ISSUE NO. 01
MAGAZINE
The Outlier Project Retreat No. 02 “Living with Legends”
The Weekapaug Inn
HISTORIC SEASIDE INN RELAIS & CHATEAUX FORBES 5-STAR TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST
Autumn in New England September 29 - October 2, 2024
Legends in residence
mers Jackie Sum
Robe rt Ha milto n Ow ens
eilly Megan R
ran r u C ce”
Ma
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Joe Jacobi A Retreat Like No Other | Scott@TheOutlierProject.co
Photo by Ross Sokolovski on Unsplash
TABLE OF CONTENTS 07
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
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Uncover Inspiration for a Fulfilling Journey
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A Purpose Beyond Measure
UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: LAURA GASSNER OTTING Making Life Juicy: LGO on Living Your Best Life
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: JASON REDMAN
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On Unlocking Your Potential to Be Better
UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: BRANDI CHASTAIN
UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: CRAIG LEVINSON Quiet Confidence Speaks Volumes
UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: HEATHER MONAHAN Lead Authentically, Attract Authentically
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 28
UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: MERRIL HOGE
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The Power of the Pivot
Lifelong Learning & Shared Inspiration 32
UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: CLAUDE SILVER
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: HAP KLOPP Start. Create. Don’t Wait.
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: MEGAN REILLY The Outlier Effect: Making a Difference
Self-Worth Starts with Authenticity 36
UNMASKING THE OUTLIER FEATURES: IMAN OUBOU
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SPECIAL FEATURE: GIDEON KOTKOWSKI Beyond Mainstream: Sponsoring the Extraordinary
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COVER STORY: CANDACE NELSON A Conversation with the Multifaceted Outlier Extraordinaire
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FUEL FOR YOUR MIND A Collection of Outlier Authored Books
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FINDING PURPOSE
Photo by Antoine Martin on Unsplash
Charting Your Uncommon Course
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OUTLIER POWERHOUSES Sparking Inspiration, Igniting Your Spirits
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ICONIC OUTLIER SPOTLIGHT The Power of Differentiation
Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash
TABLE OF CONTENTS OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
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OUTLIER outlier-magazine.com
contact@outlier-magazine.com
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SCOTT MACGREGOR
MANAGING EDITOR KATHY LOVE
CONTENT & ART DIRECTOR VICTORIA WALLING
CONTRIBUTING WRITER KOFI DOUHADJI
Outlier Magazine celebrates the courageous and creative people who dare to show up differently, color outside the lines and take the path less traveled. For advertising interests, send an email to: SALES@OUTLIER-MAGAZINE.COM
To order a printed copy of this issue, click here. Photo credit: Chuck Patterson Facebook
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OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
BE THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO OR WHERE YOU ARE, YOU ALWAYS ADD VALUE TO THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND YOU. I found myself drowning. Drowning in a sea of vanilla ubiquitous newsletters that choked my inbox and dulled my brain. Magazines are dying. National treasures like Sports Illustrated and National Geographic have gone the way of the dodo bird. I loved those magazines. They stimulate my brain with beautiful imagery and powerful content. Outlier Magazine is on a mission to bring back what is quickly becoming extinct with a modern digital twist. Each issue will feature an eclectic collection of people who are changing the world by unabashedly showing up differently as outliers do.
LETTER FROM THE Scott MacGregor PUBLISHER Inside the box is incredibly boring and is where innovation goes to die. So, get comfortable, grab a beverage of your choice, and get inspired by the inaugural issue of Outlier Magazine!
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 01
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LAURA GASSNER OTTING Photo credit: www.lauragassnerotting.com
“WE ALL HAVE ONE SHORT TIME IN THIS BIG JUICY LIFE. I NEVER WANT TO WASTE MY OWN TIME OR YOURS.”
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Top 50 Keynote Speaker, Contributor to Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, Harvard Business Review, Access Hollywood & Oprah Daily, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of 3 books OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
Q: What's your biggest pet peeve? I loathe inefficiency in the form of lateness, lack of preparation, and follow through. We all have one short time in this big juicy life. And I never want to waste my own time, or yours. Life is short; let’s get going!
Q: What would surprise people about you? I am a socially awkward raging introvert.
Photo credit: www.lauragassnerotting.com
Q: Who is your business hero? Eli Segal was a wealthy private sector entrepreneur who ran the 1992 Clinton campaign. He was my first boss in the White House, and as a citizen-leader who never held public office but shaped our democracy, he taught me several things: that all business is relationshipdriven, that you can lead from the middle, and that you can do well and do good.
Photo credit: www.lauragassnerotting.com
“THE HIGHEST AND BEST USE OF YOUR TIME IS TO DO WHAT ONLY YOU CAN DO.” - LAURA GASSNER OTTING
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“MY PURPOSE IS TO SEE THE GREATNESS IN OTHERS AND REFLECT IT BACK ON THEM IN WAYS THAT THEY CAN FINALLY BELIEVE IT ENOUGH TO ACT UPON IT.” - LAURA GASSNER OTTING
Q: What’s your best life advice? “You’re not that important.” This was advice I got at a time when I was building my business, building my family, and building my community, and I sure felt important to all of it. I was humbled in learning that I wasn’t actually that necessary to every piece of it, but I sure was irreplaceable in just a few important areas.
Photo credits: www.facebook.com/heylgo
“You’re not that important, except where you are, so double to hell down there.” Since then, what I advise my coaching clients is that “the highest and best use of your time is to do what only you can do.”
Q: What is something that you can't live without? The comfort of knowing that wherever my husband is, at any given time, that’s where my heart is at home. (Though I’m writing this on the plane home from my 7th marathon, so I’d say my travel Theragun right about now.) OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE Photo credit: www.lauragassnerotting.com
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Q: What is something you want to START DOING? Tightening and becoming more intentional about relationships, which I have lost connectivity during the pandemic and with the chaos of my last book launch.
Q: What is something you want to STOP DOING? Expecting “me” from “them” because that way lies madness.
Q: What's your go-to health hack? I’m worth my weight in trail mix.
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? Dave Grohl, all day any day. I have a huge “neighbor crush” on him, in that I think he’s the world’s best neighbor, always poking around the fence when you’re grilling to bringing a sixer and hanging out. We wouldn’t have to go anywhere, but clearly, with Dave, it would be Glastonbury (or maybe a time machine back to a Monsters of Rock show in the late 80s or early 90s).
