Prepare For Takeoff

Chris Mercado joins Prepare For Takeoff to share his incredible journey from growing up in the Bronx and Harlem to becoming a respected force in radio, music, advertising and technology. As Creative Services Director for Emmis Communications, Chris was responsible for all aspects of audio production for three major radio stations, including Hot 97 and WBLS. During the conversation, he reveals how he created the iconic "Bomb" sound effect for Funkmaster Flex, the signature drop Flex uses to let listeners know a record is a major hit. More than three decades later, the sound remains a fixture on Hot 97.

Chris shares stories from the golden era of New York radio, lessons learned from working alongside some of the industry's most influential personalities and the work ethic that helped him build a successful career across multiple industries. He also discusses his transition from radio to opportunities with Amazon and Apple while embracing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Chris explains how earning AI certifications and leveraging tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and other platforms have helped him enhance creativity, productivity and problem solving. He also explains the impact of being a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, student or someone looking to reinvent yourself, this episode offers valuable insights on perseverance, adaptability, networking, mentorship and continuous learning. Chris Mercado's story is a powerful reminder that success isn't determined by where you start, but by your willingness to evolve, embrace change and never stop learning as viewers and listeners Prepare For Takeoff.

00:00 - Roots and Origins: A Journey Through Virginia and New York

02:47 - Growing Up in New York: The Impact of Environment on Identity

05:35 - The Birth of a DJ: Early Influences and Musical Aspirations

08:06 - Navigating the Music Industry: From Intern to Creative Services Director

10:34 - Work Ethic and Mindset: Lessons from Family and Life Experiences

13:21 - The Role of Radio in the 90s: A Cultural Phenomenon

16:04 - Creating Iconic Sounds: The Legacy of Go Flex and The Bomb

18:51 - Reflections on Success: The Journey and Its Challenges

27:35 - Transitioning from Radio to Amazon

29:28 - Work Ethic and Adaptability in New Environments

31:36 - Embracing AI in Creative Processes

36:13 - The Role of Fraternity in Personal and Professional Growth

44:36 - Key Takeaways for Success and Reinvention

49:25 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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Bunmi Giwa-Bello, Co-Founder & President of BlackHouse, joins Prepare For Takeoff to discuss her inspiring journey from Massachusetts to helping build one of the culture’s leading boutique experiential agencies in New York City. Bunmi reflects on the importance of faith, family, mentorship and community in shaping her path. She also shares how her early experiences prepared her for the fast-paced world of event production and entrepreneurship.

Bunmi gives an inside look into the vision behind BlackHouse. She discusses the company’s mission to create impactful experiences that connect brands, culture and community. During the conversation, Bunmi shares how BlackHouse has produced campaigns and events for clients including Prime Video, Visit Orlando and Unum. She also talks about the evolution of the experiential marketing industry following the pandemic and the growing demand for meaningful in-person engagement. Throughout the conversation, Bunmi shares insight on leadership, perseverance, relationship building and her commitment to mentoring and pouring into young professionals, especially those entering the industry.

This inspiring conversation highlights entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, community and the power of building with purpose as Bunmi Giwa-Bello helps viewers and listeners Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background
00:41 - Early Life and Education
02:48 - Career Beginnings in New York
07:24 - Transition to Event Production
12:27 - Founding BlackHouse
17:25 - The Mission and Vision of BlackHouse
22:36 - Post-Pandemic Industry Insights
26:21 - Nostalgia and the Experience of Events
28:48 - Future Plans and Upcoming Events
31:50 - The Importance of Mentorship
35:06 - Community and Relationships
38:40 - Key Takeaways for Success
45:34 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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Candace McIntyre, Human Resources Director for the Washington Nationals, joins Prepare For Takeoff to discuss her inspiring journey from Southeast Washington D.C. to working for a Major League Baseball organization. During the conversation, Candace reflects on growing up in a close-knit family and how those early experiences helped shape her values, confidence and work ethic. She also discusses the impact of attending Coppin State University and how the HBCU experience strengthened her sense of identity, community and purpose.

Candace shares her transition from the telecommunications industry into the sports industry by betting on herself. Throughout the episode, she speaks about the importance of passion, intentionality and authenticity. She opens up about embracing change, building genuine relationships and staying true to herself while navigating corporate leadership spaces. Candace also provides valuable advice for aspiring HR professionals and young leaders looking to grow with confidence and purpose.

