We are back with a new season for 2024. It is election season, and the California Primary is Tuesday, March 5th. We have a special guest who is running for office on the show today. Although media coverage often focuses on the political polarization at national level, state and local politics have a direct impact on the lives of Americans. Tune in to hear from a Millennial running for State Assembly, Walter Garcia. Born and raised in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, Walter is the proud son of two Mexican immigrants. Although his family faced economic hardship and adversity, Walter remembers his parents telling him one thing over and over again: — don't give up and help others. Those values have guided him through unparalleled opportunities to serve our country at the local, state, and national levels. Walter candidly shares his story, offers insights on what it’s really like to run for office, and discusses some of the policy issues he aims to office on if elected to office. He also shares lessons that are applicable to any career. Tune in for another insightful and dynamic conversation!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Walter Garcia Walter Garcia on LinkedIn Walter Garcia on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Ashley provides a quick update about what's in store for No Straight Path in 2024. Although it's a quick message, you'll leave it inspired! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Tune into our final episode of this year with Manager of the HubSpot Creators Carly Baker. We cover Carly’s transition from a creative industry to the corporate world and how she let go of one dream and embraced a multi-passionate identity. Carly's passion for the Podcast Industry can be traced back to her roots as a professional musician, where she spent significant time working in and exploring the facets of the audio industry. As an artist and freelancer, her approach to working with Creators is informed by her own experiences in the creator sphere. Currently a Creator Partnerships Manager @ HubSpot, she specializes in inspiring, engaging, and supporting Creators across platforms to achieve their goals and drive business impact. When her headphones aren’t in, you can find Carly deep in the racks at your local vintage establishment & local bookstore.  Carly provides an honest and reflective account of her journey thus far. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Carly Baker Carly Baker on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Tune in today for a dynamic conversation with entrepreneurs Luis and Fonzi Camejo. They are  the dynamic brothers behind BIZBROS and they have spent over seven years mastering the art of content creation that drives opportunities and profit. As online personalities, owners of Studio Podcast Suites and hosts of the top 0.5% global podcast, Content is Profit, which is in the HubSpot Podcast Network, they’re on a mission: to help companies, business owners, and content creators transform their content into value-packed assets that amplify their message, build trust, and create consistent opportunities. Drawing from their experiences with industry giants like HubSpot, Orangetheory, Redbull, Chet Holmes International and more, they’ve developed game-changing frameworks such as the MVC (Minimum Viable Content), The Publishing Pyramid, and their unique M2M Content Ecosystem. These Venezuelan brothers, once on a path to professional soccer, pivoted to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion to support their family back home and make a global impact. But what they cherish most are the invaluable relationships forged through their podcasting journey. The episode covers a number of interesting topics, including the value of relationships, having honest and difficult conversations, community, and much more. Tune in for a fun and thoughtful conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Biz Bros Content is Profit Fonzi Camejo on Instagram Fonzi Camejo on LinkedIn Luis Camejo on Instagram Luis Camejo on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

On this episode of No Straight Path, Ashley interviews civil rights attorney Antonio Ingram. Antonio serves as Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He is a graduate of Yale College and UC Berkeley School of Law. He served as a federal judicial law clerk for the honorable Ivan L. Lemelle in the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans and for Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia. He also completed a Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship in Malawi where he worked for the Malawian government and served in their Anti-Corruption Bureau. Antonio shares his inspiring journey and how he became a civil rights attorney. Ashley and Antonio also delve into a number important topics, including faith, racial justice, authenticity, and joy. Tune into another inspiring episode! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Antonio Ingram Antonio Ingram on LinkedIn NAACP Legal Defense Fund Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

On this episode on of No Straight Path, Ashley interviews the talented actress, singer and producer, Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins. Ashley has appeared on several television series and she starred in the critically acclaimed Netflix Original Series, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE for four seasons.  She is the host of Trials to Triumphs, which is an interview-style show in the Oprah Winfrey Network. Ashley’s personal and professional struggles, along with her gift for relating and connecting to people from all walks of life, allows Ashley and her notable guests to open up about the trials that led to their many triumphs. In these intimate and revealing conversations, Ashley and her guests unpack moments that remained hidden from the public as guests worked to become who they are today. After each episode, listeners will feel inspired and empowered to keep going, no matter where they are in life. Ashley opens up about the trials and triumphs in her life and we delve into the power of storytelling. Tune into another inspiring episode! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins CAA Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins on Instagram Trials to Triumphs Dear White People Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Join us today for our live conversation at Podcast Movement with online business strategist, podcaster and speaker Steph Taylor. She helps business owners build profitable and sustainable online businesses that continue to grow even when they’re offline. She is also the host of Imperfect Action, a podcast where Steph uses her experience of building a million-dollar online business to help listeners as they navigate their journey. She provides mindset advice, actionable marketing tips and strategies to build a business that brings you more profit, more freedom and even more joy. Imperfect Action has over two million listeners, and Steph's work continues to inspire listeners all around the world. We learn all about Steph's inspiring journey as she navigated a number of challenges to build a business she loves. We also talk about her podcasting journey and the purpose behind her work. Tune in for another great story with lots of lessons learned! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Steph Taylor Imperfect Action Podcast Movement Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

On today's episode of No Straight Path, Ashley interviews Henna Pryor, a highly sought after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning 2 time TEDx and global keynote speaker, author, and executive coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She’s known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one.  We cover Henna’s interesting career path and dig into the work she’s doing with her best-selling book, Good Awkward, which was endorsed by NFL Quarterback Russell Wilson, former HBR Editor Karen Dillon, and received the rare Kirkus Star for excellence in writing. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Henna Pryor Good Awkward Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

On this episode of No Straight Path, Ashley shares her reflections on life and career to celebrate her 34th birthday! She shares some of the important lessons she's learned on her journey thus far. She covers mindset, envy, purpose, authenticity, and kindness. Her hope is that these lessons help you as you work to achieve your version of success. This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Thanks for listening!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram HubSpot Podcast Network We the Urban  Glennon Doyle  We Wear the Mask by Paul Lawerence Dunbar  Achievement Network  Michelle Odemwingue  Balanced Black Girl  Kindness Article  Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

On this episode of No Straight Path, Ashley shares her reflections on life and career to celebrate her 34th birthday! She shares some of the important lessons she's learned on her journey thus far. She covers mindset, envy, purpose, authenticity, and kindness. Her hope is that these lessons help you as you work to achieve your version of success. Don’t forget to tune in to part two next week. Thanks for listening!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram HubSpot Podcast Network Growth Mindset Article Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with our special guest for the Halloween Season, author and psychiatrist, Justin Key. He recently published his debut book with HarperCollins called The World Wasn’t Ready For You. In his book, Justin expands and subverts the horror genre to expertly explore issues of race, class, prejudice, love, exclusion, loneliness, and what it means to be a person in the world while revealing the horrifying nature inherent in all of us. Marked by its exceptional imagination and profound emotional impact, it presents a fresh and unforgettable voice in the realm of fiction. He’s been perfecting his voice over the past 14 years, backed by a truly inspiring story. Justin is someone who inspires the idea that multi-hyphenate careers exist and you can follow more than one dream. In this two-part interview, Ashley flips the script and digs deep into the way Justin thinks, the inner workings of his mind (especially related to the horror genre), and how he achieved his wildest dreams. He also shares helpful advice for those pursuing a multi-hyphenate career. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Justin C. Key Justin C. Key on X Justin C. Key on Instagram Justin C. Key on TikTok The World Wasn’t Ready For You Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

This episode of No Straight Path features a special guest for the Halloween Season, author and psychiatrist, Justin Key. He recently published his debut book with HarperCollins called The World Wasn’t Ready For You. In his book, Justin expands and subverts the horror genre to expertly explore issues of race, class, prejudice, love, exclusion, loneliness, and what it means to be a person in the world while revealing the horrifying nature inherent in all of us. Marked by its exceptional imagination and profound emotional impact, it presents a fresh and unforgettable voice in the realm of fiction. He’s been perfecting his voice over the past 14 years, backed by a truly inspiring story. Justin is someone who inspires the idea that multi-hyphenate careers exist and you can follow more than one dream. In this two-part interview, Ashley flips the script and digs deep into the way Justin thinks, the inner workings of his mind (especially related to the horror genre), how he comes up with his fascinating stories, and the story of his unwavering pursuit of a dream. Don’t forget to tune in to part two of Justin’s story, next week. Thanks for listening!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Justin C. Key Justin C. Key on X Justin C. Key on Instagram Justin C. Key on TikTok The World Wasn’t Ready For You Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Switching careers can be a stressful and daunting prospect for anyone who is looking to make a vocational change, but it can also be a source of inspiration and a catalyst for growth and for finding your life’s purpose. Today’s guest, Isaiah Deporto-Plick is no stranger to change, as he’s jumped between various industries to finally land on a path that is truly aligned with his purpose. Aside from holding a BA Degree in political science, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Law, Isaiah is also the Co-Founder of Fuerza Ventures – a firm that provides support to new startup founders of color – and a Legal Counsel at SSM, a woman and minority-owned boutique law firm that offers big-law-quality services. We begin our conversation with a journey through Isaiah’s childhood, including the stroke and subsequent cerebral palsy diagnosis that changed his life from birth. Then, Isaiah explains what he learned from growing up with a chronic disease, an alcoholic father, and a very supportive mother, and how those lessons still apply to his life today. We discuss what gave him the confidence to make multiple career pivots, how his most rewarding career pivot led him to finding his north star, why he’s passionate about helping other people find their true north and everything he’s learned from having to overcome one particular business challenge. If you are nervous about making a pivot and would like to let go of the fear, and if you’re still searching for your north star, then today’s conversation with Isaiah Deporto-Plick is exactly what you need!   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Isaiah Deporto-Plick on LinkedIn Isaiah Deporto-Plick on X  Investing with Isaiah Set Up a Meeting with Isaiah  Fuerza Ventures  SSM Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