What is your purpose? My purpose is the see the greatness in others and reflect it back on them in ways that they can either see it for the very first time, or finally believe it enough to act upon it. Photo credit: www.lauragassnerotting.com
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 02
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JASON REDMAN
“I NOW WANT TO HELP OTHERS BECOME THE BEST VERSIONS OF THEMSELVES AND BE BETTER.” OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
Decorated Navy Seal, New York Times Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur
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Q: What's your biggest pet peeve? Pee on the floor in front of urinals! Drives me insane. Stand closer fellas. It ain't that long.
Q: What would surprise people about you? I'm a member of SAG having done some acting, even appearing on Hawaii 5-0. And I am a nerd - I love superhero and science fiction movies.
Q: What is something that you can't live without? Definitely coffee!!!
Q: Who is your business hero? John Paul Dejoria, a Navy Veteran who accomplished the American Dream, Founded Paul Mitchell and Patron, and worth billions now.
“PEOPLE WILL FOLLOW YOU IF YOU GIVE THEM A REASON TO.” - JASON REDMAN
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Q: What is something you want to START DOING? Playing more golf
Q: What is something you want to STOP DOING? Working 14 hour days
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? Dwayne the Rock Johnson, Hawaii
Q: What's your go-to health hack? Follow the 80/20 rule - Work out at least five days a week, eat healthy at least five days a week, good sleep etc.
Q: What’s your best life advice? People will follow you if you give them a reason to. Lead yourself and people will follow.
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What is your purpose? I have lived an amazing life and learned some incredible lessons of leadership and resilience through my military and entrepreneurship journey. I now want to help others become the best versions of themselves and Be Better.
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 03
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BRANDI CHASTAIN Photo credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
“PARENTING IS THE HARDEST THING I'VE EVER DONE, BUT IT'S THE MOST GLORIOUS THING ANYONE CAN DO.” 16
2x Olympic Gold Medalist, 2x World Cup Champion, National Soccer Hall of Fame
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Q: What's your biggest pet peeve? I try not to have any, but I would say it is not being considerate so people who don’t show enough gratitude. Gratitude is a big one for me.
Q: Would you rather train with David Goggins or work for Steve Jobs? Photo credit: Brandi Chastain Twitter Page
Work with Steve Jobs because that is not my field of expertise and I always like new challenges. Although working out with David Goggins would be a real stretch.
Q: What's your go-to health hack? Birdie Bites are definitely a quick win, but whole foods like a crunchy nectarine are really my jam. I live near the Central Valley, where 80% of the world’s produce comes from. The rock fruit that comes from there is unbelievable. You would not believe the difference when you have fresh, handpicked fruit. Photo credit: Brandi Chastain Twitter Page
“FIND YOUR “YES”, BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU “NO”, BUT “YES” IS OUT THERE.” - BRANDI CHASTAIN
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Q: What would surprise people about you? I am really interested in trying things I've never done before. I don't care how hard it is, how scary, how out of the box or how far away it is from my skillset. I wouldn't say I'm a thrill seeker, but I really love to challenge my physical and mental capacity in new tasks and things.
Q: Who is your life hero? My mom is my hero. She grew up in a time before Title IX. She wasn't really encouraged to participate, be strong or to be a leader. Women back in those days had one of three jobs: they were a secretary, a mom or a nurse. They were always looked upon as
being the assistants, not ever the one in charge. She gave up her career to have a family first. That's a boss move. Once we got to an age where we could kind of exist without someone always being around, she went to work, and without a collegiate education, she ended up becoming the Vice President of a company. She gave people their first jobs and helped them on their career path. She was a woman wearing a business suit in Silicon Valley when that was not happening. She lived as an incredible example to me on a regular daily basis. She taught me how to be fearless. My favorite saying she gave me, that I use to this day is, “to find your yes, because people will tell you no, but yes is out there.”
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going?
Photo credit: Rottentomatoes.com
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The one person that comes to mind immediately is Michelle Obama. I know she is physically tough and it would be a great
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conversation as we take in the beauty of Patagonia.
Q: What is something you want to START DOING? I'm about to turn 56 and fighting what happens to women at this age. I'm restarting my physical fitness and taking charge of my body.
Q: What is something you want to STOP DOING? I want to stop trying to be in control of a hundred things at one time. I want to take care of the things I need to take care of and let go of the things I don't.
Q: What’s your best life advice? My grandfather gave me the best life advice when I was a young girl. I was only looking at the things that I could get out of situations. I was not a great teammate because I only wanted to be the goal scorer. He told me he'd give me $1 for every goal I scored, but $1.50 for every assist I made. I quickly realized that giving was better than getting and that has stuck with me for the rest of my life.
Q: What is something that you can't live without? Number one, obviously, I cannot live without my family. Second to that is sports. I love sports, and I love competition.
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What is your purpose? To be the best mother; support system, advocate, soft place to land, loving mother that I can be. Parenting is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it's the most glorious thing anyone can do. Photo credit: Brandi Chastain Instagram
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 04
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CRAIG LEVINSON
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THE LOUDEST PERSON IN THE ROOM TO BE HEARD.”
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Founder of CL Talent Agency for Athletes, Entrepreneur, Manager of Zion Clark, Athlete
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Q: What would surprise people about you? My confidence and belief in myself. I understood early that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be heard.
Q: What's your go-to health hack? Fasting. I think fasting is one of the most powerful health hacks for how important it is for your body physiologically, but also your mental and performance. I incorporate intermittent fasting, as well as longer 3-4 day fasts.
Q: What's your biggest pet peeve? Ego. Those who think they are "better than" another human based on their accomplishments. Humility and how you treat people is everything. Having good character and morals, giving and doing things without a needed outcome.
Q: What is something that you can't live without? Staying physically fit and moving my body in some facet. I have to incorporate some form of activity into my daily life.
“LIFE IS ABOUT ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE OF DOING THINGS AND THE JOURNEY ALONG THE WAY. “ - CRAIG LEVINSON
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Q: What is something you want to START DOING? I've set a goal for myself to start climbing outdoors, the first mountain being Mt Kilimanjaro. I want to explore more of the globe’s landscapes and spend time in nature climbing.
Q: What is something you want to STOP DOING? Focusing too much on future goals and accomplishments and being present. Life is about enjoying the experience of doing things and the journey along the way. You have to appreciate the highs and the lows because that's what shapes your future.
