Meet Terry L. Cyrus | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terry L. Cyrus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terry L., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

My goal has always been to enhance the lives of others. I knew that having my own business in the entertainment industry would be the most impactful path to not only help others succeed, but allow me to control my own destiny. In order to do so, I first needed to figure out a way into the industry. A chance conversation with someone affiliated with artist management was the first time I heard of a pathway into the music industry that didn’t require being an artist, songwriter or producer. The light bulb moment prompted my desire to become an artist manager. I knew it was imperative that I understood the “business” of music. I immediately purchased the book entitled “All You Need to Know About the Music Business” by Donald S. Passman and read it from cover to cover. Despite having no prior experience, I launched my first artist management business. I began attending music industry showcases in New York City, which led to managing fledgling artists. Thankfully I was able to cultivate relationships in the industry that helped expedite my learning curve. I soon became an A&R executive and was tasked with the responsibility of discovering and developing talent. I seemed to have a natural ability in this space, which eventually led me to consulting other known names in the music industry. Within a short period of time, I caught the attention of Walter Yetnikoff, former President and CEO of CBS Records. Walter guided the careers of Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Sade, Earth, Wind & Fire, Cyndi Lauper, Miami Sound Machine, among others. Mr. Yetnikoff was the chief architect of the sale of CBS Records, (which included Epic Records and Columbia Records) to Sony for $2 billion dollars, which in turn created Sony Music Entertainment. This opportunity allowed me to learn from someone who at one time was the most powerful music executive in the industry. I was able to develop a formidable network that allowed me to expand into other areas of entertainment.

The time was right, so in 2004 I launched Outspoken Media Group in order to provide creative solutions in film, television, publicity and marketing. The journey of having my own business has truly been a marathon and not a sprint. There have been many peaks and valleys in my career as an entrepreneur. Despite how many people told me it was impossible to succeed in entertainment, that did not deter me as I knew that my hard work and dedication would pay off. People will often project their insecurities onto others, encouraging you to be ‘realistic’ or telling you to stop dreaming. I would strongly encourage you to do just the opposite, NEVER stop dreaming. Surround yourself by people who are like minded and invested in your success as well as the success of others. We all have a purpose and once you find yours it is extremely rewarding. I thank God for giving me the spirit of perseverance and my parents for teaching me at an early age to never quit what you start.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business has been dubbed “The Bridge Between Brands and Creativity”, which explains what drives us at Outspoken Media Group. We are dedicated to developing creative solutions for entertainment and lifestyle brands. What started as a dream is a now a reality of having a business whose clients include AMC Networks, Comcast, Entertainment One and HBO. Outspoken Media Group specializes in HBCU outreach, original programming, diversity content, experiential marketing, digital marketing, publicity and film screenings. We develop communication strategies, coordinate projects and events as well as brand integrations on nationally syndicated television and radio broadcasts.

Outspoken Media Group released our first feature film “Ex$pendable,” starring Gary Anthony Sturgis, Taral Hicks, Michael Blackson, Gillie Da Kid, Omillio Sparks and Sundy Carter in 2010. We have spearheaded marketing campaigns for various television projects such as the Showtime one-hour comedy special, Bill Bellamy: Crazy Sexy Dirty. In 2016, we created the HBCU Cinema Experience that delivers advance screenings of film and television programming at HBCUs throughout the country such as Benedict College, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University and Norfolk State University. In 2017, Outspoken Media Group produced our documentary “This is For Toronto” that debuted on Urban Movie Channel now rebranded as ALLBLK (AMC Networks). We have curated HBCU virtual activations hosted by Terrence J and Gia Peppers, SpelHouse Homecoming in-person activations, produced digital content and executed social media strategy for HBO.

