Podcasts about no straight path

In this episode of "The Life Shift Podcast," Ashley Menzies Babatunde, a former attorney turned DEI strategist and storyteller, shares her life-shifting moments, particularly her experience with failing the California bar exam, and how these experiences led her to redefine her understanding of success, self-worth, and resilience. The conversation delves into the importance of human connection, storytelling, and the journey behind success.The Impact of Failure and ResilienceAshley discusses her pivotal life-shift moment when she failed the California bar exam, not once but twice, which led to losing her first job out of law school. This experience was a significant deviation from her previously linear path of success. Ashley highlights the anxiety and emotional turmoil she faced during this period, which was compounded by the high expectations she had set for herself. However, this failure became a powerful lesson in resilience, teaching her the importance of getting up and trying again despite setbacks.The Power of Storytelling and VulnerabilityOne of the most transformative aspects of Ashley's journey was the role of storytelling and vulnerability. After failing the bar exam, she found solace and strength in the stories shared by others who had faced similar challenges. This human connection and realizing she was not alone in her struggles motivated her to share her story through a blog post. This act of vulnerability not only helped her heal but also connected her with a broader community, highlighting the profound impact of sharing personal experiences and being open about one's failures.Redefining Success and Self-WorthThroughout the episode, Ashley reflects on how her understanding of success and self-worth evolved through her experiences. Initially, she had tied her self-worth to her accolades and accomplishments. However, the challenges she faced, especially with the bar exam, forced her to reassess these notions. She realized that her self-worth stemmed from her humanity, resilience, and ability to persevere rather than external achievements. This shift in perspective allowed her to embrace a more holistic and compassionate view of herself and her journey.Guest BioAshley Menzies Babatunde is a lawyer, storyteller, founder, and DEIB strategist passionate about work at the intersection of humanity and career. She is the host, creator, and producer of No Straight Path, a podcast exploring the human stories behind success. As an LA native with Black American and Guyanese roots, Ashley believes in the power of storytelling because it allows people to connect, inspire each other, and build empathy.Ashley graduated from Harvard Law School and received her B.A. in political science from Stanford University. She enjoys a good memoir, quality time with her husband and loved ones, and embracing her Guyanese culture through Soca dance.Connect with Ashley Menzies BabatundeWebsite: ashleymenzies.comPodcast: No Straight PathInstagram: @no_straight_pathResources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Access ad-free episodes released two days early and bonus episodes with past guests through Patreon.

The path to success is never linear.  There are twists, turns, moments where you leap frog ahead, and then setbacks.  Today's guest has learned to embrace the winding, twisting path to success - but it didn't always come easy.  Ashley Menzies Babatunde is a lawyer, DEI strategiest, and storyteller.  Someone who always aimed high and ACHIEVED her goals, Ashley hit a setback when she failed to pass the bar not once, but TWICE, which led her to question everything.Now, she is on a mission to share the human stories behind the highlight reels on her podcast "No Straight Path."WebsiteNo Straight Path PodcastInstagram: @no_straight_pathInstagram: ms_menziesLinkedInREIMAGINE it ALL Digital Course - SIGN UP TODAY Classes start June 17th!Be a Book Launch Insider!!!My FREE 5x5 Starter Kit for LinkedInFREE WEEKLY SUCCESS PLANNERJoin our Facebook Group! Find me on InstagramCheck out our PINS on PinterestAnd YES - I'm on TikTok!

The path to success is never linear.  There are twists, turns, moments where you leap frog ahead, and then setbacks.  Today's guest has learned to embrace the winding, twisting path to success - but it didn't always come easy.  Ashley Menzies Babatunde is a lawyer, DEI strategiest, and storyteller.  Someone who always aimed high and ACHIEVED her goals, Ashley hit a setback when she failed to pass the bar not once, but TWICE, which led her to question everything.Now, she is on a mission to share the human stories behind the highlight reels on her podcast "No Straight Path."WebsiteNo Straight Path PodcastInstagram: @no_straight_pathInstagram: ms_menziesLinkedInREIMAGINE it ALL Digital Course - SIGN UP TODAY Classes start June 17th!Be a Book Launch Insider!!!My FREE 5x5 Starter Kit for LinkedInFREE WEEKLY SUCCESS PLANNERJoin our Facebook Group! Find me on InstagramCheck out our PINS on PinterestAnd YES - I'm on TikTok!

Hey lady! Doesn't it seem like 2024 took off in a full sprint? This year has moved rather quickly, which is why this week Terri and Dr. Dom invite Ashley Menzies Babatunde, host of the No Straight Path podcast, to discuss the power of the pause, and why honoring the moments when life slows you down can be your biggest asset and opportunity to find and strengthen your authentic self. Ashley shares her inspirational story of advocating for herself after a major life event showed her the beauty in her present, albeit difficult, circumstance so that she could create a life rich with meaning. Her decision to embrace where her life took her next with curiosity and wonder opened possibilities that were better than she could have imagined. Join Dr. Dom and Terri for a motivating conversation about finding the blessings and beauty in your life stage.Quote of the Day:"The pauses in life taught me how to live." – Ashley Menzies Babatunde  Where to find Ashley Menzies Babatunde:Website: ashleymenzies.comPodcast: No Straight PathInstagram: @ms_menziesInstagram: @no_straight_pathLinkedIn: Ashley Menzies  Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  Resources:Dr. Dom's Therapy PracticeBranding with Terri Melanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC  Where to find us: Twitter: @HERspacepodcastInstagram: @herspacepodcastFacebook: @herspacepodcastWebsite: cultivatingherspace.com

Ashley Menzies Babatunde shares her background and early experiences as a multi-hyphenate and focused overachiever. From an early age, she had high expectations of herself and others, and her leadership skills were evident. She even wroter herself a letter outlining her goals that she has largely achieved so far. Ashley reflects on her time at Stanford for undergrad and Harvard for law school along with the importance of relationships and exploration. She discusses her transition into the work world as a paralegal and then as a lawyer, and how she had to pivot within her practice to find work that aligned with her personality and values. Ashley also shares her journey of self-discovery and the role of journaling and feedback from loved ones in guiding her career decisions. She discusses the power of storytelling and her podcast, 'No Straight Path,' where she explores the human stories behind success. Ashley walks us through her journey into podcasting, starting with her love for podcasts and finding positive ways to deal with failure. She talks about the loneliness she felt after failing the California bar exam and how storytelling helped her during that time. Ashley also discusses her decision to take a sabbatical and the importance of listening to your body. Ashley reflects on her superpowers of connection and inspiration, and how the podcast has become a source of joy in her life that allows her to do both.You will learn:It's ok to color outside the lines.The importance of living a life that is aligned to what you want from life. Exploring the power of regret in your decision making.You can follow Ashley's story at:LinkedIn / No Straight Path IG / Ashley IG / TikTok Follow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory

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! 

