Prepare For Takeoff Podcast Creator & Host Terry L. Cyrus (Founder & CEO of Outspoken Media Group) sits down with Senior Vice President of People & Culture at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Capitals, Capital One Arena), Charise Beckett. She discusses growing up in Wheeling, West Virginia, attending West Virginia State University, her personal challenges and professional journey. Charise emphasizes the importance of having a different path to success, the impact of supportive mentors and a strong foundation. She highlights the significance of dreaming big and persevering through adversity as well as the importance of unity and support within the Black community. Charise explains the need for mentorship, the power of building relationships and the value of experimenting in one's career. She shares about the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and people who believe in your potential. This inspiring conversation with Charise Beckett 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 & COO of Mello Tymes LLC, Roger Thomas. He discusses his early entrepreneurial ventures while attending West Virginia University and the impact of being a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Roger shares about the importance of helping others and uplifting the community, along with the need to surround oneself with knowledgeable individuals. He explains what prompted his transition into the cannabis business and the challenges he faced. Roger discusses the approval process for a cannabis license, the stumbling blocks in setting up a shop, including predatory lenders, the perception of the cannabis industry and the impact of systematic racism. He shares how New York has made efforts to increase representation of Black and Brown people in the cannabis industry through social equity programs. This insightful conversation with Roger Thomas 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 Senior Vice President of Programming Strategy and Partnerships at Music Choice, Damon Williams. He shares about being exposed to the music business at a young age by his father who was a jazz drummer and his aunt Ruth Brown, who was one of the biggest recording artists in the 1950s. Damon explains how attending Norfolk State University played a significant role in his professional development. He shares about receiving an internship from a brother in his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, which launched his radio career. Damon discusses the impact of working in Norfolk, VA before relocating to Washington, D.C. to become a Program Director to eventually joining Music Choice in New York City. He shares about being the Chairman of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, which financially supports artists from the 40s, 50s, and 60s who were not fairly compensated for their work. Damon explains the importance of understanding the music business and the need for artists to take control of their master recordings and publishing. He discusses the impact of AI on the music industry, highlighting the importance of preserving the soul and authenticity of music. This inspiring conversation with Damon Williams will definitely help you Prepare For Takeoff.