Prepare For Takeoff

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 education and advocacy. The conversation highlights what real DEI work looks like, moving beyond surface le...

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 graduated high school, to becoming a national leader in diversity, equity and inclusion. Sports gav...

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 Executive Producer of the Award-Winning short film I Hate My Love Life, featuring Reggie C. Hayes, Terr...

In this episode, host  Terry L. Cyrus  sits down with  Damon Darrell , Founder and CEO of Monarch Motion & Media, to hear his powerful story from growing up in Newark to building a career in storytelling and filmmaking. Damon shares how personal and family challenges shaped his outlook on life, fueling his creativity and commitment to integrity. He reflects on the importance of putting in the...

In this episode, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Greg King, Co-Founder and CEO of Team Nilo, for a powerful conversation on purpose, legacy and transformation. From his roots in Springfield, Massachusetts, to building a life in Texas, Greg shares how he shifted from the dental industry into the fast-growing world of content creation and NIL. Along the way, he reveals how embracing change and overcom...

In this episode of  Prepare For Takeoff , Terry L. Cyrus sits down with  Anthony Coleman , Founder and CEO of  EPROSPERFY . He discusses his journey from computer programmer to e-commerce entrepreneur. Anthony shares how he leveraged technology, AI and platforms like Shopify to build thriving online businesses. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, continuous learning and community support. Li...

In this powerful episode, actress, director, producer and writer Noree Victoria shares her journey from growing up in Baltimore to becoming a multifaceted creative force and entrepreneur. She reflects on the early influence of her father, whose example of discipline, dignity and drive laid the foundation for her lifelong pursuit of excellence. Surrounded by strong examples of Black achievement thr...

Natalie Jasmine Harris —an award-winning filmmaker and graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts—joins host Terry L. Cyrus in this episode of  Prepare for Takeoff  to share her remarkable journey from Maryland to the international film stage. She reflects on the success of her NYU thesis film  PURE , which received the Directors Guild of America’s Student Film Award and was acquired by HBO Max an...

Steven "Bud’da" Anderson , Emmy Award-winning producer, composer and writer, joins host Terry L. Cyrus for an inspiring deep dive into his extraordinary journey from growing up in Pittsburgh to going to the forefront of music, film and television. He has produced for iconic artists like  Dr. Dre ,  Ice Cube and the late great Aaliyah . Bud'da has produced music for acclaimed shows su...

Steve Pamon, Grammy & Peabody Award winner and President & CEO of VERZUZ, shares about his upbringing on the South Side of Chicago to leading boardrooms at the highest levels of entertainment and culture. Steve discusses his powerful tenure as President and COO of Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, where he helped steer globally impactful projects like Homecoming—the groundbreaking performa...

Keshia Davis, also known as DJ Misstique, sits down with creator and host Terry L. Cyrus in this episode of  Prepare for Takeoff  to share her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur and creative force. A proud Philadelphia native, Keshia opens up about taking the reins of her family’s legendary bakery, Denise’s Delicacies, while also building a name for herself as a successful DJ. She discusses the...

Lauren Youngblood, Founder & CEO of  The Elle Word  and Artist Relations Manager, takes a deep dive into her journey of Black Excellence, creative resilience and industry leadership. Born and raised in the culturally rich city of New Orleans, Lauren shares how her roots shaped her passion for the arts and laid the foundation for a career that would eventually take her to New York City. From th...

Southern Soul Artist, Producer, Writer and Engineer, Grandbandz shares about his musical journey and growing impact on the genre. Originating from Lake City, South Carolina, Grandbandz shares how his church roots—playing drums and singing, laid the foundation for his authentic sound as well as the impact of his father’s influence. The conversation highlights Grandbandz’s breakout hit single,  “Sug...

In this powerful episode of  Prepare For Takeoff , Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Anshia B. Crooms, M.A., Founder and CEO of Briclyn Entertainment Group. She shares about her journey from being an ambitious Bowie State University graduate and obtaining a Master of Arts in Media Studies & Film at The New School in New York City, to becoming a respected force in the music industry. Anshia breaks...

In this powerful episode of  Prepare For Takeoff , Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Tia Welsh, MD, MPH, FACOG, CPE—OB/GYN and Chair of Women’s Health at Valley Health System. Dr. Welsh reflects on her roots growing up in Staten Island, her college years at the University of Virginia and her journey through medical school at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. She candidly shares the challenges she’s faced as...

Conversation with Founder & President at TDS Builders, Attorney, Asset Manager, Author, Speaker & Actor, Medina Jett. She discusses growing up in New Haven, Connecticut before attending college at Wesleyan University. Medina explains what led to joining her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She talks about attending Georgetown University for law school and graduating at the...

Conversation with Actor & Psychotherapist, Erskine Alexander. He shares about his journey from growing up in Columbus, Georgia, to attending Morris Brown College before moving to New York City upon graduation. Erskine emphasizes how his HBCU experience helped shape his identity, aspirations and support in achieving success. He discusses attending graduate school at Columbia University and tran...

Conversation with President & CEO of the Mary & Eliza Freeman Center For History and Community, Maisa Tisdale. She discusses her deep family roots in Bridgeport, Connecticut and her educational journey at Yale University. Maisa details the legacy of Little Liberia in Bridgeport, a free Black community that predates Black Wall Street by 100 years. Maisa details how Mary Freeman accumulated...

Conversation with Multi-Emmy and NAACP Image Award-Winning TV Producer, Money Making Conversations Master Class Host, Founder & CEO of 3815 Media, Inc., Branding Architect & Baker, Rushion McDonald. He shares about his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Houston to becoming a successful comedian, producer and entrepreneur. Rushion discusses the impact of his beloved Omega Ps...

Conversation with District Athletic Director at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, President of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association, Author & Speaker, Steve L. Robinson. He shares about his entrepreneurial journey that began while attending Marshall University. Steve explains how his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated has helped shape the decisions he has made in life. He...

Conversation with Platinum Songwriter, Singer, Producer, Screenwriter, Actress & Playwright, Cassandra "Trinity" Anderson explores her journey from humble beginnings in Baltimore and attending school with actress Jada Pinkett Smith, to her impactful career in the music and entertainment industry. Trinity shares about her experiences of working with Dr. Dre and the late great Aaliyah....

Conversation with Principal at Northeast Collaborative Architects, Synfoni Bailey-Green, RA includes her journey from growing up in Hartford, Connecticut, to becoming a successful Principal Architect and leader in a male-dominated field. She shares about what led to her deciding to attending Hampton University and the rigors of earning a B. Arch degree. Synfoni discusses the challenges she faced a...

CEO & Co-Founder of ART Financial Solutions, The Queen Treasurer, 3x Amazon Best Selling Author, Coach and Speaker, Dr. Catherine Latoya Grant-Alston discusses resilience, financial literacy and personal empowerment. She shares about her journey from growing up under challenging circumstances in Hartford, Connecticut to becoming known as The Queen Treasurer. Catherine discusses the positive im...

Pharmacist & Ms. Black Virginia USA 2025, Dr. Josselli Pamphile discusses her educational background, professional journey, family, faith and what led to becoming a beauty queen. Josselli shares about growing up in Brooklyn and her family relocating to Florida before she entered high school. She discusses attending Florida Atlantic University and joining her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,...

2x #1 Bestselling Author, Personal Finance Expert, Founder & CEO of It's My Money, Patrina Dixon shares about her remarkable journey from overcoming adversity to becoming a financial educator and entrepreneur. Patrina discusses growing up in Connecticut, the impact of motherhood on her life choices and her mission to empower others through financial literacy. She talks about how navigating...