In this episode I sit down with Michael Batko CEO of Startmate, a startup accelerator and community focused on helping early-stage tech companies in Australia and New Zealand grow and succeed. We discus:

• The meaning of ambition and how it evolves
• The importance of obsession in business success
• Dealing with mentor advice and feedback
• Michael's personal career journey e.g. moving to Australia without a job
• The experience of becoming a CEO
• Why giving and receiving feedback, even if you hate it, is key
• Managing pressure and work-life boundaries
• Productivity systems and personal tracking methods
• The growth and development of Startmate
• Advice on how to stop overthinking
• + plus so much more

Michael’s LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/batkomichael

Michael’s Blog & Newsletter - https://batko.substack.com/

Startmate - https://www.startmate.com/

email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com

follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

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This week I sit down with Bankole Akinlade, a multifaceted individual who wears many hats - Pastor, Author, Property Developer. In this episode we discuss:

1. Bankole's Personal Journey

- Bankole's journey into property development

- Challenges when first moving to the UK

- Balancing pastoral work with business pursuits

2. Property Development Insights

- UK property market - competing with larger property developers

- Land banking and its impact on housing development

- The challenges of property development (dealing with contractors, quality control, managing stress etc.)

- Advice for beginners interested in property development

3. Faith, Purpose, and Personal Growth

- The concept of a "calling" and "burden" in finding your purpose

- The role of faith in business decisions and personal life

- Balancing different aspects of self (natural, business, and Christian perspectives)

- Reflections on God's purpose and dealing with adversity

Bankole Akinlade - https://www.instagram.com/kinladbanks/

Rocktower Homes - https://www.instagram.com/rocktower.homes/

Rindex Academy - https://www.instagram.com/therindexpropertyacademy/

email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com

follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I sit down with Demmy Ladipo, a British actor known for his roles in "Dreaming Whilst Black," and the Netflix film "The Kitchen”. In this episode we talk about:

• Demmy’s journey, including his decision to drop out of university to pursue acting, highlights the importance of self-belief and confidence, especially for those who don't follow traditional career or training paths.
• Overcoming rejection and managing the emotional and financial challenges of auditioning.
• Strategies for handling the pressure and uncertainty inherent in a career in TV and film.
• Why he stopped creating Instagram skits and whether he plans to return to them in the future.
• Acting practices, the differences between theatre and film, and how to stand out in a competitive industry.
• How the entertainment industry can better showcase diverse stories.
• The responsibility of successful individuals to create opportunities for the next generation.
• + so much more

Demmy Ladipo - https://www.instagram.com/demz_lad

email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com

follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I sit down with Mark Agyakwa, founder of sportswear brand Y-Fit Wear and online platform Fit For The Culture. In this episode we talk about:

• Overcoming rejection and setbacks with self-belief and intuition.
• Why you should find your dreams rather than just “follow” your dreams
• Importance of understanding your "why" in sustaining a career.
• Founding his sportswear brand, Y-Fit
• How to build an online social media platform
• The importance of building a brand over just having a product.
• How equity and economic power can drive systemic change.
• Strategies for achieving influence and impact in your industry.
• Balancing fan expectations with business decisions in sports.
• and so much more +

Mark Agyakwa - https://www.instagram.com/markagyakz/

Y-Fit Wear - https://www.instagram.com/yfitwear/

Fit For The Culture - https://www.instagram.com/fitfortheculture/

email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com

follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I sit down with Simon Brett, who is a certified life coach for black creatives. In this episode we talk about:

• Becoming your true self free from societal and family pressures
• Breaking down the ‘drama triangle’ : victims, persecutors, and rescuers
• Overcoming fear of judgment
• How to move from using your brain to using your heart & gut
• Importance of community for self regulation and support
• Why embracing your feelings can lead to a more fulfilling career
• Impact of parental expectations and trauma e.g. Biafran War
• Survival mode and true desires
• Challenges for black creatives
• And so much more

Simon Brett - https://www.instagram.com/simonmbrett_coach/

email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com

follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

00:00 Introduction to Identity and the Human Condition

03:01 The Complex Layers of Identity

09:01 Growing up as a mixed heritage person.

12:11 Challenging experiences with multiculturalism and racism.

24:01 Breaking free from survival mode

28:39 Understanding deeper desires and feelings.

33:21 Navigating evolving friendships and connections, shedding past ties.

