Bonus Episode: What it takes to make a career in comms, according to CMO Shannon Brayton

Product management is one of the hottest jobs on the market. But, what does it take to break into the field – and what exactly do product managers do? Chief Product Officer of GoodRx Mark Hull, joins Ryan and Daniel Roth for a special bonus episode of The Path to talk about the ins and outs of product management and the skills you need to succeed in the field.  Follow Ryan, Dan, and Mark on LinkedIn Get more stories from the world’s top leaders by subscribing to The Path newsletter.

On this bonus episode of The Path, Ryan and LinkedIn Editor in Chief chat with Shannon Brayton, Chief Marketing Officer of Bessemer Venture Partners about the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of communications. Shannon has made impactful contributions at Yahoo, eBay, OpenTable, and as the former CMO of LinkedIn – She offers a unique perspective on merging social media, marketing, and external communications into a cohesive career path. We'll explore why this field is highlighted in LinkedIn's "Jobs on the Rise" report and uncover the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in this industry. Follow Ryan, Dan, and Shannon on LinkedIn Get more stories from the world’s top leaders by subscribing to The Path newsletter.

On this last episode of Season 1, Ryan talks with his most controversial hire at LinkedIn: Editor-In-Chief & VP Dan Roth. Dan started his career as a business journalist, writing for magazines like Forbes, Fortune and Wired. But when the 2009 financial crisis hit print journalism, Dan had to pivot. Ryan and Dan talk about finding your place in a changing industry, the value of mentorship, and leaning on feedback from friends and family. Then, Dan turns the tables on Ryan to ask him about decision making as a leader, how to choose between advice and your gut, and the biggest takeaways from this season of The Path. Follow Ryan and Dan on LinkedIn To hear more from Dan, subscribe to his weekly podcast, This Is Working Get more stories about leader’s zigs and zags by subscribing to The Path newsletter

Harley Finkelstein has been a serial entrepreneur since he started a DJing business in middle school. But he didn’t always know what he wanted to do. He tried the higher education path, and even went to law school. But then he pivoted and pitched himself to a new company called Shopify that would take the e-commerce industry by storm. On this episode, Ryan and Harley talk about the power of being an added value, the loneliness of entrepreneurship and why it’s absolutely critical to have a strong network. Then, networking expert Diana YK Chan shares her top tips for building a personal board of directors, and getting the most from your professional relationships. Follow Ryan, Harley and Diana on LinkedIn For more tips from Diana, check out her LinkedIn Learning Course Nano Tips for Digital Networking Get more stories about leader’s zigs and zags by subscribing to The Path newsletter

Jeffrey Katzenberg is one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, with credits like Pretty Woman, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast. He spent years at Paramount, served as the Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, and co-founded DreamWorks Pictures. But he faced some major setbacks and pivots on his path. Jeffrey talks with Ryan about what came before and after Hollywood, how he got back on his feet after getting fired from Disney, and the importance of exceeding expectations. Then, leadership expert Charlene Li shares tips on how to embrace failure and underscores its significance in your career. Follow Ryan, Jeffrey and Charlene on LinkedIn For more tips from Charlene, check out her LinkedIn Learning courses Get more stories about leader’s zigs and zags by subscribing to The Path newsletter

Chef José Andrés is most well known as the man who popularized Spanish Tapas in the US. But with 31 restaurants, two Michelin stars and one nonprofit - World Central Kitchen - José is also an entrepreneur and humanitarian. In this episode, José opens up to Ryan about how he grew as a professional, from cooking in the Spanish navy to becoming a restaurant owner. He also shares the humanitarianism that drives him to make a positive social impact in the world. Then, professor and LinkedIn Learning instructor, Nick Martin, shares some frameworks for having more social impact in your work and life. Follow Ryan, Jose Andres Group and Nick on LinkedIn For more tips from Nick, check out his LinkedIn Learning Course Build a Career for Positive Social Impact Get more stories about leader’s zigs and zags by subscribing to The Path newsletter

Kat Cole has been a VP at Hooters, Cinnabon President, COO and President of Focus Brands, and now COO and President of Athletic Greens. But before she got into corporate leadership roles, Kat was working in Hooters restaurants, trying to make ends meet. Kat and Ryan talk about reinventing yourself at work, success through an owner’s mindset, and taking control of your career narrative. Then, LinkedIn Learning course author Jodi Glickman shares tips for creating new opportunities by pitching yourself. Follow Ryan, Kat and Jodi on LinkedIn For more tips from Jodi, check out her LinkedIn Learning Course Pitching Yourself for Opportunity Get more stories about leader’s zigs and zags by subscribing to The Path newsletter

After spending 30 years working at AT&T, Cynt was not expecting to get a call from Mark Cuban asking her to lead his NBA team. She knew almost nothing about the business of basketball, but she relied on her leadership philosophy to guide her through. On this episode, Cynt and Ryan talk about lateral career moves, turning down promotions, and leadership principles. Then, leadership expert Charlene Li lays out the qualities leaders need, and how to set yourself up for up for leadership roles. Follow Ryan, Cynt and Charlene on LinkedIn For more tips from Charlene, check out her LinkedIn Learning courses Get more stories about leader’s zigs and zags by subscribing to The Path newsletter: LinkedIn.com/Path

Donna Orender was one of the first women in America to play basketball professionally. But when the women’s league was disbanded in 1981, she had to pivot. Donna talks with Ryan about recovering from this unexpected change, and how she went on to lead golf entertainment at the PGA TOUR before being asked to become the WNBA president. And then author and communication coach Jodi Glickman explains her framework on how to be great on the job and create opportunities for yourself. Follow Ryan, Donna and Jodi on LinkedIn. For more tips from Jodi, check out her LinkedIn Learning course, Make ‘Em Love You at Work Get more stories about leader’s zigs and zags by subscribing to The Path newsletter: LinkedIn.com/Path

Before Toto Wolff was known as a Formula 1 legend, the Austrian businessman spent years steering through different jobs and passions – banking, manufacturing, racing, and venture capital, until he finally landed his current role as Team Principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. Toto talks with Ryan about why the transition to finance made him miserable at first, how to get new skills, and why young professionals shouldn’t try to chase passion right away. Then, author and communication coach Jodi Glickman, shares strategies for identifying your own skills, and deciding which of them are transferrable to a new job or industry. Follow Ryan, Toto’s team and Jodi on LinkedIn. For more tips from Jodi, check out her LinkedIn Learning course, Leveraging Your Transferable Skills to Drive Your Career Get more stories about leader’s zigs and zags by subscribing to The Path newsletter: LinkedIn.com/Path