What if it only took five seconds of radical courage to change your life? That is the bold idea underpinning Natalie Franke’s new book, Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage. In today’s episode, we continue our thought-provoking conversation with Natalie, a bestselling author, community-builder, neuroscience nerd, and mama bear for small businesses. Join us as we get into the details of her new book by exploring the importance of vulnerability, the power of making mistakes, and how a moment of radical courage can remind you of how extraordinary you truly are. We unpack how sharing your fears can lighten your load, why failing is proof that you’re showing up, and how reframing your relationship with failure has the power to lead you to places that chasing perfection never could. Natalie also shares her advice for anyone looking to be more gutsy in their own lives and provides key insights to help you lean into your courage. Tuning in, you’ll hear her thoughts on how to live according to your core values and find out how to audit your inner circle and fill it with people who aren’t afraid to tell you the truth and hold you accountable. For part two of our riveting conversation with Natalie Franke, press play now! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Learning to Live with Courage with Natalie Franke (Part 1) Natalie Franke Natalie Franke on LinkedIn Natalie Franke on Instagram Natalie Franke on Facebook Natalie Franke on YouTube Natalie Franke on X Independent Business Podcast Flodesk Flodesk on LinkedIn Flodesk on X Rising Tide Society Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community Over Competition Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Review No Straight Path on Apple Podcasts Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Joining us today is Natalie Franke, a best-selling author, community builder, neuroscience nerd, and mama bear for small businesses. She founded The Rising Tide Society (a game-changer in community building for entrepreneurs), which was acquired by HoneyBook in 2015. Now, at Flodesk, she continues to empower entrepreneurs globally. Her latest publication, Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage, is a remarkable book that motivates readers to embrace their inner courage. For the first part of our conversation with Natalie, we learn about her entrepreneurial journey, from her ambitious side hustle as a wedding photographer in college to the deep loneliness she felt when she lost that sense of community. She shares how she established The Rising Tide Society as a space where entrepreneurs and small business owners could foster belonging and why she continues to be a fierce advocate for small business owners and healthy competition. Natalie also opens up about what it was like being diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. She shares what the experience taught her about vulnerability and courage, from the risks it posed to her eyesight and fertility to the unexpected reciprocity she experienced when she decided to be honest with her community. There is so much wisdom to be gained from today’s conversation. Be sure to listen in for all of Natalie’s inspiring insights on vulnerability, community, and courage, and join us next time for part two! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Natalie Franke Natalie Franke on LinkedIn Natalie Franke on Instagram Natalie Franke on Facebook Natalie Franke on YouTube Natalie Franke on X Independent Business Podcast Flodesk Flodesk on LinkedIn Flodesk on X Rising Tide Society HoneyBook Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold Brave + Boundless Courage Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community Over Competition Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Our guest today is Sarah Chen-Spellings, an award-winning entrepreneur and investor. She co-founded Beyond The Billion, a global consortium of over 100 venture funds and investors committed to investing over $1 billion in women-founded companies. Sarah's extensive experience includes corporate venture capital within a $13 billion conglomerate, cross-border investments, and leadership roles in organizations like 131 & Counting and Lean In Malaysia, where she accelerates women into leadership roles and promotes women's participation in politics. In our conversation today, we delve into Sarah's remarkable journey, which began at the age of nine when she became a national TV host, setting the stage for an inspiring life trajectory. Her innate ability to rise to the occasion is evident as she opens up about her father's passing, a pivotal moment that led her to step into the family business at the tender age of 21 while navigating the depths of grief. Sarah draws inspiration from her emotions and grief, channeling them into her career. She also shares how she accidentally became a feminist, ultimately sparking her deep passion to see a rise in women in leadership roles. Sarah highlights how two recurring themes, venture capital and women in leadership, spurred the founding of the Beyond the Billion fund. To hear more about the barriers holding women back from leadership positions and an encouraging word from Sarah, be sure not to miss out on this episode.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sarah Chen-Spellings Sarah Chen-Spellings on LinkedIn Sarah Chen-Spellings on X Sarah Chen-Spellings on Instagram Billion Dollar Moves I Carry Your Heart with Me by E.E. Cummings Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

It’s possible to work in social impact without truly moving the needle on the most pressing issues. But there are plenty of organizations that want to do more than add immediate value. These are the foundations, non-profits, and governments that DC Design serves. During Part 2 of our conversation with Founder and CEO Durell Coleman, we discuss the three primary methods DC Design employs to support those seeking to create change. Durell reveals the thinking process behind choosing to create a business rather than operating as a non-profit and talks about balancing family life and work. We also explore the challenge of giving the appropriate value to the opinions of others as you build relationships and further your career. Lastly, Durell shares some powerful advice for young entrepreneurs, reminding listeners that you can live your life as fully as you can dream of doing so. He then shares some practical advice on how to establish what you are most excited about doing. Don’t miss the second part of our discussion with this inspiring leader!

Durell Coleman founded DC Design with the goal of addressing some of America’s most pressing social challenges through the design thinking process. He has since collaborated with global non-profits, large tech companies, and small businesses to fight against homelessness, mass incarceration, economic inequality, Black infant mortality and more. In part one of our two-part conversation, we explore Durell’s upbringing, which laid the foundation for his passion for creating change. Next, we discuss his mission to eliminate multi-generational poverty by truly listening to what people need and how the humanity he sees in people motivates him to advocate for them. He is a two-time alumnus of Stanford University and its Institute of Design (the Stanford d.school). He is an expert in multi-stakeholder, human-centered design; has been awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service as a result of his work; and is one of the subjects of the PBS documentary: “Extreme by Design,” which is used as a design thinking teaching aid all over the world. Don’t miss the chance to hear key insights from Durell’s journey that are sure to inspire you on your own!

There is no doubt about it: life is full of challenges that come in all different shapes and sizes. But when we approach those challenges with a joyful attitude and an open mind, the possibilities of cultivating prosperity (in every sense of the word) are endless. Les Alfred is the founder of the online wellness community and podcast, Balanced Black Girl. Her mission is to help others create nourishing habits that help them create necessary space to live their best lives. Since launching in 2018, Balanced Black Girl has garnered over 7 million downloads, has over 1,500 5-star reviews, and has been featured by Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  From a young age, Les was drawn to storytelling, which, combined with her personal experience of the transformative power of taking health and wellbeing seriously, is what inspired her to found a platform that focuses on sharing stories around mind-body health, habits, financial wellness, and self-care. In the style of a natural-born storyteller, Les candidly shares some of the key moments in her life that have shaped her into the person she is today, how she stays inspired and leans into joy, the value of meeting yourself where you are, why you shouldn’t spend too much time overthinking your ideas, and a whole lot more wisdom! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Les Alfred on Instagram Les on Tik Tok Balanced Black Girl Balanced Black Girl on X Balanced Black Girl on Instagram Balanced Black Girl on YouTube Balanced Black Girl Podcast Episode 192 of the Balanced Black Girl Podcast Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