Is love blind? In this episode, Shelby and Laura are joined by special guest, fellow podcaster, and reality TV enthusiast, Ashley Menzies Babatunde from The No Straight Path podcast. We review the final episodes, including the finale and reunion, of Love Is Blind Season 6. Tune in for a jumbo-sized episode filled with thoughtful takes on complicated figures like Chelsea, Bachelor Nation parallels, piping hot tea about Brittany, and even relationship advice! We discuss how Amy and Johnny prove that love can be blind after being the only couple to get married, give Clay's mom her flowers for putting her ex-husband and son in their places, gush over AD's wedding and reunion looks, analyze why Sarah Ann and Jeramy are the clear villains of the season, explain how Love Is Blind can be educational, highlight how Nick and Vanessa Lachey redeemed themselves by holding people accountable like Trevor at the reunion, and debate whether being close friends with your ex is a green flag. We reviewed the first half of the season, too! Make sure to check out our Love Is Blind Season 6 Episodes 1-9 episode for our analysis and hot takes on the first few episodes. Interested in more Love Is Blind content? Check out our podcast episodes on ⁠⁠Love Is Blind Season 4⁠⁠, ⁠Love Is Blind Season 5 Episodes 1-7⁠, and ⁠Love Is Blind Season 5 Finale & Reunion Ft. Adja Toure⁠. To stay up to date on all things SWW: Follow @SistersWhoWatch on all social media channels (⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠) Subscribe to our ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ channel Check out our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and fill out the contact information form What should we watch next? Email us at ⁠⁠sisterswhowatch@gmail.com⁠⁠ or DM us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ with your suggestions. Thank you for listening and we appreciate your support! Please rate, subscribe, download, share, and leave us a review :)

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! 

We're excited to introduce you to Ashley Menzies Babatunde, a lawyer turned podcaster humanizing success with a real-time approach. In this episode, Ashley shares how failing the California bar exam at first propelled her into a journey of storytelling and creativity, and how you can navigate career shifts as you grow and develop as a person. Ashley Menzies Babatunde's Bio: Ashley Menzies Babatunde is a multi-passionate lawyer, storyteller, and podcast creator who cares deeply about centering our humanity in both our lives and careers. She is the host, creator, and producer of No Straight Path, a podcast in the HubSpot Podcast Network aimed at exploring the human stories behind success. She believes in the power of storytelling because it allows people to connect with one another, inspire each other, and build empathy. Ashley graduated from Harvard Law School and received her B.A. in political science from Stanford University. She is also an LA-native with Black American and Guyanese roots, and she enjoys a good memoir, quality time with her husband and loved ones, and embracing her Guyanese culture through Soca dance. ____ Say hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know which bonus episodes you're excited for - we can't wait to hear from you!  Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠ ⁠Join our FREE MHH Insiders online community to connect with Millennial and Gen Z marketing professionals around the world!⁠ Get the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our email list!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn | Instagram Check out No Straight Path: ashleymenzies.com | Podcast | Instagram Connect with Co-Host Erica: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Co-Host Cassie: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow MHH on Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ New to Marketing Happy Hour (or just want more)? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Download our Marketing Happy Hour Starter Kit⁠ This podcast is an MHH Media production. ⁠Learn more about MHH Media!⁠ ⁠Interested in starting your own podcast? Grab our Podcast Launch Strategy Guide here.⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/marketinghappyhour/support

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! 

When people work hard to be great at their jobs, they often feel like they have to hide their personal problems, like dealing with loss, relationship changes, or personal setbacks. In jobs where you're expected to be strong and capable, it's hard to show that you're struggling. This can make people feel alone and ashamed, especially those who are used to being the best in what they do.   In today's episode, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins talk with Ashley Menzies Babatunde, creator and host of No Straight Path, a podcast aimed at exploring the human stories behind success. Ashley dives into the importance of embracing our humanity in the workplace, acknowledging that setbacks and emotional challenges are a natural part of life. Listen in and find out why it's important to be honest about our hard times if we want to alleviate the loneliness and find connection and strength at work.   Follow Ashley on Instagram @No_Straight_Path.   --   CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING HEADING INTO THE 2024 AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7   TURN YOUR WEBSITE INTO A SALES MACHINE WITH THE ULTIMATE WEBSITE TEMPLATE: BusinessMadeSimple.com/Website   HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com   HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey   STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand

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! 

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! 

Did you know that 72% of independent business owners didn't know that they were going to become entrepreneurs when they started their career? Today on the podcast, I have the honor of speaking with Ashley Menzies Babatunde, a Harvard law graduate who became an accidental entrepreneur.Ashley is the host of the No Straight Path podcast, a career coach, storyteller, and extraordinary entrepreneur. She's giving us a behind-the-scenes look into her nonlinear career path, along with the lessons she's learned from hosting a highly successful podcast.Sources mentioned in this episodeHubspot podcast networkSpencer Paysinger's EpisodeKristen Turner's EpisodeConnect with the guestWebsite: ashleymenzies.com Instagram: instagram.com/no_straight_path LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashley-menzies-babatunde-89437036 Podcast: ashleymenzies.com/no-straight-path Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! 

Hello fellow Product Bosses! It's your go-to gurus, Jacqueline and Minna, back again to light up your path towards entrepreneurial triumph. We're peeling back the curtain today to share our blueprint for navigating the summertime business landscape. This season presents unique opportunities and challenges, particularly for us as moms. We've been tirelessly paving the way to this point, and now, we're ready to strategically dial it down for the summer, immersing ourselves in precious family time. However, we're not going completely off-grid.While you might not see us in the front row as often, we'll be working diligently behind the scenes to maintain the business momentum. But let's be honest: we're also planning on hibernating a bit, prioritizing our children, and enjoying the sunny season. And yet, we've never fully paused. Our commitment to growth and progress remains unshakeable. Even in moments of challenge, we stay the course.We're diving into the dynamics of planning and managing your business activities around the summer months, striking a balance between reaping the benefits of a flourishing business and basking in some well-deserved poolside relaxation. We've planned ahead, establishing our availability, planning activities with our kids, and batching our work in advance to ensure the summer months are as productive as they are refreshing. Join us as we break down these strategies and inspire you to carve out your own version of a successful, fulfilling summer.Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Want a guide to over 308 business tolls and resources to help you effectively run your product-based business? Visit theproductboss.com/resourceguide to get this FREE download today!Connect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:HubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRMNo Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight Path

