No Straight Path

Joining us today is Natalie Franke, a best-selling author, community builder, neuroscience nerd, and mama bear for small businesses. She founded The Rising Tide Society (a game-changer in community building for entrepreneurs), which was acquired by HoneyBook in 2015. Now, at Flodesk, she continues to empower entrepreneurs globally. Her latest publication, Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage, is a remarkable book that motivates readers to embrace their inner courage. For the first part of our conversation with Natalie, we learn about her entrepreneurial journey, from her ambitious side hustle as a wedding photographer in college to the deep loneliness she felt when she lost that sense of community. She shares how she established The Rising Tide Society as a space where entrepreneurs and small business owners could foster belonging and why she continues to be a fierce advocate for small business owners and healthy competition. Natalie also opens up about what it was like being diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. She shares what the experience taught her about vulnerability and courage, from the risks it posed to her eyesight and fertility to the unexpected reciprocity she experienced when she decided to be honest with her community. There is so much wisdom to be gained from today’s conversation. Be sure to listen in for all of Natalie’s inspiring insights on vulnerability, community, and courage, and join us next time for part two!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

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

HoneyBook

Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold Brave + Boundless Courage

Built to Belong: Discovering the Power of Community Over Competition

Ashley Menzies Babatunde

Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Hubspot Podcast Network

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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! 

Our guest today is Sarah Chen-Spellings, an award-winning entrepreneur and investor. She co-founded Beyond The Billion, a global consortium of over 100 venture funds and investors committed to investing over $1 billion in women-founded companies. Sarah's extensive experience includes corporate venture capital within a $13 billion conglomerate, cross-border investments, and leadership roles in organizations like 131 & Counting and Lean In Malaysia, where she accelerates women into leadership roles and promotes women's participation in politics. In our conversation today, we delve into Sarah's remarkable journey, which began at the age of nine when she became a national TV host, setting the stage for an inspiring life trajectory. Her innate ability to rise to the occasion is evident as she opens up about her father's passing, a pivotal moment that led her to step into the family business at the tender age of 21 while navigating the depths of grief. Sarah draws inspiration from her emotions and grief, channeling them into her career. She also shares how she accidentally became a feminist, ultimately sparking her deep passion to see a rise in women in leadership roles. Sarah highlights how two recurring themes, venture capital and women in leadership, spurred the founding of the Beyond the Billion fund. To hear more about the barriers holding women back from leadership positions and an encouraging word from Sarah, be sure not to miss out on this episode. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sarah Chen-Spellings

Sarah Chen-Spellings on LinkedIn

Sarah Chen-Spellings on X

Sarah Chen-Spellings on Instagram

Billion Dollar Moves

I Carry Your Heart with Me by E.E. Cummings

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! 

It’s possible to work in social impact without truly moving the needle on the most pressing issues. But there are plenty of organizations that want to do more than add immediate value. These are the foundations, non-profits, and governments that DC Design serves. During Part 2 of our conversation with Founder and CEO Durell Coleman, we discuss the three primary methods DC Design employs to support those seeking to create change. Durell reveals the thinking process behind choosing to create a business rather than operating as a non-profit and talks about balancing family life and work. We also explore the challenge of giving the appropriate value to the opinions of others as you build relationships and further your career. Lastly, Durell shares some powerful advice for young entrepreneurs, reminding listeners that you can live your life as fully as you can dream of doing so. He then shares some practical advice on how to establish what you are most excited about doing. Don’t miss the second part of our discussion with this inspiring leader!

Durell Coleman founded DC Design with the goal of addressing some of America’s most pressing social challenges through the design thinking process. He has since collaborated with global non-profits, large tech companies, and small businesses to fight against homelessness, mass incarceration, economic inequality, Black infant mortality and more. In part one of our two-part conversation, we explore Durell’s upbringing, which laid the foundation for his passion for creating change. Next, we discuss his mission to eliminate multi-generational poverty by truly listening to what people need and how the humanity he sees in people motivates him to advocate for them.

