Outlier Magazine Winter 2024 by outlier-magazine

119 TABLEOFCONTENTS

FEATURE STORY: ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

Embracing Play and Spontaneity for a Joyful Life

120 OUTLIER POWERHOUSES

Thought-provoking quotes from real outliers

‘EM OUT(LIERS)

Follow these outliers who are redefining what it means to truly live an outlier life

OUTLIER

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

WELCOME TO OUR WINTER SUMMIT ISSUE.

Why is this the Summit issue? Well, I think as outliers we are all climbers, either figuratively or metaphorically We are ambitious, goal driven people with an insatiable desire to get somewhere In my life, that has always been me But often when I reached the summit, I didn't feel the elation you’d expect I thought I would

height of Everest in a weekend

It was always very quickly replaced by, “okay, what's next?” As the years have gone by, I've grown to accept that there is no grand final summit, just a series of mountains to climb; and I've learned to appreciate the process

In 2017, I heard about a novel concept called 29029, a first of its kind event put on by Jesse Itzler to see if it was possible to climb the

I’m always up for an adventure with my wife Meg So off we set for Vermont, having no idea what we were getting into The event was life changing, partially because of the audacious challenge and partially because of the beautiful strangers who showed up only to become what felt like family after three days of suffering together

Jesse's advice was simple chip away Be where your feet are Embrace the process It was addicting This became two more trips to Utah as participants and five more trips to Vermont as volunteers I love this quote by Eiji Yoshika, “The summit is believed to be the object of the climb. But its true object the joy of living is not in the peak

itself, but in the adversities encountered on the way up”

I hope you enjoy climbing into the minds of the amazing people we highlight in this issue, and that you see the common denominator of overcoming adversity on their path to living an extraordinary life, and the joy that they bring to each step of their journey

Fridtjof Nansen said, “Happiness is the struggle towards a summit and, when it is attained, it is happiness to glimpse new summits on the other side”

Keep climbing, outliers

Scott MacGregorPublisherandEditor-in-Chief

Dynamic

Advocate for Personal Growth and Community Impact

Chief Community Officer of The Outlier Project

Managing Editor of Outlier Magazine

Speaker: TEDx (“The Choices We Make”, Kathy Leckey)

Certified Life Coach focused on Self-Care for nurses who take care of everyone else but themselves.

Author My Self Care Sht: The Workbook series & Contributing author on gratitude in the Standing O! book series, by Scott MacGregor Yoga Instructor RYT200 Mindfulness

What

do you do for Outlier Magazine and what do you love about it?

As the managing editor of Outlier Magazine, I’m part of a small but powerful team, working alongside the detail-oriented Victoria and Melissa, whose meticulous efforts bring Scott’s vision to life. It's always thrilling to discover who our next cover feature will be and to see all the elements come together to create each new issue.

FUNFACT:

Oneofmypersonalmantrashasalways been,"Ichooselove." Lastyear,ImadethatmantraarealitybychoosingLoveasmy newlastname.Itfeltincrediblyfitting, especiallyafterlearningthattheword "love" originatesfromtheFrenchwordfor femalewolf,knownforherbraveryand ferocity.Mymaidenname,Capolupo, translatesto"HeadoftheWolf," making theconnectionevenmoremeaningful.

I choose to live a life of peace, stability, and abundance one that closely mirrors the vision statement I wrote in detail nearly a decade ago when my life took a dramatic turn. At the time, it would have been much easier to embrace a victim mindset, but instead, I chose to create my reality. Remarkably, that vision even included a magazine!

JACKIE SUMMERS with...

Q:Whoarethesherpasinyour lifewhoprovidedyouwiththe mostvaluableguidance?

I’manautodidact;Ilearnthrough doing I’mfortunatetohavehadterrific parentswhoworkedhardtoinstill unshakableethicsinme.

From my Dad’s side I get my creativity. My emotional fortitude is from my Mom. That foundation inside me is unshakable But if you ask me who taught me how to become a distiller, or a writer? How to create a viable business plan? How to read P&L sheets and raise capital? Those things are largely self-taught From a business perspective, the most pivotal human in my life has been my sweetheart.

She’s a C-suite executive at a Fortune 25 company, holds multiple degrees, and has the keenest strategic instincts I’ve ever seen. In a cutthroat corporate environment, she creates loyalty while staying rooted in her integrity Before I proceed with any business venture, I run my plans by her first, and if she can’t punch holes in them, I know I’m on solid ground

My general theory of how to succeed in life is: surround yourself with smart women and listen to them. She’s as smart as they come, so I listen to her Both from a business and moral perspective, she’s never on the wrong side of an argument.

“WE’RE SCRAPPY, AND WE’VE LEARNED TO BE CRAFTY. WE CAN MOVE IN WAYS THE BIG BRANDS CAN’T, AND WITH SPEED THAT DEFIES CORPORATE BUREAUCRACY.” -JACKIESUMMERS

Q:Alife-threateninghealth scarebecameapivotal momentinyourlife.Tellus aboutthat.

Inthespringof2010,Ihadacancer scare.Aftermonthsofcripplingsciatic pain,mydoctorsentmeforanMRI “Wethinkyouhaveanependymoma," hesaid.“Thatsoundslikecancer,"I responded."It'sonlycancer95%ofthe time,"hereplied.

WhenIaskedwhyhephrasedhis statement"wethink,"heconfessed thatbecauseofthetumor'slocation insidemyspine biopsywasn'tan option AlltheMRIdidwasconfirm that85%ofmynervesheathwas blocked."Ifyoucan'tdoabiopsy,how doyouremoveit?,"Iasked."Simple," hesaid."We'regoingtoremovea bonefromyourspine.”“I’veplayed Jenga,”Iinterrupted “Don’tIneedthe bonesinmyspine?“

“We'regoingtoexposeyourspinal cordthroughtheholewe’regoingto makeinyourspine,”hecontinued “Andsliceopenyournervesheath. Thenwe'regoingtoperform neurosurgeryonyourspinalcord.The thingsyouneedtoknoware:One,the tumorisentangledwiththenervesat thebaseofyourspinalcord,sowhile webelievewecanremoveit,wewon’t knowifthere’spermanentnerve damageuntilafterwards.

There’s at least a 50% chance of partial paralysis And two, if it’s malignant, it’s already in your lymphatic system. Even if we can remove it, if it’s metastasized, you're looking at six months, tops You should organize your paperwork”

Short version: I lived. And (much to their surprise) I was walking the next day

You can’t survive an experience like that and remain unaffected; few things are more motivating than the chill of death’s icy breath on the back of your neck. I consider what happened to me a gift of perspective. I was able to critically examine my priorities in life, and decided twentyfive years in corporate life was more than enough. What I wanted to do was day-drink, professionally. I didn’t want to be in an office; I wanted to be in a bar, having great conversations with interesting people, and I wanted to monetize it. When I couldn’t think of who was going to pay me to enjoy this lifestyle, I took my kitchen recipe and transformed it into a brand. Sorel Liqueur, born of that pivotal moment, is now the most-awarded American made liqueur of all time.

Q:Yourheritagehasplayeda bigroleinyourlife'sworkwhile you'reabusinessowner.Tellus whyyouseeyourselfmoreasa stewardandacustodian.

AsthegrandchildofCaribbean immigrants,thisstorydoesn’tbelongto me Itpredatesmebycenturies Twentygenerationskeptthistradition alive,formostofwhichtherewereno recipes,astheenslavedweren’t allowedtoreadorwrite.Asthesteward ofthisstoryforthisgeneration,it’smy privilegetohonorthosewhocame beforeme,whosesacrificesmadewhat Idopossible.Ifmorepeopleknowthe storytodaythandidyesterday,thenI’m doingmyjob

Q:Despitebeingthemost awardedliqueurintheworld, setbackshavealsobeenabig partofSorel'shistory.Tellus aboutthosesetbacksandhow theyfueledyourfire.

Theaccoladesarefantastic,however, wecan’teatthem We’reabusiness,

and there’s a gigantic chasm between being “best” and “best-selling.” The former speaks to quality; Sorel Liqueur is (arguably) the best American-made liqueur of all time. Sales however are largely a by-product of massive marketing campaigns, which are prohibitively expensive.

Lacking proper capitalization, it’s nearly impossible to compete with the big brands on their level That said, we’re scrappy, and we’ve learned to be crafty. We can move in ways the big brands can’t, and with speed that defies corporate bureaucracy We can tie advertising, promotion, and earned media into hyper-local sales campaigns with tangible, trackable metrics. As I tell my team, limited resources call for unlimited resourcefulness. There is no ceiling on ingenuity, which is where my team shines.

Q:You'rethefirstBlackperson toholdalicensetomakeliquor inpostprohibitionUnited States.Whatdoesthat distinctionmeantoyou?

Thatdistinctionofbeingthefirst licensedBlackdistiller(postprohibition)saysfarmoreaboutthe systemicbarriersthatprohibitentryto marketthanaboutme.Idon’tsee myselfasspecialforbeingfirst;it doesn’tmakemesmarterorinanyway betterthananyonewhocameafter. Thatsaid,tometherearetwo responsibilitiesinherenttobeingfirstat anyendeavor:

Numberoneismakesureyou’renot thelast Andastherearenowhundreds ofBlack-ownedliquorbrandsaround thecountry,Ifeelrelativelyassuredthis aspectiswellcovered.

Thenumbertworesponsibilityofbeing firstistomakethepatheasierforthose whocomeafter.Thatmeansbetter accesstocapitalization,better distributorsupport,accesstobanking resourcesthathelponebuildastrong businessfoundation,etc.Inthataspect, Ispendaboutathirdofmytimewriting andspeakingpubliclyaboutbusiness andentrepreneurship,inadditionto mentoringafewdozenbrands It’snot enoughtosay,“arisingtideliftsall boats.”Notallboatsarebuiltthesame; Itakeitonmyselftomakesureas manyaspossiblearepreparedto weathertheinevitablestorms

Q:Wheredoyouseeyour company,JackFromBrooklyn, evolving?

JFBwasalwaysmeanttobeaholding company;aspacewherewecould growmultiplebrandstomaturity. Sorelisproofofconcept:arelatively obscuredrinkoutsideofitsnative culture,whichwe’veturnedintoa globalphenomenon Thechallenge beforeJFBistofindthesegems, whicharestillmadeinsomeone’s kitchenbysomeone’sgrandma,and thengrowthemwithinour infrastructure

That includes the applied sciences required to make them shelf-stable, creating award-winning branding, and then placing them into our marketing/distribution networks. These brands then become the vehicles by which we tell the stories of our people.

In the past twenty years, big liquor has spent one trillion dollars acquiring craft brands That’s wealth transfer Almost none of that has gone to historically marginalized individuals. As our brands mature, we’ll make them available for acquisition, making sure everyone who worked to build with us is properly vested, and so remunerated for their contributions. In this way I hope to create an entire generation of entrepreneurs who are financially empowered to pursue their own dreams.

Q:WhatdoesbeingaJames Beardfinalistmeantoyou?

MostlywhatitmeansisthatIshould writemore.Ithinkofmyselfasa storytellerfirstandforemost.I’man award-winningessayistwithmultiple booksindevelopment.Someare illustratedshortstories,thereare(at least)tworevisionist-historyfictional novelsintheworks,afewgraphic novels,andofcourse,amemoir.Sadly, thecreativeartsprovelucrativefor preciousfew Sountilwritersreceive compensationcomparableto successfulbusinessenterprise, entrepreneurshipwillremainmy primaryoccupation.

Q:Tellusaboutyourparents.

Myparentswereremarkablehumans Bothwerefirstgenerationchildrenof Caribbeanimmigrants,bothbornin Harleminthe1920s.MyDadwasthe sonofaclassicallytrainedmusician; myMomwasthedaughterofa classicallytrainedchef Dadhada brilliantcareerasamusician:he playedwithLouisArmstrong,Duke Ellington,andmanyotherjazzgreats ofhisday PerformingintheJimCrow south,thisoftenmeanthe’dneedto driveforhoursafterwork,justtofind somewheresafetoresthisheadat night.

Momwasaresearchscientistworking fortheFDA,doingsomeofthefirst studiesontheeffectsofcigarette smokeinlabanimals.Shewas teachingdoctorstodoautopsiesfora

Q:Whendidyourealizeyou wereanoutlier?

Ienteredfirstgradereadingona12th gradelevel.Whenotherkidswerejust learningtheirABCs,IsuspectedI mightbedifferent Publicschool confirmedthesesuspicionsoverand over,asIembracedcreativitywhile rallyingagainstanythingIperceived asacontrolmeasure Twenty-five yearsoftryingtoforcemymultidimensionalpegintotheroundholes availableincorporatelifeconvinced me:theproblemultimatelywasn’t me

The space I’ve created–as a distiller, businessman, writer/public speaker–does not come with the comforts of (imagined) security, and it is previously untrodden. I’m out here figuring out how to be myself in a world that rewards safety and conformity. I’m incredibly glad to have found a community of like-minded individuals. Being an outlier can be lonely Knowing I am not alone in my unrelenting desire to drag the world forward (kicking and screaming if necessary) makes the journey far more palatable.