As we're in the middle of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, there couldn't be a more perfect time for Jerry Won to join us. His work in promoting diversity and sharing the multifaceted stories of Asian Americans through his podcast, 'Dear Asian Americans,' is making waves in the sphere of societal change.His business philosophy? Building relationships, providing assistance, and capturing the value created by doing good work. From his formative years in business school, to a career in corporate consulting and a stint at WeWork, Jerry's journey is a testament to the power of networking, community building, and embracing diversity.Jerry's focus now includes running a creator business and community, a speaker mastermind, and helping others understand the worth of their stories and creations. Whether your product is a physical object or the value you bring as an individual, Jerry believes there is a way to market and capture that value.Join us as we dive deep into Jerry's inspiring journey and how we can learn from his experiences, embrace our differences, and use our unique paths to build successful businesses.Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Learn more at jerrywon.comListen: Dear Asian AmericansWant a guide to over 308 business tolls and resources to help you effectively run your product-based business? Visit theproductboss.com/resourceguide to get this FREE download today!Connect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:No Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight PathHubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRM

We stand on the precipice of yet another seasonal shift. Whether you're a parent, a summer enthusiast, or someone simply observing the changing times, we all experience the rhythm of the year in three parts: the traditional New Year, the transition to summer, and the commencement of the school year.This time of year as we transition from spring to full-blown summer, is when consumers are typically ready to spend. Think of it: weddings, graduations, summer camps, and more. It's a time filled with events and activities, much like the holiday season, and your customers are looking to make purchases to enhance these experiences.The key here, friends, is to understand and adapt to these changing customer behaviors. Consider holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day, which were essentially designed to stimulate consumer spending during traditionally slower periods. These holidays, alongside others like Valentine's Day and Easter, are prime opportunities for you as sellers to lean into the consumer mindset and meet your customers where they're at.So, join us as we delve into the upcoming season change and provide strategies to better understand and cater to your customers' evolving needs and wants.Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Want a guide to over 308 business tolls and resources to help you effectively run your product-based business? Visit theproductboss.com/resourceguide to get this FREE download today!Connect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:HubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRMNo Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight Path

Hey there, friends! In today's episode, we're addressing a major obstacle many people face—asking for help. We first encountered this concept from Natalie Eckdahl of BizChix, and it has since transformed our lives and businesses.We'll discuss the importance of seeking help in various aspects of your life, whether it's at home, in your business, or even when working out. We'll share our personal journeys and how we've evolved in this area since being introduced to the concept back in 2017.Join us as we explore the idea of getting help as much as you can afford, breaking down the barriers that might be holding you back. By embracing help, you'll not only improve your life but also unlock the full potential of your business. So, let's get ready to tackle this challenge and start thriving!Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Want a guide to over 308 business tolls and resources to help you effectively run your product-based business? Visit theproductboss.com/resourceguide to get this FREE download today!Connect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:No Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight PathHubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRM

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! 

Welcome back to another fantastic episode of the Product Boss Podcast, where we're here to support and guide you in growing your business. Today, we've got an amazing guest joining us to talk about becoming more cash competent!We're thrilled to have financial strategist Melissa Houston with us today. Melissa has been a valuable asset to our Masterminders and shares her passion for helping small business owners understand their finances. As a former social worker turned CPA, she noticed the disconnect between financial professionals and business owners and made it her mission to bridge that gap.Join us as we celebrate the launch of Melissa's new book, "Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Profitable Business," which is set to release on May 16th. Melissa shares her journey from social work to accounting and the importance of understanding your numbers to make profitable business decisions.So, get ready to dive into business financial literacy and learn how to become cash confident with our amazing guest, Melissa Houston!Don't forget to enter our giveaway to have a chance to win a copy of Cash Confident- there will be 10 lucky winners! Enter here.Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Learn more at shemeansprofit.comRead: Cash ConfidentWant a guide to over 308 business tolls and resources to help you effectively run your product-based business? Visit theproductboss.com/resourceguide to get this FREE download today!Connect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:No Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight PathHubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRM

Hey there, fellow entrepreneurs! In today's episode, we're diving into a powerful phrase that has been resonating deeply within our community and has become a game-changer for the small businesses we support: "Let it be easy." It's time to let go of overcomplication and give yourself permission to embrace simplicity in your business.We often feel like we need to do more, be in more places, and burn the candle at both ends to ignite that spark for our business. But in reality, when we focus, go deep instead of wide, and get clear on our intentions, that's when we can truly succeed. It's like a breath of fresh air and a weight off our shoulders.Join us as we explore the importance of focusing on what works, letting go of the things that don't, and how to keep your business simple while scaling and making more money without adding extra effort. It's time to let it be easy, and we're here to show you how. So, tune in and embrace the simplicity that can transform your business for the better!Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Consistent content is key to getting more people to see and buy your products. If you want to create great content but you don't know what to say, or you feel too busy, or you just don't want to be the face of your brand, no worries – because we've got you covered with a year's worth of consistent content that's sure to resonate with your audience! If you want to see how easy this can be, visit A Year of Content.Connect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:No Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight PathHubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRM

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! 

Welcome to another special episode of the Product Boss Podcast! This month, we're celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month and having some truly important conversations. Join us as we talk to our friend and student, Jenny Tse of Sipping Streams Tea Company, about her unique experience as an AAPI business owner and how we can all support AAPI businesses. Let's dive into the complexities of being both Asian and American, while also embracing our cultural heritage and using our platforms for positive change.Being AAPI means navigating an intercultural situation. Our heritage often discourages making waves, but now is the time to speak up and share our experiences. Jenny opens up about the challenges of being an Asian business owner in Alaska and the misconceptions she's faced. As we continue our conversation, we'll also discuss the importance of staying true to our roots and recognizing the vast diversity within the AAPI community.This episode is all about breaking stereotypes, supporting AAPI-owned businesses, and understanding the unique experiences of AAPI entrepreneurs. So let's dive in and explore how we can all learn from and uplift the voices of AAPI business owners in our community.Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Support Jenny's business at sippingstreams.com and see her amazing free tea resourcesWant a guide to over 308 business tolls and resources to help you effectively run your product-based business? Visit theproductboss.com/resourceguide to get this FREE download today!Connect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:HubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRMNo Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight Path

Today we're sharing a collab episode we did with Another Bite — a Shark Tank rewatch podcast that breaks down all the latest and greatest pitches from the show.In this episode, we joined co-hosts John Dick and Jorie Munroe to jump into the tank with our business insights on Shark Tank products. Listen for:Bala Bangles' major potential for the walking economy and need for social capitalThe Mad Optimist confusing marketing strategy and the effects of not putting the customer firstTenikle's lack of a distribution engine and branding opportunitiesIf you like what you hear, search for Another Bite in your favorite podcast app. Like the one you're using right now ;)Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Listen to Another BiteConnect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:No Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight PathHubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRM

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! 