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? Elon Musk, to Antartica
Q: Who is your business hero? Michael Jordan
Q: What’s your best life advice? Realize that behavior and habits compound. Think more about what you can accomplish with consistency overtime than trying to make drastic change overnight. OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
What is your purpose? My purpose is to use my life story, challenges and obstacles I have overcome to inspire others to realize what they are capable of. It's to share my journey as a form of inspiration to influence people to become a better version of who they were yesterday.
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 05
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HEATHER MONAHAN
“LEAD WITH AN OPEN HEART AND SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE YOU.” OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
Top 50 Keynote Speaker in the World, TEDx Speaker, Podcast Host of Creating Confidence, 2X Bestselling Author
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Q: What’s your best life advice? Have faith and trust that things are always working out for you. Lead with an open heart and surround yourself with people who choose you.
Q: What would surprise people about you? I am very funny.
Q: What's your go-to health hack? Starve myself. But seriously, working out on the daily is what saves me physically and mentally!
Q: What's your biggest pet peeve? Victim mentality.
Q: What is something that you can't live without? My faith.
“MY PURPOSE IS TO EMPOWER OTHERS TO CREATE CONFIDENCE IN THEIR LIVES AND LIVE THEIR DREAMS ON THE DAILY.” - HEATHER MONAHAN
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Q: What is something you want to START DOING? Meditating
Q: What is something you want to STOP DOING? Spending time with anyone who isn't epic.
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? Tom Brady and anywhere. Well anywhere besides places I really don’t want to go like Newark.
Q: Who is your business hero? Scott MacGregor for putting me in this!
What is your purpose? My purpose is to empower others to create confidence in their lives and live their dreams on the daily.
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 06
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MERRIL HOGE
“TO LEARN AND GROW AS MUCH AS I CAN AND TO SHARE AND INSPIRE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.”
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Pittsburgh Steelers & Chicago Bears Great, Bestselling Author, 20-Year ESPN Vet, Cancer Survivor
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Q: Would you rather train with David Goggins or work for Steve Jobs? Work with Steve Jobs, because it would be outside my scope of work.
Q: What are the most important parts of your morning and evening routines? Morning: Cold plunge for 5 minutes, cardio for 30 minutes, stretch for 15, core for 10, weights for 30, I’ll try to do more than the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines by 7 am. Night: Put my phone away 2 hours before I go to bed!
Q: What’s your best career advice? Fear is temporary, but regret is forever. Do not be afraid to try new things.
Q: What song could you listen to on repeat that wouldn’t make you crazy? “The Best of My Love” by the Eagles
“FEAR IS TEMPORARY, BUT REGRET IS FOREVER. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS.” - MERRIL HOGE OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
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Q: Who is your life hero? Walter Payton
Q: What scares you, but you do it or would do it anyway? Cold Plunging at 39 degrees has a fight or flight challenge, but I do it anyway. I know of nothing I can do for 5 minutes that gives me all the benefits that cold plunging does.
Q: What do you want people to know about you that they don't already? The thing I love being most out of all the things I have done or will do, I love being a dad!
Q: What is your favorite productivity hack? Visualization
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? I would head right to children's hospital and ask for the one child that needed a trip the most and give both to them.
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What is your purpose? To learn and grow as much as I can and to share and inspire as much as possible.
OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
Life is like a box of chocolates Choose wisely.
www.cocovaa.com
JAMES BEARD NATIONAL SEMI-FINALIST | WINNER OF 30 ACADEMY OF CHOCOLATE AWARDS | ETHICAL SOURCING | PREMIUM INGREDIENTS | MADE WITH LOVE, HONESTY AND A PINCH OF ATTITUDE. 1815 East Washington Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin USA
info@cocovaa.com
UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 07
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CLAUDE SILVER Photo credit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver
“DON'T TETHER YOUR SELF-WORTH TO PERFECTION. ANCHOR IT TO WHAT MAKES YOU AUTHENTICALLY YOU.” 32
Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia, Podcast Host, Author
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Q: What are the most important parts of your morning and evening routines? As soon as I rise in the morning, I enjoy a small glass of water followed by a delightful cup of coffee—a ritual I've upheld for thirty years. It's my sacred moment to welcome the day and center myself before the day really starts. Evenings are a bit chaotic with my two little ones, but before I fall asleep, I unwind by listening to a meditational recording that was made for me that I cherish.
Q: Would you rather train with David Goggins or work for Steve Jobs? David Goggins! I need him on my wall!!!
Q: What song could you listen to on repeat that wouldn’t make you crazy? Ohh I don't think I can only include one, however Massive Attack's "Teardrop" is certainly up high on the list, as is Elbow's "One Day Like This", U2's "Bad", The Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition", Bloc Party's "So Here We Are".
“I FIRMLY BELIEVE IN DOUBLING DOWN ON HUMILITY. I'VE FOUND THAT A STRONG WORK ETHIC IS THE CORNERSTONE OF EVERYTHING.” - CLAUDE SILVER OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
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Q: What’s your best career advice? I firmly believe in doubling down on humility. It's about embracing the idea that no task is beneath me. I've found that a strong work ethic is the cornerstone of everything. Personally, my happiness stems from knowing that I've put in the effort. This philosophy has consistently guided me in the right direction. I've always reminded myself to focus on the work at hand and to invite others to join me on the journey of learning, exploration and curiosity. By doing so, I've cultivated a community of proactive, humble individuals who are always prepared for whatever comes our way.
Q: Who is your life hero? My Nana, fondly known as "Bee", was my hero my entire life. We shared a special bond, calling each other "Heart". Her answering machine message, "Would you do me a favor? Have a Nice Day," encapsulated her essence perfectly. Nana was my person from a young age. She was my confidant, keeper of secrets, and understanding guide through life's challenges. She was truly my best friend. My Heart gave me so many gifts. She taught me to be of service and give freely. She taught me about the need for family and to be uncompromising about that. She showed me how necessary it was to take time for your morning coffee, and never let someone question how you feel about them. Most of all, she taught me how to love unconditionally. There will never be a day when she is not with me.
Q: What scares you, but you do it or would do it anyways? Writing my first book - which I am currently doing!!
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Q: What is your favorite productivity hack? Aside from needing to work with a lot of natural light, I've made significant progress in releasing the grip of perfectionism. The truth is, perfection doesn't exist. I used to pour countless hours, 11, 13, 15-hour days, into striving for the perfect PowerPoint presentation... and you know what? It never materialized. Now, I allocate those hours to pursuits that genuinely bring me joy. Don't tether your self-worth to perfection. Anchor it to what makes you authentically YOU.