What metaphorical mountain are you excited to climb in the future?

I’m looking forward to multiple nine-figure exit events before I retire. I'm looking forward to best-seller lists, both for my brands and my books. I look forward to cohabitation with my beloved And I look forward to being a step-grandfather to her children's kids someday

JENN DRUMMOND with...

World Record-Holding

Mountaineer and Speaker, Author, Podcast Host

Q:Whoarethesherpasinyour lifewhoprovidedyouwiththe mostvaluableguidance?

Mygrandmaismyultimatesherpa shewasawidowat38with13children, abusinessowner,Ms.Illinois,anda basketballstar.Herresilienceand strengthcontinuetoguideme,even thoughshehaspassed.Mychildrenare mylittlesherpas,groundingmeand teachingmepresence,humility,and patienceeachday.

Q:Tellusaboutthecar accidentin2018thatchanged yourlife.

The2018caraccidentwasapivotal moment itshatteredmysenseof controlandremindedmeoflife’s fragility.Survivingthatexperience gavemearenewedsenseofpurpose andpushedmetolivealifewithout limits,embracingeachmomentasa gift.

“MY KIDS INSPIRE ME EVERY DAY TO PUSH BEYOND MY LIMITS, SHOWING THEM THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH RESILIENCE AND DETERMINATION.”

-JENNDRUMMOND

Q:Youhaveacareerandseven children,andyetyoucontinue todreambigandchasedown biggoals.Whatinspiresyouto keepclimbingandsearching formore?

Mykidsinspiremeeverydaytopush beyondmylimits,showingthemthat anythingispossiblewithresilience anddetermination.I’mdrivenbya deeppurposetohelpothersrealize theirpotential,provingthatnodream istoobigtochase Witheachclimb andeverygoal,Ihopetosetan examplethatlife’schallengesare invitationstogrow,andthatwecan alwaysreachhigher.

Q:Tellusyourmostmemorable guestsfromyourverypopular SeekYourSummitpodcast.

Twoofmymostmemorableguestson SeekYourSummitareGlenStearns andJarekTadla.Bothembody extremeresilienceandthecourageto continuouslyreinventthemselves.

Theirstoriesremindusthatlife’s toughestmomentscanbethe foundationforincrediblegrowth.

Listeningtotheirjourneyswasboth humblingandinspiring,showcasing thepowerofperseverance

Q:TellusabouttheGuinness WorldRecords.

SettingaGuinnessWorldRecordwas aboutmorethanjustreaching summits;itwasaboutbreaking boundariesandhavingthecourageto exploreunchartedground.Ibelievewe areborntoclimb,topushpastour limits,andfaceouredges thisjourney challengesustobecomebetterevery stepoftheway.Thisrecordisa testamenttoresilienceandthehuman spirit’scapacitytoachievethe extraordinary.

Q:Asoneofthetop motivationalspeakersinthe world,whatmessagesareyou anxioustospread?

ThemessageI’mmostpassionate aboutsharingisthatweareourown limitation,andbyembracingourrole asleaders ofourselvesandwith others weunlocklimitlesspotential. Whenwecollaborateonsharedgoals, wemakesomuchmorepossiblefor everyoneinvolved.Thejourneyis

uncertain, but that’s what makes it worthwhile; every obstacle is an opportunity to grow, learn, and become stronger.

Q:Whendidyourealizeyou wereanoutlier?

IrealizedIwasanoutlierwhenIkept saying“yes”tochallengesothers mightseeasinsurmountable Forme, theseweren’tjustphysicalclimbsbut innerjourneysofstrength,focus,and belief.

Q:Whatarethegreatest lessonsyou'velearnedfrom raisingsevenchildren?

Raisingsevenchildrenhastaughtme theimportanceofpatience, adaptability,andlisteningwithan openheart.Eachchildissounique, andthey’vetaughtmetoseethe worldthroughmultipleperspectives andappreciatelife’ssmallmoments.

Q:Whatscaresyou,Jenn?

Thethoughtofnotlivinguptomy ownpotentialscaresmefarmorethan anymountain.Ialsofearmissingout onpreciousmomentswithmykids theyaremytrue“summits,”andtheir growthmeanseverythingtome.

What metaphorical mountain are you excited to climb in the future?

My next “mountain” is helping others embrace resilience and break through their own barriers. I’m excited to create more spaces whether through speaking, courses, or retreats where people can connect with their inner strength and discover what’s possible for them.

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COLIN O’BRADY with...

11x World Record Holding Explorer, Keynote Speaker, New York Times

Bestselling Author, Founder and CEO, Entrepreneur, Mindset Expert, Professional Athlete, Nonprofit Founder

Q:Whoarethesherpasinyour lifewhoprovidedyouwiththe mostvaluableguidance?

There'vebeensomanyincredibly positiveinfluencesinmylife,butIthink thetoptwowouldhavetobemywife Jenna,aswellasmymother.

Bothareveryimportantwomeninmy life,whohavegottenmethroughsome incrediblydifficultandchallenging times.Bothhavebelievedinmeinthe depthsofdespair,aswellasstoodon

the proverbial and literal summits with me in celebration. They basically rode the entire arc of the ups and downs of life and career and success. I certainly would not be where I am without the two of them.

Q:Whatmakesyourhistoric achievementsevenmoremindbogglingwaswhathappenedto youonatriptoThailand,after yougraduatedfromYale.Tellus whathappened.

“MY MOM SHOWED ME THAT EVEN WHEN YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN, YOU CAN GET BACK UP AND KEEP BATTLING AND MOVING FORWARD STEP BY STEP.”

-COLINO’BRADY

It's a good dovetail from number one about my mom So, concisely, I was on a beach in rural Thailand. I was traveling after college on a shoestring budget. And then I decided it would be a good idea to jump a flaming jump rope That went terribly wrong when the rope wrapped around my legs and lit my body completely on fire to my neck.

Fortunately, survival mode kicked in when I needed it most and I jumped into the ocean to extinguish the flames. But that was not before about 25% of my body was severely burned, particularly my legs and feet. I was in the middle of nowhere on a remote island off the coast of Thailand.

I didn't have access to proper medical facilities for quite some time. I had to go in and out of eight different surgeries. And so, these remote hospital outposts and the doctors told me at that time that I would probably never walk normally again. Thankfully my mother found me on about day five and she wrapped me in this blanket of positivity and love and dared me to continue to dream about the future.

It helped me set a goal of racing a triathlon one day, which seemed pretty ridiculous given I wasn't able to walk. But she helped me believe in myself Eventually, months later, I went back to the United States. I still couldn't really walk, but she helped me take my very first steps.

And then 18 months after I was burned in that fire in Thailand, I found myself at the start line of the Chicago Triathlon, completing my first ever triathlon. Then to my complete and utter surprise, I actually won the entire race I give so much credit for that to my mother's ability to inspire me to keep moving forward.

My belief is that not just I, but all humans, are sitting on reservoirs of untapped potential to achieve extraordinary things. It really just matters how we face adversity. And in that moment, my mom showed me that even when you get knocked down, you can get back up and keep battling and moving forward step by step

Q:You'reclearlyagifted athlete,butit'syourmindset thathashelpedyoudothe seeminglyimpossible.Where andhowwasthatforged?

I'mfondofsayingthemostimportant muscleanyofushaveisthesixinches betweenourears.Ofcourseyouhave togetyourbodystronginthegym, butyouhavetoalsotakeyourmind intothemetaphoricgymandget thoserepsin.

Youknow,formeit'sbeendeveloped overtime,everything,fromswimming asakid.Swimmingisapretty introverted,staring-at-a-black-line-inyour-own-headkindofsport.Butit's alsogettingthoserepsinwithinwith thatdeepmeditationpractice.

I was 25 years old and was shown this meditation practice There are 10-day silent meditation retreats called Vipassana. There is no reading, no writing, no eye contact; just ten days of meditation in solitude Those have helped forge my mind I've also been to darkness retreats where you sit alone in a cave for a week in pure darkness and look inward.

Each one of my expedition projects has continued to build on that mindset. So there hasn't been one specific way. But I'm always looking for different ways to test myself, to push my boundaries, to step outside of my comfort zone. And I find each time I do that, my mind gets stronger.

I think each and every person has the capacity to flex and develop that muscle in their own way But oft it ou yo gy

Q:Tellusaboutyourworldrecord-breakingSeven Summitsfeat.

2016wastheyearofmyfirstbigworld recordproject.Isetouttoaccomplish somethingcalledtheExplorer'sGrand Slam.That'stoclimbtheSeven Summits,whichisthetallest mountainoneachoftheseven continents,aswellascomplete expeditionstoboththeNorthPole andtheSouthPole.

IwassuccessfulinthatIwasableto doallofthosenineexpeditionsbackto-back-to-back,basicallyonlyresting ontheplainsinbetweenone continenttothenextin139days nonstop.Butitcertainlywasn't withoutitsdifficulties,fromtheice crackingoutoftheNorthPoleandnot knowingifIcouldevenflyoutfrom theretomystartpoint,togetting caughtinsomebigstormsonMount Everest,butperseveringandjust makingittothetop.

I battled on the likes of Denali and other peaks around the world, but managed to knock them out one by one. And in the spring of 2016, I set the world record for the Explorer's Grand Slam As a bonus, I also set a second world record for the Seven Summits cumulatively in 131 days.

Q:Anoftenoverlookedrecord istheoneyousmashedcalled the50Summits.Tellusabout that.Andisittruethatyou twiceclimbedthewrong mountainduringthisrecordshatteringexpedition?

Yeah,in2018,Isetarecordfor climbingthetallestpeakoneachof the50USstates,alsoknownasthe50 HighPoints,collectivelythetallest pointineachstate Therecordhad beenabout42days,andImanagedto setitinjustover21days.Ifyoudothe mathonthat,that'smorethantwo, twoandahalfmountainsperday.

There were some times in the Southeast where the mountains aren't so big, where I did five or six in one day

And then of course when I got back out to the Mount Hoods and the Mount Rainiers and the Mount Whitney's of the west, those are bigger climbs. But I still wasn't taking any breaks or rest, just going up the mountain as fast as possible and coming back down

It is true that I twice climbed the wrong mountain. A couple times in New Mexico specifically I missed a marking on the trail, went to the right and then the left and then I was like, “Oh, that's the highest point.” So, I started climbing, climbing, and climbing And I get to the top and I realize I'm standing on the wrong mountain. This was a mountain about 100ft shorter, but I'm looking across a valley to the actual tallest point in New Mexico and I'm kicking myself because I had to climb all the way back down and up the next mountain. That just goes to show what sleep deprivation in the middle of the night climbing mountains will do.

I should have looked at my map a little more closely.

Q:Asafriend,thefirsttimeI wastrulyscaredbyoneofyour expeditionswasyourcrossing ofAntarctica.

Howdidyouconqueryourfearin theisolationanddangerof Antarctica?

Yeah,beingaloneinAntarcticafor nearlytwomonths,pullinga375-pound sledaloneacrossthefrozencontinent, waschallengingformanyreasons.

We'renotreallytrainedtobealonefor thatlong,letaloneintheconditions thatwefacedlivinginthetents.Forme, thefearandtheisolation,Ithink,were conqueredincrementally.IfIthought aboutthemagnitudeofthewhole expedition,itwouldalmostbetoofar, toohard,toodifficult.

AndsoIkindofbrokeitdown.Whatcan Idoforthenexthour?HowcanIgetmy tentsetup?HowcanIgettheright meal?Okay,howcanIwakeup,putmy bootsbackon startpullingmysled

Q: You've written a New York Times bestseller about your crossing of Antarctica and another bestseller called the 12 Hour Walk. What is this second book all about?

Yeah, my second book, The 12 Hour Walk, is a book that I'm really passionate about. It's more than a book to me. I call it a global movement. The book itself is a bunch of stories from my expeditions that hopefully light up your mind in interesting ways. Each one of the chapters is about a common limiting belief that we all face, you know, everything from “I'm afraid to fail,” or “I hate being uncomfortable,” or “I don't have enough money,” or “I don't have enough time.” These are common limiting beliefs we tell ourselves The book tells us how to kind of rewire our brain through these stories.

But don't just take it from me. Don't

just read a book and be like, “Okay, I know how to overcome this.” We need to have our own experience, a lived, somatic, felt experience to get to the other side of actually conquering our minds in this way.

And so, I offer this challenge that I call the 12-hour walk. It's very accessible. Anyone can do it. But it's an invitation to walk out your front door, turn off your music, turn off your podcast, be alone in silence, and walk for 12 hours. Now someone says, “Well, I can't walk for 12 hours.”

That's fine, take as many breaks as you want. I've had people that aren't as fit walk for 30 minutes and take a twohour break and then walk for another 10 minutes and take another break, and that's fine. It's not about how far you walk. You can take as many breaks as you want. It's about committing 12 hours; essentially a full 12 walking hours of a day, to being alone in the stillness, to being outside. I think we've had 100,000 people or so in 40 different countries do the 12hour walk at this point It's amazing

Everyone comes back with their unique stories and insights, and really it anchors in those limiting beliefs and how we can overcome them Again, it's not just reading a book, it's that felt experience of doing this walk. Pushing your mind, body, and soul outside of

your comfort zone elicits strong learning.