Welcome back to another episode, friends! Today, we're shaking things up with a mix of mindset shifts and hard truths about investing in yourself and your business. With the doors to Multi-Stream Machine open, we're addressing some of the concerns you may have about affording the investment and helping you break through these limiting beliefs.We want to remind you that money is a replenishable resource, just like the ocean—you can never drain it. As entrepreneurs, you have the skills and creativity to always make more money. It's essential to believe in your abilities and recognize that investing in education, tools, and resources can yield significant returns for your business.Our goal is to empower you to save money, make more money, and ultimately thrive in your business. So, join us as we bust through common misconceptions about investing and help you see the limitless potential of your entrepreneurial journey.Brought to you by the Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge! Commit to making 1 in 5 of your purchases from a small business, whether online or offline. The Shop 1 in 5™ Pledge is a way to make an impact together when (and where) it matters most. Join us and take the pledge today!Resources:Are you ready to transform your business? Then join us for our Sell More, Do Less Bootcamp, a game-changing series of LIVE WORKSHOPS and the WORLD-RENOWNED BEST SELLER SECRETS CHALLENGE that everyone is talking about! Join us here.Connect:Website: theproductboss.comInstagram: @theproductbossMentioned in this episode:HubSpotGet started for free!HubSpot CRMNo Straight PathListen to No Straight Path by Ashley Menzies Babatunde!No Straight Path

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! 

In today's very special ‘Month of Love' episode of No Straight Path, you'll hear from best friends, husband and wife, and dynamic duo behind Two Fourteen Photography, Virath and Krizelle Pum. What they started 12 years ago out of Virath's childhood hobby has grown into a wildly successful business, replete with a team of photographers and videographers serving couples all over the world. While there were many difficult moments along the way, Virath and Krizelle chose to view these moments as opportunities to realign and reflect on the things that were most important to them, and ultimately decided to quit their full-time jobs to pursue their passion for photography. This has led them on an incredible entrepreneurial journey and a more fulfilling and intentional life together, which you will learn more about in today's conversation. Join us as these high school sweethearts share their love story and offer some insight into when they started thinking about photography as a viable career option, despite growing up in households that didn't see it that way. You'll also discover how Virath and Krizelle created beauty out of hardship, what work-life balance means to the couple that does everything together, and the ways that they complement one another in both business and life. Make sure to tune in today to hear all this and more! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Two Fourteen Photography Two Fourteen Photography on Instagram Flourish Newsletter 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! 

To kick off Black History Month, we are speaking with a professional storyteller, thought leader, self-proclaimed freedom fighter, and leading Black voice in the tech community, Alexandria Butler (otherwise known as Lexi B). Considered one of Silicon Valley's most candid and outspoken commentators, Lexi's beliefs about how to build more equitable workplaces stem from her own experiences of working with some of the world's most prominent tech companies, including Meta and Twitter. In 2017, these experiences also led her to create Sista Circle, a solidarity group and community dedicated to supporting the work of Black Women in Tech (BWiT). In today's episode of No Straight Path, Lexi shares some of the ways that oral storytelling was engrained in her upbringing, how professional theatre classes prepared her to “tap dance for the masses” despite being introverted by nature, and the unexpected introduction she had to the tech industry. We also discuss what a fulfilling life looks like to Lexi, how she has learned to center her humanity in her career, and the importance of having both a therapist and a financial advisor, plus so much more! During the course of this thought-provoking conversation, you'll gain insight into Lexi's journey of finding her agency and commanding her power as a Black woman in tech without fear or compliance overriding what needs to be said. You'll also learn more about her commitment to helping other BWiT find a like-minded community and grow their careers, and our hope is that she can help you do the same! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Lexi B Sista Circle: Black Women in Tech Lexi B on LinkedIn Lexi B on Twitter Lexi B on Instagram Lexi B on YouTube 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 welcome our first visiting actor to the show! Christopher Rivas is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after multi-hyphenates - an actor, author, podcaster, and storyteller to watch. His goal is to create art that facilitates spaces of belonging, and he is deeply motivated by his own experience of finding connection through art.  Chris believes that we are all creatives in one way or another, and shares his story of pursuing his dream. He also reveals a pivotal moment in his life where he realized that the character of James Bond is based on a Dominican man, opening up a world of opportunity in his mind through the power of representation. His experience of being told by a public speaker that his heritage left him out of the conversation about race ignited a fire within to pave the way for others like him through writing, and that is how his work Brown Enough was first conceived. In his podcast series, Rubirosa, Chris gets real about assimilation and code-switching, asking his parents significant questions about their experience and the decisions to follow. He highlights the power of sharing your story and asking bigger questions of your family as things change to facilitate freedom. He defines ‘Brown' as everything between Black and White, and finds meaning in the more expansive way of being in between. His story is sure to inspire so many listeners, especially those following a non-traditional career path. You can't afford to miss it! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Christopher Rivas Christopher Rivas on Twitter Christopher Rivas on Instagram Christopher Rivas on IMDb  Ta-Nehisi Coates The Moth Live Storytelling Events Rubirosa Brown Enough  Call Me Kat 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! 

Jessica Salinas did not have a blueprint. Growing up as a child of undocumented immigrants, experiencing childhood trauma, and being plunged into a new culture where she didn't speak the language are just a few of the experiences that have made her who she is today. Her journey has also inspired her work to provide others with the support she didn't know she needed when she was growing up. Along with working as the Chief Investment Officer at New Media Ventures, Jessica has a strong background in activism and serves on the board at Words Uncaged and Plug In South LA. She is here today to share a motivational story of resilience in the face of life's challenges. Jessica's story is an inspiration to so many people. We can't wait for you to hear it!  Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Jessica Salinas on Twitter Jessica Salinas on LinkedIn Words Uncaged Plug In South LA Headspace 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! 

