No Straight Path aims to humanize success from the Millennial perspective. The world often sees the shiny resumes, highlights shared on social media, and job titles associated with a person's LinkedIn profile. We rarely see the story behind it. And when we do, it's often in a memoir towards the end of someone's journey. The podcast aims to delve into the story behind the success with a closer to real-time approach. Because the podcast focuses on the Millennial perspective, many guests are mid-journey. We are capturing a snapshot of the work they've done thus far, while also discussing their hopes and dreams for the future. I'll speak with various guests about their definitions of success and how they overcame failure and life's unanticipated challenges. No one has a straight path in life. There are lots of twists and turns, which often leads to growth, understanding, and wisdom. My hope is that listeners leave the conversation inspired and with a more nuanced perspective of success.
Ashley Menzies Babatunde - Storyteller & Attorney
The No Straight Path podcast is a remarkable and enlightening show that offers invaluable insights and perspectives for listeners. From the first four episodes alone, I have been astounded by the sheer wisdom and intelligence of the guests who are clearly driven by a strong sense of purpose. This podcast has been instrumental in expanding my horizons and informing my next steps in life. I wholeheartedly recommend it to others who are seeking personal growth and inspiration.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to showcase the stories behind success. It delves into the journeys taken by individuals who have achieved success through unconventional paths, which is incredibly refreshing to hear as a millennial. It breaks away from the societal norm, highlighting that not everyone takes the same well-trodden routes in life, and that's perfectly okay. The diversity in guests also brings forth perspectives that are often underrepresented, especially for women of color. This inclusivity is commendable and highly impactful.
Furthermore, with Covid-19 causing disruptions across various aspects of life, this podcast holds particular relevance for millennials like myself who may be uncertain about following traditional narratives that we've been sold. It provides solace and reassurance that there are alternative ways to achieve success even amidst challenging circumstances. The relatability factor is strong, as it highlights the experiences and struggles faced by people from similar backgrounds or age groups.
On the downside, one potential improvement for the podcast could be increasing its frequency of episodes released. The content provided so far has been exceptional, but waiting between episodes can sometimes leave listeners longing for more insightful discussions sooner rather than later.
In conclusion, The No Straight Path podcast is an essential listen for those seeking guidance, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on journeying towards success. Its diverse range of guests and their stories humanize success while offering valuable lessons on overcoming failures along unanticipated challenges. As someone around the same age as Ashley -the host-, I deeply resonate with her and find the podcast both relatable and entertaining. This show deserves all the praise it receives and more for its ability to inspire listeners to pursue their dreams and redefine their own paths to success.
Join us for a thoughtful conversation with entertainment attorney, Thomas Russell. Thomas' story is all about grit. It's about resilience. It's about dreaming. It's about chasing your dreams relentlessly. Thomas Russell III is Corporate Counsel at Amazon Music where he advises the tech-giant on its livestreaming, video-on-demand and sponsorship efforts. Thomas was recognized by Variety as one of the Top In-House Entertainment Attorneys for 2023. Thomas is also committed to championing issues for the BIPOC community. Prior to joining Amazon Music, Thomas represented Post 21, a black-owned online marketplace, in its deal with Disney making it the first black-owned operating partner in Downtown Disney. He went to Ursinus College in Pennsylvania and Howard University for law school. When he's not working, you can find him spending quality time with his wife (Ashley) and two sons (Thomas IV and Carter). Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Thomas Russell on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde on LinkedIn Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Join us for a fascinating conversation with USA Today bestselling author, journalist, and marketing consultant, Amy Shoenthal. Blending her marketing expertise with her formal journalism training, Amy approaches storytelling as sense making. As a top contributor to ForbesWomen and Harvard Business Review, she shines the spotlight on those who have been historically underestimated yet are doing the work to solve society's biggest problems. Years of interviewing hundreds of leaders from politicians to Peloton instructors, fashion icons to founders just starting their journeys inspired her bestselling book, The Setback Cycle, which offers a framework to help people persevere through and triumph over setbacks. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Amy Shoenthal Amy Shoenthal on LinkedIn Amy Shoenthal on Instagram The Setback Cycle Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde on LinkedIn Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Join us for a thought-provoking two-part conversation with Dr. Feranmi Okanlami as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of No Straight Path. Feranmi embodies all of the things that No Straight Path represents–honesty, vulnerability, compassion, self-awareness, intellectual curiosity, a commitment to excellence, resilience, purpose, and faith. We delve into his fascinating life and career journey. He is a speaker, advocate, and physician leader dedicated to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion and inspired by the belief that disability does not mean inability. He is currently the director of Student Accessibility & Accommodation Services at the University of Michigan. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Dr. Feranmi Okanlami Dr. Feranmi Okanlami on LinkedIn Dr. Feranmi Okanlami on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde on LinkedIn Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Join us for a thought-provoking two-part conversation with Dr. Feranmi Okanlami as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of No Straight Path. Feranmi embodies all of the things that No Straight Path represents–honesty, vulnerability, compassion, self-awareness, intellectual curiosity, a commitment to excellence, resilience, purpose, and faith. We delve into his fascinating life and career journey. He is a speaker, advocate, and physician leader dedicated to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion and inspired by the belief that disability does not mean inability. He is currently the director of Student Accessibility & Accommodation Services at the University of Michigan. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Dr. Feranmi Okanlami Dr. Feranmi Okanlami on LinkedIn Dr. Feranmi Okanlami on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde on LinkedIn Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Join us for an insightful episode with Phill Agnew, host of Nudge, the UK's #1 marketing podcast. On his show he interviews experts in psychology and behavioral science to try to better understand how humans make decisions. He has spent over a decade in senior marketing roles at Buffer, Hotjar, and Brandwatch, where he helped launch products in social media, website analytics and AI. Today, we learn about his career journey, decision-making processes, and ability to redefine his journey despite labels that were placed on him as a child. Phill also opens up about his purpose in life and career, which he admits is often hard for him to do as Brit. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Phill Agnew Phill Agnew on LinkedIn Nudge Podcast Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Join us for a a thoughtful conversation with CEO of Vera Jean Media, Jourdan Guyton! She is a visionary entrepreneur with a decade-long immersion in the entertainment industry. Leveraging experience with giants like Meta, Teachable, and Blavity, Jourdan founded Vera Jean Media to empower heart-centered entrepreneurs through authentic social media strategies. Achieving rapid six-figure growth within a year, Vera Jean Media, named after Jourdan's grandmother, stands for compassion, kindness, and innovation. This media powerhouse aims to amplify voices, foster connections, and make a positive impact in the digital landscape, guided by a mission to empower individuals to thrive authentically in the ever-evolving world of social media. Ashley and Jourdan talk career, grief, marriage, dreams, and so much more. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Jourdan Guyton Vera Jean Media Jourdan Guyton on Instagram Jourdan Guyton on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