I am very proud of that. The book, I think, is obviously important to it, but the walk itself is the real true gem of The 12 Hour Walk and the global movement

Q:You'renowmarriedwitha youngson,anddespite11world records,you'restillyoung yourself.What'snext?Andhave yourambitionschangedas you'vegottenolder?

Ithinkweareallever-evolvingpeople onthisplanet,Iguessuntilwereachthe end.Soforme,Idon'tknowthatmy ambitionshavechanged.Ithinkthat whathasspawnedmetohavethese expeditionsaroundtheworldisacore through-lineofmylife,whichis curiosity,passion passionforlivinglife toitsfullextremesandexperiences.

Youknow,sometimesthatlookslike climbingupamountain,crossing Antarctica,orrowingaboatacrossan ocean,andsometimesthatlookslike chasingmysonaroundtheyardand lookingattheworldthroughaone-anda-half-year-oldlittleboy'seyes.Bothare importantandI'mnotweighingone overtheother.

What'sbiggerormoreexcitingormore important?They'reeachequally valuable,orbusinessesI'vestartedor booksI'vewritten.HowcanIlearnthe

most through each one of the journeys and experiences in my life? And so I don't know that my ambitions have specifically changed. I certainly have my eyes on some other big expeditions around the world Although I suppose the public mostly sees my expeditions and not the other parts of my life quite as much, I think that I take the same passion and zest for living to each one of those elements

Q:You'vebeenonthebiggest podcastintheworldtwice,The JoeRoganExperience.You’ve beenintheNewYorkTimes, beenonJimmyFallon,Good MorningAmerica,TheToday Show,andonandonandon. You'vewrittenbestsellers. Whataretheplusesand minusesoffame?

That'safunnyquestion Certainly, there'sbeenalotofexposurearound mystoryintheworld,althoughIdon't wakeupeverymorningandthink, “Gee,Colin,you'refamous.”Idon't attachmyselftothatidentitysomuch

In general, I think that there's a lot of benefit to being received that way in the world, in that more doors potentially open. There's an opportunity to have more impact in the world, et cetera And the downside is that you lose a little bit of privacy no matter who you are.

If you have a public persona, there's going to be some detractors or people with criticism, and that's just the nature of the beast. But more than anything, again, I'm just grateful to be on my journey and my path Hopefully by the exposure of my story in the world, that's had a net benefit, and a ripple effect of positivity out there.

What metaphorical mountain

are you excited to climb in the

future?

I think the metaphorical mountain I'm looking forward to climbing over in the future is longevity. I think that certainly, as a professional athlete, I still have some world class performances in me But as I'm approaching 40, how can I live a heathy, happy and sustainable life many decades in the future? So hopefully, block by block, step by step Of course, the answer to the question that I feel strongest about is fatherhood. I’m sitting next to my 18 month little guy here on the airplane and hopefully there'll be a couple more of these little ones at some point in the future as well I’ll continue that longevity journey as a healthy, happy father.

JESS EKSTROM with...

Forbes Top Rated Speaker and 2x

Bestselling Author, Founder of Mic Drop Workshop, Founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope

Q:Whoarethesherpasinyour lifewhoprovidedyouwiththe mostvaluableguidance?

Iwatchedmydadstartabusiness whenIwasakid Herenovatedour upstairsbathroomandturneditinto hisoffice.Overtheyears,Ihadafront rowseattowatchingsomeonegoforit. Iwouldn’tbeanentrepreneurtodayifit weren’tforhimandmyfamily

Q:Youareoneofthetop-rated speakersintheworld.What doesittaketogettothatlevel?

Tobegoodatanything,youhaveto getinalotofreps Justlikeyou’dgoto thegymandtrainamusclegroup, speakingisnodifferent.Iusedto speakonanystagethatwouldgive meamicrophonejusttogetthe practice Ialsothink,evenwhenyou reachahighlevel,youhavetobeagile andopentofeedbacktokeep improving.

“I'VE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT FAILURE WOULD FEEL BETTER THAN REGRET. I'D RATHER TRY THAN WONDER WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN.”

-JESSEKSTROM

Q:Whenyouweregrowingup, didyoueverthinkyouwould befeaturedontheTodayShow, GoodMorningAmerica,Vanity Fair,QVCandPeople Magazine?

Iwasalemonadestandkid.WhenI wasinmiddleschool,Isoldmy AmericanGirlDollsoneBay.Ialways hadthisitchtocreatebusinesses,butI didn’thavedreamsof“makingit”toa certainlevel,andIthinkthatwas actuallybeneficialforme Iwasopenmindedtowhatcouldhappenand waspurelyjustdoingwhatfeltrightat thetimeinsteadoftryingto accomplishasingulargoal.

Q:Howhasbeingthemotherof twobeautifulchildrenchanged yourlife?

Foryears,mymostpreciouscurrency wasdollars.Nowbeingamomoftwo undertwo,mymostpreciouscurrency istime.I’veneverbeenmore productiveormoreefficientinmylife withmywork,becauseIwanttoget hometomybabies.Ithinkbeinga momisasuperpoweratwork,nota detriment,andmoreemployersneed tothinkthatwaytoo

Q:Youandyourhusbandlived inanAirstreamforatime,and ranyourbusiness.Whatwasthe inspiration?

ItstartedasabooktourforChasingthe BrightSide,thenthepandemichitand wedecideditwasbesttostayoutdoors. Travelingforthreeyearswasajourney tosaytheleast!ButIlearnedalot aboutlivingaminimallifeandenjoying what'srightinfrontofyou

Q:YoustartedHeadBandsof Hopewith300bucks.What wastheinspiration,anddidthe enormoussuccessexceedyour expectations?

Ithinkalotofpeoplestartwithalofty goalinmind,butthatwasn’tmy strategy Idon’tliketothinkabout winningtheSuperBowl.Ijustwantto getthefirstdown,anddoitagain tomorrow,andthenagainthenext day That’swhathappenedwithboth HeadbandsofHopeandMicDrop

Workshop. They started with a small idea and over time, with consistency, it built into something big

Q:Youoftentalkaboutlegacy. Whatdoyouwanttobeknown for?

Iliketothinkabout100Year ResolutionsinsteadofNewYear’s Resolutions.Whatwillyoudonow withyourlifethatwillimpact100years fromnow?Iwanttomake

more progress for women in leadership, and specifically help women become paid speakers. I’d love for my daughter (and my son) to live in a world where there are no more “female” speakers or “female” doctors, they’re just speakers and doctors

Q:Youareneverafraidtotry newthingsandcoloroutside thelines.Wheredoesthat outliermentalitycomefrom?

IthinkI'vealwaysbelievedthatfailure wouldfeelbetterthanregret I'd rathertrythanwonderwhatcould

have been. As a result, I'm more of a risk-tolerant person Failures are research.

Q:Whoaresomeofthepeople youadmirethemostandwhy?

Ihavealonglist,butI’vealways admiredSaraBlakely.Sheremindsme thatbusinessshouldalsobefun. Businesscanoftentimesbestiff, masculineandstressful,andSara’s approachiscompletelytheoppositeof that.Shecanbeinnovative,powerful, andsuccessful,yetalsorelatableand fun.ThisiswhatIaspiretobe.

What metaphorical mountain are you excited to climb in the future?

The parenting mountain is super exciting for me right now. Every month, my kids are in a different phase of life, whether it’s learning to walk, or learning to talk, or learning about colors and shapes. Every time I feel comfortable or confident, they change, and I love that It’s a mountain I’ll always be excited to climb!

DAVID CANCEL with...

Investor, Board Member, Father, and Former 5x technology entrepreneur of companies like Drift, Performable, Ghostery, Lookery, Compete, Inc.

Q:Whoarethesherpasinyour lifewhoprovidedyouwiththe mostvaluableguidance?

Mysherpashavealwaysbeenpeople whoemphasizetheimportanceof learning,curiosity,andhumility.My parents,whotaughtmeresilienceand thevalueofhardwork,aremyearliest guides.Professionally,mentorslike DharmeshShah,BrianHalligan,Izhar Armony,LarryBohnandPatGrady shapedmyperspectiveon entrepreneurship,teachingmetostay customer-obsessedandvaluethelongtermovershort-termwins.Myteamsat DriftandHubSpotalsoplayedahuge role,constantlypushingmetogrow.

Q:You’realifelongbuilder. Whatisitaboutbuilding somethingfromscratchthatis soappealing?

Forme,buildingisaboutcreating somethingmeaningfuloutofnothing. It’snotjusttheendresultbutthe process startingwithanidea, iteratingthroughtheunknown,and assemblingateamtobringittolife There’sacertainbeautyinsolvinga problemthatdidn’thaveasolution before,inturningambiguityinto clarityandseeingtheimpactofthat onrealpeople

“ALWAYS BE LEARNING—FROM CUSTOMERS, YOUR TEAM, AND THE MARKET.”

-DAVIDCANCEL

Q:Whendidyouknowthat Drift,thecompanyyoufound in2015,wouldbecomea unicornandoneofthefastes growingSaaScompaniesofa time?

Ididn’tthinkaboutDriftintermsof becomingaunicorn;myfocuswas creatingvalueforcustomersand pioneeringconversationalmarketin Butaround2017,whenwesawthe velocityofcustomeradoptionandt wayDrift’sapproachwasresonating globally,itbecameclearwewereo somethingtransformative.Seeingo community customersand employees turnintoevangelistsfo theproductwasadefiningmomen

Q:Asalifelongentrepreneur andanEntrepreneurin ResidenceatHarvardBusines Schoolforfouryears,whatar thethreemostimportant thingsfoundersneedinorde tobesuccessful entrepreneurs?

1.RelentlessCuriosity:Alwaysbe learning fromcustomers,yourtea andthemarket.

2 Resilience:Thejourneyis unpredictable You’llfacesetbacks, butgritiswhatkeepsyoumoving forward.

3.FocusonPeople:Successisalway abouttheteamyoubuild.Investin people,culture,andcommunicatio

Q:Youhavealoveofartand currentlyserveasaBoard memberattheWhitney MuseumofAmericanArt.What sparkedyourfascinationforthe artworld?

Arthasalwaysbeenawayformeto disconnectfromthenoiseandconnect withcreativityandemotion.Growing up,Ilovedseeinghowartcouldtell stories,challengenorms,andcreate momentsofreflection.AsIgotolder,I realizedthatbuildingcompaniesand creatingartaren’tsodifferent they bothrequirevision,risk-taking,and challengingthestatusquo TheroleI playintheartworldisverysimilarto theonethatIplayinthetechnology world.Iliketofindartistswhohave compellingvisions,andIstriveto amplifytheirvoicesbyinvestingintheir visionsandhelpingthembreakdown walls.

Q:ThereareveryfewLatinos whohavehadthesuccessthat youhave,buthopefullythatis

changingthankstoyouand others.Whoaresomeofthe up-and-comersthatyouhave youreyeon?

It’sexcitingtoseemoreLatinos steppingintoentrepreneurshipand tech.Leaderslikemyformerbusiness partnerandco-founderEliasTorres (Agency)andMannyMedina (Outreach)arepavingtheway Ialso admiremanyyoungLatinaswhoare breakingbarriersinsectorslike fintech,e-commerce,artand sustainability peoplelikeMarcela Guerrero(WhitneyMuseum)and CodieSanchez(ContrarianCapital)

Q:Ifyoucouldhavedinnerwith fiveorsixpeoplefromanytime inhistory,whoisgettingthe invite?

1.LeonardodaVinci–forhis unmatchedcuriosityandabilityto mergeartandscience.

2.HelenFrankenthaler–toexplore

her innovative approaches

abstract expressionism and her perspective on creativity.

3. Marcus Aurelius – for his timeless wisdom on stoicism and leading with purpose.

4. Charlie Munger – to dive deep into mental models and his approach to rational decision-making.

5 Margaret Thatcher – for her insights on leadership, conviction, and navigating challenging times.

6 Steve Jobs – to discuss his vision for innovation and the intersection of technology and design.

This group would bring a blend of creativity, strategy, and philosophical depth to the table, making for an unforgettable conversation.

Q:Whatisstillachallengefor youthatyouhopetogetbetter at?

I’mstilllearningtoembracepatience. Assomeonewhothrivesonactionand momentum,slowingdowntoreflect andbefullypresentcanbedifficult I’mworkingonlisteningmoredeeply andappreciatingthejourneyasmuch asthedestination.

Q:Youareknownfor innovationandbreaking conventionalnorms.Where doesthatoutliermentality comefrom?

Itcomesfrombeingafirst-generation immigrant,growingupinan

environment where I didn’t fit into traditional molds That outsider perspective made me question conventions and develop a DIY approach to solving problems. I realized early on that following the same path as everyone else wouldn’t lead to extraordinary outcomes.

What metaphorical mountain are you excited to climb in the future?

