There’s a reason why so many people who have had teaching posts via Teach for America describe the experience as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Not only are you solving incredibly complex problems in a classroom filled with students, but you are also operating within a deeply flawed system. For our first episode of No Straight Path, we are delighted to welcome Michelle Odemwingie, CEO of Achievement Network (ANet), to talk about her career journey, and how she discovered her passion for education. In our conversation Michelle reflects on her academic perfectionism from an early age, the anxiety it caused her, and how growing up in a suburban Texas town informed her decision to go to Stanford. We discuss how Michelle discovered her passion for education while at university, and the hugely formative role that Teach for America played in her life. Next, Michelle describes some of her biggest mistakes and successes as a teacher, along with the most important lessons she’s learned along the way. She also shares the story of how she became CEO of ANet, some of the feelings of imposter syndrome she experienced, and the critical role that one of her mentors played in opening up a leadership path for her. To learn more about Michelle’s journey and how it has shaped her, be sure to tune in today!


Key Points From This Episode:

Introducing today’s guest Michelle Odemwingie, CEO of Achievement Network.

Michelle’s Nigerian heritage and the experience of being the daughter of immigrant parents.

The important impact that her mother’s dyslexia had on Michelle’s learning journey.

Michelle and Ashley’s experiences with academic perfectionism from an early age.

Some of the micro and direct aggressions Michelle had to contend with growing up in Texas.

Why Michelle decided to go to Stanford, and her positive experience there.

How Michelle discovered her passion for education as a career.

Michelle’s dedication to the idea of education as a great equalizer in America, if the country had the bravery to do it fully.

Michelle’s first encounter with Teach for America.

Why Michelle’s experiences as a math teacher in DC were so radically formative.

Why working for Teach for America is described by so many people as one of the most challenging, and rewarding, experiences of their lives.

Some of Michelle’s biggest mistakes and biggest triumphs that she had as a teacher.

Why the notion of ‘escaping where you came from’ as an aspiration can be so damaging.

The exercise where Michelle had students create their own textbooks and the impact it had on their learning and their lives.

How Michelle became the CEO of the Achievement Network.

Why having a mentor mention you in higher spaces is so impactful.

The start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and how Michelle adapted as a leader in education.

Michelle’s feelings of imposter syndrome and how she finally decided to apply for the job of being CEO thanks to her co-worker and the intervention of her family.

Tune in for Part 2 in our next episode!



Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Michelle Odemwingie on LinkedIn
Achievement Network
Teach for America
Ashley Menzies Babatunde
Ashley Menzies Babatunde on Instagram