No Straight Path

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

Join us for a fascinating conversation with USA Today bestselling author, journalist, and marketing consultant, Amy Shoenthal. Blending her marketing expertise with her formal journalism training, Amy approaches storytelling as sense making. As a top contributor to ForbesWomen and Harvard Business Review, she shines the spotlight on those who have been historically underestimated yet are doing the work to solve society's biggest problems. Years of interviewing hundreds of leaders from politicians to Peloton instructors, fashion icons to founders just starting their journeys inspired her bestselling book, The Setback Cycle, which offers a framework to help people persevere through and triumph over setbacks. Tune in for another inspiring conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Amy Shoenthal Amy Shoenthal on LinkedIn Amy Shoenthal on Instagram The Setback Cycle 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tune in today for a dynamic conversation with entrepreneurs Luis and Fonzi Camejo. They are the dynamic brothers behind BIZBROS and they have spent over seven years mastering the art of content creation that drives opportunities and profit. As online personalities, owners of Studio Podcast Suites and hosts of the top 0.5% global podcast, Content is Profit, which is in the HubSpot Podcast Network, they’re on a mission: to help companies, business owners, and content creators transform their content into value-packed assets that amplify their message, build trust, and create consistent opportunities. Drawing from their experiences with industry giants like HubSpot, Orangetheory, Redbull, Chet Holmes International and more, they’ve developed game-changing frameworks such as the MVC (Minimum Viable Content), The Publishing Pyramid, and their unique M2M Content Ecosystem. These Venezuelan brothers, once on a path to professional soccer, pivoted to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion to support their family back home and make a global impact. But what they cherish most are the invaluable relationships forged through their podcasting journey. The episode covers a number of interesting topics, including the value of relationships, having honest and difficult conversations, community, and much more. Tune in for a fun and thoughtful conversation! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Biz Bros Content is Profit Fonzi Camejo on Instagram Fonzi Camejo on LinkedIn Luis Camejo on Instagram Luis Camejo on LinkedIn Ashley Menzies Babatunde Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram Hubspot Podcast Network Rate & Review: If you enjoy listening to No Straight Path, please make sure you write a review and rate the show. It helps other listeners find the podcast. You can rate and review the show here. Thank you!

On this episode of No Straight Path, Ashley interviews civil rights attorney Antonio Ingram. Antonio serves as Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He is a graduate of Yale College and UC Berkeley School of Law. He served as a federal judicial law clerk for the honorable Ivan L. Lemelle in the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans and for Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia. He also completed a Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship in Malawi where he worked for the Malawian government and served in their Anti-Corruption Bureau. Antonio shares his inspiring journey and how he became a civil rights attorney. Ashley and Antonio also delve into a number important topics, including faith, racial justice, authenticity, and joy. Tune in for 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 Black Social 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 C. 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 16 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!