This powerful conversation highlights perseverance, mentorship, leadership and the importance of embracing every part of your journey while continuing to amplify the many dimensions of Black Excellence. Buckle up and Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - Growing Up in D.C.

03:29 - The HBCU Experience

05:50 - Finding a Career Path

08:37 - Transitioning into HR

13:41 - Moving into Sports HR

19:15 - Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals

23:32 - Embracing Change and Overcoming Resistance

24:32 - Milestone Moments and Humble Beginnings

27:38 - The Power of Support and Mentorship

30:16 - Passion and Intentionality in Career

32:07 - The Importance of Personal Connections

34:28 - Changing the Narrative of Black Excellence

37:49 - Building Genuine Relationships

40:17 - Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

43:11 - The Journey of Continuous Learning

47:04 - Final Thoughts: Passion, Intentionality and Authenticity

51:56 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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Candace McIntyre, Human Resources Director for the Washington Nationals, joins Prepare For Takeoff to discuss her inspiring journey from Southeast Washington D.C. to working for a Major League Baseball organization. During the conversation, Candace reflects on growing up in a close-knit family and how those early experiences helped shape her values, confidence and work ethic. She also discusses the impact of attending Coppin State University and how the HBCU experience strengthened her sense of identity, community and purpose.

Candace shares her transition from the telecommunications industry into the sports industry by betting on herself. Throughout the episode, she speaks about the importance of passion, intentionality and authenticity. She opens up about embracing change, building genuine relationships and staying true to herself while navigating corporate leadership spaces. Candace also provides valuable advice for aspiring HR professionals and young leaders looking to grow with confidence and purpose.

This powerful conversation highlights perseverance, mentorship, leadership and the importance of embracing every part of your journey while continuing to amplify the many dimensions of Black Excellence. Buckle up and Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - Growing Up in D.C.

03:29 - The HBCU Experience

05:50 - Finding a Career Path

08:37 - Transitioning into HR

13:41 - Moving into Sports HR

19:15 - Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals

23:32 - Embracing Change and Overcoming Resistance

24:32 - Milestone Moments and Humble Beginnings

27:38 - The Power of Support and Mentorship

30:16 - Passion and Intentionality in Career

32:07 - The Importance of Personal Connections

34:28 - Changing the Narrative of Black Excellence

37:49 - Building Genuine Relationships

40:17 - Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

43:11 - The Journey of Continuous Learning

47:04 - Final Thoughts: Passion, Intentionality and Authenticity

51:56 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠⁠.

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In this inspiring episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Raymond L. Hamlin, Esq. shares his remarkable journey from Long Branch, New Jersey, to becoming one of the region’s most respected trial lawyers and advocates for justice. As a founding partner of Hunt, Hamlin & Ridley Law Firm, Raymond reflects on the early influences that shaped his path, the importance of brotherhood through Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and his commitment to uplifting his community through both law and leadership.

As a successful civil rights litigator, Raymond has tried jury trials in both state and federal courts. He has also argued before the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the New Jersey Supreme Court. His distinguished legal career includes representing notable clients such as Wendy Williams, Naturi Naughton-Lewis and the estate of Malcolm X Shabazz.

Inspired by a musical legacy that includes his uncle Harry Ray, lead singer of Ray, Goodman & Brown, Raymond opens up about his passion for music. He shares his evolution as a singer, songwriter, producer and arranger performing as RayLH. Raymond discusses the inspiration behind finally releasing his music and why this chapter represents purpose, authenticity and growth. RayLH’s album Who I Am arrives May 9 on all music platforms.

This episode is a powerful conversation about legacy, perseverance, purpose and embracing every part of who you are in order to Prepare For Takeoff.

00:00 - Introduction to Raymond L. Hamlin

01:12 - Growing Up in Long Branch

02:17 - Influence of Family and Famous Uncle

03:29 - Early Aspirations and Athletic Journey

05:59 - College Experience at East Stroudsburg University

08:13 - Discovering Fraternities and Community Influence

12:29 - The Impact of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

14:11 - Navigating College and Athletics

20:44 - Transition to Law School and Overcoming Rejection

23:35 - Navigating the Challenges of Law School

26:11 - The Journey to Passing the Bar Exam

29:21 - Starting a Legal Career

32:25 - Establishing a Law Firm

36:33 - Building a Successful Practice

38:23 - Diverse Legal Representation

43:01 - Pursuing Artistic Passions

48:10 - Keys to Success and Personal Growth

50:36 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Crystal Hadnott breaks down what it takes to sustain success at a high level. She is a PhD, entrepreneur, author and endurance athlete who built her career on discipline, purpose and consistency.