35:00 Resilience and overcoming trauma

40:55 Childhood taught suppression, acting unleashed buried emotions.

47:07 Navigating personal emotions while pursuing acting career.

53:20 Coaching is about holding space and celebrating.

57:00 Challenging norms, advocating for diverse representation.

01:04:41 Competition in predominantly non-black spaces.

01:06:01 Quick fire questions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discuss:

• Challenge of Corporate politics and how to navigate them
• How to deal with corporate bullying
• Benefits of networking and finding sponsors & protectors
• Making the right connections in the right places and the importance of surrounding yourself with motivation and competition
• How to be in control of your narrative
• Step by step playbook in building a Fractional C Suite Exec business
• Why business owners need to focus more on operations due to its impact on growth
• Why operations is the engine room in any business
• Strategy choice using the "strategy diamond" approach

Rohan Inneh - https://www.rohaninneh.com/ // https://www.instagram.com/rohan.i_/

email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com

follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

00:45 Operations is the back bone for success

03:00 Three Ps for business success

10:16 Revenue generation vs revenue protection for growth

16:00 The Strategy Diamond

20:20 Storytelling is key in corporate world

25:13 Corporate bullying experience

27:56 Manager's attitude changed after speaking up.

32:00 Choosing family & fulfilment vs career progression

41:37 Scholarship led to angel investing and unlearning.

46:03 Offered free work, leading to valuable opportunities and going full time

53:32 Surround yourself with motivation and competition.

54:44 The importance of initiative to learn from mentors.

01:00:42 Faith leads to business success and sanity.

01:03:24 Quick fire questions

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Hey people, welcome back to another episode of TSP. As we approach towards the mid point of 2024, for episode 50 I share:

• What the Hackney Half Marathon taught me about the body and mind
• The pros and cons of chasing perfection / the perfect you
• Why we should treat life as a game and focus on the next point rather than the big achievement (Roger Federer)
• How hard it can be to choose growth over comfort and why we need to be ready for the journey of self discovery
• Importance of proactive prioritisation
• Finding your genius and much more!

00:00 Reflect on mid-year goals and progress.

04:11 Hackney Marathon preparation!

08:07 Lack of focus on race day

09:48 Understanding and managing internal voices is crucial.

13:01 Striving for perfection can be unhealthy.

17:25 Focus on incremental decisions toward overarching goals.

19:40 Choosing growth, self-discovery, and long-term priorities.

22:46 Reflect on strengths to find hidden genius.

28:27 Be kind to yourself, embrace imperfection.

email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com

follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

Referenced Episodes:

Navin - Your Unique Story - https://youtu.be/Np9omrniUbk?si=XpTqwrxEsEsB1i7w

Ade - Value - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtNYRUl1_Sw&t=44s

Sope - Comfort over growth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Anb0kk4Wk

Andy - Finding Your Genius - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztxcEQuHHLo&t=1588s

Mas - Success through Service - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0PxrFEzIEM&t=3s

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This week I sit down with, Navin Mayani who is CEO & Founder of Plant It.

In this episode we discuss:

• Chasing future self vs. accepting present self
• Being ambitious without aiming for perfection
• Importance of humility and active listening in leadership
• How to promote a sense of unity and collective support
• How to find inner peace
• Embracing your uniqueness
• Balancing spirituality with everyday life
• The significance of authenticity and forgiveness
• Integrating spirituality with professional life
• Challenges of re-engaging with personal relationships after a period of celibacy
• Coping with conflicting thoughts by journaling.

Navin Mayani- https://planitconsultancy.co/

email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com

follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

00:00 Intro

04:50 The Guru complex

07:00 Challenges with founder led organisations

10:32 Ownership and clarity is key.

11:27 Encouraging feedback and fostering a sense of ownership.

17:40 Utilizing therapy, support, journaling, and seeking help vital.

22:04 Men face challenges with guilt, shame, and forgiveness.

28:04 Pursue authentic ambition and follow your passion.

35:12 Genuine power is found in true inner peace.

40:03 Adapt plans, have faith in greater purpose.

46:16 Transitioning from communal life to spirituality and norm.

49:24 Prioritize personal conviction over external societal expectations.

56:40 Increased concern for physical health and appearance.

01:02:11 Relying on divine wisdom and genuine support.

01:04:00 Quick fire questions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.