The Shortest Path

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 evolvesThe importance of obsession in business successDealing with mentor advice and feedbackMichael's personal career journey e.g. moving to Australia without a jobThe experience of becoming a CEOWhy giving and receiving feedback, even if you hate it, is keyManaging pressure and work-life boundariesProductivity systems and personal tracking methodsThe growth and development of StartmateAdvice 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.comfollow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

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 pursuits2. 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 development3. 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 adversityBankole 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.comfollow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

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 moreDemmy Ladipo - https://www.instagram.com/demz_lademail me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.comfollow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

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 dreamsImportance of understanding your "why" in sustaining a career.Founding his sportswear brand, Y-FitHow 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.comfollow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms

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 pressuresBreaking down the ‘drama triangle’ : victims, persecutors, and rescuersOvercoming fear of judgment How to move from using your brain to using your heart & gut Importance of community for self regulation and supportWhy embracing your feelings can lead to a more fulfilling career Impact of parental expectations and trauma e.g. Biafran WarSurvival mode and true desiresChallenges for black creatives And so much more Simon Brett - https://www.instagram.com/simonmbrett_coach/email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.comfollow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms00:00 Introduction to Identity and the Human Condition03:01 The Complex Layers of Identity09:01 Growing up as a mixed heritage person.12:11 Challenging experiences with multiculturalism and racism.24:01 Breaking free from survival mode28:39 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 

In this episode we discuss:Challenge of Corporate politics and how to navigate themHow to deal with corporate bullyingBenefits of networking and finding sponsors & protectorsMaking the right connections in the right places and the importance of surrounding yourself with motivation and competitionHow to be in control of your narrativeStep by step playbook in building a Fractional C Suite Exec businessWhy business owners need to focus more on operations due to its impact on growthWhy operations is the engine room in any businessStrategy choice using the "strategy diamond" approachRohan Inneh - https://www.rohaninneh.com/ // https://www.instagram.com/rohan.i_/email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.comfollow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms00:45 Operations is the back bone for success03:00 Three Ps for business success10:16 Revenue generation vs revenue protection for growth16:00 The Strategy Diamond20:20 Storytelling is key in corporate world25:13 Corporate bullying experience27:56 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 time53:32 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 

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 mindThe pros and cons of chasing perfection / the perfect youWhy 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 discoveryImportance 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 day09:48 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.comfollow us - @shortestpathpod on all platformsReferenced Episodes:Navin - Your Unique Story - https://youtu.be/Np9omrniUbk?si=XpTqwrxEsEsB1i7wAde - Value - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtNYRUl1_Sw&t=44sSope - Comfort over growth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Anb0kk4WkAndy - Finding Your Genius - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztxcEQuHHLo&t=1588sMas - Success through Service - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0PxrFEzIEM&t=3s

This week I sit down with, Andy Ayim MBE who is an investor, founder, writer and coach, essentially a man of many talents!In this episode we discuss:How to find your ’Genius’Why the beginners mindset is keyThe impact of the environment and social circles on your growthWhy we should always be tracking our Ws and LsThe importance of ‘strategic’ networking and community buildingChallenges of moving into entrepreneurship and how to improve your chances of successWealth creation outside of running your own businessWhy we should always be tracking our Ws and LsAmbition vs comfortHow to expand your mindset through personal developmentPlus so much moreAndy Ayim - https://andyayim.com/ // https://www.instagram.com/andy_ayim/email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.comfollow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms00:00 UK macro environment for business08:02 Finding my genius.11:52 Balancing entrepreneurship and personal sacrifices for success.17:49 Broadening wealth creation through ownership and equity.21:51 Business mindset, cultural appreciation, personal development journey.28:44 Struggling with assimilation, backpacking through East Africa.35:11 Joined accelerator, learned about deep relationships39:01 MD of Backstage Capital, maintaining the beginners mindset45:45 Scarcity increases value, making me more attractive.47:20 Venture insights, global impact, potential innovation.57:03 Using a tracker.01:03:12 Seek strengths, resist corporate assimilation, embrace individuality.