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.

In this episode, 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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In this inspiring episode, Dinisha Mingo, Founder and CEO of Mingo Health Solutions and Founder and Executive Director of Solutions of Change, shares her journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a mental health advocate, entrepreneur and licensed minister.

She reflects on being raised by her mother who was a functioning addict and caring for cousins who experienced severe childhood trauma and mental health challenges, which helped shape Dinisha's purpose. She discusses leaving Las Vegas after high school to attend college in Portland, Oregon and her current pursuit of a PhD at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Dinisha shares how these experiences led to the creation of her organizations and her mission to serve underserved communities through mental health support, while highlighting the role of faith, resilience and self-trust in her leadership.

This episode is a powerful conversation on growth and purpose that will leave you inspired and ready to Prepare For Takeoff.

00:00 - Intro

00:47 - Growing Up in Las Vegas

03:21 - Challenges of Inner City Life

06:06 - Navigating High School Experiences

08:46 - Cultural Shock in College

16:49 - Building Confidence and Resilience

19:40 - Experiences with Racism and Kindness

25:57 - Impact of Childhood on Professional Path

27:33 - The Journey to Mental Health Advocacy

27:33 - Founding Mingo Health Solutions

37:07 - Establishing Solutions of Change

39:13 - The Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Impact

42:27 - Overcoming Doubt and Embracing Purpose

50:15 - Pursuing Education and Spiritual Growth

56:39 - Preparing for Takeoff Key Takeaways

01:04:03 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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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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