ft. Jubril Agoro

Hustle & Leisure Spotlight: Jubril Agoro

A Conversation with Esi Kokui Acolatse

In this Hustle and Leisure feature, we spotlight Jubril Agoro, the founder of Passport Heavy and a trailblazing marketing expert. Jubril has built a career mastering the art of storytelling, creating impactful travel documentaries that inspire millions while redefining the possibilities of digital marketing.

With a deep understanding of connecting with audiences, Jubril has successfully launched and scaled ventures, including Passport Heavy, a platform that combines travel, culture, and community. Whether crafting campaigns or showcasing hidden global gems, Jubril’s work exemplifies the power of action, creativity, and bold vision.

What do you do for work?

I run Passport Heavy, a company where we create travel documentaries from around the world and share them on YouTube and streaming platforms. My work also encompasses marketing in all its forms—social media, paid advertising, email campaigns, and more. At the heart of what I do, I’m a storyteller. Whether it’s through marketing strategies or creating content, I focus on connecting with audiences by telling compelling stories. For instance, I’ve shared my journey of purchasing properties in Belize, and that storytelling has inspired others, leading to over $16 million worth of land sales.

What motivated you to get into your field?

Marketing is universal—you need it no matter what business you’re in. Whether you’re selling iPhones, running a hotel, or launching a skincare line, success depends on how you connect with your audience and communicate your story. This idea of using storytelling to engage and inspire people is what really drew me to marketing. It’s like music; effective marketing connects emotionally, making people feel understood. I wanted to use this approach to take people on journeys they might not have considered before.

What would you say are the top three to five things that helped you get to where you are today?

Mindset, definitely number one. I learned early on to take personal responsibility for my life and not blame my circumstances. Growing up in foster care, coming from a single-parent household, it would’ve been easy to use those as reasons why I couldn’t succeed. But I saw examples of others making it, and I told myself, ‘If they can do it, so can I.’

The second thing is action—just getting out there and doing it. A lot of people wait for the perfect moment, but sometimes the opportunity is gone by the time they’re ready. Lastly, mentors have been huge for me. Some I’ve never even met; I just learned from their books or audios. Being around successful people made me realize they’re no different from me, and I could achieve similar things if I put in the work.

What has networking done for you in your career?

Networking has allowed me to step into rooms I never thought I’d be in. But I think a lot of people get networking wrong. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about understanding the room, the people in it, and what value you can bring. For example, if I know someone I want to connect with isn’t using paid ads effectively, I’ll share some insights on how they could improve. It’s about coming from a genuine place, offering value, and finding something in common. Not every conversation needs to be about work. It’s more about building genuine connections.

What’s a recent project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?

I recently bought three properties in Belize, my first international investments. Growing up in a one-bedroom apartment with my mom and brother, I never imagined owning property, let alone in another country. Now, I’m building a community down there, and it’s inspiring others to invest as well. I even have professional athletes living on my street now. The power of storytelling really made that happen—people watched my YouTube video, got inspired, and started looking into Belize themselves.

What do you think makes storytelling such a powerful tool in marketing?

Storytelling taps into the human experience. It creates an emotional connection that facts and figures alone can’t achieve. When people hear a story, they relate to the challenges, triumphs, and lessons. It’s what makes a product, service, or brand feel real and approachable. For me, it’s not just about selling but inspiring people to dream bigger and see possibilities they hadn’t considered.

What is a challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Early in my career, I struggled with self-doubt. Growing up in environments where I didn’t always see examples of success that looked like me, I had moments where I wondered if I was capable of achieving my goals. Overcoming this was about reframing my mindset. I reminded myself that my story and my background were assets, not liabilities. Surrounding myself with mentors and like-minded people who believed in me helped me see that I belonged in every room I walked into.

What’s the next big goal you’re working towards, and how are you planning to achieve it?

I recently funded my first water well in northern Ghana, in a community where clean water access is limited, especially during the dry season. Working with my friend’s company, Ayaya, we’re also helping local women who collect shea nuts get fair prices. This well project is just the beginning; I want to keep building wells and giving back to communities. I believe in not just taking from a place but also giving back, creating a balance between growth and responsibility.

What makes the work you do worth it? What aspect brings you the most joy?

For me, it’s the people. Meeting people who say they wouldn’t have traveled to a certain place or made an investment if it weren’t for Passport Heavy is incredibly fulfilling. Online comments are great, but nothing beats hearing in person that my work has impacted someone’s life in such a positive way.

How do you maintain your hustle on days when motivation is low? What does self-care look like for you?

Good sleep is number one for me. I used to be the ‘hustle hard’ type, thinking I only needed three or four hours, but now I prioritize seven hours of solid sleep. Exercise is another big one—starting my day with a run or a workout keeps me in a good place. I also make sure to protect my energy by surrounding myself with the right people. I don’t keep people around who drain me, and I stay conscious of what brings me peace.

Have you had any significant failures or setbacks in your career? And what did you learn from them?

When I was a teenager, I was an eBay power seller, but one day, the algorithm changed, and what worked before stopped working. My business failed, and I had to move back home. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me a lot. I learned new skills like SEO, copywriting, and pay-per-click marketing, so I’d never be a ‘one-trick pony’ again. It was painful, but it forced me to grow and be adaptable.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

Know yourself and don’t feel like you have to be in front of the camera to have an impact. Some people are naturally extroverted, while others are not. If you’re trying to be something you’re not, you’ll struggle. Find what aligns with who you are. For those looking to build a personal brand, consistency is key, and always consider what unique value you’re bringing to the market. Make sure you’re adding something that people can truly benefit from.

Where are you based, and how would you spend 24 hours in your city?

I live in Miami. I’d start my day around 6 a.m., lying in bed for a bit, then around 7, I’d head out for a nice run along the water in downtown. Running by the water really sets a good tone for my day. Afterward, I’d make breakfast—maybe eggs with salmon or bacon—then get on my computer to work for a couple of hours, usually on my balcony overlooking the water.

Later, around 11:30 a.m., I might take a break, relax a bit, or even take a nap. By 3 p.m., I’m back to work, whether it’s reviewing content, writing, or planning marketing material. Then, I’ll head down to the gym in my building for a workout, often scrolling through social media while walking on the treadmill—my guilty pleasure. After that, I’ll do some weights.

If it’s a weekday, I try to stick to my meal preps instead of eating out, but Miami has so many great spots. Since I’m single, I sometimes head out for a nice dinner or even a sunset yacht ride if I’m with friends or a date. There’s nothing like being on the water at sunset. For me, that’s the perfect way to end the day.

What does celebration look like for you? How do you celebrate your wins?

Celebrating my wins often means getting out on the water. I love being on a yacht, enjoying the Miami views, and taking a moment to appreciate how far I’ve come. I also love celebrating with family—bringing my mom somewhere special or just being surrounded by people I care about. It’s about relaxing, enjoying life, and creating memories with those I love.

What, in your opinion, makes for a Toasted Life?

For me, a Toasted Life is about balance and growth. It’s having a life partner, maybe two or three kids, and seeing my friends and family grow with me. It’s sitting back with a nice glass of champagne, sharing moments with people who inspire and elevate you, and knowing you’re putting in the work to continue evolving spiritually, physically, and financially. A Toasted Life is about continuously elevating with the people you love, surrounded by beauty and purpose.