The Shortest Path

056: Unlocking Ambition, Building Startups, and Scaling Impact - Michael Batko

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 [https://linkedin.com/in/batkomichael]  Michael’s Blog & Newsletter - https://batko.substack.com/ [https://batko.substack.com/] Startmate - https://www.startmate.com/ [https://www.startmate.com/] email me - yemi@theshortestpathpod.com follow us - @shortestpathpod on all platforms ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

055: How Faith & Purpose Built a Property Empire - Bankole Akinlade

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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

054: From Dreams to the BIG Screen - Demmy Ladipo

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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

053: Finding your WHY - Mark Agyakwa

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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

052: From Survival Mode to Living Your True Self - Simon Brett

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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.