Prepare For Takeoff

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down Section Head of General Thoracic Surgery at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Dr. Brian L. Pettiford, MD, MBA, MMM. He shares about his educational journey from Southern Georgia to Morehouse College for his undergraduate degree to University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Pettiford discusses the impact of mentorship and Faith in his journey as a surgeon. He explains the challenges and barriers faced by Black doctors, the lack of diversity in the medical field and the need for outreach and education on preventative healthcare measures in the Black community. Dr. Pettiford emphasizes the need for individuals to have an indomitable spirit and to reach back and help others. He highlights the challenges faced in New Orleans, including limited resources and a high crime rate as well as the importance of working to find solutions. This insightful conversation with Dr. Pettiford will definitely help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with President & CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh, Sabrina Saunders Mosby. She shares about her journey from growing up in Pittsburgh's Hill District to becoming a leader in the community. Ms. Mosby discusses the importance of crossing bridges for opportunity and the role of education in her success. She highlights the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in her career trajectory, noting the impact of Black men who have championed her. Ms. Mosby discusses the importance of representation, creating inclusive environments in the workplace, not waiting for your turn and instead taking chances when they arise. She encourages listeners to see challenges as opportunities, bet on themselves and invest in building a strong network. This captivating conversation with Sabrina Saunders Mosby will definitely help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with Co-Founder & CEO of DDM Group, Neil Nelson. He discusses the importance of HBCUs in nurturing personal and cultural growth, the power of entrepreneurship, the influence of the Black community in Atlanta as well as the role of media in shaping consciousness. Mr. Nelson shares about the need to change the narrative about Black people and the emphasis of reclaiming our true history and achievements. He touches on the importance of reading, building relationships and unpacking our collective gifts as a people. This enlightening conversation with Neil Nelson will absolutely help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with Author, Activist, Life Coach, Illustrator and Grammy Member, LaPonne. He shares about being a 12-year-old run away in the Fillmore neighborhood of San Francisco in order to escape childhood trauma. LaPonne discusses becoming a gang member, surviving murder attempts, homelessness and incarceration. He explains what led to his cross-country move from the Bay area to Atlanta, where he successfully transitioned into the entertainment industry. LaPonne details why his book Troublesome the Untold Story: Overcoming the Storm's is an absolute must read. This authentically raw conversation will emphatically help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with Founder & CEO, Chief Brand Strategist of JRT Multimedia, Jocelyn R. Taylor. She discusses her 25+ year trailblazing career journey that included being the Publisher of UPTOWN Magazine and VIVmag. She shares about her experience of working with celebrities such as Idris Elba in the Bond Ambition shoot with Aston Martin. Ms. Taylor talks about what led to her founding her company JRT Multimedia, a full-service boutique consulting, strategic brand management, event and creative media agency. She discusses her Social Enterprise Education company LayerUpWithJRT, which holistically advances organizations, workforces, communities and higher learning through Empathy, Transparency & Inclusion learning modules. This comprehensive conversation with Jocelyn R. Taylor will assuredly help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with Owner of ADM Insights & Strategy, Adjunct Faculty and Board Member, Autumn D. McDonald. She discusses spending over two decades at corporations that included Procter & Gamble and Colgate-Palmolive before launching ADM Insights & Strategy. Ms. McDonald explains the importance of Black people overcoming fear as well as embracing our authenticity and uniqueness. She shares how the students’ consistently exceed her expectations as an adjunct faculty member at Howard University. This mesmerizing conversation with Autumn D. McDonald will absolutely help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with back-to-back WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces Vice President, Sales Operations & Analytics, Kalani Dantley. She shares how the Las Vegas Aces are leading the way with diversity in the front office, beginning with President Nikki Fargas. Ms. Dantley talks about playing a pivotal role in helping the Las Vegas Aces create a home court advantage by leading the WNBA in attendance. She discusses the impact of sports at an early age as the daughter of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Adrian Dantley. She explains the importance of believing in yourself, focusing on your strengths and surrounding yourself with the right people, which will ultimately help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with Lawyer and President & CEO of Benedict College, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis. She talks about growing up in southern West Virginia and how attending West Virginia State University cultivated a strong sense of self through her HBCU experience. She discusses what led her to trade in the court room as a lawyer for the fulfillment of teaching in the college classroom. Dr. Artis is the 14th and first woman President of Benedict College. She shares about the value proposition HBCUs offer employers through collaborative partnerships and the resilience of HBCU students. She discusses the importance of following your passion and embracing opportunities that enhance your ability to succeed. This thought provoking conversation about Black Excellence and more with President Artis will definitely help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with Author and CEO & Founder of Project Hope Educational Consultants Dr. Joel Bratton Jr. He shares about growing up in Baltimore and what kept him on the path to success. Dr. Bratton discusses the benefit of attending HBCUs throughout all phases of his higher education journey. He talks about the importance of advocating for people of color in education, the influence of mentors and role models as well as believing in your potential. He explains what led to writing his book entitled Where I Started is Not Where I Will Finish and his unwavering commitment to Black Excellence. This inspiring conversation with Dr. Bratton will definitely help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with Author and Founder/Executive Director of Girls With Pearls, Kamika Lynette Bell. She shares about her upcoming book Pearls: A Simple Story of Mentorship and Empowerment. She discusses the role of faith and spirituality as well as living a life of purpose. Kamika talks about the impact of visiting Africa, how Girls With Pearls is shaping future leaders in the community as well as the importance of education and entrepreneurship. This thought-provoking conversation with Kamika Lynette Bell will definitely help you Prepare For Takeoff.