He is a two-time alumnus of Stanford University and its Institute of Design (the Stanford d.school). He is an expert in multi-stakeholder, human-centered design; has been awarded the Jefferson Award for Public Service as a result of his work; and is one of the subjects of the PBS documentary: “Extreme by Design,” which is used as a design thinking teaching aid all over the world.

Don’t miss the chance to hear key insights from Durell’s journey that are sure to inspire you on your own!

There is no doubt about it: life is full of challenges that come in all different shapes and sizes. But when we approach those challenges with a joyful attitude and an open mind, the possibilities of cultivating prosperity (in every sense of the word) are endless. Les Alfred is the founder of the online wellness community and podcast, Balanced Black Girl. Her mission is to help others create nourishing habits that help them create necessary space to live their best lives. Since launching in 2018, Balanced Black Girl has garnered over 7 million downloads, has over 1,500 5-star reviews, and has been featured by Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

From a young age, Les was drawn to storytelling, which, combined with her personal experience of the transformative power of taking health and wellbeing seriously, is what inspired her to found a platform that focuses on sharing stories around mind-body health, habits, financial wellness, and self-care. In the style of a natural-born storyteller, Les candidly shares some of the key moments in her life that have shaped her into the person she is today, how she stays inspired and leans into joy, the value of meeting yourself where you are, why you shouldn’t spend too much time overthinking your ideas, and a whole lot more wisdom!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Les Alfred on Instagram

Les on Tik Tok

Balanced Black Girl

Balanced Black Girl on X

Balanced Black Girl on Instagram

Balanced Black Girl on YouTube

Balanced Black Girl Podcast

Episode 192 of the Balanced Black Girl Podcast

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! 

In the fast-paced society we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to succeed. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to achieve success, the way you approach it can either have a very positive or very negative impact on your health and happiness. As someone who knows all too well what it feels like to overwork, I’ve come up with five strategies that have helped me find more joy, inner peace, and excitement about all aspects of my life, all of which I share with you in this episode. If you’re listening to this podcast, you probably place a high amount of value on achievement, so I really hope that you walk away from this feeling inspired to find work that you feel intrinsically motivated to do, stop setting unrealistic timelines, and celebrate the little wins! 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Podcast Movement

Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation: What’s the Difference? 

The Good Enough Job

The Enneagram Personality Test

Ashley Menzies Babatunde

Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram

Hubspot Podcast Network

August Break Episodes:

Creative Journeys

Battling Inner Voices and External Pressure with Carl Tart

Following your Joy, Passion & Purpose with Desta Tedros Reff 

Reclaiming Autonomy and Growing Joy with Maria Failla 

Corporate Journeys

Building Safer, More Equitable Workplaces with Lexi B.

Redefining Success with Ashley Menzies Babatunde

Reflections on Resilience & Social Impact with Jessica Salinas

Entrepreneurship

Upscaling your Business & Life with Scott D. Clary

Curiosity, Failure, and Loving the Process with Dileep Thazhmon 

A Sustainable Approach to Building a Business with Laurelyn Harrig 

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! 

Millennials are the largest generation in the workforce and they are moving into leadership positions across sectors. They possess the ability to navigate swiftly through changing circumstances, empathize with others, drive purposeful endeavors, and cultivate a culture of ongoing development. Today's guest, Kaylin Cotton, is a Los Angeles native dedicated to creative leadership strategies and pushing organizations forward with inclusive and equitable sensitivities. She has managed retail locations for Fortune 500 companies, led teams in retail and entertainment, and embraced millennial leadership. In the entertainment industry, she built brand guidelines and employed DEI communication strategies. Now, she manages HOORAE, Issa Rae’s dynamic media company known for pushing boundaries and making waves in entertainment. In our conversation, we uncover Kaylin's remarkable journey, exploring the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the strategies she employed to shape the future of creative leadership in an ever-evolving landscape. She opens up about her upbringing, the values her parents instilled in her, and her relentless over-achieving drive. We discuss how she developed her passion for leadership and how she was able to pivot her career from retail to entertainment. We also delve into her perspective on leadership, the qualities that make a good leader, and what she learned on her leadership journey. Kaylin also shares her self-care routine, advice for aspiring leaders, and how she continues to be curious. Get ready to be inspired as we dive deep into the life and career of this remarkable trailblazer.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kaylin Cotton on LinkedIn

Kaylin Cotton on Twitter

Kaylin Cotton on Instagram

HOORAE Media

Issa Rae

Shondaland

The Gathering Spot

Millennial Leadership Article

Generational Differences in the Workplace

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! 

