of World Stage Theatre Company and President of KMS Consulting, to explore how storytelling can educate, connect communities and create lasting change. From her childhood in Chicago to becoming an international theater director and social justice advocate, Kelli shares how family, culture and identity shaped her journey. She discusses founding World Stage Theatre Company in Tulsa and using theater to amplify authentic voices, challenge perspectives and create space for meaningful conversations. Kelli reflects on her work around the world and the lessons she has gained through cross-cultural experiences. She explains why representation matters, how storytelling can strengthen identity and self-love and why the arts can be a powerful vehicle for building understanding between people from different backgrounds. Throughout the conversation, Kelli reminds us that our stories have the power to bring people together. As she says, “The shortest distance between two strangers is a story.” Whether you're an artist, educator, entrepreneur or advocate for change, this conversation will inspire you to embrace the power of your story, connect with others and Prepare For Takeoff. ️ Thinking about starting your own business? Build your online store with a free Shopify trial using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: ⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠⁠⁠ ️ Thinking about starting a podcast? Prepare For Takeoff is recorded with Riverside. Start recording like a pro using our affiliate link:⁠⁠⁠ https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, follow Prepare For Takeoff on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating or review. Your support helps us continue amplifying Black Excellence by sharing the stories of accomplished leaders, innovators and changemakers who are making a difference in their industries and communities.

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  Episode #130

  Robert Clifton Jr.: Culture Creates Champions

  Aug 5, 202658 min

  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, Virginia, to creating campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands, Robert shares how a passion for storytelling launched his career. He explains how a commitment to innovation helped transform Contender into a culture driven creative agency. Throughout the conversation, Robert discusses the influence of Hip Hop and culture on advertising. He explains why respect, recognition and authenticity are essential to building great teams. He highlights Contender's work with brands including Walmart and Cheez-It, while reflecting on career defining campaigns for McDonald's, Toyota, Nike, Coca-Cola, Kellogg's, Cadillac and Reebok. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, creative or business leader, this conversation will inspire you to lead with authenticity, embrace culture, build with purpose and Prepare For Takeoff. ️ Thinking about starting your own business? Build your online store with a free Shopify trial using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: ⁠⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠⁠ ️ Thinking about starting a podcast? Prepare For Takeoff is recorded with Riverside. Start recording like a pro using our affiliate link: ⁠⁠ https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, follow Prepare For Takeoff on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating or review. Your support helps us continue amplifying Black Excellence by sharing the stories of accomplished leaders, innovators and changemakers who are making a difference in their industries and communities.

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  Episode #129

  Leading Lasting Change | James Breedlove on Leadership, Mentorship & Community Impact

  Jul 31, 202658 min

  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 how growing up in Watts and Carson, the example set by his father, a probation officer and his own career as a California parole supervisor inspired a lifelong commitment to serving others. For more than 15 years, James has led Bridge Builders Foundation Los Angeles, connecting Black youth to life changing opportunities through STEM education, scholarships, mentorship and leadership development. He explains how partnerships with the UCLA School of Medicine, the University of Southern California, The Aerospace Corporation, Raytheon, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and AEG are helping open doors to brighter futures. From servant leadership and nonprofit sustainability to the power of mentorship and community collaboration, James offers practical lessons for anyone committed to creating lasting impact. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, educator, entrepreneur or mentor, this conversation will inspire you to invest in others, strengthen your community and Prepare For Takeoff. ️ Thinking about starting your own business? Build your online store with a free Shopify trial using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: ⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠ ️ Thinking about starting a podcast? Prepare For Takeoff is recorded with Riverside. Start recording like a pro using our affiliate link: ⁠https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, follow Prepare For Takeoff on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating or review. Your support helps us continue amplifying Black Excellence by sharing the stories of accomplished leaders, innovators and changemakers who are making a difference in their industries and communities.

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  Episode #128

  Knowledge Is Power: Dr. Kim McNair's Blueprint for Success

  Jul 22, 202659 min

  In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff , Dr. Kim McNair shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Newark, New Jersey to becoming an accomplished entrepreneur, author and community leader. Recognized as one of Atlanta's 50 Most Powerful Women in 2024 and 2025 , she is the founder of the nonprofit Business Women Empowerment Project, Inc. (BWEP) , creator of the Women on the MOVE Summit and CEO of Kim McNair Productions, a company specializing in event production, marketing, media and community development. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. McNair has built a legacy of empowering women, developing future leaders and producing high impact experiences that create lasting change. Drawing from the principles in her book, Knowledge, Money and Power , Dr. McNair discusses the importance of building meaningful relationships, embracing change and positioning yourself for success. She explains why knowledge is the foundation for creating wealth, influence and lasting impact. She also emphasizes that faith, preparation and continuous learning can open doors to greater opportunities. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader or aspiring changemaker, this inspiring conversation will challenge you to think bigger, lead with purpose and Prepare For Takeoff . Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Kim McNair's Journey 01:57 - Experiences in Orlando and Atlanta 04:00 - Pivoting and Building New Opportunities 06:03 - Creating and Scaling Kim McNair Productions 12:03 - Lessons in Leadership and Community Engagement 19:59 - The Power of Knowledge, Money, and Power 30:05 - Building Relationships and Strategic Partnerships 39:59 - Faith, Mindset, and Purpose in Business 49:58 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 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.

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