The next mountain is building systems to empower underrepresented founders and leaders. I want to focus on scaling impact helping others not only start companies but create sustainable ecosystems that drive generational change Whether through mentorship, investing, or creating new platforms, that’s where my energy is heading.

AT 6:30 PM JAN. 10, 2025

FEATURING A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY:

FOR TABLES, PLEASE VISIT

KULTURECITY.ORG STARTS

MATTHEW EMERZIAN with...

Inspirational Keynote

Speaker, 4x Best Selling

Author, Founder of Every Monday Matters & The Mattering Mindset

Q:Whoarethesherpasinyour lifewhoprovidedyouwiththe mostvaluableguidance?

Thereisnoquestionwhatsoeverthat thegreatestsherpasIhaveeverhad aremyparents.I'vesaiditamillion times,andIwillsayitamillionmore times,thatIabsolutelywonthelottery. IamalsoluckyinthatIam55yearsold andbothmomanddadarestillalive andspeakingintoourliveseveryday. And,whenIsay“everyday,”Itruly meanit.Ispeakwiththemdailyand theyaremybestfriends Now,ifyou askedthem,theymighthavea differentperspectiveonthematter.My

mom wanted four boys… until I was born. I am the second child, and she likes to say that if I were the first, I would have been an only I was that kid To me there was no box, no straight line, no impossible. I was curious, hardheaded, and filled with hope. In some ways, I am still that very person today. My brother, on the other hand, never ruffled a feather and did nothing to make my journey any easier. But my parents are the sweetest, kindest, most supportive, gentle, strong, big-hearted, loving people I have ever met. Well, I should probably add my wife, Patty, here as well, or I might get into a little bit of trouble when this gets published

“WECANMAKEWORKMATTER.”

-MATTEMERZIAN

Q:Whatawildanddiverselife you'veled.Youwonanational championshipatUCLAinthe gruelingsportofwaterpolo. Howdidyougetintothesport?

Iwasalwaysasoccerplayer.Itwasmy life.Iplayedonthestateteamin Californiaandonregionaltraveling teams,andwasontheroadevery weekend.Attheageof13,Igotthe incredibleopportunitytotravelwith myteamtoGermanytoplaysoccer.At thetime,Germanywastheglobal powerhouseinsoccer(football)and beingtherewasoneofmygreatest childhoodmemories…rightupuntilI badlyinjuredmyknee.

WhenIreturnedtotheUS,we discoveredmyleftkneewouldrequire surgery,asIhadaconditioncalled, “Osteochondritisdissecans.”Basically, oneoftheupperknucklesofmy femurwasbreakingofffromtherest ofthebonerightatmykneejoint.The surgeryrequireddrillingholesintomy legtohealthecrackfromtheinside out.

Aftersixmonthsoncrutches,we realizedthesurgerydidn’twork becausethetopoftheholesfilledin beforetheinternalcrackshealed. Welcomesurgerynumbertwo,which meantIwouldstarthighschoolon crutchesandwasoutofthesportfor overayear.

ThenonedayathighschoolIsaw peopleplayingwithayellowballand twogoalsinthepool.Turnsoutit’sa sportcalledwaterpolo.Since swimmingwastheonlyphysical therapyIwasallowedtodoformy knee,Idecidedtotryoutfortheteam.

I’mnotsureifitwasbecauseofallmy yearsofsoccer,coupledwiththefact thatIwaslefthanded(whichisan advantageinwaterpolo),orifI'mjust reallylucky,butwaterpolocame supereasytome.BeforeIknewit, majorDivision1collegeteamswere recruitingme,andIdecidedtoattend andplayforUCLA.

Asaplayer,welostintheNCAA Championshipgame3times Itwas massivelyheartbreakingeachand everytime.ButwhenIwasinbusiness schoolatUCLAformyMBA,thehead coachaskedmetobehisassistant coach Finally,Igotmyring,aswewon the1995NCAADiv.1NationalTitle. Evenbetter,Igottoplayarolein helpinganincrediblegroupofyoung mengettheirfirstringaswell.

Q:Youwereseniorvice presidentforRobertKardashian, bestknownforbeingthefather ofKim,Khloe,andKourtney Kardashian,andforhis involvementintheO.J.Simpson trial.Whatwasthatexperience like?

Yes,RobertKardashianwasmyboss It’sprettywildeventypingthat.And, yes,Iworkedwiththekidseveryday. Robertownedaverysuccessfulmusic marketingcompanyinHollywood.He hadcontractswitheverymajorand indierecordlabel.Iwasmanaging bandsandhelpinglocaltalentinLAget gigs,recorddeals,etc.Myplanwasto meetRobertwiththehopesofcreating apartnership Iwouldfindandbring himthetalentandhewouldgetthem signedtolabels.Buthehadotherideas. Itwasagreathonorthedayheoffered meajobandtoeventuallybecomehis SVP

Robert Kardashian was a beautiful man. He cared deeply about people. He loved everyone and they loved him too. I will never forget his smile I will never forget how often he said, “That’s good.” I believe “good” was his favorite word.

I will also never forget how much he loved April Fool’s Day He would put his kids through absolute hell and would not budge for hours. It was honestly sort of cruel, but also hysterical at the same time

But he became a dear friend, a mentor, and another father to me. I can still see it so clearly the day he stood in my office doorway before leaving for his first chemo treatment. I told him to be strong, stay positive, and that we would get through this. He looked at me and said, “If this chemo doesn’t kill me, the thought of you running my company certainly does, so I will be fine.”

We lost Robert about 30 days later and I think about him nearly every day

Q:Youworkedinthemusic businessformanyyearson projectsforartistslikeU2, Coldplay,SnowPatrol,Avril Lavigne,BlackEyedPeas,Tim McGraw,andmanymore. Whenyoulookbackatthat seasonofyourlife,howdoyou seeit?

Yes,onceIstartedworkingwith Robert,mylifechanged.Ihadthe absolutepleasure(andsometimes not)ofworkingonprojectsforthe biggestartistsintheworld Itwas prettywild,especiallyasaboyfrom Modesto,CAwherewepartiedin orchardsandswamincanals.Butit wasawesome,andIwasindeep.

When I reflect on those years now, it conjures such a mix of emotions I am grateful for the experiences. I have always loved music, so to get to work in that industry, on so many levels was a dream come true I believed that music could heal the world, so playing a small role in it was powerful.

At the same time, I am saddened by those years I try not to have regrets, but I certainly see a version of myself that I am not the most proud of. I mean, I wasn’t all bad, but I absolutely let the ride get the best of me. It was all about the fame and fortune, the red carpets, the material goods. And, frankly, being single and a jerk. What mattered most to me at the time is something that doesn’t make me proud. But at the same time, I was doing the best I could with what I knew at the time, so I try not to beat myself up for it. And, we got to do amazing things for clients to share their gift of music with the world… for which I am forever grateful.

Q:Apanicattackprobablysaved yourlifeandcertainlychanged itstrajectory.Telluswhat happened.

Youknowthereisthatparableabout someonespeakingtoGodandasking wherehewaswhentheyneededhim themost.Hisresponsewassomething like,“Isentyouasubmarine,aboat,a helicopter ”I’msureItotallybutchered that,butyougettheidea.

Thereweremanysignssentmyway thatIdidn’tacknowledgeand hindsight,ofcourse,isalways20-20, butfinallyIhitrockbottom.

ItwasaMondaymorningandIwas tyingmyshoestogetreadytoheadto work Mychestgottight,mybreathing waslabored,andthesweatstarted drippingdownmyback.Ialsohadthis feelingofdreadandfearthatIhad neverexperiencedbefore.

Ijumpedtomyfeetandwalkedaround alittlebit,butthesensationsonlygot worse,andIbegantothinkIwas havingaheartattack.Iwashealthyand 31yearsoldatthetime,buthonestly thoughtthismightbeit.

Whenwegottodoctors,theydidtests onmyheartandthankfullyIwasnot havingaheartattack,butasevere panicattack.Thedoctorstoldmetogo homeandrestandthatIshouldfeel betterinafewdays.Well,that’snot whathappenedtome.Instead,my

panic attack turned into chronic anxiety disorder and depression, and my “dream life” started crashing down.

It was a Monday that changed my life forever

Q:YoufoundedEveryMonday Mattersfollowingsomepretty uniqueassignmentsfroma therapist.Tellusaboutthe assignmentsandhowthose tasksplantedtheseedsfor EveryMondayMatters.

AsIalreadyshared,Iamclosewithmy family,sotheyrushedtohelp.Iwas sickandlifewasdark.Ievenhad visionsofgettingmycarupto100 MPHonthefreewayandyankingthe wheel.

ButIwasalsointroducedtoan incredibletherapist.Icallher“my expensivefriend”Sheliterallysaved mylife…andIputherdaughters throughcollege.Webothwon.

Ourworktogetherwasintenseand lastedforyears Iamtalkinghundreds ofsessionstogether.Maybeitwasmy waterpoloworkethic,coupledwith cripplingmentalhealthissuesanda deepdesiretofeelbetter,butIwent allin IknewthechoicesImadegot metowhereIwas,soIsurrendered andputallofmytrustinher. Westartedwiththeinternalstuff, largelybecauseIwasincrisisandwe neededtosteadytheship Thenwe wenttomyrelationships,both personallyandprofessionally.This work,alone,tookyears.

Oncethingswerelookingbetterand lifehadimproved,shewantedtogive myfinalstageofrecoveryamotto.She

said, “Until you know what it means to live a life that is not about you, you are never going to truly feel better.” This became the assignment

Basically, every Saturday morning at 9am, I had to go do something that wasn’t about me Pick up litter, read to older people, paint over graffiti, plant a tree. I know it sounds simple, but this weekly dose of doing something that wasn’t about me changed everything. Before I knew it, I realized that Saturday morning at 9am had become my favorite day and time of the week.

Yes, picking up litter (which became my jam), helped me find myself again. It also gave me the idea in 2007 for my first book, Every Monday Matters – 52 Ways to Make a Difference

Q:You'reoneofthemost soughtafterandskilled speakersoutthere.You've beenfeaturedbytheToday Show,FastCompany,Thrive Global,Oprah.comandmore. Youspeaktosomeofthemost recognizedbrandsintheworld suchasMicrosoft,Google, Kiehl's,Zoom,Roach,Gala Wines,andmany,manymore. Whatareyoutryingto accomplishwhenyouare askedtospeakonbigstages?

Youknow,itwasn’tuntilabout eighteenmonthsagowhensomeone askedmeifIhadevertriedtobuilda keynotespeakerbusiness.Myanswer was“no.”Ididn’thaveanymarketing materials,nowebsite,videos,nothing. ButthenIstartedtoputthepieces togetherandrealizedthatIhaddone over350keynoteswithouteventrying. Istartedtogatherthelogosfrom

where I had spoken and even shocked myself. I am even embarrassed to say that I didn’t know that speaker bureaus existed I would simply get asked to speak somewhere and would go back to running the non-profit organization.

Today, I see it differently Now I do have a website, a demo reel, relationships with speaker bureaus, and I am actively pursuing speaking opportunities because I realized the even greater impact I could have. I could reach more people and help more organizations by being with them in person.

This is also the answer to your question… My keynotes are not about me at all. Just like what my expensive friend taught me Yes, “I matter,” but “it’s not about me.” So, I see keynotes as an act of service. I am there to contribute. I am there to serve the client. I am there to transform lives and organizations And the more I focus on serving each and every stakeholder in the process, the more impact I have.

And when it comes to those 60 sacred minutes on stage, all I want is for people to experience their mattering. I want them to feel seen, heard, and loved I do not show up and try to be the smartest person in the room. I am not trying to be the expert and create leverage. Rather, I bring myself eye-toeye with the audience I want them to know that I see them and I get it It is

about creating a special space whe people can put their guard down, b their authentic self, and engage wi something that matters.

My audiences laugh, cry, then laugh again. They get reconnected with t humanness and it changes the way they see themselves, their relationships, and the world And, wildly enough, they do same thing for me.

Q:You'vereachedthreemillion studentsand15,000educators nationwide.Whatisyourgoal withEveryMondayMatters?

Itishardtobelievethatournon-profit organizationisnow15yearsoldand hasimpactedsomanylives.TheK-12 educationprogramhastransformed somanyofouryouthandyoung people,aswellasfamilies,educators, schools,andafter-schoolprograms. Oureducationteam,ledbythe phenomenalJocelynGuansing, continuestoblowmymind Our programsarenowin50statesandsix countries,whichisprettyspecial, thankstoourteamandourfunding partnerswhoallowustodothework.

Atthesametime,ourCorporate CultureandEmployeeEngagement programistransformingthefutureof work.Yes,wecancreatecompanies thatexcelatprofitablegrowthby doublingdownonthepersonaland professionalgrowthoftheirpeople. Wehavedoneitoverandoveragain.

We can make work matter.

And finally, our brand new Senior Living program might be the sweetest thing we have ever done. Recently, a woman in our senior living program passed away and her daughter told us that her mom absolutely knew how much she mattered before she died because of Every Monday Matters. Not sure it gets any better than that.