We are back with a new season for 2024. It is election season, and the California Primary is Tuesday, March 5th. We have a special guest who is running for office on the show today. Although media coverage often focuses on the political polarization at national level, state and local politics have a direct impact on the lives of Americans. Tune in to hear from a Millennial running for State Assembly, Walter Garcia. Born and raised in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, Walter is the proud son of two Mexican immigrants. Although his family faced economic hardship and adversity, Walter remembers his parents telling him one thing over and over again: — don't give up and help others. Those values have guided him through unparalleled opportunities to serve our country at the local, state, and national levels. Walter candidly shares his story, offers insights on what it's really like to run for office, and discusses some of the policy issues he aims to office on if elected to office. He also shares lessons that are applicable to any career. Tune in for another insightful and dynamic conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Walter Garcia Walter Garcia on LinkedIn Walter Garcia on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Ashley provides a quick update about what's in store for No Straight Path in 2024. Although it's a quick message, you'll leave it inspired! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Tune into our final episode of this year with Manager of the HubSpot Creators Carly Baker. We cover Carly's transition from a creative industry to the corporate world and how she let go of one dream and embraced a multi-passionate identity. Carly's passion for the Podcast Industry can be traced back to her roots as a professional musician, where she spent significant time working in and exploring the facets of the audio industry. As an artist and freelancer, her approach to working with Creators is informed by her own experiences in the creator sphere. Currently a Creator Partnerships Manager @ HubSpot, she specializes in inspiring, engaging, and supporting Creators across platforms to achieve their goals and drive business impact. When her headphones aren't in, you can find Carly deep in the racks at your local vintage establishment & local bookstore. Carly provides an honest and reflective account of her journey thus far. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Carly Baker Carly Baker on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Tune in today for a dynamic conversation with entrepreneurs Luis and Fonzi Camejo. They are the dynamic brothers behind BIZBROS and they have spent over seven years mastering the art of content creation that drives opportunities and profit. As online personalities, owners of Studio Podcast Suites and hosts of the top 0.5% global podcast, Content is Profit, which is in the HubSpot Podcast Network, they're on a mission: to help companies, business owners, and content creators transform their content into value-packed assets that amplify their message, build trust, and create consistent opportunities. Drawing from their experiences with industry giants like HubSpot, Orangetheory, Redbull, Chet Holmes International and more, they've developed game-changing frameworks such as the MVC (Minimum Viable Content), The Publishing Pyramid, and their unique M2M Content Ecosystem. These Venezuelan brothers, once on a path to professional soccer, pivoted to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion to support their family back home and make a global impact. But what they cherish most are the invaluable relationships forged through their podcasting journey. The episode covers a number of interesting topics, including the value of relationships, having honest and difficult conversations, community, and much more. Tune in for a fun and thoughtful conversation! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Biz Bros Content is Profit Fonzi Camejo on Instagram Fonzi Camejo on LinkedIn Luis Camejo on Instagram Luis Camejo on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network
On this episode of No Straight Path, Ashley interviews civil rights attorney Antonio Ingram. Antonio serves as Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He is a graduate of Yale College and UC Berkeley School of Law. He served as a federal judicial law clerk for the honorable Ivan L. Lemelle in the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans and for Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia. He also completed a Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship in Malawi where he worked for the Malawian government and served in their Anti-Corruption Bureau. Antonio shares his inspiring journey and how he became a civil rights attorney. Ashley and Antonio also delve into a number important topics, including faith, racial justice, authenticity, and joy. Tune into another inspiring episode! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Antonio Ingram Antonio Ingram on LinkedIn NAACP Legal Defense Fund Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
On this episode on of No Straight Path, Ashley interviews the talented actress, singer and producer, Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins. Ashley has appeared on several television series and she starred in the critically acclaimed Netflix Original Series, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE for four seasons. She is the host of Trials to Triumphs, which is an interview-style show in the Oprah Winfrey Network. Ashley's personal and professional struggles, along with her gift for relating and connecting to people from all walks of life, allows Ashley and her notable guests to open up about the trials that led to their many triumphs. In these intimate and revealing conversations, Ashley and her guests unpack moments that remained hidden from the public as guests worked to become who they are today. After each episode, listeners will feel inspired and empowered to keep going, no matter where they are in life. Ashley opens up about the trials and triumphs in her life and we delve into the power of storytelling. Tune into another inspiring episode! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins CAA Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins on Instagram Trials to Triumphs Dear White People Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Join us today for our live conversation at Podcast Movement with online business strategist, podcaster and speaker Steph Taylor. She helps business owners build profitable and sustainable online businesses that continue to grow even when they're offline. She is also the host of Imperfect Action, a podcast where Steph uses her experience of building a million-dollar online business to help listeners as they navigate their journey. She provides mindset advice, actionable marketing tips and strategies to build a business that brings you more profit, more freedom and even more joy. Imperfect Action has over two million listeners, and Steph's work continues to inspire listeners all around the world. We learn all about Steph's inspiring journey as she navigated a number of challenges to build a business she loves. We also talk about her podcasting journey and the purpose behind her work. Tune in for another great story with lots of lessons learned! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Steph Taylor Imperfect Action Podcast Movement Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
On today's episode of No Straight Path, Ashley interviews Henna Pryor, a highly sought after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning 2 time TEDx and global keynote speaker, author, and executive coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She's known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. We cover Henna's interesting career path and dig into the work she's doing with her best-selling book, Good Awkward, which was endorsed by NFL Quarterback Russell Wilson, former HBR Editor Karen Dillon, and received the rare Kirkus Star for excellence in writing. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Henna Pryor Good Awkward Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
On this episode of No Straight Path, Ashley shares her reflections on life and career to celebrate her 34th birthday! She shares some of the important lessons she's learned on her journey thus far. She covers mindset, envy, purpose, authenticity, and kindness. Her hope is that these lessons help you as you work to achieve your version of success. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Thanks for listening! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram HubSpot Podcast Network We the Urban Glennon Doyle We Wear the Mask by Paul Lawerence Dunbar Achievement Network Michelle Odemwingue Balanced Black Girl Kindness Article Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
On this episode of No Straight Path, Ashley shares her reflections on life and career to celebrate her 34th birthday! She shares some of the important lessons she's learned on her journey thus far. She covers mindset, envy, purpose, authenticity, and kindness. Her hope is that these lessons help you as you work to achieve your version of success. Don't forget to tune in to part two next week. Thanks for listening! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram HubSpot Podcast Network Growth Mindset Article Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with our special guest for the Halloween Season, author and psychiatrist, Justin Key. He recently published his debut book with HarperCollins called The World Wasn't Ready For You. In his book, Justin expands and subverts the horror genre to expertly explore issues of race, class, prejudice, love, exclusion, loneliness, and what it means to be a person in the world while revealing the horrifying nature inherent in all of us. Marked by its exceptional imagination and profound emotional impact, it presents a fresh and unforgettable voice in the realm of fiction. He's been perfecting his voice over the past 14 years, backed by a truly inspiring story. Justin is someone who inspires the idea that multi-hyphenate careers exist and you can follow more than one dream. In this two-part interview, Ashley flips the script and digs deep into the way Justin thinks, the inner workings of his mind (especially related to the horror genre), and how he achieved his wildest dreams. He also shares helpful advice for those pursuing a multi-hyphenate career. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Justin C. Key Justin C. Key on X Justin C. Key on Instagram Justin C. Key on TikTok The World Wasn't Ready For You Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