In the fast-paced society we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to succeed. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to achieve success, the way you approach it can either have a very positive or very negative impact on your health and happiness. As someone who knows all too well what it feels like to overwork, I’ve come up with five strategies that have helped me find more joy, inner peace, and excitement about all aspects of my life, all of which I share with you in this episode. If you’re listening to this podcast, you probably place a high amount of value on achievement, so I really hope that you walk away from this feeling inspired to find work that you feel intrinsically motivated to do, stop setting unrealistic timelines, and celebrate the little wins!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Podcast Movement Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation: What’s the Difference?  The Good Enough Job The Enneagram Personality Test Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network August Break Episodes: Creative Journeys Battling Inner Voices and External Pressure with Carl Tart Following your Joy, Passion & Purpose with Desta Tedros Reff  Reclaiming Autonomy and Growing Joy with Maria Failla  Corporate Journeys Building Safer, More Equitable Workplaces with Lexi B. Redefining Success with Ashley Menzies Babatunde Reflections on Resilience & Social Impact with Jessica Salinas Entrepreneurship Upscaling your Business & Life with Scott D. Clary Curiosity, Failure, and Loving the Process with Dileep Thazhmon  A Sustainable Approach to Building a Business with Laurelyn Harrig  Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Millennials are the largest generation in the workforce and they are moving into leadership positions across sectors. They possess the ability to navigate swiftly through changing circumstances, empathize with others, drive purposeful endeavors, and cultivate a culture of ongoing development. Today's guest, Kaylin Cotton, is a Los Angeles native dedicated to creative leadership strategies and pushing organizations forward with inclusive and equitable sensitivities. She has managed retail locations for Fortune 500 companies, led teams in retail and entertainment, and embraced millennial leadership. In the entertainment industry, she built brand guidelines and employed DEI communication strategies. Now, she manages HOORAE, Issa Rae’s dynamic media company known for pushing boundaries and making waves in entertainment. In our conversation, we uncover Kaylin's remarkable journey, exploring the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the strategies she employed to shape the future of creative leadership in an ever-evolving landscape. She opens up about her upbringing, the values her parents instilled in her, and her relentless over-achieving drive. We discuss how she developed her passion for leadership and how she was able to pivot her career from retail to entertainment. We also delve into her perspective on leadership, the qualities that make a good leader, and what she learned on her leadership journey. Kaylin also shares her self-care routine, advice for aspiring leaders, and how she continues to be curious. Get ready to be inspired as we dive deep into the life and career of this remarkable trailblazer. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Kaylin Cotton on LinkedIn Kaylin Cotton on Twitter Kaylin Cotton on Instagram HOORAE Media Issa Rae Shondaland The Gathering Spot Millennial Leadership Article Generational Differences in the Workplace Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

As we continue with the second part of our conversation with Ian Bentley, the Co-Founder, and CEO of Parker Clay, we delve deeper into his journey and the social enterprise work he and his wife Brittany are undertaking. You’ll hear more about Ian’s non-traditional career path and the family's decision to move back to the USA. Ian explains the concept of investing in relation to community, highlighting their unique funding effort through a Regulation A+ and crowdfunding campaign. He reflects on the personal growth he and his family experienced during their time in Ethiopia and the lessons learned about leadership, listening, and introspection. The episode concludes with Ian's heartfelt reminder to be kind to oneself. Tune in for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion that is sure to resonate with anyone who is looking to make a difference in the world. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ian Bentley  Parker Clay  Invest in Parker Clay  Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Continuing in our entrepreneurship theme, today we speak with Ian Bentley, the co-founder, and CEO of Parker Clay. This brand showcases exceptional Ethiopian leather and craftsmanship while creating meaningful job opportunities for at-risk women in Ethiopia. Ian, driven by his business development background and desire for change, founded the company with his wife Brittany after adopting their daughter from Ethiopia. Parker Clay has since expanded to over 200 employees (80% women), between their office, warehouse, and flagship store in Santa Barbara, California, and their factory and leadership team in Ethiopia. In this episode, Ian shares his personal journey from growing up in LA to meeting his wife and starting the company together. He discusses the challenges faced by women in Ethiopia and the family’s decision to move there to address these issues. The episode also explores topics such as conscious consumerism and what being a B Corp entails. Ian shares insights on balancing business growth with the company's mission and values and his views on failure versus learning. Join us for an insightful discussion on creating a better future with Ian Bentley through sustainable and ethical practices. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ian Bentley  Parker Clay  Parker Clay Investor Campaign Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are issues of great concern across corporate America. Thankfully, we are witnessing a drive toward improving DEI in the workplace at a systemic level, and today’s guest is one of the frontrunners of this cause! Mandy Price is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kanarys, Inc., a technology company that is focused on using data analytics to provide the tools that organizations need to create long-term, systemic change around DEIB challenges.  Mandy grew up in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, and the segregation that she witnessed in her community (including the ‘white flight’ mass exodus of Caucasian people from her suburb) ignited a fire within her for creating a better life for all across all environments. Her parents ensured that Mandy always knew who she was and understood the world that she lived in, and her interest in the civil rights movement formed the basis of what would become a stellar career in improving the lives of many others.  In our conversation, we learn of the values that were instilled in Mandy as a child and how they serve her in her work today, why she chose to study law and how this decision aligned with her life’s interests, how she made the pivot from law to DEIB, and why she’s dead-set on creating a better future for her children. Then, we dive deeper into Kanarys by discussing how Mandy roped in her Co-Founder (who is also her husband), how they funded their venture, the challenges she’s experienced as an entrepreneur, and why Black and Latino women founders are pushed to the back of the line when it comes to raising venture capital. To find out how Mandy finds peace in her chaotic work-life balance and to understand why she insists that we should all give ourselves more grace, tune in now!   Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Mandy Price on LinkedIn  Kanarys, Inc.  Kanarys, Inc. on Instagram Kanarys, Inc. on Twitter  Spiraling Up: The Journey to Become a Unicorn | ‘Ep 2: Kanarys’  Texas Civil Rights Project Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Launching an all-in-one corporate spend and expense management platform for businesses and global markets is no easy feat, especially when you are a newcomer to the Fintech industry. But innovation can come from the unlikeliest places, and sometimes your outsider status can be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. Today on the show, we welcome Dileep Thazhmon, CEO and Founder of Jeeves, a Y Combinator company providing financial infrastructure for global startups, covering regions as diverse as Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the UK, Europe, and more. When Dileep first started Jeeves, he did not have extensive experience in the Fintech space. But he did have experience in starting — and running — an international company. And it was during that process that he recognized a problem that needed solving. In our conversation with Dileep, we talk about his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of failure, and why so many entrepreneurs start a company based on a problem they’ve experienced (and that they are passionate about fixing). He describes how lessons from his upbringing connect to his company today and how his lifelong curiosity has been integral to his journey as an entrepreneur. Dileep also reflects on why you need to love the process of building (not just attaining a successful outcome), the advantages you have as a small company, and his advice to listeners looking to pursue a non-traditional career path. Today’s conversation is both comprehensive and candid and will leave you with a lot to think about. For a firsthand account of Dileep’s fascinating journey and the many lessons he learned from it, be sure to tune in today! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dileep Thazhmon on LinkedIn Dileep Thazhmon on Twitter Jeeves Spiraling Up Y Combinator Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Every entrepreneur has a different origin story. For some, it’s a natural progression within their career, where they were always going to set out on their own, while others have dreamed of doing it their entire life and just needed the right opportunity. And for another set of people, it happens almost as if by accident. I never set out to become an entrepreneur, and in the beginning, it felt a bit odd calling myself that. My goal had simply been to make people feel seen and heard. But somewhere along the way, I found myself embarking upon my own entrepreneurial path and changing in ways I could never have predicted! Today’s episode is all about taking a step back and reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned on my accidental entrepreneurship journey, like how entrepreneurship can help you step into a better version of yourself and teach you how to give yourself grace. You’ll hear me unpack the benefits of starting your entrepreneurial endeavor as a side hustle, why you can’t understand the amount of work it takes until you’re doing it, and how listening to open and honest interviews with other entrepreneurs can help you feel less alone. I also reflect on the entrepreneurial endeavors of both my mother and grandmother and the role this has played in my own journey, before providing a timely reminder that no one achieves success in business without help from others. Join me for a retrospective of my journey into entrepreneurship, the lessons I’ve learned, and what you can expect from this podcast in the coming months! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sign up for Ashley's Newsletter Lessons Learned After One Year of Podcasting with Ashley Menzies Babatunde The Pivot with Ashley Menzies Babatunde (Part 1) The Pivot with Ashley Menzies Babatunde (Part 2) Guyana Medical Relief A Side Hustle is a Form of Self Love with Sterling Smith Finding Alignment with Your Values with Jordana Confino What Success Feels Like with Jenna Kutcher The Goal Digger Podcast Side Hustle Pro Black Freelancer Upscaling Your Business & Life with Scott D. Clary Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Welcome to part two of our interview with Tola Sunmonu-Balogun. If you haven’t listened to part one already where we discussed her childhood, the loss of her mother, her podcast, how she finds balance, and so much more, go do so now! In this episode, we take a deep dive into her career, neutralizing her ego and separating herself from external accolades, developing boundaries at work, hating consulting and ultimately growing to love it, and so much more! Tola shares the importance of working with enthusiasm, why she feels anxious about work, and how she overcomes those feelings. Our incredible guest even shares who she really is with us before describing how her imposter syndrome shows up and how she plans on healing that part of her. Finally, Tola tells us how she is trying to figure out what her purpose is and why not knowing doesn’t scare her. This thoughtful, honest, raw conversation is one of a kind and you don’t want to miss out on it so tune in to hear from Tola and to be reminded to be kind to yourself! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on LinkedIn Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on Twitter Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on Instagram Return to Self Podcast Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Today’s guest is the perfect example of someone whose path has had its twists and turns, even though it seemed linear. And her story, although more conventional than that of our usual guests, is just as important to be told. Tola Sunmonu-Balogun is an associate partner at a top consulting firm in Nigeria, and she is here with us to discuss her journey to living a more authentic, peaceful, and fulfilled life. We hear about her adventurous childhood as an extrovert with a focus on being her absolute best, her ‘life with no borders’, how those things informed who she is today, losing her mother, her podcast, Return to Self, and what made her want to begin the journey of rediscovering her identity. Tola shares the lessons she learned from her mother. Our guest even shares the unconventional way she balances her high-pressure career with the rest of her life, her motherhood journey, and the love unlocked in her from having children. This episode is incredibly relatable and beautiful so press play now and stay tuned for part two! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on LinkedIn Tola Sunmonu-Balogun on Instagram Return to Self Podcast A New Earth Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network [Trigger Warning for Sexual Harassment story: 30:00-33:00] Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