As we continue with the second part of our conversation with Ian Bentley, the Co-Founder, and CEO of Parker Clay, we delve deeper into his journey and the social enterprise work he and his wife Brittany are undertaking. You’ll hear more about Ian’s non-traditional career path and the family's decision to move back to the USA. Ian explains the concept of investing in relation to community, highlighting their unique funding effort through a Regulation A+ and crowdfunding campaign. He reflects on the personal growth he and his family experienced during their time in Ethiopia and the lessons learned about leadership, listening, and introspection. The episode concludes with Ian's heartfelt reminder to be kind to oneself. Tune in for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion that is sure to resonate with anyone who is looking to make a difference in the world.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ian Bentley 

Parker Clay 

Invest in Parker Clay 

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! 

Continuing in our entrepreneurship theme, today we speak with Ian Bentley, the co-founder, and CEO of Parker Clay. This brand showcases exceptional Ethiopian leather and craftsmanship while creating meaningful job opportunities for at-risk women in Ethiopia. Ian, driven by his business development background and desire for change, founded the company with his wife Brittany after adopting their daughter from Ethiopia. Parker Clay has since expanded to over 200 employees (80% women), between their office, warehouse, and flagship store in Santa Barbara, California, and their factory and leadership team in Ethiopia. In this episode, Ian shares his personal journey from growing up in LA to meeting his wife and starting the company together. He discusses the challenges faced by women in Ethiopia and the family’s decision to move there to address these issues. The episode also explores topics such as conscious consumerism and what being a B Corp entails. Ian shares insights on balancing business growth with the company's mission and values and his views on failure versus learning. Join us for an insightful discussion on creating a better future with Ian Bentley through sustainable and ethical practices.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ian Bentley 

Parker Clay 

Parker Clay Investor Campaign

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! 

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are issues of great concern across corporate America. Thankfully, we are witnessing a drive toward improving DEI in the workplace at a systemic level, and today’s guest is one of the frontrunners of this cause! Mandy Price is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kanarys, Inc., a technology company that is focused on using data analytics to provide the tools that organizations need to create long-term, systemic change around DEIB challenges. 

Mandy grew up in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, and the segregation that she witnessed in her community (including the ‘white flight’ mass exodus of Caucasian people from her suburb) ignited a fire within her for creating a better life for all across all environments. Her parents ensured that Mandy always knew who she was and understood the world that she lived in, and her interest in the civil rights movement formed the basis of what would become a stellar career in improving the lives of many others. 

In our conversation, we learn of the values that were instilled in Mandy as a child and how they serve her in her work today, why she chose to study law and how this decision aligned with her life’s interests, how she made the pivot from law to DEIB, and why she’s dead-set on creating a better future for her children. Then, we dive deeper into Kanarys by discussing how Mandy roped in her Co-Founder (who is also her husband), how they funded their venture, the challenges she’s experienced as an entrepreneur, and why Black and Latino women founders are pushed to the back of the line when it comes to raising venture capital. To find out how Mandy finds peace in her chaotic work-life balance and to understand why she insists that we should all give ourselves more grace, tune in now!  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mandy Price on LinkedIn 

Kanarys, Inc. 

Kanarys, Inc. on Instagram

Kanarys, Inc. on Twitter 

Spiraling Up: The Journey to Become a Unicorn | ‘Ep 2: Kanarys’ 

Texas Civil Rights Project

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!