Many of us are in a place of reflection and planning as we embark upon the new year. Staying in line with this theme, today you'll hear some practical (and tactical) advice for upscaling your life and business from an established creator and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping others succeed. Scott D. Clary is the CEO of OnMi Patch, a transdermal vitamin patch company, the host of the Success Story Podcast, and the founder of a weekly business newsletter with over 100,000 subscribers. From startups to large organizations, Scott has worked with executives and entrepreneurs alike and has sold and marketed to some of the most iconic brands in the world. In this conversation, Scott encourages us to lean into the things that make us uncomfortable and shares his advice for taking a non-traditional career path, despite what others may think. Tuning in, you'll gain some insight into a pivotal moment in Scott's entrepreneurial journey. We discuss his secret to creating successful content, what he has learned about the transformative power of failure, his tips for building a personal brand, and more. We also touch on Scott's purpose as an educator and how imposter syndrome can be an asset, as well as why he hopes to challenge our thinking about burnout. For all this and more about crafting a life and business that aligns with your purpose, don't miss this episode of No Straight Path with Scott D. Clary! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Scott D. Clary Scott D. Clary on LinkedIn Scott D. Clary on Instagram Scott D. Clary on Twitter How to Trust Yourself with Your Own Life: Webinar with Kristin Turner 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! 

There are so many societal markers of success that it can be challenging to figure out what your definition of success is. When I was asked by the host of another podcast to unpack the word ‘success', I realized that my version of success is living a fulfilling life while doing impactful work. As we enter the new year, today I unpack my definition of success, what it means to me, and how I reached it. You'll hear a bit more about my journey; how my over-achieving hustle approach to life made me exhausted and less interesting and how I realized I needed to redefine success when I became aware that my values were changing. I then break down my four-part version of what success looks and feels like to me. I explain what my values are now and how I adjusted my life to be one that is reflective of them. I believe that even just defining success leads to fulfillment so if you want a great start to the new year, tune in for some insight on why you too may need to redefine your definition of success!  Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life  Whillans Book Talk Time Affluence Article Zone of Genius Article  How to Figure Out your Zone Genius Becoming Education, Imagination, and Wellbeing with Darius White The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level  Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristin Turner (Part 1) Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristin Turner (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! 

The festive season and looming end-of-year deadlines can often feel like a mad dash to wrap up everything we hoped to achieve. Instead of rushing this week's episode, I decided to honor my version of success in a healthy, sustainable manner by taking a break and spending the holiday with my family. So, even though we're off this week, I wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation with all of our wonderful listeners. The No Straight Path community has been a beautiful and surprising gift, and I'm so grateful to every single one of you for joining me on this journey. Take care, and I can't wait to connect in 2023! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: 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! 

Ashley Menzies Babatunde joins The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about her legal career and starting The No Straight Path Podcast where she interviews people about the intersection of humanity and career and how they have altered their paths to find more humanity.

When we pay attention to the life that we want to lean into and how to create it, we realize that it's all a bit of a delicate dance. No one knows that better than today's guest, strategic advisor, dancer, and leader, Raha Francis. She shares many pearls of wisdom with us during part two of our conversation, including a deeper look at what it means to embrace a love-based mindset over fear and how to pay attention to yourself and lean into your light. Pulled from her own experience of pivoting between strategic, management consulting, and tiny tech roles, she shares how her current role as a strategic advisor for the Business Development Bank of Canada is aligned with her logical path as well as her internal path. Raha makes time each week to write down her ideas and prioritizes activities that help her to stay moving in the direction of her light. We touch on the delicate dance of practicality and creativity, why Raha is an evangelist for people listening to themselves, and what success means to her. Tune in for an episode packed with powerful wisdom you can implement today. 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! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Raha Francis on LinkedIn Subscribe to Raha's Newsletter Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristen Turner (Part 1) Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristen Turner (Part 2) Business Development Bank of Canada Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

Today on No Straight Path, we are joined by startup entrepreneur, Harvard Law lecturer, and metaverse mogul Memme Onwudiwe. Like many of the esteemed guests on this show, you can certainly call Memme a multi-hyphenate! He serves as Executive Vice President of Legal and Business Intelligence at Evisort, a legal tech AI company that he helped build via the Harvard Innovation Lab while in law school. Memme also teaches a course on innovation and entrepreneurship at Harvard with Evisort CEO Jerry Ting, and if that wasn't enough, he is the co-owner of the African Museum of the Metaverse; one of the first multi-metaverse museums in the world.  Fascinated by legal issues around AI, space technologies, and innovation on the African continent, Memme is a digital nomad with a purpose. Listen in as we discuss why you don't need to get good grades to make valuable contributions to society and Memme offers some insight into his entrepreneurial story, which was set in motion because he was receptive to unconventional opportunities. As always, we touch on some of Memme's pain points and what you can learn from them, as well as why it's critical to make mistakes and take risks earlier rather than later, how even the most niche focus can earn you visibility as you build your business, and much more! Memme's focus on niche topics in legal tech, crypto, and Web3 has earned him notoriety at a young age, and anyone listening is bound to walk away with some valuable insights. So, tune in today! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Memme Onwudiwe Memme Onwudiwe on LinkedIn Evisort African Museum of the Metaverse ‘Africa and the Artemis Records' Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

Welcome to an episode with an attorney and the host of the No Straight Path Podcast, Ashley Menzies Babatunde. The pressure of keeping up with today's competitive world is undeniably haunting. Most people spend a considerable amount of time at work and struggle to maintain their wellness and wellbeing. Many people are unhappy because they try to achieve too many things in life and lose track of the simple things that truly matter. In this episode, we speak about the gravity of maintaining wellness, prioritizing the time for taking care of yourself, finding your purpose, and living a life with a sense of completeness. We discussed how we can create a healthier and happier society while being successful in our careers and life. Ashley Menzies Babatunde was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Ashley is a litigation associate in O'Melveny's Los Angeles office. Her practice focuses on Health Care and White Collar Defense & Corporate Investigations.  Ashley is a storyteller, optimist, professional heart-warmer, and hopeful romantic. She is passionate about the intersection of humanity and career. She has realized that her achievements or her failures do not define her. Instead, she is defined by the human qualities that have allowed her to achieve success and overcome challenges.  Check out Ashley's podcast: 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.  Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Welcome back to No Straight Path. We are very excited to be joined by speaker and strategist, Kristin Turner. Kristin is a self-proclaimed ‘recovering lawyer' whose focus is now on advocating for wellness and social justice. She is also the deputy director of Women Vote! and has a passion for creating more equitable systems in society. Listening in, you'll hear all about Kristin's childhood, her unconventional parents and how they affected her future. She shares how she ended up at Harvard Law School, what derailed her away from her interests in negotiation, and how she figured out that she needed to be her best teammate through the loneliness of leadership. Kristin also shares how she came into her own voice as a leader, the anxiety she experienced after law school, and why she graduated without a job. We look into the importance of trusting your instincts and knowing what is right and wrong for you before discussing why timelines are fake and time is what you make it. Kristin also explains what coming back to yourself means to her and lastly, she tells us what her definition of success is. You don't want to miss out on this one. Be sure to tune in for part two! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Kristin Turner on LinkedIn WOMEN VOTE Project Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path Podcast

