Yonathan Napoleon grew up in Los Angeles, California, and like many other 90's babies, grew up a Lakers fan with hoop dreams. Those hoop dreams eventually turned into an opportunity to play professional basketball in London. A lifelong dream fulfilled, and a future career with endless potential was on the horizon, right?

Well the pandemic of 2020 changed all of that, and forced Yon to pivot into the next chapter of his life, one that has landed him at Excel Sports Management, one of the leading talent and marketing agencies in the world, in pursuit of becoming an NBA agent.

We caught up with Yon to discuss his transition from playing, to his role now behind the scenes, trying to work his way up in an industry that's often described as cutthroat, and very transactional.

Yon shares some of the most important nuggets he's picked up along the way, such as the importance of building genuine relationships, putting aside your ego to ask for help, and not being afraid of rejection. All of which are things that have contributed to him being in the position he's in today, staring his dreams in the face while on the precipice of the breakthrough that could change everything.

So get your noted out for this one! Because this conversation was full of perspective that could help take you to the next level, no matter what industry you're in.

Don't forget to like, comment, and tell a friend to tell a friend about what's going on here at the What's In Your Bag Podcast!

What if I told you that going viral on twitter could land you a job at the most storied marketing agency in the world? Or to put it in Travonne Edwards words, the "Yankees" or the "Lakers" of the advertising industry. It's crazy what social media can do for you these days!

Travonne Edwards, also known as "Black Tray" has been utilizing social media to tell stories in so many different mediums. From some of the most legendary marketing campaigns we've ever seen with brands like Mcdonald's, Nike, and ESPN to podcasting, and building up "Count The Dings" to a community that has taken on a life of its own, even today seven years later.

We caught up with the LA native to discuss his journey from school teacher, to full time creative, storyteller, and podcaster, as well as to share some tips that helped him build a six figure brand along the way!

We also get into some of the most legendary campaigns of the modern era, such as Nike's "Just Do It", and Chris Rock as Lil Penny and share what went into bringing these to life. Some of these origin stories are just too good to believe!

Lastly, we share some life nuggets on how to deal with the pressure of getting older, not getting caught up in comparison and the importance of mental health, especially during #mensmentalhealth month here in June! So make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don't miss this episode, and many more just like this one!

Chima Moneke has the most incredible path to the NBA that you'll ever hear. And that's not an exaggeration.

From picking up the game in Australia, and getting cut from his under 18 high school club, to signing an NBA contract with the Sacramento Kings, everything that unfolded in between is something straight out of a Disney movie, that sometimes feels too good to be true.

We recap the journey through junior college in Nebraska that eventually landed him a Division One basketball scholarship at UC Davis. The same UC Davis that produced fellow overseas standout TJ Shorts, who Moneke shared the court with as a senior.

We walk through the trials and tribulations of trying to climb the overseas ladder, that included being cut from second division France, and landing at a crossroads in the viability of achieving that coveted NBA dream.

Chima talks us through how he was able to turn that setback into a catapult that would launch him into the most prosperous days of his professional career to follow. Which eventually led him to an NBA contract with the Kings and a reunion with Team Nigeria Head Coach Mike Brown.

We cap off the podcast with the question of the hour, after a career euroleague season in Baskonia, where does the NBA lie on Chima's radar today? Could a return be looming?

Find out on the 50th episode of the WIYB podcast out now on all platforms! And remember to subscribe/follow the show so you don't miss any more episodes to follow!