In this inspiring conversation, Adrianne C. Smith, SVP & Senior Partner and Chief Inclusion & Impact Officer at FleishmanHillard and Founder of Cannes Can: Diversity Collective, shares about her journey from her childhood in Alabama and Texas to becoming a global leader in diversity, equity and inclusion.

She reflects on the role HBCUs played in shaping her leadership and the career milestones that helped establish her voice in the advertising and communications industry. Adrianne discusses the importance of mentorship, relationships and networking in creating opportunities. She shares insights on legacy building and empowering the next generation of leaders.

The conversation also explores the founding of Cannes Can: Diversity Collective. She launched the organization after attending the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2017 and discovering that only about 200 of the more than 20,000 attendees were Black. Through initiatives like the CC:DC Ambassador Program, the organization creates opportunities for HBCU students and early to mid-career professionals to attend global gatherings such as the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the World Economic Forum in Davos.

An inspiring conversation about leadership, access, and creating opportunity. Now it’s time to Prepare For Takeoff. ✈️

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Adrianne C. Smith

00:54 - Growing Up in Alabama and HBCU Influence

03:51 - The Journey to Spelman College

07:40 - Experiences at Spelman College

11:14 - Entering the Advertising World

15:36 - Transitioning into Entrepreneurship

22:22 - The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

26:01 - Navigating the Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship

32:07 - Balancing Multiple Roles as an Entrepreneur

36:56 - Creating Opportunities and Leading by Example

43:05 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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Join Terry L. Cyrus for an inspiring conversation with Carole Hopson, a Boeing 737 Captain with United Airlines, author and nonprofit founder. She shares her journey from West Philadelphia to the cockpit of a major airline. Before aviation, she built a career as a journalist with the Philadelphia Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer and The Bergen Record. She later held roles with the NFL and Foot Locker before following her passion for flight and becoming a Certified Flight Instructor and airline captain.

Captain Hopson discusses her historical novel A Pair of Wings, which tells the inspiring story of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman, who traveled to Europe to earn her pilot’s license after being denied flight training in the United States because she was a Black woman. She also highlights the work of her nonprofit, the Jet Black Foundation, which is helping create pathways for future aviators, including initiatives connected with Tuskegee University.

A powerful story of perseverance, purpose and chasing your dreams. Now it’s time to Prepare For Takeoff. ✈️

Chapters

00:00 - Growing Up in West Philadelphia

01:49 - Early Career Aspirations and Journalism

05:17 - Transitioning from Journalism to the NFL

08:24 - Corporate Leadership and Training Initiatives

11:59 - The Journey to Aviation and Curiosity

12:42 - Manifesting Dreams and Taking Flight

18:20 - The Journey to Aviation: Overcoming Barriers

24:04 - Flight School: The Path to Becoming a Pilot

27:07 - Navigating Challenges: The Reality of Aviation Careers

31:46 - Balancing Motherhood and Career

34:45 - A Pair of Wings: The Story of Bessie Coleman

40:28 - Crafting Bessie's Story

42:24 - The Journey of Resilience

43:53 - Pursuing Passion Over Fear

45:06 - Health, Weight, and Personal Growth

47:14 - The Impact of Motherhood

49:07 - The Power of Humility and Hard Work

52:45 - Empowering Future Aviators

54:46 - Bessie Coleman: A Legacy of Excellence

57:49 - The Importance of Representation

01:00:31 - The Journey of Growth and Process

01:02:19 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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In this powerful episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Dr. Gerald D. Curry to discuss leadership, discipline and purpose.

Dr. Curry is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated at Rho Psi chapter. He served more than 30 years in the United States Air Force before retiring as a Colonel. He later served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Force Resilience, helping oversee policies that impacted nearly 670,000 Airmen and Guardians. He also held senior executive roles supporting the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, including interagency work at the White House.

An accomplished author and avid reader, Dr. Curry shares how lifelong learning shaped his leadership mindset. He rose to become ranked number three in the world in kickboxing and was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame. As Chief Operating Officer of Curry Brothers Publishing, he advances literacy and empowers new authors. He also leads innovative efforts to bring major data center initiatives to HBCU campuses with support from companies like Google and Microsoft.

Anchored by a promise to his father to break the cycle of poverty through wise decisions, Dr. Curry emphasizes discipline, mentorship, community and mastering your craft. This episode is a blueprint for leadership, resilience and legacy.

Prepare For Takeoff. 🚀

Chapters

00:00 - The Impact of HBCUs

02:13 - Brotherhood and Fraternity Life

04:55 - Military Service and Leadership

10:03 - Martial Arts and Discipline

15:23 - Navigating Military Challenges

20:39 - Political Accountability and Activism

22:42 - Transitioning from Military to Civilian Leadership

25:12 - Navigating Senior Executive Challenges

28:53 - The Importance of Mentorship and Community

30:06 - Curry Brothers Publishing and Literacy Advocacy

34:55 - Innovative Educational Initiatives

39:05 - Philanthropy and Data Centers at HBCUs

42:08 - Keys to Personal and Professional Growth

51:25 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus interviews Joshua V. Barr, Attorney, Emmy Award-Winning Filmmaker, Human Relations Consultant and Public Speaker. He shares his journey from South Carolina to becoming a civil rights advocate and bridge builder. He reflects on earning his undergraduate degree at Francis Marion University and his law degree at the University of South Carolina, later completing his MBA at Penn State. Joshua explains how global exposure shaped his worldview. His advice is direct: put yourself in new rooms, travel when you can, test your ideas, build authentic relationships, and stay civically engaged. He emphasizes that growth requires action, not comfort. He also discusses his Emmy award-winning documentary, Breaking Bread, Building Bridges, created to address polarization and show that we are greater than our differences. His message is clear. Experience more, experiment boldly and engage fully. Now it is time to Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Journey

01:15 - Roots and Foundations of Identity

03:55 - Education and Expanding Horizons

06:24 - The Importance of Community Engagement

08:50 - Transitioning from Law to Public Service

11:16 - Civil Rights Work and Community Impact

14:08 - Understanding Systemic Issues

16:38 - The Role of Travel in Perspective

18:57 - Documentary and Bridging Divides

21:52 - Building Bridges Through Dialogue

26:49 - Facilitating Human Connections Through SharedExperiences

28:58 - Transforming Perspectives: The Power of Understanding

33:04 - The Impact of Community Engagement and Public Speaking

37:18 - Navigating Opportunities for Change

42:35 - Preparing for Community Engagement and Action

49:52 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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