The path to each individual's version of success is not a straight one. There are loops and dips and swirls and backtracks. Never once has a journey looked like a steady vertical incline from point A to point B. My guest for this episode has learned to embrace the roller coaster ride towards her successes, but it didn't always come easy. After attending Stanford and Harvard Law School, Ashley Menzies Babatunde had to combat her struggle with perfectionism and defining herself by her accomplishments. After her first big professional failure, she began to question everything. Now, Ashley is on a mission to share the human stories behind the highlights through her podcast No Straight Path.  So in this conversation, we're talking about the nonlinear journey to achieving our dreams, the curse of perfectionism, navigating your winning seasons, and what really defines who we are. Hint: We're more than our career accomplishments. GOAL DIGGER FB COMMUNITY: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goaldiggerpodcast/ GOAL DIGGER INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/goaldiggerpodcast/ GOAL DIGGER SHOWNOTES: jennakutcherblog.com/ashleybabatunde

As an entrepreneur, your career path has probably not been a straight shot. In this episode, Emily is joined by Ashley Menzies Babatunde, host of No Straight Path, live from Inbound 2022 to explore how removing expectations and adopting curiosity can help you embrace your experiences. They also discuss how storytelling can help us combat loneliness, why you should never consider any past experience as a waste, and how your values impact your journey in past, present, and future.Get full shownotes for this episode here >>—Listen to more Being Boss shows on our website, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow Being Boss on Instagram: @beingbossclubJoin the Being Boss Community: beingboss.club/communityAudience survey: https://beingboss.club/surveyAudience survey: https://beingboss.club/survey

As an entrepreneur, your career path has probably not been a straight shot. In this episode, Emily is joined by Ashley Menzies Babatunde, host of No Straight Path, live from Inbound 2022 to explore how removing expectations and adopting curiosity can help you embrace your experiences. They also discuss how storytelling can help us combat loneliness, why you should never consider any past experience as a waste, and how your values impact your journey in past, present, and future.Get full shownotes for this episode here >>—Listen to more Being Boss shows on our website, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow Being Boss on Instagram: @beingbossclubJoin the Being Boss Community: beingboss.club/communityAudience survey: https://beingboss.club/survey— Listen to more Being Boss shows on our website, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow Being Boss on Instagram: @beingbossclubJoin the Being Boss Community: beingboss.club/community

This week, on No Straight Path, we are joined by the Head of Community Development at Ironclad, Alex Su (otherwise known as the LegalTechBro on TikTok), who has been taking the legal content creation world by storm! As a former attorney who now works at the cutting edge of legal technologies, Alex uses humor to make some pretty serious points about what it's like to practice law and highlights some of the biggest issues facing the legal profession, from mental health to overwork, burnout, and more. Alex's journey is not without its unexpected twists and turns and, in today's episode, we dig into a number of No Straight Path topics, including major setbacks, highlights, and lessons learned. You'll discover what drew Alex to the legal profession in the first place, how he realized that he was on the wrong path, and how he uses the lighthearted medium of social media to engage with a typically earnest legal audience. One thing that stands out about this interview is the key role that personal storytelling has played in Alex's success and how you can rethink your definition of success by focusing on doing what you find meaningful. For some valuable (and hilarious) insights from an exceptional leader at the intersection of law, technology, and new media, make sure not to miss today's conversation with Alex Su! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: No Straight Path Podcast Alex Su Alex Su on LinkedIn Alex Su on Twitter Alex Su on TikTok Alex Su on Instagram IronClad Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Stories have the power to unlock so much for us! What if someone shared their story with you, and you no longer felt alone? What if you felt empowered, enthused and inspired?! We need to share our stories more, so that others can learn and be part of a global uplift with us…and that's exactly what this week's guest left her very lucrative career in law to do! Welcome once again Dreamers, to the Do it with Dan Podcast! The place to truly dream with your eyes open. It's time to expand our experience with some more great discussion on the power of the mind in all things. Whether you want to manifest more wealth, emotional abundance or love in your life; this is the podcast for you. This week's guest is the intrepid, accomplished Ashley Menzies Babatunde. She is a storyteller, attorney, optimist, and hopeless romantic. She loves people, babies, food, and champagne. She believes everyone could use a creative outlet. Please share your stories with me over at dreamwithdan.com. Connect with Ashley here: Website: https://www.ashleymenzies.com The No Straight Path Podcast: https://www.ashleymenzies.com/podcast To subscribe to my YouTube channel, please go here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMdAvGk6xa5fptmdULliJrg Want to manifest money now? Play the 'Money Game' to harness the power of micro-shifting to attract abundance immediately. Get your Ebook for $1. Buy NOW. Do you want inevitable & sustainable financial abundance, based on your own unique 'Money DNA'? Watch our brand new webinar Interested in working with Dan 1-2-1? In collaboration with other highly successful experts, he will help you reach financial freedom in 6 months or less: Apply Here *PLEASE RATE US AND SHARE* Join me on: Facebook Instagram Twitter Music Credit: "The Dreamer", Common Timestamps of interest: 01:47 - Ashley Menzies Babatunde, tell us what you do! 05:03 - Making the leap 09:18 - Little Ashley; the bossy dancer 14:10 - Excellence is defined differently 16:30 - The calling that Ashley is answering now 22:00 - A daring child who took calculated risks 24:10 - An individual relationship with the goals you want to achieve 33:35 - Attaching too much self-worth to success 39:30 - Some final thoughts #wellness #health #fitness #healthylifestyle #selfcare #love #motivation #mentalhealth #healthy #lifestyle #yoga #beauty #healing #mindfulness #selflove #nutrition #healthyliving #meditation #wellbeing #workout #skincare #gym #relax #life #weightloss #fitnessmotivation #inspiration #fit #instagood #bhfyp #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare #selflove #love #anxiety #mentalhealthmatters #motivation #depression #health #mindfulness #wellness #healing #fitness #life #loveyourself #inspiration #therapy #happiness #positivity #positivevibes #mindset #quotes #meditation #mentalillness #psychology #wellbeing #instagood #covid #bhfyp