If you have a business and you want to reach a wider audience, or if you are looking for a creative outlet, or if you want to connect with like-minded people on a topic you feel passionately about, I highly recommend starting a podcast! Podcasting has changed my life for the better in so many ways, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. In this episode, I share the tools and resources that will help make your experience of starting a podcast as smooth as possible!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Affiliate Link for We Edit Podcasts HubSpot Podcast Network Affiliate Link for Riverside.fm Shure  Blue Yeti Beats by Dre Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Particularly in American culture, productivity is seen as a measure of moral good, and subsequently, many people define their identity by the work they do. Simone Stolzoff is trying to turn this way of thinking on its head. Simone is an author, designer, and workplace expert from San Francisco. Through his book, The Good Enough Job, Simone promotes the idea of separating self-worth from output and treating work more transactionally. One of the central questions that Simone explores in the book is, “How do we pursue meaningful work without letting what we do for work subsume who we are?” In this episode, Simone shares the journey that led him to write the book, examples of how you can redefine your identity as more than just the job you have, and his vision for the future of work. This is the book I wish I had written, and I hope it changes your life as much as it has changed mine! ​ The Good Enough Job Simone Stolzoff Simone Stolzoff on Instagram Simone Stolzoff on LinkedIn Simone Stolzoff on Twitter Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

Drawing on insights from a handful of past guests, this throwback episode outlines five powerful tips for career and life as your host, Ashley Menzies Babatunde shared. Tune in to get inspired by advice rooted in real-life experience. Hear how understanding that things are often grey can help you adopt a growth mindset and even find more success in your career. Learn why freedom and work simply don’t co-exist and how making that distinction can enrich your life. This episode also explores the need to fundraise and appeal to donors and why you should accomplish the goals you want to achieve rather than focusing on what others expect of you. Tune in today to hear all this and more! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 33 Lessons for 33 Years of Life  Finding Fulfillment with Sabreena Merchant  You Can’t Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part I  You Can't Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part II  Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristin Turner (Part 1)  Becoming Your Best Teammate with Kristin Turner (Part 2)  Pursue Your Dreams with Mike Thomas (Part 1) Pursue Your Dreams with Mike Thomas (Part 2)  Picking the Destination, but not the Journey with Dawn Dickson  Success Is Not a Destination with Michelle Odemwingie Part 1  Success Is Not a Destination with Michelle Odemwingie Part 2 Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Today we have a special conversation in honor of Mother's Day! Ashley sits down with her four aunties to talk about motherhood, family dynamics, their reflections on raising kids, leading with love, and so much more. We get to hear a little about each of the guests and their families and personalities before diving into some insightful questions and answers on learning from moments of loss, the power of maintaining faith, how being an aunty differs from being a mother, and some funny memories of their children! In such a close-knit family, there is a real sense of togetherness to go along with life's inevitable challenges, and Ashley's aunties talk about their experiences facing mom guilt, making time for self-care, and embracing new societal norms. Ashley also talks about the impactful conversations she had with her mother about acceptance and non-judgment, with her aunties weighing in with some beautifully succinct advice for the next generation of mothers! Join us to hear it all. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Fatherhood & Career with the Menzies Brothers Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Today, we are joined by Maria Failla to hear about her journey from Broadway to becoming a professional podcaster in the gardening space. Maria hosts the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast, which is the top Home & Garden podcast about houseplants and gardening in the world, and is the author of the book Growing Joy: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants). Maria is evidently a natural-born leader and performer and she is dedicated to using her voice to help people cultivate joy in their lives through plant care. In this episode, we hear her astounding life story of achieving her lifelong dream, recognizing the toll it was taking on her sense of self-worth, and marching forth to reclaim her autonomy and sense of intuition. We learn about her pivot to the podcast and how it transformed her from plant killer to plant lady. Maria also opens up about how the pandemic steered her in a drastically new direction and shares the “exquisitely painful” process of writing her book. Tune in to discover how Maria released her plans and turned to nature to regulate her nervous system and find greater joy than ever before! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Maria Failla on Instagram Maria Failla on TikTok Growing Joy with Plants Podcast Growing Joy: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) Growing Joy Garden Society Community App free trial Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

The evolution of AI will change our lives for good and bad, but today we’re focusing on the positive. We are joined by attorney-turned-entrepreneur Jack Xu to discuss the intersection between law and coding. Jack Xu holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BS in computer science and AI from the University of British Columbia and after working as a patent attorney specializing in intellectual property, he set out to found PatentPal. In this episode, Jack shares insight into patent applications and explains how PatentPal uses generative AI to automate patent drafting. We learn about how his business-centric family culture informed him, as well as the role video games played in his language assimilation as a child. We discuss the way that technology is evolving, touching on the fundamental shift in people’s opinions of AI. Tune in to discover more about Jack’s remarkable entrepreneurial story from his pivot from legal practice to startup founder to the lessons he learned along the way, and hear his advice for others looking to start something seemingly left-field. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jack Xu on LinkedIn PatentPal Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Growing up, most of us will remember being asked what we want to be when we grow up, rather than who we want to be, conditioning us to base our identity on what we do rather than who we truly are and what we value. But focusing solely on achievement and prestige can lead you down a path of isolation that ultimately doesn't provide you with any of the happiness and satisfaction you thought it would. This was the position that today’s guest, Jordana Confino, found herself in. She had spent years tenaciously pursuing a prestigious law career, earning awards, and excelling at elite institutions, all while wrestling with intensifying feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and unhappiness. It was only once she decided to pursue therapy that she realized what her true values were and that she was living and working in direct opposition to them. This prompted her to learn everything she could about the principles of positive psychology and human motivation theory which she has used to transform her life and bring her career and personal life into alignment with her values.  In our conversation, Jordana reflects on her journey of self-discovery, the lessons she has learned along the way, and why she still feels she has a long way to go. She describes the challenging moments that propelled her to become an overachiever, why she felt a need to exert control over whatever she could, and how she realized that none of the achievements she was chasing would ever make her feel worthy enough. Our conversation also delves into what it means to cultivate feelings of self-worth and how you can improve your relationship with yourself before providing a gentle reminder that none of this can be attained overnight. Jordana has walked an incredible path and continues to do so. As a law school dean and life coach, she is embodying her values of love, connection, and authenticity by helping others find alignment, flourish, and get out of their own way so they can live the life that they want — not the one that they think they should! No Straight Path's One-Year Anniversary We are celebrating one year of meaningful content, connection, and storytelling. If the No Straight Path Podcast has added value to your life, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter here. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jordana Confino Coaching Jordana Confino on LinkedIn Adam Grant Jenna Kutcher No Straight Path Podcast: What Success Feels Like with Jenna Kutcher Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Today, we have another inspiring episode about an athlete pivoting to a different world. Jelani Jenkins, a five-year NFL vet and certified mental performance coach, joins us to tell his story. In response to his challenges after leaving the NFL, Jelani founded Postseason, an app facilitating athletes’ journeys to growth, success, and fulfillment beyond sport. During today’s conversation, Jelani shares some of the blockages he overcame and how he works to help other athletes in a similar space do the same. We touch on defining and measuring success and explore the connections between Postseason and Jelani’s journey out of sports—identity challenges, community, and eliminating isolation through a platform made by athletes, for athletes. Jelani also shares advice for those transitioning from one career into another and for tech CEOs, all with a basis of embracing fear, tapping into the power of the mind and focusing on goals. Jelani weighs in on parenting, marriage, and maximizing the time you have, and much more during today’s incredibly rich conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jelani Jenkins on LinkedIn Jelani Jenkins on Instagram Jelani Jenkins on Twitter Postseason Can’t Hurt Me  "You Can’t Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part I" "You Can’t Lie to Yourself with Spencer Paysinger Part II" The No Straight Path Podcast Kickstarter Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you! 