This episode of No Straight Path features a special guest for the Halloween Season, author and psychiatrist, Justin Key. He recently published his debut book with HarperCollins called The World Wasn't Ready For You. In his book, Justin expands and subverts the horror genre to expertly explore issues of race, class, prejudice, love, exclusion, loneliness, and what it means to be a person in the world while revealing the horrifying nature inherent in all of us. Marked by its exceptional imagination and profound emotional impact, it presents a fresh and unforgettable voice in the realm of fiction. He's been perfecting his voice over the past 14 years, backed by a truly inspiring story. Justin is someone who inspires the idea that multi-hyphenate careers exist and you can follow more than one dream. In this two-part interview, Ashley flips the script and digs deep into the way Justin thinks, the inner workings of his mind (especially related to the horror genre), how he comes up with his fascinating stories, and the story of his unwavering pursuit of a dream. Don't forget to tune in to part two of Justin's story, next week. Thanks for listening! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Justin C. Key Justin C. Key on X Justin C. Key on Instagram Justin C. Key on TikTok The World Wasn't Ready For You Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Switching careers can be a stressful and daunting prospect for anyone who is looking to make a vocational change, but it can also be a source of inspiration and a catalyst for growth and for finding your life's purpose. Today's guest, Isaiah Deporto-Plick is no stranger to change, as he's jumped between various industries to finally land on a path that is truly aligned with his purpose. Aside from holding a BA Degree in political science, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Law, Isaiah is also the Co-Founder of Fuerza Ventures – a firm that provides support to new startup founders of color – and a Legal Counsel at SSM, a woman and minority-owned boutique law firm that offers big-law-quality services. We begin our conversation with a journey through Isaiah's childhood, including the stroke and subsequent cerebral palsy diagnosis that changed his life from birth. Then, Isaiah explains what he learned from growing up with a chronic disease, an alcoholic father, and a very supportive mother, and how those lessons still apply to his life today. We discuss what gave him the confidence to make multiple career pivots, how his most rewarding career pivot led him to finding his north star, why he's passionate about helping other people find their true north and everything he's learned from having to overcome one particular business challenge. If you are nervous about making a pivot and would like to let go of the fear, and if you're still searching for your north star, then today's conversation with Isaiah Deporto-Plick is exactly what you need! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Isaiah Deporto-Plick on LinkedIn Isaiah Deporto-Plick on X Investing with Isaiah Set Up a Meeting with Isaiah Fuerza Ventures SSM Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
What if it only took five seconds of radical courage to change your life? That is the bold idea underpinning Natalie Franke's new book, Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage. In today's episode, we continue our thought-provoking conversation with Natalie, a bestselling author, community-builder, neuroscience nerd, and mama bear for small businesses. Join us as we get into the details of her new book by exploring the importance of vulnerability, the power of making mistakes, and how a moment of radical courage can remind you of how extraordinary you truly are. We unpack how sharing your fears can lighten your load, why failing is proof that you're showing up, and how reframing your relationship with failure has the power to lead you to places that chasing perfection never could. Natalie also shares her advice for anyone looking to be more gutsy in their own lives and provides key insights to help you lean into your courage. Tuning in, you'll hear her thoughts on how to live according to your core values and find out how to audit your inner circle and fill it with people who aren't afraid to tell you the truth and hold you accountable. For part two of our riveting conversation with Natalie Franke, press play now! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Learning to Live with Courage with Natalie Franke (Part 1) Natalie Franke Natalie Franke on LinkedIn Natalie Franke on Instagram Natalie Franke on Facebook Natalie Franke on YouTube Natalie Franke on X Independent Business Podcast Flodesk Flodesk on LinkedIn Flodesk on X Rising Tide Society Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community Over Competition Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Review No Straight Path on Apple Podcasts Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Joining us today is Natalie Franke, a best-selling author, community builder, neuroscience nerd, and mama bear for small businesses. She founded The Rising Tide Society (a game-changer in community building for entrepreneurs), which was acquired by HoneyBook in 2015. Now, at Flodesk, she continues to empower entrepreneurs globally. Her latest publication, Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage, is a remarkable book that motivates readers to embrace their inner courage. For the first part of our conversation with Natalie, we learn about her entrepreneurial journey, from her ambitious side hustle as a wedding photographer in college to the deep loneliness she felt when she lost that sense of community. She shares how she established The Rising Tide Society as a space where entrepreneurs and small business owners could foster belonging and why she continues to be a fierce advocate for small business owners and healthy competition. Natalie also opens up about what it was like being diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. She shares what the experience taught her about vulnerability and courage, from the risks it posed to her eyesight and fertility to the unexpected reciprocity she experienced when she decided to be honest with her community. There is so much wisdom to be gained from today's conversation. Be sure to listen in for all of Natalie's inspiring insights on vulnerability, community, and courage, and join us next time for part two! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Natalie Franke Natalie Franke on LinkedIn Natalie Franke on Instagram Natalie Franke on Facebook Natalie Franke on YouTube Natalie Franke on X Independent Business Podcast Flodesk Flodesk on LinkedIn Flodesk on X Rising Tide Society HoneyBook Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold Brave + Boundless Courage Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community Over Competition Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Our guest today is Sarah Chen-Spellings, an award-winning entrepreneur and investor. She co-founded Beyond The Billion, a global consortium of over 100 venture funds and investors committed to investing over $1 billion in women-founded companies. Sarah's extensive experience includes corporate venture capital within a $13 billion conglomerate, cross-border investments, and leadership roles in organizations like 131 & Counting and Lean In Malaysia, where she accelerates women into leadership roles and promotes women's participation in politics. In our conversation today, we delve into Sarah's remarkable journey, which began at the age of nine when she became a national TV host, setting the stage for an inspiring life trajectory. Her innate ability to rise to the occasion is evident as she opens up about her father's passing, a pivotal moment that led her to step into the family business at the tender age of 21 while navigating the depths of grief. Sarah draws inspiration from her emotions and grief, channeling them into her career. She also shares how she accidentally became a feminist, ultimately sparking her deep passion to see a rise in women in leadership roles. Sarah highlights how two recurring themes, venture capital and women in leadership, spurred the founding of the Beyond the Billion fund. To hear more about the barriers holding women back from leadership positions and an encouraging word from Sarah, be sure not to miss out on this episode. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Sarah Chen-Spellings Sarah Chen-Spellings on LinkedIn Sarah Chen-Spellings on X Sarah Chen-Spellings on Instagram Billion Dollar Moves I Carry Your Heart with Me by E.E. Cummings Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
It's possible to work in social impact without truly moving the needle on the most pressing issues. But there are plenty of organizations that want to do more than add immediate value. These are the foundations, non-profits, and governments that DC Design serves. During Part 2 of our conversation with Founder and CEO Durell Coleman, we discuss the three primary methods DC Design employs to support those seeking to create change. Durell reveals the thinking process behind choosing to create a business rather than operating as a non-profit and talks about balancing family life and work. We also explore the challenge of giving the appropriate value to the opinions of others as you build relationships and further your career. Lastly, Durell shares some powerful advice for young entrepreneurs, reminding listeners that you can live your life as fully as you can dream of doing so. He then shares some practical advice on how to establish what you are most excited about doing. Don't miss the second part of our discussion with this inspiring leader!