Crystal shares how she helps leaders scale impact without burnout, speaking from real experience and proven results. Through her work as CEO at CH Philanthropy & Fundraising, she has helped organizations raise nearly $1 billion. Her role as Founder & Chief Wellness Officer at Performance Pilates reflects her commitment to helping others perform at their best. She also shares insight from her books The Finish Line Was Just the Start, After the Finish Line: The Performance Playbook and Rise and Run.

Crystal highlights her advocacy for the HBCU community, which began while she was earning her master’s and later her doctorate at Texas Southern University. She highlights her pride as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Crystal explains the influence of her late mother, also a proud AKA, and the role that legacy plays in her drive for excellence.

If you are focused on leadership and growth, this episode delivers real perspective you can apply as you Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:48 - Growing Up in Houston

03:17 - Education and Early Career

05:27 - The Journey to Entrepreneurship

07:13 - Experiences at HBCUs

09:51 - Joining a Sorority and Its Impact

12:21 - Athletic Background and Burnout

14:46 - Transitioning to Consulting

17:31 - Running Marathons and Life Lessons

20:33 - Overcoming Health Challenges

23:17 - Advice for Success

26:09 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans

41:12 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Faye Coleman shares her journey from Pittsburgh’s Hill District to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. She is a West Virginia University graduate and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She built her foundation through a successful corporate career with companies like Kraft, Campbell's Soup, Target, CVS and Home Depot before co-founding Pure Genesis.

She discusses the importance of community, education and strategic networking in building success. Faye highlights Pure Genesis’ partnership with EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg on Whoop-Tea. She shares plans to open a Pure Genesis location across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Faye reflects on her book inspired by love letters written by two time Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony Award winning playwright August Wilson to her late mother. The project is being adapted into a film with Gina Torres serving as executive producer.

Faye Coleman’s powerful story of preparation, purpose and opportunity will help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Black Excellence and Entrepreneurship

02:34 - Transitioning from Corporate America to Cannabis

05:52 - Mindset and Mentorship in Entrepreneurship

07:10 - Historical Context of Black Women in Business

07:42 - The Value of Networking and Community Support

13:12 - The Role of HBCUs and Community in Success

16:15 - Personal Journey into the Cannabis Industry

19:07 - Understanding Hemp vs. Cannabis

20:48 - The Impact of Big Pharma on Cannabis

25:11 - Future Opportunities in the Hemp Industry

27:28 - Raising Capital and Industry Insights

28:36 - Navigating Capitalism The Gladiator Sport

29:58 - Building Community Wealth and Equity

32:05 - Partnerships with Influential Figures

35:04 - Expanding Horizons International Opportunities

39:07 - The Power of Community and Networking

43:36 - Harnessing Economic Power for Change

47:54 - Legacy and Storytelling Honoring the Past

54:27 - Preparing for Takeoff Key Entrepreneurial Insights

01:00:31 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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On this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, model, actor, influencer, personal trainer and American Gladiator, Ayinde Warren shares a powerful story of discipline, resilience and belief. A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he started as a student-athlete at West Virginia State University and later finished his final year of football eligibility at the University of South Dakota, earning his master’s degree. After college, he moved to rural North Carolina with his parents and worked for a car rental company while staying locked in on his fitness routine. That consistency helped him become a trainer. He then took a leap of faith to Orlando, where he became a fitness director and expanded into modeling and acting. He went from zero experience to walking the runways of Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week. He shares how mentorship from community leaders like Dr. R. Charles Byers helped shape his mindset. An influencer and recognized as one of the top trainers in the industry, he has worked with brands like Under Armour and continues building his Swole Patrol platform. He now steps into a life-changing role as Neon on American Gladiators, premiering April 17 on Amazon Prime Video. This episode is about leveling up, staying ready and betting on yourself as you Prepare For Takeoff.

