No Straight Path

Hosted by Ashley Menzies Babatunde - Storyteller & Attorney

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Latest episode

Apr 2024

Language

EN-US

About the show

No Straight Path aims to humanize success from the Millennial perspective. The world often sees the shiny resumes, highlights shared on social media, and job titles associated with a person's LinkedIn profile. We rarely see the story behind it. And when we do, it's often in a memoir towards the end of someone's journey. The podcast aims to delve into the story behind the success with a closer to real-time approach. Because the podcast focuses on the Millennial perspective, many guests are mid-journey. We are capturing a snapshot of the work they've done thus far, while also discussing their hopes and dreams for the future. I'll speak with various guests about their definitions of success and how they overcame setbacks, navigated pivots, and found purpose. No one has a straight path in life. There are lots of twists and turns, which often leads to growth, understanding, and wisdom. My hope is that listeners leave the conversation inspired and with a more nuanced perspective of success.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

April 17, 202447 min

Relentlessly Chasing Your Dreams with Thomas Russell

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with entertainment attorney, Thomas Russell. Thomas’ story is all about grit. It’s about resilience. It’s about dreaming. It’s about chasing your dreams relentlessly. Thomas Russell III is Corporate Counsel at Amazon Music where he advises the tech-giant on its livestreaming, video-on-demand and sponsorship efforts. Thomas was recognized by Variety as one of the Top In-House Entertainment Attorneys for 2023. Thomas is also committed to championing issues for the BIPOC community. Prior to joining Amazon Music, Thomas represented Post 21, a black-owned online marketplace, in its deal with Disney making it the first black-owned operating partner in Downtown Disney. He went to Ursinus College in Pennsylvania and Howard University for law school. When he’s not working, you can find him spending quality time with his wife (Ashley) and two sons (Thomas IV and Carter). Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Thomas Russell on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde on LinkedIn Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!

April 4, 202432 min

The Setback Cycle with Amy Shoenthal

Join us for a fascinating conversation with USA Today bestselling author, journalist, and marketing consultant, Amy Shoenthal. Blending her marketing expertise with her formal journalism training, Amy approaches storytelling as sense making. As a top contributor to ForbesWomen and Harvard Business Review, she shines the spotlight on those who have been historically underestimated yet are doing the work to solve society's biggest problems. Years of interviewing hundreds of leaders from politicians to Peloton instructors, fashion icons to founders just starting their journeys inspired her bestselling book, The Setback Cycle, which offers a framework to help people persevere through and triumph over setbacks. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Amy Shoenthal Amy Shoenthal on LinkedIn Amy Shoenthal on Instagram The Setback Cycle Thank you for Saying No Podcast Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde on LinkedIn Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!

March 28, 202445 min

Turning Your Passions Into Your Professions with Dr. Feranmi Okanlami (Part 2)

Join us for a thought-provoking two-part conversation with Dr. Feranmi Okanlami as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of No Straight Path. Feranmi embodies all of the things that No Straight Path represents–honesty, vulnerability, compassion, self-awareness, intellectual curiosity, a commitment to excellence, resilience, purpose, and faith. We delve into his fascinating life and career journey. He is a speaker, advocate, and physician leader dedicated to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion and inspired by the belief that disability does not mean inability. He is currently the director of Student Accessibility & Accommodation Services at the University of Michigan. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Feranmi Okanlami Dr. Feranmi Okanlami on LinkedIn Dr. Feranmi Okanlami on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Ashley Menzies Babatunde on LinkedIn Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!

March 20, 202444 min

Turning Your Passions into Your Professions with Dr. Feranmi Okanlami (Part 1)

March 6, 202439 min

Understanding Your Career Journey through Behavioral Psychology with Phill Agnew

Join us for an insightful episode with Phill Agnew, host of Nudge, the UK’s #1 marketing podcast. On his show he interviews experts in psychology and behavioral science to try to better understand how humans make decisions. He has spent over a decade in senior marketing roles at Buffer, Hotjar, and Brandwatch, where he helped launch products in social media, website analytics and AI. Today, we learn about his career journey, decision-making processes, and ability to redefine his journey despite labels that were placed on him as a child. Phill also opens up about his purpose in life and career, which he admits is often hard for him to do as Brit. Tune in for an insightful and inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Phill Agnew Phill Agnew on LinkedIn Nudge Podcast Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!

February 28, 202442 min

Vulnerable Storytelling & Content Creation with Jourdan Guyton

Join us for a a thoughtful conversation with CEO of Vera Jean Media, Jourdan Guyton! She is a visionary entrepreneur with a decade-long immersion in the entertainment industry. Leveraging experience with giants like Meta, Teachable, and Blavity, Jourdan founded Vera Jean Media to empower heart-centered entrepreneurs through authentic social media strategies. Achieving rapid six-figure growth within a year, Vera Jean Media, named after Jourdan's grandmother, stands for compassion, kindness, and innovation. This media powerhouse aims to amplify voices, foster connections, and make a positive impact in the digital landscape, guided by a mission to empower individuals to thrive authentically in the ever-evolving world of social media. Ashley and Jourdan talk career, grief, marriage, dreams, and so much more. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jourdan Guyton Vera Jean Media Jourdan Guyton on Instagram Jourdan Guyton on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Sign Up for Ashley's Newsletter Ashley's Substack Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!

February 21, 202440 min

Running for Office with Walter Garcia

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!

January 29, 20245 min

A New Year's Message from Ashley

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!

December 28, 202338 min

Letting Go of a Dream and Embracing Change with Carly Baker

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!

December 20, 202353 min

Navigating Brotherhood & Entrepreneurship with Luis and Fonzi Camejo

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 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!