Prepare For Takeoff

About Prepare For Takeoff

A podcast dedicated to amplifying Black Excellence by highlighting proven professionals and rising entrepreneurs, who are making a difference in the community. We feature subject matter experts who share their secrets of success and so much more. Our goal is to help our viewers and listeners take the next step to achieve your goals. We are here to pour into your professional development and help you Prepare For Takeoff.

Publisher

Terry L. Cyrus

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Nov 2023

Latest episode

21 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

142 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   FedEx Express Boeing 767 Captain Andre Lewis | Beyond the Sky: Aviation, Entrepreneurship & Literacy | Ep. 141

   From a young boy in Columbus, Mississippi who dreamed of flying to becoming a FedEx Express Boeing 767 Captain and President of Literary Engineers, Andre Lewis has built an extraordinary career. His journey reflects perseverance, mentorship and a lifelong commitment to empowering others. In Episode 141 of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus explores Andre's journey from receiving a prestigious presidential nomination to attend the United States Air Force Academy to nearly three decades with FedEx Express. After earning a degree in Astronautical Engineering, Andre graduated in the top three of his Air Force pilot training class. During his military aviation career, he met legendary Tuskegee Airman General Benjamin O. Davis Jr., an experience that reinforced the importance of mentorship, leadership and perseverance. Andre later joined FedEx Express, eventually becoming a Boeing 767 Captain and achieving the remarkable distinction of landing aircraft on every continent. Beyond aviation, Andre is making an impact as the author of 27 children's books focused on financial literacy, bullying prevention, health and community empowerment. His accomplishments include seven books in the National Archives at the White House and a letter of acknowledgment from former First Lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. Through Literary Engineers, he helps organizations address social challenges and strengthen families. Andre also shares valuable lessons on fatherhood, mentorship, his family's 5% Rule and the importance of giving back. Andre closes with three powerful lessons: set clear goals, commit to the process and help others succeed. His story is a reminder that success isn't just about how far you go. It's about how many people you help along the way as you Prepare For Takeoff. CONNECT WITH ANDRE LEWIS Website: https://literaryengineers.com (https://literaryengineers.com/) 🛍️ Thinking about starting your own business? The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj (https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj) 🎙️ Start recording like a pro with Riverside. Get started using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP (https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP) Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. Prepare For Takeoff may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no additional cost to you. 📢 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: This podcast is intended for informational, educational and inspirational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Prepare For Takeoff or Outspoken Media Group. Financial, business, health and other information discussed in this episode should not be considered professional advice. 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 & 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 © 2026 Outspoken Media Group. All rights reserved. This content is produced for Prepare For Takeoff. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution or use of this content without permission is prohibited. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 – 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: Prepare For Takeoff Podcast YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@outspokenmediagroup (https://www.youtube.com/@outspokenmediagroup) Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/preparefortakeoffpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/preparefortakeoffpodcast) Terry L. Cyrus Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyrustheceo (https://www.instagram.com/cyrustheceo) #BlackExcellence #AndreLewis #LiteraryEngineers #PrepareForTakeoff

2. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Leading With Purpose | Dr. Joseph L. Jones on HBCU Leadership & Black Excellence

   From growing up in a military family to becoming a college president, political scientist, author and professor, Dr. Joseph L. Jones has built a career defined by scholarship, perseverance and a commitment to advancing Black excellence. In Episode 140 of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Dr. Jones, Executive Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy and Associate Professor of Political Science at Clark Atlanta University, to explore his journey through higher education, leadership and social justice. As the 14th President of Arkansas Baptist College, Dr. Jones gained firsthand experience leading an HBCU. He also reflects on his formative years at Philander Smith College and the mentors who inspired his pursuit of political science. He shares the challenges of earning his doctorate while balancing fatherhood, family responsibilities and multiple jobs. As proud members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, they discuss how the cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift have shaped their commitment to education and community empowerment. The conversation examines the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the importance of developing the next generation of Black leaders and the role of political consciousness in driving meaningful change. Dr. Jones also addresses institutional accountability, social justice and the power of collective action in strengthening Black communities. He closes with three powerful life lessons: understand your purpose and principles, maintain a strong spiritual foundation and surround yourself with mentors who challenge, guide and support you as you Prepare For Takeoff. What lesson from Dr. Jones' journey resonates with you most? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to Prepare For Takeoff for more inspiring conversations amplifying Black excellence. CONNECT WITH DR. JOSEPH L. JONES Website: https://josephljones.com 🛍️ Thinking about starting your own business? The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: ⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠ 🎙️ Start recording like a pro with Riverside. Get started using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: ⁠https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. Prepare For Takeoff may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no additional cost to you. 📢 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿: This podcast is intended for informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Prepare For Takeoff or Outspoken Media Group. Financial, business, health and other information discussed in this episode should not be considered professional advice. 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 & 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 © Outspoken Media Group. All rights reserved. This content is produced for Prepare For Takeoff. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or use of this content without permission is prohibited. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 – 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: Prepare For Takeoff Podcast YouTube / @outspokenmediagroup Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Instagram / preparefortakeoffpodcast Terry L. Cyrus Instagram / cyrustheceo #BlackExcellence #ClarkAtlantaUniversity #HBCU #PrepareForTakeoff

3. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Beyond the Limits: Dr. Leroy D. Nunery II on Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Perseverance

   In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Dr. Leroy D. Nunery II, Founder and Principal of PlūsUltré LLC and Co-Host of The Next Move Business Playbook, to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and perseverance. Dr. Nunery reflects on his journey from growing up in New Jersey to building a distinguished career spanning banking, the National Basketball Association (NBA), higher education and entrepreneurship. He shares how his parents' influence shaped his work ethic and how the cardinal principles of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated continue to guide his commitment to Perseverance and Uplift. The conversation explores career transitions, financial independence, artificial intelligence and the importance of embracing change. Dr. Nunery also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, mentorship and creating opportunities for others. He closes by sharing three lessons: prioritize your mental and physical health, be kind to yourself and never stop persevering as you Prepare For Takeoff. 🛍️Thinking about starting your own business? The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial using our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link: https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj 🎙️Start recording like a pro with Riverside. Click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link to get started: https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP

Who has been a guest on Prepare For Takeoff

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• DJ Misstique Keshia Davis
• Lauren Youngblood
• Grandbandz
• Anshia B Crooms
• Tia Welsh

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

80

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

Contact Prepare For Takeoff

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Prepare For Takeoff