But what’s the goal? It’s funny, because I have been asked this question many times, and I believe my answer shocks people each time The goal is for Every Monday Matters to go out of business. I think this should be the goal of every non-profit organization. I know it sounds utopian, but a world filled with people and organizations who have fully embraced how much and why they matter to themselves, one another, their community, and to the world doesn’t need Every Monday Matters Since that is our mission, I guess it makes sense that going out of business is our goal.

Who wants to help?

What metaphorical mountain are you excited to climb in the future?

I am about to turn 55 years old and this feels like a big one, so I going to keep this answer personal and not professional Plus, I have already spoken plenty about the professional and the mountains and opportunities are probably obvious

But three things come to mind on a personal level:

First, I had two back surgeries in the past two years and am still suffering from chronic nerve pain due to complications in the first surgery Chronic pain is no joke and I have a new empathy and compassion for anyone who suffers from it So this mountain is all about getting healthier again physically, mentally, and emotionally. It has been a battle and it’s time to get on top of my game again. I have ideas and I am excited.

Secondly, I want to double down on community. We are designed to be in community with one another and we are better together Sometimes, I feel like my life can get a mile wide and an inch deep This isn’t a bad thing, as I meet so many people every year due to the nature of my work But there is something about the idea of an inch wide and a mile deep that intrigues me. Truth be told, it will probably land somewhere in the middle, but I want to invest more into a community or communities of people that I want to do life with… like The Outlier Project.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I want to invest more time into my marriage Living with a mission and trying to change the world can be all encompassing, and I am guilty as charged Yes, you will find me working several hours on the weekends as well But my wife deserves to know how much and why she matters to me as much as anyone. She is also an actress who has big dreams and is beyond talented. But being an actor/actress is not for the faint at heart. Frankly, it’s brutal. So a little extra love and support from the hubby doesn’t hurt and is much deserved

So, welcome to my metaphorical mountain range I guess I have always been an overachiever and a pain in the ass Just ask my folks

JONNY MOSELEY with...

Olympic Gold Medalist, TV Personality, Brand Ambassador, Product Developer, Motivational Speaker

Q:Whoarethesherpasinyour lifewhoprovidedyouwiththe mostvaluableguidance?

Firstandforemost,myparents.I’mthe youngestofthreeboys.Myfolksgotus intoskiingandasitgrewinscopeand importance,theyneverwaveredand selflesslydugindeepertoallowusto goforit.Nextuparemybrothers.My olderbrotherJeffisresponsiblefor alwaysdrivingthestokeandbeinga firstmover Hewasaskater,surfer, sailor,punkmusicaficionado,and musician.Hesawfreestyleskiingat PalisadesTahoein1984andinsistedwe makethemove.Thenmyotherbrother Rickgrabbedtheiceaxefromthere He isagiftedathleteplusamadscientist inventorandrestlesstinkerer.He showedmehowtoanalyzeeverypiece ofmyskiing,watchingeveryrunwitha criticaleyeandnevermissingachance tobreakitdownonvideo.Healsodrove methousandsofmileswhenIwastoo youngtodrive.

ThelistislongbutKevinWhitmanand RaymondDevre.Raymondwasmyfirst mogulcoachatPalisadesTahoeand showedmehowhumorpluslong

hours plus fundamentals equal success. We won Jr Nationals together when I was 15, which launched me From there I won the NorAm Cup and made it to the World Cup tour. I was struggling for a while but eventually Jeff Good and Cooper Schell turned me around. Cooper guided me to the summit We were weary and stressed as time was running out, but he cracked the code with some innovative thinking and tons of reps, and we won

“I ALWAYS FELT COMPETITIVE WHEN IT CAME TO TRICKS. THE NATURE OF THE SPORT IS ITERATIVE. I ALWAYS FELT COMPELLED TO LEARN EVERY TRICK THAT WAS OUT THERE THAT HAD BEEN DONE. IT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE.”

-JONNYMOSELEY

Q:YouwereborninPuerto Rico,andwerethefirstskier fromPuertoRicotojointheUS SkiTeam.Youwoundupinthe UnitedStatesSkiand SnowboardHallofFame.Does thatseemsurreal?

MydadisfromNorCal,andmymomis fromtheeast.Theymetthereandhad threeboys.Assoonaswemovedback toNorCal,westartedskiingevery weekend.Iwasthree.

Q:Goingintothe1998Winter OlympicsinNagano,Japan, whatdidyouthinkyour chancesweretowinagold medal?

AfterlosingtheWorldCuptitleatthe lastcontestin1996andhavinga lackluster1997season,CooperandI realizedthatIwasnotinagood positiontowin.Ishouldsay,Iadmitted tomyself.Coopknewallalong.This acknowledgmentwasthefirststepfor metogoall-inonwhateveritwould take.Cooperbecamemypartnerin thattask.Itwasnotalways comfortableorsmooth,butwefigured somethingsoutwithmytechnique usingsomeinnovativetoolsthat allowedmetotrainoffthehillaswell. Wemadesomecriticalmoveswith equipmentthatalsocontributed.In addition,Icapturedsomelightning fromthenewstyleofskiingthatwas emerging.Irippedoffthe360mute

grab from JP Auclair, an innovative mogul skier who did not make the games. That trick, along with the rest of my skiing, gave me an asymmetric advantage. I busted it out in a World Cup right before the games after winning the previous two contests, and it was a hit. So I felt pretty good about my chances at the Olympics Still nervous as hell as always though.

Q:Wheredidyourinnovation andcreativityinmogulskiing comefrom?

Ialwaysfeltcompetitivewhenitcame totricks.Thenatureofthesportis iterative.Ialwaysfeltcompelledto learneverytrickthatwasoutthere thathadbeendone.It’salmost impossible,butthatistheheartofthe sportIMO Onceyoumastermostof

the tricks, it’s natural to want to add on or tweak. I think having a broad curiosity and interest in the sport’s past, and disciplines like ballet skiing or snowboarding that are tangentially related, helped me find ways to riff.

Q:Telleveryoneaboutthe dinnerroll.

Thedinnerrollwasariffonarodeoflip insnowboarding.Ilovedthattrick becauseithadsomanyoddvectors goingthatwedidnotreallyuseatthe timeinskiing Carvingtotheleftwhile hurlingyourbodytotheright.JF Cussonwasdoingaversionto540 thatwasawesome,andshortlyafter that,Iwokeuponemorningwitha strongvisiontotakeofflessinverted andgetimmediatelyintowhatwas knownasatoiletbowlonthe trampoline.

Before I specialized in moguls, I was also an inverted aerialist and spent a ton of time on the trampoline practicing and messing around with my buddies One of the hardest bed tricks to learn was a toilet bowl It took me forever to figure that thing out, but it was one of the coolest feeling tricks once you tagged it.

It’s a long story, but once I figured it out on snow, I took a silver at X Games with it and won the US Open Slopestyle comp with it I then had the idea to see if I could do it in the moguls, and that is what started my second run at Olympic gold in 2002.

Q:You'vehostednumerous shows,beginningonMTV, AmericanNinjaWarrior,and UndercoverBoss.Whatdidyou enjoythemostabout becomingaTVpersonality?

TVworkwasafun,unexpectedrun.I enjoyedthechallengeofgetting betterathosting,andInowenjoythe processoforiginatingorimproving uponwhat’sbeencreated.

Q:Whatwasmorenervewracking,competinginthe Olympics,orhostingSaturday NightLive?

Defmorenerve-rackingcompetingin theOlympics.It’shellish.

DR. HOBY WEDLER with...

Entrepreneur, Chemist, Sensory Expert, and Educator

Q:Whoarethesherpasinyour lifewhoprovidedyouwiththe mostvaluableguidance?

Thefolkswhohavehelpedmeinmy lifearesomany,butIneedtostartwith myparents.Theydidmanythingsright formeandmybrother,butI'llhighlight twohere:Theytaughtmetohavehigh expectationsofmyselfbyhavingvery highexpectationsofme.Theynever loweredthebar.Mychoresmayhave beendifferentthanmysighted brothers'chores,butwewereheldto thesamestandards Next,theymade surewetookresponsibilityforourlives andouractions.Ifwesucceededat something,weshouldbecelebrated.If wefailed,weshouldtaketheblamefor it Thisledmetoneverusemy blindnessasacrutchfornotgetting somethingdonewell.Theyneverlet meputblameonanyonewhowas assistingme.Inowthankthemso muchforthesetrulylife-changingskills theytaughtme.Theymadebeingblind inasightedworldfeelthesameas beingsightedinasightedworldwhen itcomestohighexpectations.

Myhighschoolchemistryteacher,Lee Boyes,wasahugementorandrole modelforme.Iwasabletoconvince herthatablindguyshouldbeableto studychemistry,because,"Nobodycan seeatoms."Sheisatrueallyand inspiredmetostudychemistry,asI wantedtoteachit.Otheramazing mentorsincludemygraduateadvisor, ProfessorDeanTantillo Hesawapath inchemistryformebeforeIsawitfor

myself This is what mentors do so well. I'd like to acknowledge my dear friend Kevin Eastman, an incredible entrepreneur who has taught me so much about business Kevin has become a dear friend and I’ve learned so much during our casual conversations at his lake house in rural Tennessee. He’s one of those people who I can literally talk to about anything. Kay Alison is a tremendously powerful mentor and business coach who has unlocked my true potential recently Kay, like a great mentor, got to know me and helped me figure out what I’m truly good at. I’m a non-visual sensory guide for the world around me who use their eyesight so much that it can blind their other senses This has unlocked so many opportunities in the business world for me.

Most of all, my partner Justin Vallandingham has been my main rock, supporter, and incredible steadfast person in my life. He and I are both life and business partners. We've known each other since we were in elementary school, he's always been my best friend, and we are better friends today than we ever have been. We were life partners before becoming business partners When we started our first company, we agreed never to let the business get in the way of our personal relationship. The love and friendship we share will always outweigh any business venture. If business gets difficult, we've agreed to close the business to preserve what we have personally. We don't have kids or pets, we can lock the door of our home and be gone, and we travel about 250 days a year for work with much fun sprinkled in. We live our lives to the fullest and we both tell each other that we should live our lives like it’s our last day in this life. Justin has shaped my life, and I’m pretty confident I’ve shaped his. We support each other through thick and thin and have one of the most special relationships I’ve witnessed in my life.

These are but some of the folks who have been truly incredible resources and mentors in my life. I love giving back and mentoring others, and I always say that we should thank our mentors whenever we think of them I couldn’t possibly mention all my mentors here, and I want anyone who has helped me in life to know that they are so tremendously appreciated.

Q:YouhaveaPhDinorganic chemistry.Whendidyou decidetochoosethatpathand why?

Thisissuchagreatquestion.Firstoff, I'vealwayshadaloveforbothscience andart I'manavidcreativeand storyteller,butforaslongasIcan remember,I'vehadadeeplovefor understandingsystemsinmyhome.I loveplumbing,electrical,etc.My parentsdidallthehandyworkaround thehouse Wedidn'thireitout My dadisamasterofplumbing,electrical, andbuildingcoolthings.Therefore, mydeepinterestinplumbingand electricalpromptedhimtoteachme whatheknew Byagesix,Iknewthe

“I'M AN INNATELY CURIOUS PERSON. I LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST EVERY DAY. I WANT TO GET THE MOST I CAN POSSIBLY GET OUT OF LIFE.”

-DR.HOBYWEDLER

plumbing system at the family cabin better than most adults who used the place. I can always tell you where water is coming from and where it goes to when it enters and exits any home I live in. This led me to the love of science.

My high school chemistry teacher was another huge influence. She helped me understand that chemistry is for everyone, and should be exciting and more than that "boring" course that you need to take in order to move on with your college career. I fell in love with the subject. She sometimes questioned how I would ever be able to pursue chemistry until I explained to her that chemistry is a cerebral science; nobody can see atoms! From this point on, she became my biggest supporter, which she remains to this day.

Because I loved chemistry so much and was naturally good at it, I decided that I wanted to teach freshmen

chemistry at a college or university. This meant earning a Ph.D. I also realized, when studying organic chemistry as an undergrad, that I had an advantage over my sighted peers. I visualize everything in my surroundings from roads in my hometown to seats in a lecture hall This meant that the cerebral process of thinking through the mechanism of adding a chlorine atom to a benzene ring wasn’t very different from planning my route from the chemistry building to the closest bus stop.

While I knew I wanted to teach at the college level, I didn’t want an assistant leaning over my shoulder in the laboratory throughout graduate school. I also love history and telling stories in history, so I also earned a major in US history I was actually filling out graduate school applications in history programs throughout California when I met the man who would become my graduate advisor

When I met Professor Dean Tantillo, a computational organic chemist, I didn’t really know that computational chemistry was a thing.

Dean worked with me as an undergraduate and showed me that with a bit of assistance and modifications, we could make the computational lab accessible to me This was an incredible opportunity.

Working in Dean’s lab as an undergrad encouraged me to apply for graduate school at the University of California, Davis in chemistry. I applied and was accepted! I began work in Dean’s lab as a graduate student the fall of 2011 and earned my PhD in 2016. This was an incredible and challenging time. I am proud to have earned the degree.

While in graduate school, I had the honor of teaching many general freshmen chemistry classes What I was disappointed to realize is that my students did not want to learn to speak chemistry. I put so much time into producing beautiful PowerPoint presentations of my lectures with my assistants so I could talk through all the concepts I taught. However, my students would rather an instructor who points to visual elements, says things like “This here goes over here and becomes that,” etc. This led me to make my lectures extremely accessible to my students, but less accessible to me.

I don’t teach chemistry today, but I use my chemistry knowledge every day as a product development expert in the food and beverage industry.

Q:Youwerebornblind.How hasthatbeenachallengeand anassetinyourbecominga world-renownedchemist?

Iwasindeedbornblind Irealizedfairly earlyonthatIdidthingsdifferently. Beingblindinasightedworldisalot ofworkandthingstakemelonger.I’m extremelyluckythatmyparents taughtbothmybrotherandmethat there’snosubstituteforhardwork.

We would often go to school all day, come home and do homework, and then work with them on home projects until dark.

When I realized my talents as a nonvisual sensory expert, I knew that I had a sincere advantage. Through business and this talent, I’ve been able to turn blindness, something that many would consider a disadvantage, into a game-changing advantage.

I also used my way of understanding and visualizing the world hugely to my advantage as someone who happens to be blind. Being blind comes with huge challenges. Outside of the challenges with work and academics, I can’t drive.

That’s really frustrating. Another frustrating aspect is not being able to see spots on clothes I know how much we are judged by what we wear and how we look, so I’m extremely careful to get help spotting laundry. This might sound minor, but it’s a nuisance.

In the lab, chemistry is very visual. I had to spend lots of time with assistants reading research articles and getting concepts into my head. Then doing the chemistry was actually the easy part After I had great results, I then spent long hours again with assistants to get my results into a visual format that the world of science could understand.

I learned my huge talents for sensory when I began working with Francis Ford Coppola hosting Tasting in the Dark, a program that I built for him near the time I was finishing up my undergraduate studies.

This program has shaped my career. I now perform tasting experiences around the world for a large variety of markets and industries. This work got me into sensory design and building opportunities for everyone to understand the world through all their senses. It’s shaped my career.

In short, being blind for me is a nuisance, but not a life-long problem

Sure I have days when I feel sad about things, but don't we all? I'm alive. I live life with an infectious curiosity and positive attitude. I believe that I was put on this earth for a reason and I want to make the best of it both for me and anyone I spend time with. Being blind is the biggest blessing I could have received because it shaped an amazing career I see it as a true gift and I’d never want my sight, even if it was offered to me. Who wants to re-learn the world? I’m so happy where I am.

Q:You'reaveryactive entrepreneur.Whatareyou workingonthatexcitesyou?

Thisisagreatquestionabout entrepreneurship.Iseebeingan entrepreneurasbeingaproblem solver Idon’tstartcompanieswiththe goalofmakinglotsofmoney Sure,we allneedtopayourbills,butIstart companiestosolveproblemsand makelifefunandenjoyablefor anyoneandeveryone

Ilovecreatingdeliciousproductsin thefoodanddrinkindustrytomake peopleenjoylifemoreandtohelpmy clients Ilovewhensomeonegivesmy productsgreatreviewsandhasno ideawhodevelopedthem.

I’mworkingonanexcitingconcept calledEmotitechnowwhereinweuse human-centereddesignalongwith

neuroscience and behavioral psychology to make life more enjoyable for all of us.

This is my newest venture which I’m extremely excited about I’m a partner in Emotitech, which has headquarters in San Francisco, California and in the Noe Tech Park in Bolzano, Italy. Finally, with the help of my coach and mentor Kay, along with my amazing partner Justin, I’ve unlocked my true passion which doesn’t feel like work. It’s what I’ve been doing all along with Tasting in the Dark, but I didn’t realize it. I am a non-visual sensory guide to the greatest things life has to offer. I’ve started a TikTok channel where I share this guidance and have garnered over 200,000 followers.

I have a small marketing and communications firm, Senspoint, specifically designed to help nonprofits who help people with disabilities.

I love my work as an entrepreneur and am going to be focusing a lot of the next chapter on product development, Tasting in the Dark, and being a nonvisual sensory guide, however that transpires

Q:Tellusabouttheawardyou wonfromPresidentBarack Obama.

Ohman;beingrecognizedasa ChampionofChangebyPresident BarackObamawasahugehonor! Hegavemetheawardforthework thatIdidwithmynonprofit,Accessible Science,toholdhands-onchemistry campsforblindandlowvisionstudents aroundtheworld.

Atthesecamps,wetaughtstudents thattheycouldperformhands-on chemistryexperimentsaccessibly We hadthemmakeesterswheretheend pointofthereactionwasthesmellof anester.Alcoholsandcarboxylicacids don’tsmellgreat,butwhenthey’re mixedwithcatalyticsulfuricacid, beautiful-smellingestersareformed.All toolsweremadeaccessibleandall chemicalswerelabeledinbraille.With amazingfellowgradstudentteachers fromtheUCDavischemistry department,wemadethesecampsa hugesuccess.

WehadprofessorsfromUCDavisgive seminarsabouttheirworkandhow whattheydocouldbeadaptedto anyone.Manypresentationsledthe professorsdeliveringthemto understandthatnotbeingabletosee couldactuallybeanadvantagetowhat theydo

Mostimportantly,allourstudentshad

incredible blind mentors to serve as role models. Our camps were held at Enchanted Hills Camp, a camp dedicated to blind folks in the mountains outside of Napa, California. I would encourage my students to go for long walks with their mentors If they got lost, I was overjoyed This meant they were learning. Camp provides folks with a safe place to feel uncomfortable and jump out of their comfort zone

Many students made life-long friendships and I was able to be a mentor to them. We served well over a hundred students and today, many of them have degrees in science. Some have Ph.D.s, some are earning their graduate degrees now. I’m so proud of all our students

Obama recognized this work by naming me a Champion of Change for enhancing employment and

education opportunities for people with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Although I didn’t get to meet Mr. Obama, he spotted me standing in the East Room from the White House lawn where he was boarding a helicopter, and he gave me two thumbs up right in the window. This is what happened, as relayed to me by his Secret Service officer who gave me a behind the scenes tour of the President’s home. What an excitement!

Although I shut Accessible Science down, I still consult a great deal on making science accessible and still run very similar camps as a consultant. This is a part of my work that I love and that I will never let go

Q:Ofallofoursenses,isthere onethatisthemostpowerful?

Weuseoursensesinorderof vulnerability.

Theleastvulnerablesensesarethe onesweusemost.Therefore,eyesight isusedfor85-90%ofallthe informationwetakeinfromour surroundings.It’stheleastvulnerable. Youcanlookupintheskyandseethe moon.Icannothearthemoon.

Hearingisnextleastvulnerable, followedbytouch,smell,andtaste.

My senses are not heightened because I’m blind. I’ve practiced like a great guitar player practices to hone my nose, smell, and taste I use my ears for my survival when I travel so as not to get hit by cars or bikes, so I’ve learned to pick up on things you may not pick up on naturally. The most powerful sense, in my opinion, is smell. Smell is so much more primitive than eyesight. Eyesight is easiest, but smell brings us back to memories

For instance, if you smelled ginger cookies cooking in Grandma’s kitchen when you were a child and you smell ginger cookies as an adult, they may literally put you back in Grandma’s kitchen in your mind.

Q:Tellusaboutyour fascinationwithfoodscience. Greatquestion!

WhenIwas9yearsold,myparents gavemea42-quartsouppotformy birthday.Myjobwastomakedelicious soupsandstewstofreezeandeat, eitherasweeknightmealsoras lunchesformyparentswhowantedto eathealthilywhileonthegoatwork.

WegrewahugegardenandIused vegetablesfromthegardenwherever possible.

It felt like work at the time, but I realized that I was blending flavors and learning what worked well and what didn’t Carrots and ginger go together Celery, carrots, and onion work well together. Ginger and clams don’t work that well, although as I write this, I may have to play with this one again!

When I invited friends over, I’d invite them into my kitchen. We would cook together. What I now realize is that my friends, colleagues, and peers while growing up learned about color through drawing, etc. I learned my art through blending flavors, aromas, and textures.

I truly love developing or reformulating products as a food scientist. I literally see flavor and it brings me so much joy Little did I know that my soup making as a kid would lead me to a beautiful profession.

Q:Isthereanythingthat scaresyou?

Ihavesimilarfearstoothersaround me.Ioftenthinkabouthealthand getconcerned Iworryabittoo muchofwhatpeoplethinkofme.I amgenerallyahighstressperson, butI’mworkingonnotworrying aboutthings.

My one irrational fear is rats I know we all have irrational fears, but I don’t like rats. I don’t like listening to them scuttling about in buildings or on roofs, and I don’t like being in buildings where I know wild rats exist. I don’t mind animals in general. I love snakes and worked for four years in a student-run wildlife and natural history museum as a docent while in high school. I don’t know why I really don’t like rats.

Life can be scary to all of us I’ve learned to roll up my sleeves and live it

to the fullest, and I’m always working on not worrying about things. I think we all are.

Q:Youhaveacontagiouszest forlifeandexperiences.Where doesthatstemfrom?

I'maninnatelycuriousperson.This stemsfrommyparentsencouraging metoasklotsofquestions.Ilivelifeto thefullesteveryday Iwanttogetthe mostIcanpossiblygetoutoflife I thinkitstemsfromagreatchildhood andanunstoppablecuriosity.

What metaphorical mountain are you excited to climb in the future?

I can't wait to find the next problem that needs solving and work with amazing folks to solve it. I also really want to do more motivational speaking and get folks as excited about life as I am.

dent of public speaking, so I love TED talks. I'm inspired by people e stories that are unique to them hey can share, because I think at makes a speaker unique, and distinct.”

-Jesse Itzler

Jesse Itzler is not your average entrepreneur From music mogul to aviation pioneer, from fitness enthusiast to best-selling author, Itzler has defied expectations and redefined success. In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into the mind of this extraordinary individual, exploring his journey, his philosophy, and his unwavering drive to push boundaries.

Discover the secrets behind his success, from his early days in music to his groundbreaking ventures in the business world Learn how he cultivates a growth mindset, embraces challenges, and lives life to the fullest.

Join us as we unravel the inspiring story of Jesse Itzler, a true outlier who continues to shape the world around him -

Scott MacGregor

Let's start at the beginning. Born in Long Island, Roslyn to be exact. And you had parents who I think gave you spectacular gifts. Tell us about your mom and dad and the imprint that they left that helped form the Jesse that we know today.

Jesse: Man Well, I had nothing to do with that Being born into a family with parents like the parents that I had I was the youngest of four My dad owned the plumbing supply house My mom stayed home and raised my brother and my sisters and me And, you know, my parents gave me a really long leash.

My mom had a cowbell, and she would ring the cowbell when it was time to come home for dinner. And whatever I was doing, that was the only rule. When I heard the cowbell, I had to come home.

So, my childhood was spent outside mostly, and my parents didn't over schedule me.

Today so many kids are overscheduled I'm probably at fault for that too, with my own kids But my parents didn't do that It was like, you know, any time my mom had a meeting, a three-hour meeting, she would take me with a box of crayons and a piece of paper, and I'd sit in the corner and wait for three hours.

That forced me to dream, to think, to be bored and to self soothe. And my parents were pretty strict. My mom never cursed or anything, but when she would give me a look or silence, it said everything.

They had high expectations of how we were supposed to behave, and we respected that

You went to American Univers D.C. and did what every paren dreams of for their child. You signed a record contract with Delicious Vinyl as a rapper und the stage name Jesse Jaymes. What was that pull into the hi world for you?

Jesse: Well, I grew up in New York time when the world was changing the 80s, out of nowhere, this new a form called hip hop emerged And second I heard and saw what was g on as a teenager, I wanted in And, know, just being in New York, I was around that environment, the mus dancing, everything that was happ

And it was happening so fast, and i so new and exciting that I wanted a part of it. So, when I went to colle hooked up with a producer in Washington D.C. and we recorded demo in the closet of my dorm roo literally

I started doing shows in Washingto and throughout my four years of college, the only thing I was focused on was figuring out how to get a record deal I didn't have any connections, I didn't have a lawyer So I just started going to clubs, going over to where people hung out, and to where managers were knocking on the doors of record companies, et cetera.

Right after college, I was able to get a deal with Delicious Vinyl after like 15 labels said “no.” It was one of those things where I just stayed in it long enough to create luck I could have quit I should have quit probably way before that, but there was no plan B That's what I wanted to do

Grit. People that just hunker down and take something from start all the way to fruition and completion. But the most important thing for me is camaraderie, especially at this stage of my life. I want to be around people that energize me.

I don't know the exact year, but 30 plus years ago, you wrote and sang a song, Go New York, Go New York, Go for the Knicks. That's kind of become an iconic part of their past and their present. So even as a part owner of the Atlanta Hawks, what does that song mean to you when you hear it today?

Jesse: Before I answer that, I'm gonna go back to one thing about the record deal. Getting a record deal for me was the biggest thing that ever happened in my life. It was the most critical inflection point in my life because it proved something to me. It taught me at 21 that with no help, I could get a record deal on my own if I could figure out how to get

into an office, sell the person that it was worth betting on me, find someone to represent me once I had the deal, and manage that whole process by myself at 21.

And once I did that, I'm like, I can do it. I could do anything. I could sell a widget to Walmart. Because I figured this out. It wasn't about the music, or getting on MTV, or having an album out or any of that

That was the dream But the byproduct of it was the confidence that all I needed was me and an idea And that changed everything for me at 21 Didn't mean everything was going to work, but it meant that I don't have to work for anybody. I could do this myself.

So that's that. About, Go New York, Go New York, Go. So, what does it mean to you when you hear it 30 something years later, it's still your song, your lyrics, your voice, everything. That's a prime example because I walked into Madison Square Garden at the age of 22 with a cassette demo of a song that I played for the Knicks I convinced them that we can make a video, have a theme song that people will like, sell the cassette, and actually make money while having this amazing content

And they said, “Let's try it.” That only happened because of the record deal experience. But that was also probably the biggest calling card in my life. You know, being in the biggest city in the world. New York is the heartbeat of pop culture, arguably.

And to have a song that united the city around the biggest sports team at the time in the city, the Knicks, and getting on radio and everything was like, I mean, it was like unbelievable. Unbelievable. So it's still a huge part of me. I'm still known for that.

People still sing it and chant to me. I grew up a Knicks fan. I used to come home, I used to stay up every night when I grew up there There were around four channels on my TV There was no Netflix

I had ABC, CBS, NBC , Channel 11 and Channel 5 Channel 9 had the Knicks Games at 7:30 at night And I watched them every single night Every night there was a Knicks game that would end at 9:40, and then I would go to sleep. That was the deal I had with my parents.

So I loved the Knicks. And so then fast forward 15 years later, I'm in their office. My song is playing during a timeout in a playoff game against the Bulls and Michael Jordan. It's insane. So that's an ink stain in my brain I'll never be able to wipe that from my memory

You really created a category that didn't exist when you and Kenny Dichter founded Alphabet City

Sports records, which I think in 1998 you sold for $4 million or so. How did you see the opportunity? This seems to be a consistent theme in your life where others didn't see the opportunity that you do.

Jesse: I remember the day that I had that idea I remember exactly where I was and exactly what happened And the Knicks song was big It was on all the radios, all the radio stations in New York Number one most requested song I'm selling these cassettes at The Wiz, the record stores in New York

I just remember thinking, “I could do this for every team. I can make these cassettes.” But I remember Delicious Vinyl telling me that Tone Loc was one of their artists. He had the biggest selling single of all time, Wild Thing. Wild Thing had the record until We Are The World came out. And I remember the owner telling me, you never want to sell a lot of singles, you want to sell a lot of albums

And I just remember that I just remember saying, “We need to make an album of all the songs they play at the Garden with the Knicks song.” And then I'm like, “We'll put little moments in history on it and it'll be this memorabilia of team history and we'll do it for every team.”

And that's what Alphabet City Records was. We got a license from the NBA to make these sports CDs. They had the most loyal build. We knew exactly where our customer was A Knicks fan, a Bulls fan, a Packers fan, a Patriots fan, a Cowboys fan We did it with all the sports leagues and that's the company that we sold to SFX for four million bucks

It was actually 16 million bucks, but four million to start Really it was four million upfront. And then we had an earn out that we hit two years later.

So that success propelled you to create another unique company called Marquis Jet, which did billions in sales and you eventually sold to Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway. When did you know that business was going to be a grand slam?

Jesse: Certainly not when we had the business plan because I didn't know a lot of people who could afford time on a private jet. So I'm like, “Who are we going to sell this to?” But with a little bit of research we realized that there were millions of Americans that could afford it.

We just had to find out who they were and convince them. Year one I think we did $160 million And I couldn't believe we were selling something that was on average $250,000 That's what our customers were spending a year on flight time, so we didn't have to sell as many because it was such a high ticket item

But after year two or three, when we were starting to do several hundred million dollars in sales, we were flipping out. I'm like 29 years old, I'm just flipping out of my mind. I was too young, I didn't even understand numbers like that.

It was just like get another sale, treat another customer amazingly and get a referral, over-deliver on customer service so we get their retention I was so focused on the experience; so was Kenny Kenny and I were so focused on the experience for our customers And

then we had a guy named Ken Austin who came and worked with us in business development He deserves equally as much credit in this journey and that combination of creativity, partnership and customer service

NetJets handled the flight experience We were really good at that When we merged those dynamics, we were really good at it. But the focus was never on “We're going to sell it, we're going to do this.” We were so into month over month growth that I would never look at it on a yearly basis. It was very mile deep where we were very present in what we were doing month to month.

You helped Zico coconut water grow into something big, and in fact significant enough for Coca-

Cola to buy it. You seem to have that Midas touch. But while I think it's pretty evident that that's true, we sometimes forget that failure is the precursor to success. So what's an example of an idea that didn't end in a lucrative exit for you?

Jesse: Yeah, I'm getting emotional now You're taking me down memory lane here

You know, it's like, as you get older, I never think about these businesses anymore or the journey I really don't But now, in the back of my mind you're asking these questions, and I go back in time to going through it all. I just can't believe each one of these businesses was so unique and in completely different industries.

Coconut water, aviation, music, fitness. They're all so different I don't know about a Midas touch, but I do think that I've had great managers and partners to help me run these companies, really, because I'm not a good operator, to say the least That's a huge part of the success

But I've also, to your point, had a lot of egg on my face, too. I've had a lot of things that didn't work, and those things stink. I've had partners and I've had investors in one or two businesses that didn't work.

That's always hard because not everything is always going to work. And

as an entrepreneur, your job is to push the envelope and find white space And that always comes with resistance

Anytime you try something new, it's going to get met with resistance

Sometimes you can push through the resistance, through the product, through your marketing, through your offering, whatever.

And sometimes you can't. It's just that the challenges you're trying to overcome are just too big. I had a company called Sheets.

They were dissolvable energy strips that were infused with caffeine They were a very hard product to make because caffeine is so bitter It was solving a big problem, giving people quick, instant energy with no calories, bypassing your digestive system But it was bitter and it didn't work

I learned a lot of lessons from that failure. But it still stings a decade and a half later.

I've got to sneak this one in. You manage Run DMC. How in the world did that come about?

Jesse: Run DMC were my Beatles They were the Beatles of my generation I loved Run DMC They honestly changed the trajectory of my life as a teenager for sure. So I was at a trade show in Atlanta for Alphabet City Records. And we had a booth and Adidas had a booth at the end of the aisle.

They had a guest celebrity in their booth for one hour signing autographs. It was Jam Master Jay from Run DMC because they had a song called My Adidas. So I was like, “Guys, I'm taking my lunch at 12 o'clock to go meet Jam Master Jay.” So I go up there and I wait online like everybody else for like an hour.

And the line is around the corner It's like a 45 minute line When I finally get up to Jay, I said something along the lines of, “I wrote the song for the Knicks You are a huge inspiration I'm going to write songs for every sports team Why don't you do it with me?”

And he said okay. A week later, he moved his JMJ records into my office. Literally.

You've had interns and other employees who went on to do amazing things, including a young Curtis Jackson, who's better known today as 50 Cent. What do you look for in the people that you work with?

Jesse: I think enthusiasm and passion are something that's always really important to me Humor I love people that can laugh, and laugh at themselves

Grit People that just hunker down and take something from start all the way to fruition and completion But the most important thing for me is camaraderie, especially at this stage of my life. I want to be around people that energize me

I did a lot of energizing in my 30s and 40s, but now I want to be energized by people. And I have that now in a huge way. And Curtis, he was introduced to me from Jam Master Jay from Run DMC We made a deal He was looking for business experience because he was 17 years old or something like that, and he wanted to become a rapper

And I was looking for someone close to the streets in music that could help me write these sports songs. So we kind of bartered. He could sit in on meetings and listen to business, and he'd help me in the studio and this and that, and that's what happened.

I think, look, one good person in a locker room on a pro sports team can change

the whole culture, but one rotten apple can turn the whole culture, can also change the whole culture. So I don't need extremes, but I don't like the bad apple, even if they're the most talented

You and Sara have raised four amazing kids with very cool names I'm curious who picked the names?

Jesse: Well, Sara always has final say, so I like to say it's a mutual decision until she has the final vote. They're all family names except for Lincoln. So Tepper is named after my grandmother's maiden name. Lazer is my grandfather’s name. Charlie was Sara's grandfather's name.

What have you learned as a father that you think is super important but maybe gets overlooked or is underappreciated?

Jesse: We talked a little bit about not overscheduling, but I think it's really important to praise the effort, not the results And that's hard to do So really overemphasizing the effort So not like, “Wow, your art looks so amazing ” It's more like, "You put so much effort into this project and it's really amazing ” “I love to watch how hard you work in basketball ” "I just love how much effort you put into that", versus "You scored 25 points today, man!" It's the effort. Because if you can get kids to buy into effort, that's a big part of the battle.

Jesse, you inspire millions of people, especially now that you're one of the most dynamic and sought after speakers in the world. I'm curious, who inspires you?

Jesse: I'm a student of public speaking, so I love watching TED talks I love going to conferences, the conferences that I speak at I like to go early and listen to the other speakers because I'm a student And I'm inspired by people that share stories that are unique to them that only they can share, because I think that's what makes a speaker unique, authentic, and distinct. It's easy to say phrases that anyone can say, but only you can tell the story of your journey to release the outlier in you, only you can share your story of how you did 29029.

Those are the stories that inspire me the most So, I wouldn't say it's one person The whole genre is fascinating to me because everybody has a story

You have a very eclectic group of friends, from sharing box seats with Jay-Z, to owning a horse with Tom Brady, to being very close friends with two cops; Kevin Krause, who's the originator of Kevin's Rule, and Tim Snee, a cop in New Jersey. What draws you to certain people?

Jesse: I'm super proud of my friends. They're all really good dads. They all show up for each other in an incredible way. They all have very little ego, and they're all insanely supportive It's hard to find people that have all those combinations, but my friend group does We also like to do the same things, and that's amazing As I've gotten older, Scott, I'm a little bit focused on friend reduction I've been able to weed out

some of the people in my 30s that I thought had it all. They had it all for some of the elements I was looking for in my 30s.

But in my 50s, those elements have changed for me. And, the criteria has changed a little bit for me. So this is interesting, but of probably my five or ten closest friends now, I met all of them in the last 10 years I’m still friends with my high school friends, still friends with my college friends, you know, incredibly close

But a new group of friends has come into my life, and I met them through races, adventures, 29029, participating in things that I really like to do.

One of the things that I admire the most about you is your ability to form and maintain friendships with people that have extremely different views. How do you do what the world seems incapable of doing, which is to accept people as they are?

Jesse: I grew up in a house where, on any given holiday, my parents would have strangers at our house and this is 100,000% true I remember my dad showing up at some holidays and he would have two Russian immigrants with him My dad worked for an immigration company and he volunteered to have two Russian immigrants come over that were there who spoke no English.

We had foreign exchange students. I lived in a predominantly white town but my mom was on the board of education and she had two super close friends who

were black. I was just around so many different types of people from all over. My parents exposed me to so much, and I think that had a big impact on me. I think that it started with them and it started with my parents just being super welcoming to everybody. I was surrounded by that as a kid and I think that played a really big role if I had a guess, but that's a huge compliment that you're paying me, and I appreciate that

Your relationship with time is something you talk about a lot. You even created a wildly popular product called the Big Ass Calendar, which, side note, I just saw Jake Paul using in his documentary, leading up to his fight with Mike Tyson. How do you think about time?

Jesse: I think about it differently than a lot of people. I don't think of it day by day. I think of it more in terms of moments, memories and events. For example, I'm very aware at the age of 56 that I might only have 20 to 25 really active summers left before I start to get a little older

There aren’t a lot of 85 year old guys wakeboarding on the lake that I live on

So I'm very aware of the reality of my future I think in moments I only have three more years with my son before he goes to college I only have one more game of four year old football and that's never gonna happen again, ever, ever in my life.

So it makes me way more present It makes it more important to me It makes me prioritize it more than if I wasn't Yeah, I missed the game No, it doesn't work. You don't get to get it back. There's no rewind button. It's not a cassette. Let me go back to 2015. It doesn't work like that. So once I realized that, it made me schedule my life very differently than I did in my 30s and 40s. It made me way more aggressive in my planning.

This is going to be the toughest question I ask you, Jesse, because I know that you love all of these things. If you had to give up one of these things, what would it be? Running, sauna, cold plunge, smoothies, or public speaking?

Photocredits:JesseItzlersInstagram

You gotta give up one of them.

