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 138 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Terry L. Cyrus hosts Prepare For Takeoff, a society show with 138 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #138

  From United States Air Force Veteran to Tea Entrepreneur | E. Michelle Watson

  Sep 30, 202657 min

  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 how she began building her business before retiring and how her family’s multigenerational connection to tea inspired her entrepreneurial journey. She also discusses the health benefits of different teas and her book, Tea and the Black Woman: How Natural Teas Can Benefit Black Women’s Health. She closes by sharing three lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs: pay for your weaknesses, look back to childhood to rediscover your passions and support small businesses as you Prepare For Takeoff. ️Thinking about starting your own business? The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial using 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 to get started: https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP : The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Prepare For Takeoff or Outspoken Media Group. & © Outspoken Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or re-uploading of this content is prohibited without permission.

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  Episode #137

  Blueprint for Excellence: Dr. Darryl Scriven on the Future of HBCUs

  Sep 23, 202652 min

  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 journey from growing up in Jacksonville to attending FAMU and earning his PhD in philosophy from Purdue University. He shares how education shaped his path and how entrepreneurship expanded his perspective. Dr. Scriven discusses owning and operating multiple franchises and the lessons he learned from those experiences. The conversation also explores his work leading centers and institutes at FAMU and his vision for research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Scriven also discusses his book, Black College Blueprint: The Next Frontier for HBCUs and his vision for the future of these institutions. He shares the importance of collaboration and creating greater opportunities for the next generation. Dr. Scriven closes by sharing three lessons that continue to guide him: stay mentally strong, stay hungry and remain grateful as you Prepare For Takeoff. ️Thinking about starting your own business? The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial using 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 to get started: https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP : The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Prepare For Takeoff or Outspoken Media Group. & © Outspoken Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or re-uploading of this content is prohibited without permission.

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  Episode #136

  From Teacher to CEO & Brooklyn Tea Owner | Kerri-Ann T. Thomas

  Sep 16, 202656 min

  In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Kerri-Ann T. Thomas, CEO of Movement Schools, to discuss her journey from teacher to education leader and entrepreneur. Kerri-Ann shares how growing up in Brooklyn and attending Spelman College and Columbia University shaped her perspective, aspirations and leadership journey. She discusses educational opportunity gaps, leadership, building strong relationships, entrepreneurship and the importance of creating opportunities for students to see what is possible for their future. The conversation also explores her journey through teaching, school leadership, becoming a superintendent, leading Movement Schools and building businesses such as Brooklyn Tea.Kerri-Ann also shares three lessons for preparing for takeoff: deep belief, strong relationships and discipline. ️Thinking about starting your own business? The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial using 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 to get started: https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP : The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Prepare For Takeoff or Outspoken Media Group. & © Outspoken Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or re-uploading of this content is prohibited without permission.

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  Episode #135

  Own Your Space: AI, Representation & Career Growth | Nathalie Heywood

  Sep 9, 202652 min

  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 across advertising, business development and entrepreneurship. She discusses the power of curiosity, embracing career pivots and surrounding yourself with people who will advocate for you and help you grow. Nathalie also unpacks pocstock's mission to transform how people of color are represented across advertising, media and emerging technology. From authentic imagery to diverse datasets for AI, she explains why representation matters and why we must have a voice in shaping the narratives and technology of the future. This conversation explores confidence, mentorship, entrepreneurship and opening doors for others while reminding us to trust ourselves, keep learning and build a strong circle as we Prepare For Takeoff. ️Thinking about starting your own business? The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial using 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 to get started: https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP : The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Prepare For Takeoff or Outspoken Media Group. & © Outspoken Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or re-uploading of this content is prohibited without permission.

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  Episode #134

  From Southwest Atlanta to the C-Suite: Redefining Success and Happiness | Craig Robinson

  Sep 2, 202652 min

  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 happiness really mean. Craig shares lessons from growing up in Atlanta, attending MIT and Harvard Business School, building a nearly 25-year career in commercial real estate, and becoming a CEO and board leader. He also reflects on leadership, values, failure, resilience, mentorship, Black excellence, and the importance of using success to create opportunities for others. The conversation explores why traditional definitions of success do not always lead to fulfillment, the importance of finding your authentic purpose, and Craig’s book The Happiness Reboot . Terry and Craig also discuss the growing opportunities surrounding AI for Black communities and entrepreneurs , the importance of curiosity and courage, and how to approach your journey with greater grace. Craig closes with three powerful principles: curiosity over conviction, courage, and grace . Explore More Inspiring Conversations • Black History & Identity • Leadership & Personal Growth • Entrepreneurship & Innovation • Black Excellence Stories • Education & Community Impact • Purpose, Resilience & Self-Development ️Thinking about starting your own business? The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial using 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 to get started: https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP : The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Prepare For Takeoff or Outspoken Media Group. & © Outspoken Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or re-uploading of this content is prohibited without permission. If you enjoyed this conversation, like, comment, and subscribe to Prepare For Takeoff. What does success and happiness mean to you, and what part of Craig Robinson’s journey from Southwest Atlanta to the C-Suite resonated with you most?

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