The Mindful FIRE Podcast

82 : Finding Purpose & Fulfillment in Work with Ashanti Branch


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In this podcast episode, Adam Coelho and Ashanti Branch talk about Ashanti's move from engineering to teaching. Ashanti explains the moment he made the decision to switch and how he had to keep himself from constantly thinking about the money he could have made if he had stayed in engineering. They also discuss the five F’s and strategizing for success and how it can help us achieve our goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ashanti Branch is an educator who left engineering to pursue teaching.
  • He saw a news report about a project he was working on in San Jose, California, catching fire, and this was a sign for him to leave engineering.
  • He had to make a financial sacrifice in order to pursue his passion.
  • He works hard not to compare himself to his friends who are still in engineering and have been promoted to VP roles.
  • He is satisfied with the passion and purpose of his work, even if the financial side of things does not always make sense.
  • He uses a system with his men's team called the five F's (fitness, family, fun, finances, and finish it) to set goals.
  • It would have been helpful to have someone to strategize with when he was making the transition to teaching.
  • Ashanti is thankful for the work he is able to do.
  • He encourages others to ask themselves what it would take to feel satisfied in every area of their life.
  • He encourages others to make decisions based on their passion and purpose, not just the numbers.

Guest Bio:

Ashanti Branch is an engineer-turned-teacher and founder of the Ever Forward Club, an organization that works to help young men of color reach their full potential. He has a passion for helping others find success and fulfillment through education and personal growth. 


Guest Contact Information: Get in touch with Ashanti and bring him to speak or lead the “Taking Off The Mask” workshop for your team.

  • Website: everforwardclub.org
  • Instagram: @everforwardclub
  • Ashanti's Tal

Join the Mindful FIRE Legends community at MindfulFIRE.org/join.

PS: Introducing the… 🔥 FIRE Starter Group Coaching Program

You did the “money” part. You saved, invested, and built real options. But if you’re being honest… FU money alone isn’t enough—and you might still feel stuck in “one more year syndrome,” unclear on what you actually want next.

In 10 weeks or less, we’ll help you get clear on what you want—and start living it now—using envisioning, mindfulness, and practical mini-experiments (not endless overthinking).

Interested? Let’s chat: https://mindfulfire.org/chat

🔥 WHO I’m creating this for

This is for you if you’re at or near FI (Coast FI or full FIRE) and:

  • You feel stuck after “doing everything right,” but you’re not sure what you’re optimizing for anymore.
  • You’re caught between freedom and overwhelm (“I could do anything… so I do nothing”).
  • You want clarity and momentum—but you don’t want someone to tell you what to do.

🔥 WHAT we’ll do together (over 10 weeks)

In a small group (mastermind-style), you’ll:

  • Get clear on what you actually want (beyond expectations, comparison, and “shoulds”).
  • Create a big, meaningful vision for your next chapter—one that fits who you are now.
  • Learn the brain science behind envisioning (why it works, and how to use it).
  • Turn yo...
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The Mindful FIRE PodcastBy Adam Coelho

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