00:00 - Early Life and Sports Journey

01:22 - Transition to College Football

04:11 - The Road to West Virginia State University

06:24 - Adjusting to College Life

08:18 - Joining Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

10:28 - Impact of Fraternity on Personal Growth

13:00 - Post-College Journey and Future Aspirations

14:53 - From Football Dreams to New Beginnings

19:01 - Navigating Life After Injury

20:57 - The Shift to Personal Training

25:07 - Building a Fitness Brand

28:05 - The Leap to Acting

33:57 - Finding Success in Unlikely Places

38:40 - The Journey of Resilience and Growth

42:15 - Building Confidence Through Community Support

44:41 - The Journey to American Gladiators

46:53 - Resilience in the Face of Adversity

48:18 - The Importance of Mindset and Preparation

57:21 - Key Takeaways for Success

58:35 - The Significance of the Name “Neon”

01:00:48 - Anticipating American Gladiators Premiere

01:05:07 - Prepare For Takeoff

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In this inspiring episode, entrepreneur, real estate developer and vocational education advocate Re'Shane L. Lonzo shares her powerful journey from growing up in Detroit to becoming a developer creating economic opportunity in her community. Becoming a mother at 14 pushed her to work harder and stay focused on building a better future for her family. As she reflects, “Detroit taught me how to navigate life,” and “My son became my reason to work harder.”

She graduated from Michigan State University, where her entrepreneurial mindset began to take shape. After initially working in corrections and surviving a workplace attack, she pivoted her career, earned her MBA, and began focusing on building opportunities for others. Re’Shane launched a vocational training school to help people gain practical skills and eventually expanded into real estate development. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and shares how the sisterhood has helped her grow professionally.

Today, Re'Shane is leading a $10 million real estate development project in Lansing, Michigan, focused on revitalizing the community through mixed use development that includes workforce training and supportive services. Her ventures also include The Comfort Zone Cigar Lounge & Bistro, a unique hospitality space that became the only cigar lounge of its kind within a 100 mile radius.

Her journey reminds us that when resilience meets opportunity and purpose leads the way, you’re ready to Prepare For Takeoff. ✈️

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Journey

00:26 - Growing Up in Detroit

03:17 - Adversity and Resilience

06:56 - Navigating Education and Motherhood

10:22 - The Transition to College Life

13:38 - Early Career Choices and Entrepreneurship

17:04 - Building a Business from Scratch

20:44 - Giving Back to the Community

25:21 - Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

26:52 - The Impact of COVID-19 on Business and Community

30:00 - Real Estate Development and Community Revitalization

33:54 - Empowering Future Generations through Real Estate

42:11 - The Role of Sororities in Professional Growth

49:43 - Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

52:06 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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Amy DuBois Barnett joins Prepare For Takeoff for an inspiring conversation about vision, reinvention and building a career at the highest levels of media and storytelling. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Barnett earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her master’s degree in creative writing from Columbia University. She made history as the first Black woman to lead a major mainstream consumer magazine in the United States as editor-in-chief of Teen People. She also served as editor-in-chief of Honey and Ebony, deputy editor at Harper’s Bazaar and later held senior leadership roles at TheGrio and BET Digital.

Amy reflects on her journey from Chicago to the upper ranks of the media industry, navigating the pressure of representation, adapting to the shift from print to digital and the discipline required to sustain long term success. She also discusses the power of relationships, intentional energy and staying focused on purpose. Amy shares the story behind her debut novel If I Ruled the World and how it led to a television adaptation deal with Hulu, where she is developing the project alongside Oscar nominated filmmaker Lee Daniels. This conversation is filled with insight on creativity, leadership, reinvention and pursuing your vision with clarity and confidence as you Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey Begins: Amy's Early Life and Education

04:09 - Breaking into Media: Amy's Career Path

07:27 - The Pressure of Representation: Navigating the Magazine Industry

10:06 - Transitioning to Digital: Adapting to Industry Changes

12:22 - The Reality of Success: Hard Work and Intentionality

16:20 - The Importance of Relationships: Networking and Building Connections

19:57 - The Birth of a Novel: Amy's Writing Journey

22:28 - Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Aspirations

22:31 - The Journey to Authorship

27:38 - From Page to Screen: The TV Deal

31:56 - The Art of Pitching: Challenges and Strategies

34:37 - Naming the Novel: A Creative Process

39:48 - Preparing for Takeoff: Key Insights for Success

46:39 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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