I have always been most comfortable staying behind-the-scenes where a lot of the real magic happens. However, I eventually found myself on the red carpet interviewing Hollywood stars such as Tyrese Gibson, Cynthia Erivo, Meagan Good, among others. This was the result of being named the Executive Producer of Diversity Content and Partnerships for Celebrity Page TV, a nationality syndicated entertainment news show. I guided diversity content for the television show and spearheaded partnerships with companies such as Music Choice, producing exclusive segments that featured superstars including Bruno Mars, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Lenny Kravitz, among others. Furthermore, I secured media credentials and led production at tentpole events including NFL Honors, Essence Music Festival, American Black Film Festival and Urbanworld Film Festival. I developed new ideas, drove creative solutions and maximized my portfolio of entertainment resources to expand the reach of the nationally syndicated show that was available in 70+ million households.

As my peers continued to recognize the impact that I was making in producing diversity content, many of them encouraged me to create and host a podcast. This is what I mean by having the right people support your dreams! This encouragement eventually led me to launch “Prepare For Takeoff,” a weekly podcast dedicated to amplifying Black Excellence. We feature proven professionals and rising entrepreneurs, who are making a difference in the community. Our guests have included among others President and CEO of Benedict College, Rosyln Clark Artis, J.D., EdD, CEO of FUBU RADIO & Owner/Co-Founder/VP of FUBU The Collection, Dr. Keith C. Perrin, Jr., Co-Founder & CEO of DDM Group, Neil Nelson, Las Vegas Aces Vice President, Sales Operations & Analytics, Kalani Dantley and Founder of Genius Is Common and Co-Founder of Def Poetry Jam on HBO, Peabody and Tony Award Winner Bruce George. Our podcast is available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Audible, iHeart, Pandora and Spotify, debuting new episodes every Wednesday at 7am EST.

Over the years, I have learned the importance of speaking to the interest of others and how your net worth is directly tied to your network of colleagues. I was told many years ago, this isn’t the entertainment business, it is the relationship business. It’s not only who you know, but most importantly who knows you and how you are perceived by others. It is imperative to be a person of your word, otherwise you will not last very long in this business. One of the most essential lessons I have learned and share quite often is the importance of following your passion. If you find something you love, you will never work a day in your life. My story can be best described as someone who dared to dream and refused to quit. The only person who can stop you from being successful is the person in the mirror. It is impossible to succeed alone, so it is extremely important to have a team and surround yourself by others who believe in you. It is imperative to have a steadfast belief in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should someone believe in you? I’m always willing to provide mentorship to others, in order to ensure that I pay forward all that I have learned throughout my 25+ year career journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first take them to Times Square, followed by a trip uptown to Amy Ruth’s for some of the best soul food in Harlem. Afterwards we definitely would check out any number of rooftop venues for music and ambience in midtown Manhattan or check out a Broadway show or concert at Madison Square Garden.
During the summer months, I would take them to an exclusive party in The Hamptons or head down to the Jersey Shore, which is filled with cool spots in Long Branch, Asbury Park, Point Pleasant or Seaside Heights, just to name a few. We would do a number of other things such as visit the Statue of Liberty, walk the Coney Island Boardwalk, check out a Yankee game, get some great seafood on City Island, go to the Museum of Natural History or The Metropolitan Museum of Art, check out a taping of Saturday Night Live and Good Morning America, have dinner at Peter Luger Steak House or grab a pie from Grimaldi’s Pizzeria in DUMBO. We would walk down Fifth Avenue for luxury shopping, go to the South Street Seaport and hang out at the Heineken Riverdeck, go to the Freedom Tower observation deck and visit the 9/11 Memorial. These activities would definitely make for a great week-long trip in New York City.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, my alter mater West Virginia State University (I Love My HBCU), my parents for providing me with a successful blueprint to follow, my adorable daughter, our clients for giving us the opportunity to succeed and all of my day one supporters. If you can dream it, you can achieve it!

Website: https://www.outspokenmedia.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyrustheceo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/outspokenmediaceo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cyrustheceo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyrustheceo

Other: https://vimeo.com/537923770