Q: What do you want people to know about you that they don't already? I ALWAYS have random song lyrics in my head and I love driving fast! (Safe but fast!)
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? I am inviting Taylor Swift and we are going to Bora Bora to snorkel, play guitar on the beach, and chat about all of her songs and lyrics!
What is your purpose? My purpose is to be of joyful service to everyone I meet, and to greet them with an open and generous heart. Photo credit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 08
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HAP KLOPP
“DON'T BE PARALYZED BY SEEKING PERFECTION.”
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Founder of The North Face, Investor, Adventurer, Author, Entrepreneur
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Q: Who is your life hero? Jose Andreas - founder of World Central Kitchen
Q: Would you rather train with David Goggins or work for Steve Jobs? You've got to be kidding. Goggins for sure. Steve Jobs was a tyrant--brilliant but still a tyrant. Of course, Jobs was able to thrive, but he was in the minority.
Q: What are the most important parts of your morning and evening routines? Evening, I set up my plan for the next day so I hit the ground running as soon as I'm up. Morning is first, getting up early to allow time for everything which will happen during the day, then quickly reviewing, responding or eliminating all emails--finishing before 7:30am.
Q: What song could you listen to on repeat that wouldn’t make you crazy? “Canto Della Terra” by Andrea Boccelli
“NO DECISION IS STILL A DECISION AND THE MOST INDEFENSIBLE.” - HAP KLOPP OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
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Q: What’s your best career advice? No decision is still a decision and the most indefensible. Don't be paralyzed by seeking perfection.
Q: What scares you, but you do it or would do it anyway? River running on major big rivers like the Colorado, Zambezi, etc.
Q: What do you want people to know about you that they don'talready? I've written 12 unpublished books of poetry, 3 unpublished children's books, and 2 published non-fiction business books ("Conquering The North Face," and "Almost")
Q: What is your favorite productivity hack? Eliminate any meeting that is longer than 1 hour.
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? Stanley Tucci to the food regions of Italy.
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What is your purpose? To make the world a better place by encouraging people to go into the wilderness and experience it and come back to be better stewards of the earth. As Thoreau once said, "In Wilderness is the preservation of the Earth."
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 09
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IMAN OUBOU
“DON’T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE DIRECTIONS.”
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2x Founder & CEO of SWAAY Media and Vocable.ai, Bestselling Author, Former Miss New York
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Q: What are the most important parts of your morning and evening routines? The most important part of both my morning and evening routines is my meditation practice. This is fairly new to me, but I have been implementing meditation throughout my days whenever I can, but especially before I begin the hectic workday and before I go to bed. It consists of 15 min of deep breathwork then going inward and quieting my mind. It truly is the best feeling as it allows me to completely disconnect from any kind of physical or mental tension resulting from my busy days. I immediately feel centered, grounded and balanced... sometimes I even don't want to get back into the 'physical real world' because of how great it feels being connected to my inner being during my practice.
Q: Would you rather train with David Goggins or work for Steve Jobs? Without hesitation, work for the legendary Steve Jobs!
“EACH PIVOT IS A STEP CLOSER TO UNDERSTANDING WHERE YOUR PASSIONS LIE.” - IMAN OUBOU
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Q: What’s your best career advice?
Q: What scares you, but you do it or would do it anyway?
Embrace pivoting as often as you need to, especially when your work doesn't fuel your soul. Don’t be afraid to change directions. Pivoting can be powerful in leading you to a career that not only satisfies but energizes you. Each pivot is a step closer to understanding where your passions lie.
Everything I am currently doing scared me at some point. I was scared to launch a new venture, especially in such a competitive male dominated space like AI and tech. I challenge myself everyday to constantly learn and implement new knowledge, connect the dots, and acquire new experiences through trial and error that ultimately make me competitive enough to win in this industry. I love taking on new industries and I honestly just love building projects that solve a specific need for a high value niche and that's exactly what I am doing with Vocable.ai!
Q: What do you want people to know about you that they don't already? That I lowkey have a secret obsession with dirt biking and wish I could take that on as a hobby more! But maybe one day.
Q: Who is your life hero? My parents have been and will always be my life heroes - they have not only taught me resilience, strength, patience, and selflessness, but they've also embodied them. Without all their sacrifices, support and leadership, I wouldn't be the woman I am today.
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Q: What is your favorite productivity hack? Well of course, using a combination of ChatGPT and AI-powered applications to prioritize tasks, automate scheduling, and optimize project timelines based on my habits and deadlines. A non-AI related productivity hack I swear by is writing down my nonnegotiables for each day the night prior and tackling those first thing in the morning; that way I have a sense of direction on how to start my day.
Q: What song could you listen to on repeat that wouldn’t make you crazy? “Just Walk Away” by Daniel Santoro
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? I will choose to sit next to Melanie Perkins, the founder of Canva - and we are going on a retreat to New Zealand!
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What is your purpose? My purpose is to live life authentically and inspire others to fall in love with who they are, uncover their potential, and embrace growth. If there is one thing I am meant to do in this world is to expand my impact and continue leveling up while having a blast, and leading others to do the same.
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UNMASKING THE OUTLIER MINDSET FEATURE NO. 10
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MEGAN REILLY
“I AIM TO LEAVE PEOPLE AND PLACES BETTER THAN WHEN I FOUND THEM.”
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Co-Founder of Tippi Toes, Shark Tank Alum, Top Keynote Speaker, Top Podcast Host
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Q: What's your biggest pet peeve? I cannot stand it when people take pictures at the beach or any cool backdrop with their feet as a main focus. I’ll take the pretty picture minus the feet please.
😁
Q: What would surprise people about you? I am an introvert and small talk is lethal to me. I’d much prefer to talk about life experiences or beliefs than surface level topics.
Q: What is something that you can't live without? I cannot live without my Chris and our three girls, walks in my neighborhood with our dog Ralph, road trips, and fountain Diet Coke.
Q: Who is your business hero? My business hero is Sara Blakeley because she started her company with ingenuity and grit, scaled it using her specific talents and personality and then sold it on her terms. Upon the sale she further gave back to her company with total generosity and creativity.
“SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO ADD GOODNESS INTO YOUR LIFE.” - MEGAN REILLY OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
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Q: What is something you want to START DOING? I would like to start journaling and I would like to learn a second language.
Q: What is something you want to STOP DOING? I want to stop saying “I’m sorry…” at times when it isn’t necessary. I overuse that phrase.
