Prepare For Takeoff

In this episode of Prepare for Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Nadia Batchelor, a first generation American, a single mother of four, Chief Operating Officer of Jefferies Wealth Management and the founder of Inspired by Nadia. She shares her journey from her Guyanese roots to the upper ranks of executive leadership on Wall Street. She highlights the importance of mentorship, exposure a...

In this episode, Kelvin Troy Johnson shares the truth about romance and what it really takes to build meaningful relationships. He is proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, author, motivational speaker, owner of Counselors Success System and is widely known as The Love Coach of Atlanta. Kelvin explains that love does not simply appear on its own. It requires effort and intentional...

In this powerful episode, Dr. James Norris shares his journey from growing up in Los Angeles to becoming a National Board Certified Counselor, Licensed Mental Health and Professional Clinical Counselor and Assistant Professor at the University of the Cumberlands. He talks about surviving community violence, facing trauma and relying on sports, education and community support to build discipline an...

In this inspiring episode, June Cara Christian, PhD shares her journey to becoming a passionate advocate for social justice and education. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she reflects on the strength of sisterhood, community and mentorship that have shaped her path. Dr. Christian opens up about the challenges of academia, the isolating yet transformative nature of the PhD exper...

In this inspiring episode, Bryant K. Smith shares about his journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a successful entrepreneur, consultant and author of ten books. He talks about how mentorship, being a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and family shaped his identity and career. Bryant explains the courage it takes to leave a stable job and start your own business. Guide...

In this captivating episode, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with filmmaker, serial entrepreneur and Creative Services Director for Outspoken Media Group, Sheldon Shaw. He shares about his journey from a young dreamer in Toronto to a leading voice in film and creative media. Sheldon talks about how collaboration and perseverance have shaped his career and opened new doors. He breaks down the importance o...

In this conversation, Charles Clayton, Founder and CEO of AFES: Athletics For Education and Success, discusses the importance of community, accountability and mentorship in youth development. Born and raised in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Charles reflects on how growing up in a loving Black community shaped his values and leadership, while sports provided him with life skills and teamwork. He shares the tur...

In this episode of  Prepare For Takeoff , international yoga teacher and scholar Nino Mendes shares his inspiring journey of resilience, purpose and transformation. Growing up in a small French village as one of the only Black families, he faced challenges of isolation and racism that shaped his strength and vision. After moving to America to pursue acting, Nino discovered yoga, a practice that be...

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...