Today is the first official day of my year-long sabbatical from law. I am going to focus my energy on being a full-time podcast creator! So, I thought this would be a good time to share how No Straight Path came to be. The combination of my passion for storytelling, my desire to help other people overcome their feelings of failure, and my mom's encouragement all led me to the point I'm at today and I couldn't be more grateful. I know how it feels to have the weight of a community on your shoulders, how it feels to fail when everyone expects you to succeed, and how it feels to lose all sense of balance. I also know how it feels to overcome setbacks, redefine self-worth, and take control of the journey that is life. In taking this sabbatical, I'm going after what I really want, and I hope you'll join me to see where it goes! Here's to you, mom. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Hubspot Creators How Are You, Really by Jenna Kutcher Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 268, an episode with an attorney and the host of the No Straight Path Podcast, Ashley Menzies Babatunde. The pressure of keeping up with today's competitive world is undeniably haunting. Most people spend a considerable amount of time at work and struggle to maintain their wellness and wellbeing. Many people are unhappy because they try to achieve too many things in life and lose track of the simple things that truly matter. In this episode, we speak about the gravity of maintaining wellness, prioritizing the time for taking care of yourself, finding your purpose, and living a life with a sense of completeness. We discussed how we can create a healthier and happier society while being successful in our careers and life. Ashley Menzies Babatunde was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Ashley is a litigation associate in O'Melveny's Los Angeles office. Her practice focuses on Health Care and White Collar Defense & Corporate Investigations.    Ashley is a storyteller, optimist, professional heart-warmer, and hopeful romantic. She is passionate about the intersection of humanity and career. She has realized that her achievements or her failures do not define her. Instead, she is defined by the human qualities that have allowed her to achieve success and overcome challenges.    Check out Ashley's podcast: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.    Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

When they're not using their athletic powers on the field, NFL players, like today's guest, are finding ways to serve as superheroes for their communities. This week, we are joined by Michael Thomas, a fellow Stanford graduate and one of the NFL Player Association's most active players, both on and off the field, having played with the San Francisco 49ers, the Miami Dolphins, the New York Giants, the Houston Texans, and the Cincinnati Bengals over the course of his decade-long career. Throughout his time with the NFL, Mike has always been an active community member, creating the Big Plays for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, being named NFLPA Community MVP in both 2015 and 2016 for his youth mentorship initiatives, and hosting ‘Camp Mike T' to expose kids to unique opportunities for financial literacy and college prep programs. He also formed part in the NFLPA's 2018 and 2019 Externship classes, during which he worked closely with Representative Sheila Jackson Lee to learn more about the political process on Capitol Hill. Tuning in, you'll gain some insight into the journey behind Mike's many accomplishments and find out how he learned to use his own social justice activism to turn his protest into policy. We also touch on how he struggled academically before he learned to ask for help, the challenges he had to overcome in order to realize his dream of playing in the NFL, and the importance of having faith in yourself, as well as how he earned his reputation as one of the best Special Teams players in the NFL, plus so much more! Today's episode is No Straight Path's version of an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary with Mike Thomas, jam-packed with valuable lessons that you can apply in your own life. Be sure not to miss it (and stay tuned for Part 2)! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Michael Thomas on LinkedIn Michael Thomas on Twitter Michael Thomas Aldine Sports Association Camp Mike T Cincinnati Bengals Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Have you asked yourself: Did I choose the right career? Am I progressing fast enough, quicker than my peers? Is what's happening to me… normal? We've all had the same nagging thoughts regarding our career, so hearing what others have gone through during their career path gives us such a phenomenal perspective and ideas on what we could do –and don't—differently. Joining us for this episode is Ashley Menzies Babatunde, Attorney, Storyteller and host of the podcast “No Straight Path”, who talks to us about the story behind her success and how when she realized that her path wasn't linear anymore, it sent shockwaves to the system.

We're back for another episode of No Straight Path, where there are highs, lows, and lessons learned. Today's is a solo episode where Ashley unpacks the highlights and lessons learned so far, from historic moments regarding the Supreme Court to changing the mindsets that prove detrimental to the well-being of Black women. Ashley shares her personal experiences in the academic world and some of the micro-aggressions that, in hindsight, broke down her confidence and negatively affected her overall wellbeing, a lesson we should all take note of. We end off the podcast with why it's important for you to take note of the things that light you up, so make sure to stay tuned for all this and more! Key Points From This Episode: A clip from Episode 1 that resonated with Ashley, which you can listen to at [0:01:37]. Why Ashley finds it historic to have a Black woman on the Supreme Court. Why compelling Black women to prove that they are worthy to occupy the spaces they enter is detrimental to their wellbeing. Ashley shares a personal story about her academic experience as a Black woman. Lesson: you shouldn't do your work to prove you deserve to be there, you're already there! Another inspiring clip from Michelle Odemwingie in Episode 2 at [0:11:08]. The thing that keeps Ashley up at night: human-centered work.  Why it's important to take note of things that “light you up.” Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Episode 1: Success Is Not a Destination with Michelle Odemwingie Part 1 Episode 2: Success Is Not a Destination with Michelle Odemwingie Part 2