Q: You wake up tomorrow morning, and you can get two first class tickets on a flight anywhere in the world. Who are you going to sit next to, and where are you going? I would be sitting next to Michelle Obama and we would be heading to visit Europe where we would take trains from country to country.
Q: What's your go-to health hack? Sleep or cold plunge. Both always make me feel like a million bucks!
Q: What’s your best life advice? Surround yourself with people who add goodness into your life.
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What is your purpose? To leave people and places better than when I found them.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
FROM TEXAS TO MONGOLIA:
ONE MAN'S QUEST TO RIDE THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST HORSE RACE An interview with Gideon Kotkowski
At The Outlier Project and Outlier Magazine, we champion those who choose the extraordinary path. We celebrate those with an "anyone can be ordinary, but everyone has the power to choose to be extraordinary" spirit, the
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trailblazers who forge unique paths and quench their thirst for a remarkable life. Supporting these outliers is our core mission, so when the chance to sponsor an athlete arose, we knew it had to be someone truly unconventional. OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
Forget mainstream athletes - that's too predictable, a bit ordinary. We craved the unexpected, something that would spark a "what?!" reaction. Enter Gideon Kotkowski and the Mongol Derby. Have you heard of them? Maybe not. That's exactly why we're so intrigued. We're honored to sponsor Gideon's participation in the most outlierish event imaginable: the world's toughest horse race, held in the heart of Mongolia. Prepare to be amazed as I delve into this extraordinary athlete's journey in my interview with Gideon Kotkowski!
- Scott MacGregor
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Tell us a little bit about where you live and what you do now, Gideon. Gideon: Currently based out of Denver, CO I’m a bit of a double agent. My 9-5 is working with a company called Green Project Technologies where we help companies measure, report and reduce their carbon emissions, and my 5 to 9 is working on my own venture, Build It, where we help find you amazing Latin American tech talent that cost 50% less than US equivalents, so you can scale faster and more profitably. Oh, and I am also the host of the Horse People Podcast!
When did your love of horses start? Gideon: I seriously believe I was born with it. Growing up on the border in the West Texas town of El Paso, I’ve always had a passion for animals and the environment and interestingly
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enough, my Dad was an avid rider when he was in his teens growing up in Mexico. He’d tell me stories of him skipping school to go ride and how he’d take the horses bareback and go into nature only to come back to school in the afternoon smelling like manure and getting in trouble. I digress, because I think many equestrians will understand when I joke that you either have the horse gene or you don’t. I remember specifically getting a bareback lesson (My dad made sure I learned bareback before anything else) on this big paint named “Fantasma” (ghost in Spanish) when it got spooked and I fell. Hard.
The Mongol Derby isn’t exactly a household name. When did you first hear about it and what exactly is it? Gideon: I first heard of the Mongol Derby through Instagram, actually. I remember this picture of someone reaching the finish line and I clicked into it and went down a rabbit hole that led me to
discover not only the thrilling challenges of the race, but also the rich history and culture of Mongolia that surrounds it. The Mongol Derby is officially the longest horse race in the world. Taking place through Genghis Khan’s old and mighty horse messenger system which, at its height, connected half the planet. Riders square up to 1,000km (nearly the same distance of riding from San Francisco to San Diego) of Mongolian steppe on semi-wild horses, changing steeds every 40km. Riders navigate and survive on their own wits and skill, living among the herders. It’s the rider and his horse vs. the wild.
What made you want to enter such a unique race, and what was the process like to get in? Gideon: I think for me, this race is the pinnacle of horsemanship and mental toughness and it’s the opportunity to prove to myself that I can ride anything and do hard things. Plus it doesn’t hurt to have a good story to tell!
“This race is the pinnacle of horsemanship and mental toughness and it’s the opportunity to prove to myself that I can ride anything and do hard things.”
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The process to get in involves a couple interviews, videos, references and some luck, only 40 riders get accepted a year!
What are you most excited about? Gideon: Any horse person knows that horseback riding is one of if not the most pure form of freedom. As I gallop across the steppe, with nothing but the sound of the wind and the steady heartbeat of my mount, I envision this experience as embodying freedom in its purest form and just that thought is enough to bring chills to my entire body.
This is a crazy tough race. What are your concerns going into the race? Gideon: I think, outside of the obvious, getting hurt or sick, I’m most concerned as to where I’m going to go to the bathroom :)
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Why do you think The Outlier Project chose to sponsor you and why do you think it’s a good fit? Gideon: First of all, I can’t express how grateful and truly humbled I am for this opportunity to work together and the butterfly effect that led me to you and The Outlier Project. Anytime I think about it, I get pumped! I think this is a good fit for many reasons but most notably, I’m just an ordinary guy, I'm not a millionaire, I’m not famous, heck I don’t even have a horse. It’s a reminder to many that anyone can be ordinary, but everyone has the power to choose to be extraordinary!!!
Do you consider yourself an outlier? Gideon: You know, I hope I can live up to that title. I’m certainly trying!
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Can people ride along with you virtually by tracking the race? Gideon: Yes! There is live tracking during the race that’s connected to my GPS tracker so anyone can follow along! The @MongolDerby Instagram page also does a great job of keeping folks updated. More to come closer to the race.
What are some of the things you hope to walk away with this experience? Gideon: I hope to make lifetime friends with other crazy horse people across the globe and most importantly it will be one of the most unique experiences of my life. I’ll turn 29 the day after the race and I see this as the perfect time to look inward and start asking myself the big questions: who am I, what do I want my life to look like in the next decade, and how can I get there.
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Candace Nelson's journey is anything but ordinary. She's gone from Wall Street to cupcakes with Sprinkles, then landed a coveted spot as a guest shark on Shark Tank - all while becoming a best-selling author and raising two teenage boys. But what's next for this multi-talented entrepreneur? We sat down with Candace to chat about her ever-expanding pizza empire, Pizzana, the surprising challenges of Shark Tank, and the unexpected source of her lifelong drive to be different.
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“I’m doing my best to be a very present and engaged Mom.” -Candace Nelson
Following your whirlwind year with Shark Tank and another bestseller, Pizzana seems to be taking center stage. Can you tell us a bit more about what's happening with the restaurant chain? Is it currently your primary focus? Candace: Pizzana is taking up a good portion of my work life right now because we now have seven full-service dine-in restaurants, off premise in Southern CA and then in two cities in Texas. We’re bringing more delicious pizza to many people, but it also is a challenge in terms of how we're staying
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local in each of those communities. We aim to become ingrained as a local restaurant in those communities. It’s both a marketing opportunity and challenge, but something I am really excited about. But I can say, it’s a labor intensive business as there’s something happening all the time. For instance, we are doing tons of limited time offers, special collaborations with chefs, new dinners, and even working on a loyalty app. And on top of that, there’s a ton going on. I do spend a lot of time on my personal brand (being the umbrella for my books, my speaking, and TV),
whether it's producing or starring, so definitely keeping busy. And then of course, being a mom to two teenage boys. It's true what they say about “little kids, little problems, big kids, bigger problems.” I think they need me more than ever, so I’m doing my best to be a very present and engaged mom.