Durell Coleman founded DC Design with the goal of addressing some of America's most pressing social challenges through the design thinking process. He has since collaborated with global non-profits, large tech companies, and small businesses to fight against homelessness, mass incarceration, economic inequality, Black infant mortality and more. In part one of our two-part conversation, we explore Durell's upbringing, which laid the foundation for his passion for creating change. Next, we discuss his mission to eliminate multi-generational poverty by truly listening to what people need and how the humanity he sees in people motivates him to advocate for them. He is a two-time alumnus of Stanford University and its Institute of Design (the Stanford d.school). He is an expert in multi-stakeholder, human-centered design; has been awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service as a result of his work; and is one of the subjects of the PBS documentary: “Extreme by Design,” which is used as a design thinking teaching aid all over the world. Don't miss the chance to hear key insights from Durell's journey that are sure to inspire you on your own!
There is no doubt about it: life is full of challenges that come in all different shapes and sizes. But when we approach those challenges with a joyful attitude and an open mind, the possibilities of cultivating prosperity (in every sense of the word) are endless. Les Alfred is the founder of the online wellness community and podcast, Balanced Black Girl. Her mission is to help others create nourishing habits that help them create necessary space to live their best lives. Since launching in 2018, Balanced Black Girl has garnered over 7 million downloads, has over 1,500 5-star reviews, and has been featured by Apple Podcasts and Spotify. From a young age, Les was drawn to storytelling, which, combined with her personal experience of the transformative power of taking health and wellbeing seriously, is what inspired her to found a platform that focuses on sharing stories around mind-body health, habits, financial wellness, and self-care. In the style of a natural-born storyteller, Les candidly shares some of the key moments in her life that have shaped her into the person she is today, how she stays inspired and leans into joy, the value of meeting yourself where you are, why you shouldn't spend too much time overthinking your ideas, and a whole lot more wisdom! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Les Alfred on Instagram Les on Tik Tok Balanced Black Girl Balanced Black Girl on X Balanced Black Girl on Instagram Balanced Black Girl on YouTube Balanced Black Girl Podcast Episode 192 of the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
In the fast-paced society we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the pressure to succeed. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to achieve success, the way you approach it can either have a very positive or very negative impact on your health and happiness. As someone who knows all too well what it feels like to overwork, I've come up with five strategies that have helped me find more joy, inner peace, and excitement about all aspects of my life, all of which I share with you in this episode. If you're listening to this podcast, you probably place a high amount of value on achievement, so I really hope that you walk away from this feeling inspired to find work that you feel intrinsically motivated to do, stop setting unrealistic timelines, and celebrate the little wins! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Podcast Movement Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation: What's the Difference? The Good Enough Job The Enneagram Personality Test Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network August Break Episodes: Creative Journeys Battling Inner Voices and External Pressure with Carl Tart Following your Joy, Passion & Purpose with Desta Tedros Reff Reclaiming Autonomy and Growing Joy with Maria Failla Corporate Journeys Building Safer, More Equitable Workplaces with Lexi B. Redefining Success with Ashley Menzies Babatunde Reflections on Resilience & Social Impact with Jessica Salinas Entrepreneurship Upscaling your Business & Life with Scott D. Clary Curiosity, Failure, and Loving the Process with Dileep Thazhmon A Sustainable Approach to Building a Business with Laurelyn Harrig Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Millennials are the largest generation in the workforce and they are moving into leadership positions across sectors. They possess the ability to navigate swiftly through changing circumstances, empathize with others, drive purposeful endeavors, and cultivate a culture of ongoing development. Today's guest, Kaylin Cotton, is a Los Angeles native dedicated to creative leadership strategies and pushing organizations forward with inclusive and equitable sensitivities. She has managed retail locations for Fortune 500 companies, led teams in retail and entertainment, and embraced millennial leadership. In the entertainment industry, she built brand guidelines and employed DEI communication strategies. Now, she manages HOORAE, Issa Rae's dynamic media company known for pushing boundaries and making waves in entertainment. In our conversation, we uncover Kaylin's remarkable journey, exploring the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the strategies she employed to shape the future of creative leadership in an ever-evolving landscape. She opens up about her upbringing, the values her parents instilled in her, and her relentless over-achieving drive. We discuss how she developed her passion for leadership and how she was able to pivot her career from retail to entertainment. We also delve into her perspective on leadership, the qualities that make a good leader, and what she learned on her leadership journey. Kaylin also shares her self-care routine, advice for aspiring leaders, and how she continues to be curious. Get ready to be inspired as we dive deep into the life and career of this remarkable trailblazer. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Kaylin Cotton on LinkedIn Kaylin Cotton on Twitter Kaylin Cotton on Instagram HOORAE Media Issa Rae Shondaland The Gathering Spot Millennial Leadership Article Generational Differences in the Workplace Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
As we continue with the second part of our conversation with Ian Bentley, the Co-Founder, and CEO of Parker Clay, we delve deeper into his journey and the social enterprise work he and his wife Brittany are undertaking. You'll hear more about Ian's non-traditional career path and the family's decision to move back to the USA. Ian explains the concept of investing in relation to community, highlighting their unique funding effort through a Regulation A+ and crowdfunding campaign. He reflects on the personal growth he and his family experienced during their time in Ethiopia and the lessons learned about leadership, listening, and introspection. The episode concludes with Ian's heartfelt reminder to be kind to oneself. Tune in for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion that is sure to resonate with anyone who is looking to make a difference in the world. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ian Bentley Parker Clay Invest in Parker Clay Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Continuing in our entrepreneurship theme, today we speak with Ian Bentley, the co-founder, and CEO of Parker Clay. This brand showcases exceptional Ethiopian leather and craftsmanship while creating meaningful job opportunities for at-risk women in Ethiopia. Ian, driven by his business development background and desire for change, founded the company with his wife Brittany after adopting their daughter from Ethiopia. Parker Clay has since expanded to over 200 employees (80% women), between their office, warehouse, and flagship store in Santa Barbara, California, and their factory and leadership team in Ethiopia. In this episode, Ian shares his personal journey from growing up in LA to meeting his wife and starting the company together. He discusses the challenges faced by women in Ethiopia and the family's decision to move there to address these issues. The episode also explores topics such as conscious consumerism and what being a B Corp entails. Ian shares insights on balancing business growth with the company's mission and values and his views on failure versus learning. Join us for an insightful discussion on creating a better future with Ian Bentley through sustainable and ethical practices. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ian Bentley Parker Clay Parker Clay Investor Campaign Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are issues of great concern across corporate America. Thankfully, we are witnessing a drive toward improving DEI in the workplace at a systemic level, and today's guest is one of the frontrunners of this cause! Mandy Price is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kanarys, Inc., a technology company that is focused on using data analytics to provide the tools that organizations need to create long-term, systemic change around DEIB challenges. Mandy grew up in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, and the segregation that she witnessed in her community (including the ‘white flight' mass exodus of Caucasian people from her suburb) ignited a fire within her for creating a better life for all across all environments. Her parents ensured that Mandy always knew who she was and understood the world that she lived in, and her interest in the civil rights movement formed the basis of what would become a stellar career in improving the lives of many others. In our conversation, we learn of the values that were instilled in Mandy as a child and how they serve her in her work today, why she chose to study law and how this decision aligned with her life's interests, how she made the pivot from law to DEIB, and why she's dead-set on creating a better future for her children. Then, we dive deeper into Kanarys by discussing how Mandy roped in her Co-Founder (who is also her husband), how they funded their venture, the challenges she's experienced as an entrepreneur, and why Black and Latino women founders are pushed to the back of the line when it comes to raising venture capital. To find out how Mandy finds peace in her chaotic work-life balance and to understand why she insists that we should all give ourselves more grace, tune in now! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Mandy Price on LinkedIn Kanarys, Inc. Kanarys, Inc. on Instagram Kanarys, Inc. on Twitter Spiraling Up: The Journey to Become a Unicorn | ‘Ep 2: Kanarys' Texas Civil Rights Project Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Launching an all-in-one corporate spend and expense management platform for businesses and global markets is no easy feat, especially when you are a newcomer to the Fintech industry. But innovation can come from the unlikeliest places, and sometimes your outsider status can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. Today on the show, we welcome Dileep Thazhmon, CEO and Founder of Jeeves, a Y Combinator company providing financial infrastructure for global startups, covering regions as diverse as Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the UK, Europe, and more. When Dileep first started Jeeves, he did not have extensive experience in the Fintech space. But he did have experience in starting — and running — an international company. And it was during that process that he recognized a problem that needed solving. In our conversation with Dileep, we talk about his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of failure, and why so many entrepreneurs start a company based on a problem they've experienced (and that they are passionate about fixing). He describes how lessons from his upbringing connect to his company today and how his lifelong curiosity has been integral to his journey as an entrepreneur. Dileep also reflects on why you need to love the process of building (not just attaining a successful outcome), the advantages you have as a small company, and his advice to listeners looking to pursue a non-traditional career path. Today's conversation is both comprehensive and candid and will leave you with a lot to think about. For a firsthand account of Dileep's fascinating journey and the many lessons he learned from it, be sure to tune in today! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Dileep Thazhmon on LinkedIn Dileep Thazhmon on Twitter Jeeves Spiraling Up Y Combinator Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Every entrepreneur has a different origin story. For some, it's a natural progression within their career, where they were always going to set out on their own, while others have dreamed of doing it their entire life and just needed the right opportunity. And for another set of people, it happens almost as if by accident. I never set out to become an entrepreneur, and in the beginning, it felt a bit odd calling myself that. My goal had simply been to make people feel seen and heard. But somewhere along the way, I found myself embarking upon my own entrepreneurial path and changing in ways I could never have predicted! Today's episode is all about taking a step back and reflecting on the lessons I've learned on my accidental entrepreneurship journey, like how entrepreneurship can help you step into a better version of yourself and teach you how to give yourself grace. You'll hear me unpack the benefits of starting your entrepreneurial endeavor as a side hustle, why you can't understand the amount of work it takes until you're doing it, and how listening to open and honest interviews with other entrepreneurs can help you feel less alone. I also reflect on the entrepreneurial endeavors of both my mother and grandmother and the role this has played in my own journey, before providing a timely reminder that no one achieves success in business without help from others. Join me for a retrospective of my journey into entrepreneurship, the lessons I've learned, and what you can expect from this podcast in the coming months! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Sign up for Ashley's Newsletter Lessons Learned After One Year of Podcasting with Ashley Menzies Babatunde The Pivot with Ashley Menzies Babatunde (Part 1) The Pivot with Ashley Menzies Babatunde (Part 2) Guyana Medical Relief A Side Hustle is a Form of Self Love with Sterling Smith Finding Alignment with Your Values with Jordana Confino What Success Feels Like with Jenna Kutcher The Goal Digger Podcast Side Hustle Pro Black Freelancer Upscaling Your Business & Life with Scott D. Clary Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Welcome to part two of our interview with Tola Sunmonu-Balogun. If you haven't listened to part one already where we discussed her childhood, the loss of her mother, her podcast, how she finds balance, and so much more, go do so now! In this episode, we take a deep dive into her career, neutralizing her ego and separating herself from external accolades, developing boundaries at work, hating consulting and ultimately growing to love it, and so much more! Tola shares the importance of working with enthusiasm, why she feels anxious about work, and how she overcomes those feelings. Our incredible guest even shares who she really is with us before describing how her imposter syndrome shows up and how she plans on healing that part of her. Finally, Tola tells us how she is trying to figure out what her purpose is and why not knowing doesn't scare her. This thoughtful, honest, raw conversation is one of a kind and you don't want to miss out on it so tune in to hear from Tola and to be reminded to be kind to yourself! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on LinkedIn Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on Twitter Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on Instagram Return to Self Podcast Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Today's guest is the perfect example of someone whose path has had its twists and turns, even though it seemed linear. And her story, although more conventional than that of our usual guests, is just as important to be told. Tola Sunmonu-Balogun is an associate partner at a top consulting firm in Nigeria, and she is here with us to discuss her journey to living a more authentic, peaceful, and fulfilled life. We hear about her adventurous childhood as an extrovert with a focus on being her absolute best, her ‘life with no borders', how those things informed who she is today, losing her mother, her podcast, Return to Self, and what made her want to begin the journey of rediscovering her identity. Tola shares the lessons she learned from her mother. Our guest even shares the unconventional way she balances her high-pressure career with the rest of her life, her motherhood journey, and the love unlocked in her from having children. This episode is incredibly relatable and beautiful so press play now and stay tuned for part two! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on LinkedIn Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on Instagram Return to Self Podcast A New Earth Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network [Trigger Warning for Sexual Harassment story: 30:00-33:00] Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