There's a reason why so many people who have had teaching posts via Teach for America describe the experience as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Not only are you solving incredibly complex problems in a classroom filled with students, but you are also operating within a deeply flawed system. For our first episode of No Straight Path, we are delighted to welcome Michelle Odemwingie, CEO of Achievement Network (ANet), to talk about her career journey, and how she discovered her passion for education. In our conversation Michelle reflects on her academic perfectionism from an early age, the anxiety it caused her, and how growing up in a suburban Texas town informed her decision to go to Stanford. We discuss how Michelle discovered her passion for education while at university, and the hugely formative role that Teach for America played in her life. Next, Michelle describes some of her biggest mistakes and successes as a teacher, along with the most important lessons she's learned along the way. She also shares the story of how she became CEO of ANet, some of the feelings of imposter syndrome she experienced, and the critical role that one of her mentors played in opening up a leadership path for her. To learn more about Michelle's journey and how it has shaped her, be sure to tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today's guest Michelle Odemwingie, CEO of Achievement Network. Michelle's Nigerian heritage and the experience of being the daughter of immigrant parents. The important impact that her mother's dyslexia had on Michelle's learning journey. Michelle and Ashley's experiences with academic perfectionism from an early age. Some of the micro and direct aggressions Michelle had to contend with growing up in Texas. Why Michelle decided to go to Stanford, and her positive experience there. How Michelle discovered her passion for education as a career. Michelle's dedication to the idea of education as a great equalizer in America, if the country had the bravery to do it fully. Michelle's first encounter with Teach for America. Why Michelle's experiences as a math teacher in DC were so radically formative. Why working for Teach for America is described by so many people as one of the most challenging, and rewarding, experiences of their lives. Some of Michelle's biggest mistakes and biggest triumphs that she had as a teacher. Why the notion of ‘escaping where you came from' as an aspiration can be so damaging. The exercise where Michelle had students create their own textbooks and the impact it had on their learning and their lives. How Michelle became the CEO of the Achievement Network. Why having a mentor mention you in higher spaces is so impactful. The start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and how Michelle adapted as a leader in education. Michelle's feelings of imposter syndrome and how she finally decided to apply for the job of being CEO thanks to her co-worker and the intervention of her family. Tune in for Part 2 in our next episode! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Michelle Odemwingie on LinkedIn Achievement Network Teach for America Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Having been through a month of intense regular pitches for the accelerator program, Sean talks about adjusting and focusing on the future while keeping in touch with the present. When you meet with 30 to 40 mentors each week, it's hard to stay on top of things. Though he finds the program overwhelming and mind-numbing, he talks about how he's adapting so far. The two discuss the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl and why Sean is stressed by the idea of competitive sports. Discover what keeps them going when the road to success is not a defined, straight path. Key Takeaways: James and Sean discuss the role of the leader and what keeps them on pushing forward.CEOs must take on a future-looking role as well as maintain an eye on the present.It's important to remember why you started this venture and go back to your purpose when you feel unmotivated.Movement, whether it's forward or backward, is the best way to battle monotony and the mundane.Episode Quotes:Being a CEO is Like Being That Spot in the Middle of the HourglassJames [00:05:01]: The way that I imagine a CEO position, I don't know if someone else has also thought of this, but I think of it as an hourglass, right? The CEO, that's why it's so important. Also, extremely difficult, but very, very highly sought after because it is the touchpoint. The most important part of the hourglass it's where the sand goes through. Right? And it makes a difference. It's like the opposite ends, where one part of the hourglass is the investor, the customers, all the other top-line people that you have to deal with. Then, on the other side, for your employees and your actual company. And you have to be able to manage both. That's what makes being a CEO so difficult. It's that you're not actually a boss, you're the boss right in the middle.Why Going Back to Your Purpose MattersSean [00:06:24]: I have to pause because I need to digest what was just said. I think one of the things that really convinced me, at least, is what I want to be doing and why I want to do it. Your job as a CEO is to make sure your people are taken care of. And that's really what I care about. Like, that's why I want to build businesses. I want to be an entrepreneur because I want to solve problems, obviously. But, I want to create an opportunity.The Path to Success is Not Just Forward, It Can Also be BackwardSean [00:17:32]: It reminded me of this image that I don't know, people won't be able to see this, there are these famous images of like the reality of success. It's like how we think straight straight-line perception, the reality, it's just like a bunch of squiggles. But you know what? Even though I've seen this a million times, I never interpreted it as you can be moving backward, and it's still progress. I think that's really insightful realization because obviously, who says forward is the right direction, right? Or the only direction? Moving backward could equally be just as right. Because you might be, I don't know, undoing something that you should be, doing differently.Continuous Movement is the Key to Staying MotivatedJames [00:18:36]: That is the only time when progress isn't happening. If you kind of settled down and don't do anything. Right? But, if you're actually doing something, even if you go to work, and you think that the work that you're going to is very mundane and really boring, or it's getting you nowhere in life, that is still actually movement. You're still going to work, still doing these things. And it's up to you to not settle into that same type of job. It's up to you to look for even just a different angle and how you can make your job mentally interesting. Or you have to apply a hobby that is going to fulfill the mental growth or the physical growth that you need to kind of counterbalance the feeling that you're just stuck at work all the time.Show Links:What You Do Is Who You Are: How to Create Your Business Culture, by Ben HorowitzThe Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers, by Ben HorowitzHow to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Hello and welcome to the first taste of the No Straight Path podcast! This is the show in which Ashley Menzies Babatunde will be exploring the idea of success with special attention given to the areas that we so often gloss over. You can expect to hear interviews with an array of fascinating guests from many different fields and backgrounds, all with the unifying theme of honesty, process, and the hurdles that are common in all of our journeys. We hope that through these conversations, success and achievement can be humanized and that the myths of success can be made more nuanced. So thanks for tuning in, and we hope to see you back here for our first full episode! Key Points From This Episode: Our mission to unpack the process of millennial success.  The kinds of conversations we will be having with guests about challenges and achievements. Hopes for the podcast: inspiration, nuanced perspectives, and more.  Getting to grips with Ashley's 'why'; bringing more honesty into the conversation about success. The letter that Ashley wrote to herself when she was ten!  An example of the adversity and failure that Ashley has encountered along with her many successes. Tweetables: “This podcast aims to humanize success from a millennial perspective.” — Ashley Menzies Babatunde [0:00:16] “No Straight Path aims to delve into the story behind the success, with a closer to real-time approach.” — Ashley Menzies Babatunde [0:00:37] “I will speak with various guests about their definitions of success and how they overcame failure and life's unanticipated challenges.” — Ashley Menzies Babatunde [0:00:55] “Sharing personal stories allows us to connect with one another, inspire each other, and build empathy.” — Ashley Menzies Babatunde [0:03:15] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Harvard University Stanford University

In this episode of SPORTS + LIFE + BALANCE, John Moffet is joined by Craig Hummer, an Emmy-nominated sports broadcaster, author, lifeguard, and former professional ocean Ironman champion. Craig has covered more than 60 sports in his 25-year broadcasting career, has been the host or done play-by-play at 5 Olympic and Paralympic Games, spend five years broadcasting from the Tour de France, and has been the voice of professional bull riding since 2006.Tune in to hear the unlikely story of a kid from Ohio who made his dreams come true in the lad of real-life Baywatch. Follow Craig Hummer on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/craighummer/ Thanks to our episode sponsor, Roka! Use code "SLB" for 20% off your purchase at Roka.https://www.roka.com/

Deepti and I chat through our paths to product and how there's not one singular path to breaking into the field and how varied the role of product management can be. Join our community on Path2Product Subscribe to our

If you're looking for some motivation, this could be it! In our fourth episode, Scott invites industry veteran, Colin Knox - Founder & CEO of Gradient MSP. Colin is a technology innovator, passionate leader, and professional speaker focused on advising entrepreneurs how to grow, expand, and mature their businesses.