The Outlier Index
The Outlier Index: Conversations with Exceptional Performers What separates exceptional performers from everyone else? The Outlier Index explores that question through candid, long-form conversations with extraordinary people who have achieved uncommon levels of success in business, sports, leadership, entertainment, public service, and life. Hosted by entrepreneur, author, and TEDx speaker Ali Hemyari, each episode goes beyond résumés, accomplishments, and carefully rehearsed talking points. Instead, the conversation examines the experiences, decisions, failures, habits, sacrifices, and defining moments that shaped each guest. What made them think differently? What did they do when things went wrong? What were they willing to sacrifice that others weren't? And which characteristics consistently separate outliers from the rest of the population? The goal isn't simply to tell remarkable stories. It's to uncover lessons listeners can actually apply to their own lives. Different thinkers. Exceptional performers. Uncommon results. Welcome to The Outlier Index.
Episodes
This episode explores a parent’s deliberate choice to be open about family wealth and the responsibilities that come with privilege.
Instead of hiding resources so children think they have nothing, the host argues for acknowledging privilege and teaching children that greater privilege carries greater responsibility to others.
Two entrepreneurs discuss building a business and one admits he could take the company, clients, and IP to start his own firm. The other responds that he would not want to partner with someone who would do that, highlighting a clear stance on integrity.
That honest moment defines real character and leads to a successful, trust-based partnership.
A hopeful creator recounts the relentless effort to secure Dolly Parton for a project — from canceled meetings to a surprise 2.5-hour conversation with her manager.
The episode highlights dreaming big, respecting unexpected moments, and the reality that major artists like Dolly make the final call.
On this episode of The Outlier Index, host Ali Himyari interviews George Girjel, an immigrant from Samarkand who rose from construction and grocery jobs to owning four car dealerships and a UFC gym. George recounts learning English, selling cars, leading teams, and the sacrifices his family made along the way.
He shares practical leadership and sales lessons—lead by example, finish every task, and blend discipline with compas...
George Girjel recounts his first job in a grocery store where he stocked shelves, unloaded trucks, and found a freezer full of long-expired food. He raises the issue with management and reflects on logistical frustrations at work.
He also shares memories of growing up in a socialist country—waiting in line for basic goods—which deepens his appreciation for opportunities and abundance in his new life.
George Girjel recalls the harsh realities of leaving Russia under a socialist government—selling property for pennies and being unable to take money out of the country.
They describe rebuilding life after emigrating, with a mother working two jobs and a cultural commitment to care for and respect elders while striving for a better future.
After a three-year immigration process, a 19-year-old and his mother choose the United States over Israel to join family and start a new life, arriving hopeful despite language barriers.
George Girjel begins work immediately in construction with his uncle, repairing low-income apartments connected to a supportive Baptist church, grateful for steady employment and the opportunity to build a better future.
Driving and reflecting, George Girjel shares a simple lesson they tell their kids: even if you don’t like what you’re doing, give it your full effort because someone may be waiting on the result.
The episode focuses on responsibility, doing work well, and the pride that comes from completing tasks perfectly for others and yourself.
Host Ali Hemyari sits down with Dr. Alex Jahangir, an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Vanderbilt, to trace his path from EMT on a bike to leading Nashville through the COVID-19 crisis. He shares his training, career pivots, and the importance of humility, preparation, and strong partnerships.
The episode covers his role on the city’s task force, lessons in public leadership and communication, balancing family and career, and his...
A candid conversation with Seth Choate about committing fully to being a husband, father, professional, and staying fit — and how those roles support and amplify one another.
It highlights the importance of prioritizing time, building habits, and caring for physical, mental, and spiritual health to upgrade your life.
People put items on layaway with small payments throughout the season. If the balance isn’t paid by December 13, the items are returned and resold.
For several years Seth Choate and others have been quietly paying off layaways at Walmart, triggering a voicemail or call that tells shoppers their balance is paid. The surprise is powerful and often feels as meaningful for the giver as for the recipient.
Reflect on the joy of giv...
Find someone already doing what you want and spend time around them — even for little or no pay. The learning you gain from proximity and conversation is often more valuable than money.
Seth Choate shares a real example of running with a top realtor each Sunday to absorb his habits and mindset; make it easy for mentors to include you and emulate what they do.
An emotional account of a realtor who used $15,000 saved for a wedding to fund a risky marketing partnership. He negotiated payment terms, believed in his partner's support, and briefly envisioned high-end success—only to face disappointing leads that challenged his expectations and plans.
A former janitor, Seth Choate, recounts how an unexpected opportunity to sell eyeglasses led to record-breaking sales, followed by other sales roles and a difficult decision between a higher-paying sales job and a lower-paying dream of becoming a teacher.
Host Ali Hemyari interviews Seth Choate, who shares his origin story from selling eyeglasses and Yellow Page ads to becoming a successful realtor, house flipper, and RV park owner.
Seth discusses mentorships (including Tony Robbins events), bold financial decisions, moving and rebuilding his business, and expanding into RV parks and marinas.
He emphasizes consistency, personal development, supportive relationships, and the importan...
In this episode host Ali Hemyari interviews Matt Tenney, who shares his dramatic transformation from a failed, impulsive scheme and time in military confinement to discovering mindfulness, monastic practice, and a life of service.
Matt explains how solitude and meditation reshaped his priorities, led him to help at-risk youth and hospitalized children, and inspired his approach to leadership and his bestselling book Inspire Greatne...
On this episode of The Outlier Index, Sammy Poori recounts his journey from fleeing Iran with $40 to arriving in Nashville, starting multiple businesses and building a real estate portfolio.
He shares the sacrifices, hustle, and practical lessons—how maintaining cash flow, reinvesting profits, and relentless work ethic turned small ventures into lasting success.
Along the way Sami also discusses his passion for exotic cars an...
Honoree Corder recounts her rise from foster care and multiple jobs to building a career as an entrepreneur, executive coach, speaker and author, driven by relentless personal development and discipline.
The episode explores how she turned books into intentional revenue-generating assets, her bespoke publishing process, and practical advice on using relationships and positioning to grow a business.
A candid conversation with Olympian Scott Hamilton about his extraordinary path from illness and adoption to Olympic gold, an undefeated competitive run, and a long professional career. Scott shares hard-won lessons on discipline, overcoming failure, building excellence, handling criticism, and how suffering shaped his mindset and philanthropy.
In this episode Ali Hemyari interviews Nataliia Sanzo, a multilingual Ukrainian-born registered dietitian turned entrepreneur, commercial multi-engine pilot, and avid diver. Natalia shares her origin story, the cultural differences in food between Europe and the U.S., and how studying nutrition changed her life.
They discuss Nataliia’s Hashimoto’s diagnosis, the role of applied nutrition in autoimmune health, her move i...
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