Jesse: Can you put my pinky in there? You chop that off. Yeah, I’d lose that. Um, I'd say smoothies I'm not giving up running, I'm not giving up public speaking There's no chance I'm giving up the sauna The smoothies would be

the easiest thing for me to replace But it wouldn't be easy

You asked essentially a stranger to come live with you and Sara. That relatively unknown stranger happened to be a Navy SEAL, and now someone everyone seems to know, David Goggins. You turned that into a New York Times bestseller, Living With A SEAL. If you had to distill that experience into the top thing it taught you, what would that be?

Jesse: There were so many lessons, so picking one would be hard They always say to surround yourself with like-

minded people, but I'm fascinated with people that are not like me, that are experts in a certain field that I'm interested in He was an expert in mindset and mental toughness and grit And that's a category that really matters to me. I think that I got a lot out of the experience around grit and challenge. But, the biggest takeaway from me was, I love this. My life's kind of complicated. I have a lot going on in businesses and four kids or whatever I like. There was a certain simplicity and calmness to his lifestyle that I liked.

So I didn't want to give up what I already had, but I did want to simplify a lot of what I had So it wasn't the physical fitness as much as it was getting more present

Your wife, Sara Blakely, is one of the most recognized and admired CEOs in the world. And on one hand, you guys have everything in common and you have a relationship that I think everyone aspires to have. But on the other hand, you guys are different. What makes you guys work so well together?

Jesse: Well, they say you're not supposed to marry your twin. Right? You're supposed to marry someone that's different. I think the most important thing is that we come together on values I think at the end of the day, what’s most important, the things that matter, we tend to agree on and are aligned on And then the other thing that I would say is Sara is definitely my biggest cheerleader and I hope that I'm her biggest cheerleader And I think that's really important too She always says that

I've always heard that it's difficult for a man to be married to a really successful woman or even a more successful woman. I think it's the opposite. I think it's easy and it's so fun. I root for her all the time. I want her to shine so bright and she wants my star to shine so bright.

So that's a dynamic people don't think about But really, because you would think that would naturally be the case, but it's not human nature It's not always the case, especially for a man So that part of our relationship, I think helps a lot, just to support The unwavering support is really important.

This is our Summit Issue. This chapter of your life, what summit are you excited to climb next?

Jesse: Well, I've done a lot of things in my life and I feel like I finally got to a place of doing what I'm supposed to be doing. That’s taking all these different experiences and sharing them with people to help inspire them, teach them through things that have worked, but also things to avoid, and share those lessons. And I like doing it and I think I could get better at it.

So I'm really excited about the next couple of years of doing that. And that comes in the form of running. That comes in the form of speaking, that comes in the form of products like a calendar to make you more efficient Just anything that I can do and release into the world where I feel like I'm having an impact on people is a great lane to be in

And I'm in that lane I love it

As an entrepreneur, your job is to push the envelope. And that always comes with resistance. Anytime you try something new, it's going to get met with resistance. You have to push through the resistance, through the product, through your marketing, through your offering and make it happen.

FUELFOR YOUR OUTLIER MINDSET

HAND-SELECTED NUGGETS FOR YOUR NOGGIN

IKIGAI

HÉCTOR GARCÍA AND FRANCESC MIRALLES

"This book gets right to the heart of passion and purpose exactly what Outliers live by "

OM Staff pick-Scott

THE

MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION OF YOUR LIFE

MARK MANSON

“Outliers, this one ’ s for you: What problems are you willing to solve, day in, day out?”

OM Staff pick-Victoria

MOUNTAIN QUEEN: THE SUMMITS OF LHAKPA SHERPA

“She’s redefining limits like they're guidelines. Talk about an Outlier!”

OM Staff Pick-Kathy

TAYLOR SWIFT AS ENTREPRENEUR RIEVA LESONSKY

“Got knocked down? Swift says, bounce back stronger. That’s pure Outlier energy. ”

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN ROBERT FROST

“Honestly, this book just vibes with the Outlier spirit choosing the path that most would skip right past.”

OM Staff Pick-Kathy

VERY RALPH TRAILER

"Ralph

is the American outlier who redefined style and elevated rugged Americana into refined elegance."

OM Staff Pick - Melissa

OM Staff pick-Scott

“"Outliers don’t just climb mountains—they make them look small!"

WITH 2 WORDS, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS TIGHT END AND TAYLOR

SWIFT BOYFRIEND TRAVIS KELCE TAUGHT A LESSON ABOUT SUCCESS MINDA ZETLIN

14 PEAKS: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE "

HIDDEN POTENTIAL ADAM GRANT

"Adam Grant’s got a point: we ’ re all capable of more than we think. Outlier material? Absolutely."

OM Staff Pick - Melissa

OM Staff pick-Scott

THE BLACK GODFATHER

"Choose quality over quantity every time. The real outliers know: it’s not how many, it’s who.”

OM Staff Pick-Scott

THE FIVE SECOND RULE MEL ROBBINS

"Next time you ’ re about to hit snooze, remember: just five seconds can wake up the Outlier in you!"

OM Staff Pick-Melissa

CHICK-FIL-A IS PREPARING TO LAUNCH ITS WILDEST IDEA YET. IT’S

A STROKE OF GENIUS

“Why just re-imagine the menu when you can re-imagine how it’s served? Chick-fil-A’s taking Outlier thinking to the streets ”

OM Staff Pick- Victoria

Someone close to me once said, “Your worst quality is that you are out of touch with reality, and your best quality....is that you are out of touch with reality.” That was one of the biggest compliments he ever gave me. I love being seen as different Am I trying to fit in? Or was I born to stand out? (Hence being a part of Outlier Magazine) I think we were born to stand out, think outside the box, create a life we love, and have some fun along the way! I am very passionate about leading a life where joy, fun, and playful energy are top priorities.

I don’t really think I am out of touch with reality; I am out of touch with the societal pressures of conforming into an overworked, burnt out, grumpy version of myself. Maybe it’s because I’ve been there and done that When my kids were really young and I was running my voiceover business, I was burning the candle at both ends and I burned myself out I got sick, I gained weight and I felt lost. I had horrible vertigo. I was exhausted and my spark was gone. I didn’t allow myself to enjoy the moment because I thought I had to sacrifice my well-being to take care of everyone else.

I finally realized that it wasn’t just okay to be a little selfish, it was critical It was only then I could see more clearly what true peace and fulfillment looked and felt like

This isn’t to say that it’s all cotton candy and merry-gorounds... I still have massive challenges and really hard days. But I also know it’s a wave, it's all part of the ebb and flow of life...and while we can’t control the waves, we can learn how to surf!

Think back to when you were a kid, when you didn’t have the societal cobwebs of structure and following a rigid “to do” list Maybe you sang, danced, jumped in puddles and had imaginary worlds where anything was possible. Like Alice in Wonderland, we must ground ourselves in the power of imagination and creativity and shake off the dust of expectations and constraints. Perhaps ponder down a rabbit hole filled with curiosity and

possibility?

When we are embracing the present moment, we feel more energized Energy creates energy When we are doing something fun that doesn’t feel like work, we also create energy. Stagnant, resentful energy drains us, but when our guards are down and we embody our authentic, playful, childlike state, our energy is virtually limitless!

01 02 03

Be Spontaneous

Sometimes, simply for shock value, I will pretend to fall in a pool with my clothes on, or I will sing my order at the drive-thru window when getting coffee.

Break Routine Pronoia vs Paranoia

Join a new co-ed sports league, take on a challenge with others, go camping and wing it even when you don’t know what you’re doing.

Stick It Out 04 05 Surround Yourself With The Right People

On two different occasions I have done a challenge where we walk 100,000 steps in a day. Each time, the most fun (and pain) has been towards the end of an already VERY long day.

You’re an Outlier, you know this Your environment is everything. Life is too short to not be thriving in your circle

Pronoia is a state of mind where you believe the world is conspiring for good Even when things seem to go wrong (you are late for a meeting, as an example), take a deep breath and repeat the mantra, “Everything is always working out for me.”

Let Go Of Expectations

And Outcomes

It doesn’t have to look a certain way. Your holiday doesn’t NEED that certain tablecloth Your big event CAN happen, even if it rains. Embrace what comes Make the most of it

Goofy Challenges

07 08 Be Able To Poke Fun At Yourself

Join In, Start A Song... Make Something Up

I was dropping off my kids at school one day, and the cute single dad I had a crush on was walking his son in at the same time Of course, the one day I see him, I look ridiculous I’m wearing an inside-out AND backwards shirt (unintentionally), ugly Christmas leggings, a fanny pack and some slipon sandals. Well, he never asked me out but I did take a photo of myself and share the story on Instagram (#ootd)

At Ice Camp (yes, a camp in the winter), we would sit in the hot sauna, followed by a plunge in the frozen lake In the sauna we were singing at the top of our lungs, making up songs, elevating the whole experience. I also did this while on a hike once I started a making up a rap, and everyone had to pitch in. Find ways to amplify a moment If you feel that nudge asking “should I?”

YES! You should!

On a recent road trip with 3 friends, I didn’t know what we were going to do....but I knew I wanted to find a way to make it more fun. I googled “road trip games”. One came up called, “Cows On My Side” The object of the game is, when you see a cow on your side of the highway, if you’re the first to call it out, you get a point Well, I was with three competitive women, and let me tell you, it made the nine hour drive go by real fast. I am also known to pull over on the side of the road when I see a hill and say, “first one up wins!”

10 Lean Into Your Quirks

If you haven’t learned by now, I am quite quirky :) But I think you are too! The point is to lean into this side of you. Loosen up, fully be yourself, let the small things go. Be curious, present, lighthearted and kind. Play expert Dr. Stuart Brown says, “Stepping out of a normal routine, finding novelty, being open to serendipity, enjoying the unexpected, embracing a little risk, and finding pleasure in the heightened vividness of life These are all qualities of a state of play.” He also says, “Play is critical, not only to happiness, but also to sustaining social relationships, being creative, and finding innovative solutions to problems.” I couldn’t agree more.

Here are 10 ideas that with an open mind could lead to some fun....

01 EXPLORE YOUR CITY

Act like a tourist in your own town. Visit local attractions, parks, or museums you’ve never explored

03 START A BOOK OR MOVIE CLUB

Gather friends to read books or watch movies together, then discuss them together over snacks.

02 GO ON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Plan hiking, biking, or a picnic in nature. Fresh air and playful activities can lift your spirits.

HOST THEMED PARTIES

Organize a themed gathering, such as a costume party, potluck dinner, or karaoke night.

05 LEARN A NEW SKILL WITH FRIENDS

Choose a skill like juggling, magic tricks, or cooking a new cuisine and learn together

07 VOLUNTEER

Helping others can be fun and rewarding Join a local organization and meet new people while making a difference.

09 PLAY IN THE KITCHEN

Experiment with new recipes or create unique dishes with friends or family.

06 GET MOVING WITH DANCE

Whether it’s a dance class or just dancing at home, moving to music is a joyful experience.

08 HAVE A 'NO PLANS' DAY

Leave your schedule open to spontaneity See where the day takes you!

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Incorporate playfulness into your self-care routine by engaging in activities like yoga or guided nature walks.

And last but not least, I will leave you with the power of the spoken word

John Batiste

Gabby Thom

Melanie Perkins

Alex Hormozi

‘emout(liers)

Meet the dreamers, the doers, and the visionaries who are living proof that the most extraordinary lives are often built on the foundations of the unconventional. Support these four incredible outliers who are redefining what it means to truly live an outlier life.

OUTLIER POWERHOUSES

BRIANPROPP

The Outlier Project Guest - September 24, 2024

Former 15-year National Hockey League All-Star, Philadelphia Flyer Hall of Famer, 2x Gold medal winner with Team Canada, Holder of 11 WHL records, 13 NHL records, and 22 NHL club team records Sports broadcaster, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist

AUSTINHATCH

The Outlier Project Guest - October 8, 2024

Inspirational Speaker with Clients such as Berkshire Hathaway’s MedPro Group, John Hancock, Northwestern Mutual & Pacific Life

SIMONALEXANDER ONG

The Outlier Project Guest - October 15, 2024

International Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author of Energize and Award Winning Coach

DEBRAANDKEN COREY

Highly experienced and AwardWinning HR Consultant, WorldClass Speaker, Six-time Bestselling Author; An engineering leader, Co-Auhors of the book, “Bad Bosses Ruin Lives”

DOMINIQUEWILKINS

The Outlier Project Guest - November 1, 2024

One of the greatest basketball players of all time, “The Human Highlight Film,” One of the NBA’s Greatest Dunkers, Hall of Fame Forward

GRETCHENEVANS

Retired US Army Command

Sargeant Major, ESPY Winner, US

Women Army Hall of Fame, US

Veterans Hall of Fame, Earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Author of Lead from the Front, Founder of Team Unbroken

MICKEYBERGMAN

The Outlier Project Guest - December 3, 2024

Fringe Diplomacy, Chief Executive Officer of Global Reach, Vice President of Gov Richardson Center, and Author of “IN THE SHADOWS”

“EMBRACE THE FREAK THAT YOU ARE.” PINK

ICONIC OUTLIER An

"CHARTING YOUR OWN COURSE ISN’T JUST MORE NECESSARY THAN EVER BEFORE. IT’S ALSO MUCH EASIER AND MORE FUN." PINK