Desta Tedros Reff is a remarkable writer and director who has written for shows like Sorry for Your Loss, The Last Tycoon, The Purge, and Grand Hotel, and currently serves as an Executive Producer on the popular Amazon television reboot of A League of Their Own. Growing up as a Black, queer woman in the rural Midwest, Desta used writing as a tool to help her process her otherness and her passion for filmmaking revealed itself to her one summer when she found her grandparents’ video camera. Yet, she didn’t consider entertainment a viable career option until after she had graduated from Harvard Law School, turned down a prestigious position in the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau in favor of the Harvard Law School Documentary Studio that she co-founded, and spent several years in the Mississippi Delta working as a social justice advocate. All of this had an important influence on the way that Desta approaches storytelling and her dedication to bringing marginalized perspectives into the mainstream through authentic portrayals of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters. In this episode of No Straight Path, Desta shares the human story behind her success as we delve into what it looks like to intentionally follow your joy and purpose and the challenging emotional work that goes into being a minority in the entertainment industry. We also touch on the importance of pausing to take care of yourself, Desta’s advice for choosing a creative path over the one that guarantees your success, and so much more. For an inside look at what it means to forge your own path and find the courage to put a unique piece of yourself out into the world, tune in today! No Straight Path's One-Year 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: 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.  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: 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!  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: 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! 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: 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! 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: 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! 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: 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. She is the Chief Investment Officer at New Media Ventures where she is responsible for developing the investment strategy, cultivating early-stage deal flow and portfolio management, building mission-driven partnerships, and leading the growth and direction of the investment team. Previously, she was a partner at an impact fund moving the world towards zero poverty, zero disease and zero pollution. Jessica was also the founding Social Impact Lead at Headspace and the founding Director of the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Education Program. 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! 

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

Raha Francis is a writer and strategic advisor for entrepreneurs who has navigated several career pivots by paying attention to what makes her come alive. In her thoughtful newsletter, she writes about self-compassion, tapping into your inner child, and achieving a life well-lived by engaging in work and activities that help you come alive. Her career has encompassed working in intellectual and property law in New York City, moving into a management consulting role, and working in Canadian retail strategy and tiny tech startups. Today, she lives in Vancouver and works as a strategic advisor at the Business Development Bank of Canada where she focuses on empowering entrepreneurs. Starting our conversation, Raha shares why she marvels at her childhood and the combination of fear-based and love-based experiences that characterize it. We dive into what motivated her to pursue her studies at Harvard Law, and what the first ten years of her career were like before she questioned her ‘why’. Raha goes on to share what it meant for her to create a space where she could find the answers that mattered to her, and much more. This is a two-part episode series pulled from the archives and recorded more than nine months ago. Our hope is always that you leave the conversation inspired, motivated, and excited about your journey. We have no doubt that today’s episode will do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in!  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: Ashley’s Newsletter Sign-up Doc Raha’s Newsletter Raha Francis on LinkedIn Business Development Bank of Canada Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

They say love rules the world. Today’s episode is dedicated to our host’s grandmother, who’s birthday is on December 10. This episode honors Grandma Eula’s legacy, who was truly a woman ahead of her time. She questioned societal norms. She traveled. She went to church and marched in the streets for LGBTQ rights. She was disheartened by societal inequality, and she founded an organization to fight it. She shared her reflections with Ashley in 2019, and we are honoring her memory by sharing some of her words of wisdom. We kick off our conversation with Grandma Eula’s ‘Double Jeopardy’ story which illustrates her contagious sense of bravery. Hear about her personal values around family and giving back, climate change, and how we allow religion to affect ourselves and others. Grandma Eula provides her thoughts on politics and the importance of serving others. She also shares her views on music, criticism, happiness, and jokes. Join us to hear some valuable wisdom from Grandma Eula’s remarkable life 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: Guyana Medical Relief Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Inspire Family History 5 Benefits of Knowing Your Family History

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! 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: 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

There is so much stigma around failure in our society. Today’s guest is on a mission to change how we think about it. Paola Soares is the host and creator of the Top 50 Apple Podcast in entrepreneurship, But First, She Failed. She is here today to share her inspiring story of navigating job loss, finding clarity, and working towards the life of her dreams. She is a former journalist whose favorite news stories were always profile pieces that helped and inspired. Today, she is taking her passion for storytelling to help women to redefine failure, while gaining clarity and confidence in their careers and businesses. We explore the impact of growing up in a diverse environment on your social skills and navigating the blow of being fired. You’ll hear Paola’s take on forgiveness, honoring our feelings, and moving forward, along with searching your soul to take the necessary action towards living in alignment with your values. She shares what motivated her to change her life, what she recommends to listeners looking to create a life filled with passion and purpose, and how she finds time for wellness while leading a very full life. In closing, she reminds listeners not to let their spark go out by staying in places where they don’t belong. Thanks for tuning in to hear from today’s inspiring guest!  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: Paola Soares Paola Soares on Instagram But First, She Failed Why Millennials Might Have a Harder Time Overcoming Setbacks in their Career The Goal Digger Podcast Jenna Kutcher  Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

A high school teacher by profession, Darius White is also a creative problem-solver, first-generation Stanford graduate, “what if” asker, and consultant on issues of equity and inclusion for our classrooms and professional workspaces. As a writing advisor, Darius has a gift for helping others tell their stories. He also serves as a board member for the San Francisco Education Fund, which supports students, their families, and the local public school system. In this episode, we have a fascinating conversation about Darius’ unconventional career choice, the impact that his grandmother had on him growing up, and his definition of success. We also dig into some important topics, including the state of our education system in the US and how we can better support our teachers, starting with giving them a voice. Thankfully, Darius is using his voice to effect change, and he uses his classroom and social media platforms to invite activists, advocates, allies, and educators into radical collaboration, inclusion, and liberation work. As you’ll come to learn, Darius has found a way to not only have an impact and pursue his creative work but also employ his financial literacy skills to maintain financial security. His unique, mission-driven path will resonate with anyone listening, not just those in the education space, so make sure to tune in today to learn more! 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: Darius White on LinkedIn Darius White on Instagram The Other English Teacher Just Black Thoughts Just Black Thoughts on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network

I like to use my birthday month as a time for gathering, celebration, and reflection, and this year I wrote a blog post about some of my reflections over the past 33 years of life. Today on the podcast, I want to share some of these insights with you because I believe they will help you navigate your no-straight-path journeys. As I discuss these five tips, I give examples of how they have played out in my life and in the lives of many of the guests we’ve had on this show. Tuning in you’ll hear about what I learned about trusting myself with my own life from Kristin Turner and how this relates to Mike Thomas’s “No Excuses” approach. I explain how understanding that things are not black and white will help you achieve an abundance and a growth mindset. I also talk about how we should navigate the fact that freedom and work rarely coexist, why it’s so important to balance hard work and rest, and why you should accomplish the goals you want to achieve (with an emphasis on ‘you’). For all this and more, tune in 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: 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 No Straight Path Podcast

Does the definition of success change as you grow older and experience more? Well, here to discuss just that and how she became mentally tough, is Ros Gold-Onwude. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to tune into part one of this conversation where we discussed how Ros’ family life shaped who she is today, her time as a basketball player, the lessons she learned, and what led her to sports broadcasting. We discuss Ros’ family’s reaction to her chasing broadcasting, how she handled the guilt surrounding potentially selfish life decisions, and what Ros is grateful for. She talks us through some of the highlights of her career including reporting at the Olympics, before telling us why the journey is way more important than the result. We also talk about the challenges Ros faced during the pandemic, how she always tries to move with grace, why she needed to separate identity from her career, and what her definition of success is. Finally, Ros leaves us with some advice about trying your best not to compare and giving yourself grace. Thank you for listening! 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: Ros Gold-Onwude on LinkedIn Ros Gold-Onwude on Twitter Ros Gold-Onwude on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path Podcast

You can develop mental toughness by working on life skills and pushing through hardships! This week is Ashley’s birthday week and in this episode, we are celebrating friendship, progression, and our journey! Joining us today is the accomplished ESPN sports broadcaster, Ros Gold-Onwude, to tell us how she stepped into her gift. Ros is also a basketball player, mentor for young women, advocate for mental health, and crypto-nerd who aims to use that space to create life-changing opportunities for minorities! You’ll hear all about Ros’ background, her incredibly strong mother, how she got onto her current career path, the difficulties and benefits of being a student-athlete, the life lessons we learned from sports, and how she overcame adversity. We also discuss how we inspire each other as friends and how Ros became mentally tough. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation and stay tuned for part two! 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: Ros Gold-Onwude on LinkedIn Ros Gold-Onwude on Twitter Ros Gold-Onwude on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path Podcast