If you have a business and you want to reach a wider audience, or if you are looking for a creative outlet, or if you want to connect with like-minded people on a topic you feel passionately about, I highly recommend starting a podcast! Podcasting has changed my life for the better in so many ways, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. In this episode, I share the tools and resources that will help make your experience of starting a podcast as smooth as possible! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Affiliate Link for We Edit Podcasts HubSpot Podcast Network Affiliate Link for Riverside.fm Shure Blue Yeti Beats by Dre Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Particularly in American culture, productivity is seen as a measure of moral good, and subsequently, many people define their identity by the work they do. Simone Stolzoff is trying to turn this way of thinking on its head. Simone is an author, designer, and workplace expert from San Francisco. Through his book, The Good Enough Job, Simone promotes the idea of separating self-worth from output and treating work more transactionally. One of the central questions that Simone explores in the book is, “How do we pursue meaningful work without letting what we do for work subsume who we are?” In this episode, Simone shares the journey that led him to write the book, examples of how you can redefine your identity as more than just the job you have, and his vision for the future of work. This is the book I wish I had written, and I hope it changes your life as much as it has changed mine! The Good Enough Job Simone Stolzoff Simone Stolzoff on Instagram Simone Stolzoff on LinkedIn Simone Stolzoff on Twitter Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network
Drawing on insights from a handful of past guests, this throwback episode outlines five powerful tips for career and life as your host, Ashley Menzies Babatunde shared. Tune in to get inspired by advice rooted in real-life experience. Hear how understanding that things are often grey can help you adopt a growth mindset and even find more success in your career. Learn why freedom and work simply don't co-exist and how making that distinction can enrich your life. This episode also explores the need to fundraise and appeal to donors and why you should accomplish the goals you want to achieve rather than focusing on what others expect of you. Tune in today to hear all this and more! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: 33 Lessons for 33 Years of Life Finding Fulfillment with Sabreena Merchant You Can't Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part I You Can't Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part II Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristin Turner (Part 1) Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristin Turner (Part 2) Pursue Your Dreams with Mike Thomas (Part 1) Pursue Your Dreams with Mike Thomas (Part 2) Picking the Destination, but not the Journey with Dawn Dickson Success Is Not a Destination with Michelle Odemwingie Part 1 Success Is Not a Destination with Michelle Odemwingie Part 2 Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Today we have a special conversation in honor of Mother's Day! Ashley sits down with her four aunties to talk about motherhood, family dynamics, their reflections on raising kids, leading with love, and so much more. We get to hear a little about each of the guests and their families and personalities before diving into some insightful questions and answers on learning from moments of loss, the power of maintaining faith, how being an aunty differs from being a mother, and some funny memories of their children! In such a close-knit family, there is a real sense of togetherness to go along with life's inevitable challenges, and Ashley's aunties talk about their experiences facing mom guilt, making time for self-care, and embracing new societal norms. Ashley also talks about the impactful conversations she had with her mother about acceptance and non-judgment, with her aunties weighing in with some beautifully succinct advice for the next generation of mothers! Join us to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Fatherhood & Career with the Menzies Brothers Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Today, we are joined by Maria Failla to hear about her journey from Broadway to becoming a professional podcaster in the gardening space. Maria hosts the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast, which is the top Home & Garden podcast about houseplants and gardening in the world, and is the author of the book Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants). Maria is evidently a natural-born leader and performer and she is dedicated to using her voice to help people cultivate joy in their lives through plant care. In this episode, we hear her astounding life story of achieving her lifelong dream, recognizing the toll it was taking on her sense of self-worth, and marching forth to reclaim her autonomy and sense of intuition. We learn about her pivot to the podcast and how it transformed her from plant killer to plant lady. Maria also opens up about how the pandemic steered her in a drastically new direction and shares the “exquisitely painful” process of writing her book. Tune in to discover how Maria released her plans and turned to nature to regulate her nervous system and find greater joy than ever before! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Maria Failla on Instagram Maria Failla on TikTok Growing Joy with Plants Podcast Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) Growing Joy Garden Society Community App free trial Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
The evolution of AI will change our lives for good and bad, but today we're focusing on the positive. We are joined by attorney-turned-entrepreneur Jack Xu to discuss the intersection between law and coding. Jack Xu holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BS in computer science and AI from the University of British Columbia and after working as a patent attorney specializing in intellectual property, he set out to found PatentPal. In this episode, Jack shares insight into patent applications and explains how PatentPal uses generative AI to automate patent drafting. We learn about how his business-centric family culture informed him, as well as the role video games played in his language assimilation as a child. We discuss the way that technology is evolving, touching on the fundamental shift in people's opinions of AI. Tune in to discover more about Jack's remarkable entrepreneurial story from his pivot from legal practice to startup founder to the lessons he learned along the way, and hear his advice for others looking to start something seemingly left-field. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Jack Xu on LinkedIn PatentPal Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Growing up, most of us will remember being asked what we want to be when we grow up, rather than who we want to be, conditioning us to base our identity on what we do rather than who we truly are and what we value. But focusing solely on achievement and prestige can lead you down a path of isolation that ultimately doesn't provide you with any of the happiness and satisfaction you thought it would. This was the position that today's guest, Jordana Confino, found herself in. She had spent years tenaciously pursuing a prestigious law career, earning awards, and excelling at elite institutions, all while wrestling with intensifying feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and unhappiness. It was only once she decided to pursue therapy that she realized what her true values were and that she was living and working in direct opposition to them. This prompted her to learn everything she could about the principles of positive psychology and human motivation theory which she has used to transform her life and bring her career and personal life into alignment with her values. In our conversation, Jordana reflects on her journey of self-discovery, the lessons she has learned along the way, and why she still feels she has a long way to go. She describes the challenging moments that propelled her to become an overachiever, why she felt a need to exert control over whatever she could, and how she realized that none of the achievements she was chasing would ever make her feel worthy enough. Our conversation also delves into what it means to cultivate feelings of self-worth and how you can improve your relationship with yourself before providing a gentle reminder that none of this can be attained overnight. Jordana has walked an incredible path and continues to do so. As a law school dean and life coach, she is embodying her values of love, connection, and authenticity by helping others find alignment, flourish, and get out of their own way so they can live the life that they want — not the one that they think they should! No Straight Path's One-Year Anniversary We are celebrating one year of meaningful content, connection, and storytelling. If the No Straight Path Podcast has added value to your life, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter here. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Jordana Confino Coaching Jordana Confino on LinkedIn Adam Grant Jenna Kutcher No Straight Path Podcast: What Success Feels Like with Jenna Kutcher Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Today, we have another inspiring episode about an athlete pivoting to a different world. Jelani Jenkins, a five-year NFL vet and certified mental performance coach, joins us to tell his story. In response to his challenges after leaving the NFL, Jelani founded Postseason, an app facilitating athletes' journeys to growth, success, and fulfillment beyond sport. During today's conversation, Jelani shares some of the blockages he overcame and how he works to help other athletes in a similar space do the same. We touch on defining and measuring success and explore the connections between Postseason and Jelani's journey out of sports—identity challenges, community, and eliminating isolation through a platform made by athletes, for athletes. Jelani also shares advice for those transitioning from one career into another and for tech CEOs, all with a basis of embracing fear, tapping into the power of the mind and focusing on goals. Jelani weighs in on parenting, marriage, and maximizing the time you have, and much more during today's incredibly rich conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Jelani Jenkins on LinkedIn Jelani Jenkins on Instagram Jelani Jenkins on Twitter Postseason Can't Hurt Me "You Can't Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part I" "You Can't Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part II" The No Straight Path Podcast Kickstarter Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Desta Tedros Reff is a remarkable writer and director who has written for shows like Sorry for Your Loss, The Last Tycoon, The Purge, and Grand Hotel, and currently serves as an Executive Producer on the popular Amazon television reboot of A League of Their Own. Growing up as a Black, queer woman in the rural Midwest, Desta used writing as a tool to help her process her otherness and her passion for filmmaking revealed itself to her one summer when she found her grandparents' video camera. Yet, she didn't consider entertainment a viable career option until after she had graduated from Harvard Law School, turned down a prestigious position in the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau in favor of the Harvard Law School Documentary Studio that she co-founded, and spent several years in the Mississippi Delta working as a social justice advocate. All of this had an important influence on the way that Desta approaches storytelling and her dedication to bringing marginalized perspectives into the mainstream through authentic portrayals of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters. In this episode of No Straight Path, Desta shares the human story behind her success as we delve into what it looks like to intentionally follow your joy and purpose and the challenging emotional work that goes into being a minority in the entertainment industry. We also touch on the importance of pausing to take care of yourself, Desta's advice for choosing a creative path over the one that guarantees your success, and so much more. For an inside look at what it means to forge your own path and find the courage to put a unique piece of yourself out into the world, tune in today! No Straight Path's One-Year AnniversaryWe are celebrating one year of meaningful content, connection, and storytelling. If the No Straight Path Podcast has added value to your life, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter here. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Desta Tedros Reff Desta Tedros Reff on Instagram Desta Tedros Reff on Twitter Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
At one point or another in all of our no-straight-path journeys, we are bound to face setbacks, but that doesn't mean we should give up on our dreams! To continue our celebration of the one-year anniversary of No Straight Path, I share some personal anecdotes from my journey thus far and tell the story of how one setback set me up for success. After encountering a major stumbling block in the Hubspot Creators Accelerator Program, I had to take my own advice: honor your feelings, put things in perspective, normalize the setback, and move forward. To take stock of my past accomplishments, I looked back at the first six months of the podcast and not only reinvigorated my passion for storytelling, connected more deeply with friends, and made new connections with guests but also started building a community of like-minded people whose values aligned with my own. I learned so much about self-affirmation, becoming my own best teammate, reframing my attitude, and reconnecting with my ‘why' for guests like Ros Gold-Onwude, Kristin Turner, and Christopher Rivas that I knew for sure that I was on the right path. In today's episode, I share some clips from those inspiring conversations, reflect on the five steps I took toward peace and clarity, and look back on some of the 33 lessons I learned in 33 years of life, plus so much more. One year and more than 50 episodes later, I'm still finding the silver linings in the pain points and I'm ready for the next chapter, so stay tuned! No Straight Path's One-Year Anniversary We are celebrating one year of meaningful content, connection, and storytelling. If the No Straight Path Podcast has added value to your life, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter here. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Lessons Learned After One Year of Podcasting with Ashley Menzies Babatunde Mental Toughness with Ros Gold-Onwude (Part 2) Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristin Turner (Part 1) The Power of Storytelling with Christopher Rivas '33 Lessons for 33 Years of Life' The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Hubspot Creators Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
In the age of social media, there's a lot of pressure to gain instant virality online and appeal to a massive audience. But there are countless ways to achieve, measure, and define success. And it's important not to underestimate the value that comes from growing your brand or business slowly and sustainably. Today's guest, Laurelyn Harrig is an entrepreneur, brand photographer, and strategist with a passion for supporting small, female-owned businesses. Over the past 13 years, Laurelyn has done the hard work of taking her photography business from being her side hustle (while working a demanding corporate job) to a full-time occupation. In our conversation, she recounts some of the biggest lessons she's learned as a business owner and breaks down the five principles she recommends for growing sustainably while avoiding burnout — including setting boundaries and getting on top of your numbers. We also discuss the notion of having an impact, why you shouldn't always monetize your hobbies, and how easy it is to forget that success doesn't happen overnight. Today's conversation is full of practical advice from someone who has intimate knowledge of building a business from scratch. Tune in for a powerful reminder that you shouldn't let anyone define success for you and why it is possible to build a thriving business sustainably! No Straight Path's One-Year Anniversary We are celebrating one year of meaningful content, connection, and storytelling. If the No Straight Path Podcast has added value to your life, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter here. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Laurelyn Harrig on LinkedIn My Brand Photographer My Brand Photographer on Instagram My Brand Photographer on Facebook My Brand Photographer on Pinterest No Straight Path Podcast: Lessons Learned After One Year of Podcasting with Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
When you reach an important milestone, it's natural to take a moment to reflect on what came before. It's an opportunity to take stock of what you've experienced, how you've changed, and what lessons you have come away with after everything you've been through. Today's episode is one such milestone, and marks the one-year anniversary of the No Straight Path podcast! It has been a year of wonderful interviews with truly incredible human beings, and I couldn't be more grateful to everyone who's been on this journey with me. Since starting this podcast I have discovered a lot about myself, and in this episode, I take a step back and share the most important lessons I've learned over this past year. From realizing that even doing work you love will sometimes feel like work, to uncovering how monetizing your passions can come at a steep cost (and what it takes to find balance) it has undoubtedly been an enlightening journey. Doing this podcast has taught me a lot about my relationship with work, and the ways that societal pressures will always exist, no matter what industry you find yourself in. But I've also learned that I can be certain I'm on the right path when I am living in alignment with my values. I'm so grateful to be on this journey, doing work that I love. Thank you for tuning in and for being a part of it! No Straight Path's One-Year Anniversary We are celebrating one year of meaningful content, connection, and storytelling. If the No Straight Path Podcast has added value to your life, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter here. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: No Straight Path Podcast: Success Is Not a Destination with Michelle Odemwingie Part 1 No Straight Path Podcast: Success Is Not a Destination with Michelle Odemwingie Part 2 No Straight Path Podcast: The Pivot with Ashley Menzies Babatunde (Part 1) No Straight Path Podcast: The Pivot with Ashley Menzies Babatunde (Part 2) No Straight Path Podcast: You Can't Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part I No Straight Path Podcast: You Can't Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part 2 No Straight Path Podcast: Redefining Success with Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
During today's episode, we have another entrepreneurial story to share with you! Sterling Smith is a software engineer turned startup founder and the mastermind behind LaunchPartner.co, Sandbox Commerce, and Black Freelancer, the number one diverse platform for top-vetted talent globally. During today's conversation, you'll hear his story of turning a pain point into purpose, having experienced the challenges of being a Black freelancer first-hand. Hear highlights from his entrepreneurial journey, where he has developed perseverance through extreme challenges, fueled by deep relationships with his loved ones and a meaningful connection to his faith. He also gives us some insights into the new platform he is developing, Womxn Freelancer. Sterling hopes those with founding aspirations will follow an untraditional path, dedicating themselves to their passions to change the world. In closing, he teases us with a glimpse into his wild ambitions for the future before reminding us that enterprising pursuits are a form of self-love and encouraging listeners to find a side hustle of their own. Join us today to hear all this and more from an inspiring guest empowering others toward success! No Straight Path's One-Year Anniversary We are celebrating one year of meaning content, connection, and storytelling. If the No Straight Path Podcast has added value to your life, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter here. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Sterling Smith on Twitter Sterling Smith on LinkedIn Black Freelancer Black Freelancer on Instagram Black Freelancer on Discord Womxn Freelancer Womxn Freelancer on Instagram The Brown Freelancer Insider Substack LaunchPartner.co Sandbox Commerce No Straight Path on Apple Podcasts Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Joining us today is the incredible comedian known for Comedy Bang! Bang! and Party Over Here, Carl Tart, who tells us all about his non-traditional path to becoming an actor! In this episode, we hear all about how Ashley met Carl in elementary school, why Carl and his mom moved to Los Angeles, what his childhood and family were like, how his mom influenced his career, and much more! We delve into the realization Carl had about his purpose in life before he tells us about his interests in college and what pushed him into comedy. Carl even tells us why he struggled with what people would say about his career choice, why he started doing comedy secretly, how confusing inner voices can be, and his love for improv comedy. The acting and comedy industry is incredibly precarious and exceedingly difficult and today, Carl shares some of the challenges he has faced with us and how he overcame them. We discuss why you need to remove yourself from situations that aren't good for you, why you shouldn't compare yourself to other people, how the writing portion of his career started, and how he deals with external pressure. Carl goes on to tell us all about his incredible sitcom, Grand Crew on NBC, and how it came to be, what brings him joy outside of work, and what advice he would give to people taking a non-traditional career path about not limiting themselves and saying yes! Finally, Carl tells us why he feels like he hasn't changed since becoming successful. You don't want to miss out on this incredible episode! No Straight Path's One-Year Anniversary We are celebrating one year of meaning content, connection, and storytelling. If the No Straight Path Podcast has added value to your life, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter here. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Carl Tart IMDB Carl Tart on Instagram Grand Crew Podcast Movement Evolutions Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path Podcast on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
The majority of people spend a large proportion of their lives at work, so naturally, workplace culture has a massive impact on every aspect of our lives. The power couple who are the guests on today's episode are on a mission to make people's lives better one workplace at a time! Leanne and Al Elliott, the realist and the dreamer, are living out their shared passion for creating a human-centered workplace culture through the founding of Oblong (a one-stop-shop for leaders who want to build a great culture) and the Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture podcast. During this episode, Al and Leanne talk about the unusual circumstances under which they first met, why leaders need to pay attention to generational differences, and their approach to enhancing engagement, well-being, and fulfillment in the workplace. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Leanne Elliott on LinkedIn Al Elliott on LinkedIn Oblong Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture Podcast Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Black businesses fail at an alarmingly higher rate than others, and Black voices are not heard nor valued as much as they deserve to be. These (in addition to her desire to find a husband) were the forces that drove my cousin, Dupe Babatunde, to found Black Social, a new social network for dating, business, and entrepreneurial networking. During this episode, Dupe talks about her upbringing as the child of a Nigerian father and American mother, and how she reignited her innate qualities of passion and outspokenness that she lost touch with as she grew up. After being on the straight-and-narrow for nine years while she worked as a consultant for Deloitte, Dupe made the decision to carve out her own path, simultaneously taking on a new role at Amazon and becoming an entrepreneur, and although the journey is full of challenges, she wouldn't have it any other way. Tune in today to hear Dupe share the approach she is taking to fulfill her dream of celebrating and elevating Black voices, as well as her thoughts on Black love, the importance of giving yourself grace and setting boundaries, and living a life of purpose and joy! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Black Social Dupe Babatunde on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
Today we are continuing our celebration of Black folks by centering Black love. Our host, Ashley Menzies Babatunde, defines Black love as sharing a journey of love, support, and comfort with someone else who understands how to move through spaces, institutions, and a society that wasn't built for you. With this in mind, she welcomes her husband, Segun Babatunde, onto the podcast. Tuning in, you'll hear about Ashley and Segun's love story, Segun's first impressions of Ashley, and how they both put out into the universe what they wanted in a relationship and the universe spoke back. Segun also shares more about his background, what it was like growing up bi-racial in two different homes with different cultural backgrounds and socio-economic statuses, and how this has informed who he is today. Segun opens up about the value of listening to your inner voice before he talks about his legal career, why he enjoys the story-telling aspects of being a trial lawyer, and the legal doctrine that he is most passionate about. To hear all this, as well as what Segun learned from his own no-straight-path career journey in which he, at one point, took a break from practicing law to start an esports company, tune in today! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Segun Babatunde The Alchemist Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!
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