I really love to laugh. I love comedy. I have what I think is a good sense of humor. OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
When you were growing up in Jakarta, Indonesia, what did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? Candace: As I think back, I vacillated between wanting to be a vet and an actress. I come from a family of crazy animal people, and I did a lot of theater growing up. I remember there was a time in my childhood when I’ve lived in the Upper Midwest, watching TV and seeing other kids on commercials wondering how I could do that. I was thinking I wanted to head to LA someday which, of course, I did but not in the capacity that I thought it would be.
When people say “Candace Nelson” they think guest shark on Shark Tank, Sprinkles, Pizzana, TV personality, bestselling author - all these things. What do you wish people knew about you that they typically don’t? Candace: I can think of a couple of things. I know a lot of people don't know about my international upbringing. When people are starting a conversation, they'll generally ask “where are you from?” to get a sense of who someone is, but for me, it's not a simple answer.
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It's something that I struggled with growing up and still struggle with today because even though I lived in California since 1996, they still want to know, like where were your formative years and I still don't have a good answer for that. So, anytime anyone asks that, it sort of becomes a bigger conversation. I really love to laugh. I love comedy. I have what I think is a good sense of humor. I don’t take things too seriously and I like to be selfdeprecating. You know, come at me with some humor and let’s go watch some standup (comedy) or find a funny movie and have some fun.
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Looking back at your achievements, what project or goal presented the most significant challenges? Candace: It was definitely in the early days of Sprinkles. I would say the hours were pretty similar to investment banking, but what was even harder was the emotional roller coaster of being the one responsible for everything and just not knowing if it would all go away tomorrow. There’s also the disappointment if you know an order went out and it was wrong or we were out of a certain flavor. I took all of those things so personally whereas in my former jobs, really, the buck didn't stop with me, I was sort of a cog in a wheel. Of course, I took my job very seriously. But I could leave it at night. I didn't have to go to sleep with it on my brain, and that was just such a unique feeling to realize,
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“Oh no, I am the one that has to come up with the answers here!”. On top of that, it was also physically grueling lugging around really big bags of sugar, flour, and butter. I mean they were delicious ingredients, but heavy in the quantities that we were making them in.
So as somebody who's accomplished so many different things in so many different aspects of life, I've got to believe there's still a bucket list and I'd be curious what would be on that bucket list that would surprise people. Candace: I want to get these two kids (my sons) launched successfully in whatever capacity they want to be launched in, whether it's college or travel or starting a company of their own. Although, I do believe there's no rush to starting a company. I would like to probably write another book, but this time, self-publish it.
I would love to start another company, but it would have to be the right idea. I would like to do it with just some friends and people that I admire because it's really about surrounding myself with great people who inspire me and who are just fun to go to work with. I have that at Pizzana, but it would be great to do that in another product-based business as well.
You’ve had an incredible 2023, what are some of your best memories? Candace: Shark Tank! Hands down, Shark Tank was a superlative experience. It's just such a well-oiled machine, a professionally run show. To be sitting on a set of a show that I watch religiously with my family with Mark Cuban on one side, Kevin O'Leary on the other, to have made a deal with Lori Grenier, it was just spectacular! They have a great time and a great sense of humor.
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It just checked all the boxes for me in terms of the investment, the support of Entrepreneurship and Founders, you know being a judge on TV which is something I've done a lot of. But, typically, I judged desserts not companies, so it was sort of the next evolution of TV for me, and I felt like I was growing and evolving and I love that feeling.
Is there anything that would surprise us about the Shark Tank experience? Candace: As a woman of my generation, I had to release myself of a lifetime of socialization within a couple of minutes. Because after the first pitch, when I just sat there politely waiting for my opportunity to speak and realize that that opportunity was not coming, I had to throw down, get aggressive, start cutting people off. And that's what it takes. Shark Tank is sink or swim, not just the founders, but the sharks themselves are brutal with
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each other, I mean kindly brutal. Nobody is waiting to give you your opportunity to speak and ask questions, so I had to get with the program real fast. And once I locked in, it was game-on! It was so much fun, but it's just so funny to think about how I did a 180 between pitch one and pitch two.
What are you excited to accomplish for the rest of the year, 2024? Is there anything that you're bent on getting done this year?
You've done so many different interesting things. Is there something that you want to learn that maybe you know you don't quite have the expertise in yet? I wish I knew more about digital marketing. Like how do I advertise myself online? I've always used agencies to help with that, but I'd like to have a better handle on it. I also would like to learn Amazon advertising to help with whatever self-publishing I might do someday.
Candace: I am turning 50 on May 8th and that’s a big milestone coming up. My husband is taking me to Mexico City, which is a place I have always wanted to go for the food, culture, art and history. I am really excited about that. I feel like it's been a long year as I've been working really, really hard. I have not taken much time off, and so I'm just really excited to have a holiday.
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I'm fascinated about AI in spite of my non-tech savviness. I still feel like our whole world is going to revolve around that at some point and wouldn't it be nice to have a handle on that? I want to do more reading. I'm very much a personal development, self-helpbusiness-book type reader. I really miss having my imagination and my creativity stimulated by a great novel, so I want to do more reading and maybe learn to play mahjong.
You accomplished so many different milestones in your career. What are you most proud of personally and professionally? Candace: I think having the courage, which I still look back on and wonder how I did have that courage to veer off the expected path. That traditional corporate path that I was on, and start
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something totally new and off the wall is something that I will forever be proud of.
“I believe in you, you can do this. I know you don't think you can, but I believe in you.”
I really was early, you know, before girl boss was part of our vernacular. I've gone full circle and I'm really proud of having that courage and taking that leap 100%.
It was him and his belief in me that ultimately allowed me to take flight on that idea. He has supported me every step of the way.
And then I'm really proud of my boys. They're kind and funny.
Who has been the biggest influence on the person that you are today? Candace: My husband John always asks me if I have used an executive coach along the way. It's very popular now, and I'm actually quite curious about this practice of using a coach who knows me so well, and typically knows exactly what I need to hear. Starting from the very first day that we came up with the idea for Sprinkles and him saying,
How do you separate the personal and professional side of things? Candace: The nature of the business we’re in is quite comprehensible for a young person. Sometimes, we discuss about growing a business with our sons. So, for example, we can sit at the dinner table and talk about everything from marketing initiatives to labor issues or even personal issues. It’s important for us to help and train our kids to become problem solvers, because at the end of the day, the world needs more problem solvers.
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But also, that's just what entrepreneurs are. They're just solving every problem that comes their way. I really like inviting them into some of the conversation and they enjoy it.
Did you ever have an outlier moment, where you knew you weren’t like everybody else? Candace: I think it started when I was very young, because I was this third culture child where I was sometimes an expat or an American girl. But having had this international experience that other people couldn't relate to easily, I realize that that would ultimately lead to a different career choice for me. And the fact that entrepreneurship was it, wasn't obvious to me from the get-go. It's the perfect path for outliers and misfits, but I think that's probably why I felt I didn't quite fit in with the corporate world.
made me happy. But they weren't modeling that for me necessarily. My dad was a corporate lawyer. He was very much on a corporate path and corporate law. He was literally paid to avoid risk at all costs, so there couldn't be anything more opposing to entrepreneurship than a job like that. Then, we just didn't have many friends who were entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship certainly was part of the conversation in our house.
Last question, when you think about the word ‘PURPOSE,’ what does it mean to you? Candace: I think it's the grounding force of everything we do. And if you're lucky like me, I have always seen food as a way to bring people together.
And again, speaking to my childhood, I've always felt a little homesick or sort of at a loss and missing my friends and my community. It was a way for me to feel a sense of belonging, whether it was baking the treats I missed from home or sitting down to a great meal with my family. It’s truly in building connection.
“Purpose is the grounding force of everything we do.”
But then again, that wasn't a feeling that was new to me. It was something that was kind of with me my whole life.
Did your parents or anyone else encourage you to color outside the lines, be different? Candace: They always encouraged me to follow my passions and to do whatever
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FUEL FOR YOUR MIND A COLLECTION OF OUTLIER AUTHORED BOOKS CURATED FOR THIS ISSUE
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UNBROKEN OPTIMIST KOFI DOUHADJI
WONDERHELL LAURA GASSNER OTTING
STOP LIVING ON AUTOPILOT ANTONIO NEVES
BETRAYED NOT BROKEN LAUREL WIERS
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SPEAKING WITH SPIRIT AGAPI STASSINOPOULOS
HABITS OF A CHAMPION DANA CAVALEA
BEYOND AVER YOURSELF TH PRINCIPLE ROBERT HAMI
SELLING FROM THE HEART LARRY LEVINE
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HOW TO BUILD A CAREER YOU LOVE FOR CAREER SWITCHERS ELATIA ABATE
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TALENT MINDSET STACY FEINER
SLALOM: 6 RIVER CLASSES JOE JACOBI
STORY LIKE YOU MEAN IT DR. DENNIS REBELO
MAGIC BLUE ROCKS APRIL SHPRINTZ
RAGE: DEVELOPING ROUGH THE 20X LTON OWENS
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The Outlier Project “We believe anyone can be ordinary, but we all have the power to choose to be extraordinary.”
- Scott MacGregor DON'T SLEEPWALK THROUGH LIFE
Join us in a community like no other... theoutlierproject.co
DELIBERATE DISCOMFORT JASON B.A. VAN CAMP
OVERCOME JASON REDMAN
EVERYDAY INSPIRATION FOR CHANGE MINOLA JAC
GET STUCK IN! KIM BRADY
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“Purpose is to humans what a compass is to a navigator.” A few years ago, just a After all, as an entrepreneur, couple of years after isn't this the kind of chance launching my activewear one tirelessly strives for? company, a major industry leader extended The answer is a resounding an enticing offer to no, and I am firm in my purchase the brand I had conviction because I am painstakingly built from the crystal clear about my ground up. It was an offer ultimate purpose in life. that promised riches beyond measure, an As I shared in my first book, opportunity most "Unbroken Optimist," "My entrepreneurs dream of. biggest goal in life is to intentionally contribute to a However, I politely declined. community that nurtures My decision, though every single one of its seemingly insane to my members, inspiring them to mentor and some close aim high and filling them friends, was unwavering. with the courage to achieve They warned me that I their ambitions.” would regret it sooner or later, but I remained This overarching purpose is resolute, saying no to the driving force behind hundreds of thousands of everything I do, and writing dollars. In the grand is my most cherished tool in scheme of life's difficult the pursuit of this goal. decisions, this one was surprisingly easy. While most people fixated on the considerable wealth, Whenever I recount this I was forsaking by turning story, people often ask me down the offer, my why I turned down what thoughts were elsewhere. appeared to be a golden opportunity.
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FINDING PURPOSE OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
I pondered the implications of accepting: investing my time into traveling to China every other week to ensure production ran smoothly, scaling the business to meet shareholders' expectations, and delving into the numbers game in a field misaligned with my purpose. The inner peace from utilizing my life the way I am and the deep fulfillment it instills in my soul is priceless. Anyone who is not fulfilled in life would give away all they have if they knew what true fulfillment feels like.
“This is the power of purpose and why you should be willing to invest in yourself as long as it takes to uncover your own purpose or create one if necessary.”
This is the power of purpose and why you should be willing to invest in yourself as long as it takes to uncover your own purpose or create one if necessary.
not, don't despair; you can create one. In fact, I believe that most of us fall into the latter group. We craft our purpose.
Whenever I recount this story, people often ask me why I turned down what appeared to be a golden opportunity. If you are fortunate enough to possess a deep sense of what your purpose is, embrace it wholeheartedly. If
By:
KOFI DOUHADJI
Your purpose need not be written in stone. It can be a living entity that evolves and grows as you navigate life's ever-changing waters. In fact, I believe this dynamic quality is how it should be. Across the internet, countless thought leaders offer advice
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JOIN US
Meet fellow Outliers!
THE OUTLIER PROJECT
2024 HUMANITY EXPEDITION NO. 01 NICARAGUA LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA DALLAS, TEXAS KENTUCKY DERBY LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY BAY FC WITH BRANDI CHASTAIN US OPEN, NEW YORK, NEW YORK RETREAT NO. 02 WEEKAPAUG INN, RHODE ISLAND FUNDRAISER: RAYO DE SOL CASA DE MACGREGOR MADISON, CONNECTICUT HEAD OF THE CHARLES BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS MIAMI, FLORIDA ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NEW YORK, NEW YORK ARMY V NAVY GAME WASHINGTON, D.C.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
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on finding your 'why,' your purpose. But rarely do they delve into why having a purpose is essential in life.
Purpose instills meaning into accolades without ever truly our actions, giving us a reason understanding why. to get out of bed each day with enthusiasm. However, purpose brings clarity to the chaos, granting “Purpose is to humans what a It shapes our decisions, us a roadmap for our journey. compass is to a navigator.” influences our goals, and ~Kofi ultimately molds the legacy It helps us prioritize what truly we leave behind. It is the matters, guiding our choices Just as a compass provides beacon that lights our path, toward fulfilling our direction to a navigator on the ensuring we stay the course innermost desires. open seas, purpose gives even when confronted by humans direction in the vast formidable challenges. Purpose also fuels resilience, sea of life. Without it, much providing the strength to like a ship at the mercy of the Without purpose, life can feel weather life's storms, adapt to waves, a person can drift like a rudderless voyage, adversity, and keep moving aimlessly, often ensnared in a leaving us vulnerable to the forward. cycle of indecision. capricious winds of circumstance. In essence, purpose is the Purpose offers guidance, driving force behind steering us through life's We may find ourselves meaningful and impactful tumultuous waters toward chasing fleeting desires, lives. It endows us with a our chosen destination. accumulating wealth and sense of fulfillment, a deep
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“Purpose is the driving force behind meaningful and impactful lives.” understanding of our roles in the grand tapestry of existence.
It's the North Star guiding you through the vast expanse of your life's journey.
So, whether you've discovered your purpose or are in the process of crafting one, hold onto it with unwavering determination.
Cherish it, nurture it, and allow it to illuminate your path, for with purpose, your life becomes a voyage of intention, significance, and enduring fulfillment.
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OUTLIER POWERHOUSES
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Photo credit: https://www.si.com/
DANIEL "RUDY"
Ruettiger 74
“FIND THE EXTRAORDINARY IN ORDINARY THINGS.” -The Outlier Project Guest January 9, 2024
The legendary figure behind the iconic movie about his miraculous journey to play football at Notre Dame.
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Photo credit: Amanda Seller’s LinkedIn
AMANDA
Sellers
“KEEP BUILDING CONFIDENCE BY GOING THROUGH THINGS YOU’VE NEVER DONE.” -The Outlier Project Guest January 18, 2024
Award winning voice actor, singer, athlete and so much more.
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Photo credit: https://www.epickeynotes.com/
PAUL
Epstein
“CONFIDENCE ISN’T A LIGHT SWITCH, BUT A DIMMER SWITCH.” -The Outlier Project Guest January 23, 2024
2x Bestselling Author, Dynamic Keynote Speaker and Former NFL and NBA Executive
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Photo credit: https://www.cnbc.com/
MATT
Higgins
“EXTRACT MORE VALUE THAN WHAT WAS TAKEN FROM YOU.” -The Outlier Project Guest February 6, 2024
WSJ Bestseller Author, CEO of RSE Ventures, Guest Shark on Shark Tank, Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School
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Photo credit: https://www.frankierusso.com
FRANKIE
Russo
“FAILURE IS A GIFT - THE GATEWAY TO SOLVE A PROBLEM. “ -The Outlier Project Guest March 12, 2024
8x Inc 500 Founder, 2x Bestselling Author, Top Keynote Speaker
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Photo credit: https://christuff.me/
CHRIS
Tuff
“TENACITY AND RESILIENCE, ALONG WITH INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, ARE THE THINGS YOUNG PEOPLE LACK” -The Outlier Project Guest March 19, 2024
USA Today Bestselling Author, Top Keynote Speaker, Guest on Good Morning America
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ROBERT
Paylor
“MENTAL TOUGHNESS IS THE ABILITY TO FOCUS ON THE NEXT MOST IMPORTANT THING” -The Outlier Project Guest March 26, 2024
Former Cal Berkley Rugby standout paralyzed in the National Championship game, Quadriplegic on a journey to walk again, Top Keynote Speaker
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Photo credit: https://guykawasaki.com/
GUY
Kawasaki
“IF YOU WANT TO BE REMARKABLE, YOU’VE GOT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” -The Outlier Project Guest March 29, 2024
16x Bestselling Author, Pioneer in the concept of a business “Evangelist”, first at Apple, Mercedes Benz, Canva, Former CEO, 3 million LinkedIn followers, Stanford Grad
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LISA
LutoffPerlo
“EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP COMES FROM ACKNOWLEDGING WHAT OTHER PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOU DON’T.” -The Outlier Project Guest April 2, 2024
1st woman to take the helm as Vice Chairman for Royal Caribbean Group, Former President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Author, Top Keynote Speaker, CEO and President of FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee
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Photo credit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilary-phelps-6143695/
HILARY
Phelps
“BEING AROUND A COMMUNITY THAT UNDERSTANDS WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH IS OUR SAFE SPACE.” -The Outlier Project Guest April 9, 2024
4x Collegiate Record Holding Swimmer, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Addiction Recovery Advocate OUTLIER MAGAZINE | SPRING ISSUE
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JOHN
Michel
“ORGANIZING THINGS IN A NEW AND NOVEL WAY IS THE BEST FORM OF INNOVATION.” -The Outlier Project Guest April 16, 2024
Former Air Force General, CoFounder of Soulcial Kitchen, and CEO of Skyworks Aeronautics
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SYOVATA
Edari
“PEOPLE APPRECIATE BEING SEEN AND HEARD, SO WE’RE DOING THAT WITH OUR CHOCOLATES.” -The Outlier Project Guest April 23, 2024
Founder of CocoVaa Chocolatier, James Beard Semi-Finalist, and 5x Gold Medalist with 30 Academy of Chocolate Awards
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Why Not Try SomethingNew?
Record 8 consecutive American Business Awards for Innovation Highest Net Promoter Score on record of 94.4% (Industry average 28.0%)
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OUTLIER “DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF! WHY ARE YOU DIFFERENT? WHAT’S IMPORTANT ABOUT YOU? WHY DOES THE CUSTOMER NEED YOU?” SARA BLAKELY
Photo Credit: Sara Blakely photographed for Forbes in May 2016. Jamel Toppin/The Forbes Collection JAMEL TOPPIN/THE FORBES COLLECTION