Sales may often be associated with highly outgoing and extroverted personality types, but today's guest has a slightly different story to tell. Growing up shy and introverted, Jason Bay, probably never envisioned himself starting a career and company based on cold outreach and customer conversations, and in this episode, we hear from him about how he accidentally fell into the sales field, and adapted his listening skills into a sales superpower. Jason is the Founder and CEO of Outbound Squad, whose mission is to help sales teams turn complete strangers into paying customers. In our chat with Jason, we get to chart the most important moments in his life and career thus far, from early jobs and childhood memories, to the events leading up to the founding of the company. Our guest shares some of the biggest challenges he has faced, how he uses his values to make big decisions, what it took to be courageous enough to start a business, and some great pieces of practical advice for the personal and professional sides of life. So if you want to hear it all from a young and inspiring business owner, making moves in a quickly evolving and constantly important field, press play now! 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: Jason Bay on LinkedIn Outbound Squad Virtual Talk with Jordana Confino Jordana Confino on LinkedIn Anthony Iannarino  Emily Thompson Smart Couples Finish Rich Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path Podcast

Welcome to part two of our conversation with wellness speaker and strategist, Kristin Turner! Don’t forget to listen to part one, where we learned about Kristin’s career, her fellowship at Harvard, and her thoughtful definition of success. Tuning in today, you’ll find out how Kristin made decisions in her career that aligned with who she is, how her sabbatical led her to where she is now, and why she doesn’t necessarily know what her ideal service is to the world, as well as when she felt happiest in her career and what inspired her dip into politics. We discuss how perspective helps you see what you’re capable of doing, even if you don’t believe you are, and the importance of contributing to building a world you won’t get to see. Kristin shares her take on why poverty is an issue that she desperately wants to solve, and we discover why she once took a full 365 days off work! You’ll also gain some insight into work she does with Emily’s List and why she isn’t all that concerned about knowing what is next for her. Kristin even talks about her experience of being at rock bottom (or at least what she was told was rock bottom) before leaving us with some words of wisdom about trusting yourself in your life in order to become your best teammate. To hear all about Kristin’s non-linear path, join us today! Fw3E9azg9kjwbqAmvfbe Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Kristin Turner on LinkedIn Women VOTE Emily’s List Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path Podcast

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

In this solo episode, I do a deep dive into how to bounce back from a setback. At some point in our no-straight-path journeys, we all face setbacks and I believe that by sharing our stories and the lessons learned we can help others struggle less and soften the blows. Given the fact that many big companies have recently announced staff reductions and lots of people are facing job losses, in this episode, I use job loss to contextualize the issue, but it is relevant to other setbacks. Having failed the bar exam to become a lawyer, I have firsthand experience of how to overcome a setback, and today I am going to break down some practical tips on how you too can get through a challenge like this. From normalizing the setback and honoring the pain to ultimately believing in yourself again, I’ll give you helpful steps to get through this tough time. If there’s one thing I know it’s that your setback story can become your comeback story and I’m here to help you do it. So if you’re in a tough spot in your career right now, this is the podcast for you! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Pivot with Ashley Menzies Babatunde (Part 1)  The Pivot with Ashley Menzies Babatunde (Part 2)  Law, Tech & Content Creation with Alex Su  “The real strength of weak ties" Fiverr  Upwork  Picking the Destination, but not the Journey with Dawn Dickson  Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path Podcast

In line with this podcast’s theme of navigating no-straight-path journeys, today we are joined by lateral thinker, Dawn Dickson! Dawn is a serial entrepreneur and inventor with over 20 years of experience in technology and business development. She has run six successful companies, including Flat Out of Heels and PopCom, and is a pioneer in crowdfunding as the first woman to raise over $1 million. She has received a number of awards recognizing her impact in business, including a feature on the Forbes Next 1000 List. In our very first live episode, we bring you a conversation with Dawn from HubSpot’s Inbound business conference. Tuning in, you’ll hear how Dawn’s entrepreneurial journey began in her childhood and how she came up with the idea for some of her companies. She also sheds light on investing, the barriers that exist for many people, and why crowdfunding is so rewarding. Dawn believes that the only reason she didn’t fail is that she didn’t quit. To hear about the many challenges that she has encountered and the pivots she has made along her journey, as well as the lessons learned in the process, make sure to tune in today!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dawn Dickson  Dawn Dickson on LinkedIn Dawn Dickson on Twitter Law, Tech & Content Creation with Alex Su  Inbound  Flat Out of Heels, LLC  PopCom  The Big Fix Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path Podcast Hubspot Podcast Network

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

Emily Thompson’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 18 when she bought her first business, a tanning salon. From the moment she stepped into the role of a business owner, she knew that was where she was meant to be, and since then she has built businesses ranging from online jewelry stores to website design agencies. Today, she runs Being Boss and Almanac Supply Co., both of which feed her passions for creativity and business in different ways. Tune in to hear Emily share the story of her upbringing (which was filled with experiences rather than things), one of the biggest setbacks she has experienced as an entrepreneur (and the valuable lesson it taught her), why it is so important to be flexible with your vision, and the benefits of a “business bestie.” Entrepreneurship is about the journey; be open to all the opportunities that life presents to you, and don’t forget to have fun along the way!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Emily Thompson on LinkedIn Almanac Supply Co. Being Boss Being Boss on Apple Podcasts Being Boss on Spotify Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

How can we achieve more humanity in the workplace? If this is something that you are passionate about, you have come to the right place! In this episode, we bring you an enlightening conversation with Dr. Sanja Licina and Maddie Grant on achieving a human-centered workplace. Dr. Sanja Licina is an organizational psychologist and the president of QuestionPro Workforce. She has dedicated her entire career to helping companies create cultures that employees love to be part of. Maddie Grant is the co-founder of Propel, as well as an expert culture designer and digital strategist, focusing on helping organizations unlock the power in their culture. She is also the author of a number of books including Humanize: How People-Centric Organizations Succeed in a Social World, which was surprisingly ahead of its time when it was published over a decade ago. After covering Sanja and Maddie’s no-straight-path stories, we talk about creating systems to better support humanity in the workplace in spite of business objectives and capitalist constraints. We discuss the importance of empathy as a leader, how well-being is more front and center than ever before, and how important flexibility of location and time is to workplace culture and employee retention. Tune in for this fascinating conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Sanja Licina  Maddie Grant Work @ Life  Work @ Life — 'How a Successful Career Path Can Be Anything but Linear' Hubspot Creators Program QuestionPro Workforce Propel Humanize: How People-Centric Organizations Succeed in a Social World  When Millennials Take Over: Preparing For The Ridiculously Optimistic Future Of Business  The Non-Obvious Guide To Employee Engagement (For Millennials, Boomers And Everyone Else) Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

In the second installation of The Pivot, I unpack five of the most important lessons (there were many more, but I’ll get into those in future episodes) that I learned during the period of imbalance that preceded my decision to take a one-year sabbatical from my law firm job and pursue podcasting full-time. From asking for what you want to embracing your childhood qualities and giving yourself grace, tune in today as I share some of the lessons that helped me gain the courage and the confidence to change the course of my life. Thanks for being a part of this journey!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram No Straight Path on Instagram

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

Thanks for joining us for the second installment of our two-part conversation with Stanford graduate, NFL player, and active community member, Michael Thomas. As you learned in part one, Mike is one of the NFL Player Association’s most active players, a two-time NFLPA Community MVP, and an excellent storyteller. We ended on the incredible story of how Mike earned his reputation as one of the best Special Teams players in the NFL and, in today’s episode, we delve into his definition of success as he shares some of the lessons he has learned in his journey as an entrepreneur. Mike also speaks candidly about how his experience of loss has informed his perspective on life and how he was able to channel his grief into his philanthropic work. Tuning in, you’ll discover why Mike believes that consistency is key and how he implements the ‘No Excuses’ philosophy in his household. He also offers insight into the purpose-driven work he does through Camp Mike T and some of the valuable lessons he hopes to impart to the young athletes that he hosts, including the importance of pursuing your passions with great conviction and speaking out against injustice. Mike’s story is a poignant reminder that dreams can come true with hard work, dedication, and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. We hope you’ll join us! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michael Thomas on LinkedIn Michael Thomas on Twitter Michael Thomas No Excuses Aldine Sports Association Camp Mike T Cincinnati Bengals Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

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

In the first of our two-part series on McKenzie Thomas, the Director of Operations, Ads & Business Products at Meta, we learned all about the twists and turns of her journey and how she stayed true to herself and her inner compass. In today’s episode we delve more deeply into the lessons she learned along the way. Tuning in you’ll hear more about McKenzie’s definition of success and the role of her values, integrity, and morals in it. As she is on the brink of motherhood and is about to go on maternity leave, she opens up about what her pregnancy has been like, how she feels about becoming a mother, and her refusal to change who she is as a result of it. She talks about some of the biggest challenges she has faced in her life, how she accepted that some things just weren’t meant for her, and why she believes that it’s so important to be open to things that you may not have imagined for yourself. Listen in today to hear more of McKenzie’s profound insights into the value of trusting your intuition, as well as what she means by internalizing your own compass, and why this is so key to navigating all of life’s challenges and successes!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: McKenzie Thomas  Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

The story of today’s guest epitomizes what this podcast is all about. McKenzie Thomas is the Director of Operations, Ads & Business Products at Meta, where her team is responsible for creating products and solutions that help millions of businesses reach their customers through Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta platforms. Her path to get to this point was anything but straight and, in this episode, McKenzie shares with us what her journey has looked like to date. Tuning in you’ll hear about her childhood, her early communication skills, and her career aspirations and how they led her to where she is today. McKenzie talks about her experience at Howard University and how attending an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) gave her confidence and helped her succeed at a tough internship at Bloomingdales. She also discusses how a decision to defer Harvard Law School for a year to take a promotion went beyond the wishes and understanding of those close to her but ultimately led to much greater success later on in her life. To hear all about the inspiring McKenzie Thomas and how playing her own game by her own rules helped her achieve so much, tune in today! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: McKenzie Thomas  Marcus Alexander  Howard University Cooley Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Rather than defining yourself by your profession, define yourself by the positive impact that you can have on other people’s lives. Rather than defining success by the amount of money in your bank account, define success by how happy you are. DeRon Brown knows the feelings of burnout and denial all too well, but he has used every challenge that he has faced as a steppingstone to a brighter future. Today, DeRon supports the strategic development and ongoing management of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s investment portfolio and, although he took a paycut from his previous job, he has never felt more fulfilled! Tune in to hear about DeRon’s Southern-style upbringing, what drew him to the world of business, and what he loves about his work!  Key Points From This Episode: What DeRon’s upbringing in Virginia Beach was like. DeRon’s original career plans, and what led him into the world of business. Some of the biggest challenges that DeRon has experienced during his career. The realization that motivated DeRon to protect his health and wellbeing. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s mission, and the work the DeRon is doing for them. A lesson in the correlation between money and happiness. How DeRon defines success. Why you shouldn’t define yourself by your profession. How DeRon has changed the way he engages with people over the years. DeRon shares one of his career highlights (which was initially disguised as a lowlight). Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: DeRon Brown on LinkedIn Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Mississippi Center for Justice Yale Happiness Course [The Science of Wellbeing] Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Just for a moment, forget the hustle mentality. Forget waking up at 5 AM to ‘get ahead’ and obsessing over your five-year plan. The pandemic has forced a cultural shift, causing many of us to reframe our perspective of what work is for, what work/life balance really means, and how we want to spend our time on the planet. Today, we speak to Jenna Kutcher, an entrepreneur who grew her business from local wedding photographer to million-dollar personal brand. As if running an award-winning photography business wasn't enough, Jenna branched out into social media, education, and podcasting and she recently published her first book, How Are You, Really?, a guide to soaking up the richness of your experience rather than relentlessly pursuing the tired cliche of “having it all.” She has enabled thousands of entrepreneurs to redefine success and chase bold dreams through her decade-long work as a leading online personality and educator and, in today’s episode, she wants to help you do the same! Listen in as Jenna shares what success feels like and how she aims to guide others to wake up to life, all while staying in comfy pants. Today’s conversation with Jenna is like a business owner’s manual to owning life, rather than the other way around, so make sure not to miss it! Key Points From This Episode:  Insight into Jenna’s upbringing and how it is reflected in the work she does today. More about her book, How Are You, Really?, what led her to write it, and who it is for. Jenna’s advice for achieving peace as you move through a winning season. How you can protect yourself from burnout by implementing boundaries. Defining success by what it feels like, not what it looks like! The important shift from balance to presence. Unpacking the subtitle of the book, ‘Living Your Truth One Answer at a Time’. Why ambitious women don’t have to choose between the ‘hustle harder’ and ‘manifesting’ camps; live intentionally in the gray area in between! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jenna Kutcher Jenna Kutcher on Twitter Jenna Kutcher on Instagram Goal Digger Podcast How Are You, Really? Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Welcome to today’s episode with another inspiring guest. Cece Xie is a writer, lawyer, and content creator who has been featured in Business Insider, Bloomberg Law, and the ADA Journal. As an immigrant, Cece grew up thinking she was only good at one thing, and that was studying. This led her to Yale, followed by Harvard Law, before she worked as a lawyer in New York City. She began creating content in 2020 to help demystify the legal industry for ordinary people and to share wisdom from her years of balancing wellness with a high-pressure career. Her aim was always to help and inspire outsiders to carve out their unique path in the world, and this has led her to gain 450 000 followers across her social media platforms. Cece brings all of this together on her blogs, which tell the story of this journey, and more! Join us to hear from her today. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Cece Xie Cece Xie on Instagram  Cece Xie on LinkedIn Cece Xie on Twitter Cece Xie on YouTube Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

As we bring you part two of our Father’s Day series, today our host Ashley Menzies Babatunde continues her interview with her dad Sydney and his three brothers Patrick, Marvin, and Eric, by delving deeper into their individual fatherhood stories. In this episode, we learn more about how they balanced fatherhood with their careers. Patrick talks about the good and bad decisions that he made, Marvin shares what he wishes he had done differently, and Sydney chats about the gratitude he had for Ashley’s mom Belinda. We hear about the support these fathers received from the mothers of their children and how it enabled them to focus on their careers. They reflect on their favorite parts of being a dad, the benefits of learning from those who came before you, the importance of surrounding yourself with a village, and the value of generally just being there for your kids. For all this valuable advice and some more charming family anecdotes from the Menzies, tune in today! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

In honor of Father’s Day, our host Ashley Menzies Babatunde brings you the first part of a two-part series on career and fatherhood where she interviews her dad and her uncles. Tuning in, you’ll meet the four brothers: Patrick, Sidney (Ashley's dad), Marvin, and Eric. Ashley gives us a brief introduction to each of the brothers, their careers, and the roles that they play in the family. You’ll hear about their childhood in the LA mid-city area where they were raised by Guyanese emigrants in the same home that Ashley grew up in. Although each of the brothers took a different path in life, they have a very strong familial bond that they have passed on to their children. In this episode, they reflect on their childhoods, what they learned from their parents, and how they have applied this knowledge in their own lives. You’ll hear how their parents instilled in them the values of responsibility, generosity, social responsibility, brotherly love, and accountability. You’ll also hear the stories of how their father always made everyone feel important, how Marvin changed his career course because of something his dad said, and how the brothers have handled adversity in the wake of losing jobs and loved ones (including Ashley’s mom, Belinda). This mix of Black, boomer, and Gen X dad perspectives is something that we can all learn a lot from, so tune in today for some wisdom and sound advice!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

We all experience periods in our lives that are imbalanced. And when we try to do everything at once, it often leads to burnout. In this episode, we hear more about our host Ashley Menzies Babatunde’s personal journey. With her wedding two months away, her cases blowing up, and her passion to continue producing this amazing podcast, Ashley is entering a period of imbalance. Tuning in you will hear how, even though she is grateful for everything that is going on in her life, she is overwhelmed. She also talks about how when you are doing something you love and you are generally a high achiever, you are at an even higher risk for burnout, before breaking down her top five tips for getting through periods of imbalance without sacrificing your well-being. To hear how you can get organized, control the things you can control, get creative, outsource, and hold on to things that really matter in order to make it through what could otherwise be a very stressful time, tune in today!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Goal Digger Podcast HubSpot Creators Program Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot

And we’re back for part two with Dr. Yvorn “Doc” Aswad: pediatrician, psychiatrist, activist, and aspiring author. This episode is filled with pearls of wisdom and inspiring new views on success, joy, and humor. In a capitalist society where success is intrinsically intertwined with individualism, Doc provides an alternative, championing the “tribe” and defining success as communal. In our conversation, Doc shares his thoughts on raising future generations to be communally minded amidst communal suffering and existential threats, and he explains why the most radical thing one could ever do is raise a healthy black family. Despite his hardships, Doc finds relief in humor, identifying it as his most vocal defense mechanism. Tune in to find out more about the four mature defense mechanisms as classified in psychiatry, the eternal source of joy, and how the only “have to” in this world is to live an abundant life. Sit back and prepare to be inspired! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Yvorn “Doc” Aswad Dr. Yvorn Aswad on LinkedIn Gold Digger Podcast Hubspot Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Today’s guest credits growing up as part of a large family in South Central Los Angeles with not only providing him with a sense of deep spirituality, pride, and belonging, but also for his passion for serving the medically underserved. Dr. Yvorn Aswad, also affectionately known as ‘Doc’, is a pediatrician, psychiatrist, activist, and aspiring science fiction author whose work centers on youth violence prevention, caring for those who are transitioning from the criminal legal system, and restructuring emergency mental health access to feel more therapeutic. Doc received his Bachelors from Stanford University, his M.D. from the Charles Drew University UCLA Medical Education Program, and he is currently a resident at Brown University in the Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry combined program. In part one of this authentic and candid conversation, you’ll learn how Doc’s upbringing and education informed who he is as a healthcare professional and an activist, what led him to cofound the Leland Scholars Program at Stanford to improve the STEM pipeline for underrepresented minorities, and how loss has shaped many of his decisions along the way, as well as how he is using medicine as a tool for social justice today. Stay tuned for part two! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  Yvorn "Doc" Aswad Yvorn “Doc” Aswad on LinkedIn Work@Life Podcast HubSpot Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Esther Agbaje is not your stereotypical politician, fortunately! Her heart for people is so big, and through the work that she is doing, she is really contributing to making the world a better place. From a young age, Esther was drawn to the political sphere (she started writing letters to the White House at the age of 7!), and today she serves as the State Representative in the Minnesota Legislature where she focuses on advancing people-centered policies. Esther is a passionate advocate for tenants rights, police accountability, and the provision of safe places for young people. She was once told by a professor that she didn’t have a voice, but that couldn’t be further from the truth; Esther has given me hope for the future of American politics, and I hope you feel the same after listening to her story today!  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Esther Agbaje Esther Agbaje on Instagram Esther Agbaje on Twitter Esther Agbaje on Linktree Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Sometimes a job is hard because it’s hard and sometimes a job is hard because it’s wrong for you. In this solo episode, our host, Ashley Menzies Babatunde, revisits some of the pearls of wisdom dropped by guests in previous episodes in relation to this subject. Past guest Sabreena Merchant explains how figuring out this distinction took her longer than she would have liked, while a voice clip from Spencer Paysinger’s interview explains how he realized he was in the wrong job. Ashley also opens up about how this revelation has impacted her own career before breaking down eight questions that may help you realize if your job is hard because it’s hard or hard because it’s wrong for you. Tuning in you’ll hear about the importance of factoring in your own personality, the role of societal pressure, and what heightened anxiety or your inability to maintain a healthy lifestyle may be trying to tell you. To hear about some of the clear signs that your job may be hard because it’s wrong for you and a practical exercise that may help you gain clarity on the issue, tune in today! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Work @ Life Work @ Life: Vulnerability in the workplace Sabreena Merchant Spencer Paysinger Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot

Today we dig into part two of our conversation with Spencer Paysinger. Spencer was an American football linebacker for the New York Giants until 2017 when he pivoted to focus on film and television, writing, co-producing, and acting in All American, the TV series based on his life. In this episode, Spencer shares his thoughts on success, explains how he defines it, and elaborates on why, despite his fame, it’s so important for him to be able to walk down a street as a relative unknown. He opens up about his relationship with his wife, how they support each other, and how fatherhood has changed him. We also discuss the importance of knowing yourself, why that’s becoming increasingly more difficult in today’s world, and what he has gained from going to therapy. To hear some profound words on success, knowing who you are, and the life-changing potential of hobbies, tune in today!  Key Points From This Episode: How Spencer defines success. Why it’s so important for him to be able to walk down the street as a relative unknown. How he and his wife got together and the support he has received from her from the start. How fatherhood has changed him. Spencer’s advice to younger people who look up to him. Ways that you can get to know who you are. Advice that Spencer received from his brother-in-law about hobbies. Why Spencer doesn’t want to get better at golf. How Spencer first started going to therapy. How therapy has changed the way Spencer coaches himself. Information about Spencer’s wife’s company: Post 21. How, despite his success, Spencer is still trying to learn the about the film and TV industry.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Spencer Paysinger Spencer Paysinger on Instagram All American  Post 21  Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram HubSpot Creators Program  HubSpot

Not only does Spencer Paysinger’s life story sound like a riveting television series, it was actually turned into one! Spencer was an American football linebacker for the New York Giants until 2017 when he pivoted to focus on film and television, co-producing and acting in All American, the TV series based on his life. He is also an old school friend of Ashley’s, and in this episode, we hear about some escapades from their past, as well as insight into Spencer’s character and interests growing up in LA. Spencer shares his almost fantastical tale of finding success in professional football, and eventually television, and opens up about the philosophies that guide him. Tune in to hear about how being true to himself at every step of the way opened up opportunities for him and led him to where he is today! Key Points From This Episode: Spencer Paysinger’s inspiring life story from football to television and beyond. Spencer describes his childhood, growing up in LA. His character and interests as a kid. Why he switched from basketball to football midstream. The trajectory of his football career throughout high school and college. The transition from playing receiver to linebacker. Spencer’s openness about therapy and expressing emotional vulnerability. How he landed up being drafted by the NFL after having retired from football. What inspired him to play sports. His experience of playing in the starting position for the Giants. Why he chose to stop playing football. How and why he continued to do business internships throughout his football career. How Spencer’s interest in screenwriting evolved into the creation of All American. What Spencer focused on after wrapping All American and the projects he’s involved in! Why he enrolled in film school despite being encouraged otherwise. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Spencer Paysinger Spencer Paysinger on Instagram All American Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Sabreena Merchant spent the majority of her childhood and early adulthood doing things to make other people happy. She went to religious school instead of playing basketball on Saturdays and pushed through pre-med because her parents’ dream was for her to become a doctor. All of this left her feeling anxious and unsatisfied, so, a few years ago, when Sabreena was presented with an opportunity to explore a completely different career path (sports writing), she took it, and she has never felt more fulfilled! Some of the biggest lessons that Sabreena has learned from her life experiences so far include the following: it’s never too late to start something new, there are many different ways to be successful, and your happiness should be your number one priority! Tune in today to hear Sabreena’s story, which I hope inspires you to follow your heart.  Key Points From This Episode: An overview of Sabreena Merchant’s career as a sports writer. Sabreena shares what her upbringing was like. The shock that Sabreena received when she started college.  Feelings that Sabreena struggled with when she finished her undergrad. The people in Sabreena's life who helped get her sports writing career kicked off.  How Sabreena’s unpaid blog writing gig evolved into a full-time job. What Sabreena’s parents' response was when she told them that she wasn’t going to pursue a medical degree. Why your happiness should be your number one priority.  Sabreena shares what success means to her.  The valuable skills that Sabreena is learning through her work.  Goals that Sabreena has for the future.  The lack of diversity in the sports industry, and how this makes Sabreena feel.  Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sabreena Merchant on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot

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

Welcome back to the second half of our conversation with Michelle Odemwingie! Today we dive a little deeper into Michelle’s career journey and what she has learned from being CEO of Achievement Network (ANet). We kick things off by hearing from Michelle about why authenticity has been integral to her success as a CEO. She describes how being honest about her process at work has helped her be a supportive leader, who invites collaboration, and why it’s such an enriching alternative to micromanaging your team. Hear how her experience as Chief of Staff at the same company benefited her as a CEO, particularly because of the depth of her personal relationships within the company. Later we unpack what it means to be a recovering perfectionist and the importance of embracing the fact that you can’t be good at everything. Michelle also reflects on the loss of her grandmother during the COVID-19 pandemic and what it has taught her about grief and how to spend the short amount of time you have on earth. We wrap things up by discussing the toxicity of constant availability at work and what Michelle has been doing to bring more balance to her life. Be sure to tune in for the life-affirming conversation on life, work, relationships, and finding balance! Key Points From This Episode: Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Michelle Odemwingie! The biggest lesson Michelle has learned as a CEO: authenticity is priceless. A breakdown of Michelle’s approach as a supportive leader who invites collaboration. How serving as Chief of Staff has informed Michelle’s work as a CEO. How losing her grandmother made Michelle take stock of how she spends her time. Michelle’s current definition of success: it’s not a destination, but how you experience life.  The challenge of balancing everything in your life as a recovering perfectionist. The idea that grief is love unexpressed and how Michelle is choosing to honor her grandmother. The toxicity of being available all the time and how Michelle is combatting it in her life. The role of leadership in changing a culture of overwork and burnout. Why Michelle encourages her team members to prioritize rest and take half days. Michelle’s love of cooking and the recipes she made for Ashley. Why Michelle is appreciative of Gen Z and her thoughts on what it means to be a good ancestor. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Michelle Odemwingie on LinkedIn Achievement Network Teach for America Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

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

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! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram