Meet the Team: Datis Mohsenipour

Quick Facts

• Name: Datis
• Department: Marketing 
• Role: Director of Marketing

When Datis was growing up, his dream was to be a professional kickboxer. He enrolled in the sport when he was just three years old and, admittedly, didn’t really like it at first. But, naturally skilled and quick on his feet, it wasn’t long before he fell in love with it — and starting winning competitions. This past year, Datis has switched his focus to Jiu Jitsu and is enjoying the thrill of being a white belt again.

Martial arts instilled a strong value system in Datis, teaching him about respect, goal-setting, and hard work from a young age. These are things that have continued to shape his path both in life and in his marketing career. At Outback, Datis has been able to apply his knack for problem solving and grow into the kind of leader he’s always looked up to.

Outside of work, one of his favorite pastimes is appreciating his West Coast backyard. Depending on the season, you can find Datis cliff jumping or hiking. When it comes to a challenge — with some old school hip-hop in his headphones (Notorious B.I.G. and Kanye West are on heavy rotation) — Datis sees opportunity, not obstacle. It all goes back to his never-give-up attitude. “I’ll do anything I can possibly do before hanging up the gloves,” he says.

Q&A

Best thing about my job: I’ve never worked in an organization where the employees have had a such a strong voice. Being part of the leadership team, I take part in our weekly huddles where we dedicate a chunk of our time towards reviewing employee feedback and discussing how we will take action on the feedback we receive. It’s really a beautiful thing.

One thing you might not expect about me: I’ve never had a cavity and I have all my wisdom teeth… but none the wiser.

Most memorable trip I’ve ever taken: This past summer, I visited Italy and Greece. Naxos Island in Greece is officially my new favorite place on earth.

Favorite team building activity: Minute to Win It is insanely fun – I was skeptical at first, but when I participated it in I quickly discovered why it’s one of our most popular activities.

Favorite song: Really depends on the mood, but “Dark Fantasy” [by Kanye West] is a song I can listen to on repeat regardless of what mood I’m in.

Book I can read again and again: “Freakonomics” by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt.

The greatest mentor in my life has been: My father. While we don’t see eye-to-eye on most things, the sacrifices he’s made, the obstacles he’s overcome, and the tireless work he’s put in to provide a better life for my family are so admirable and inspirational.

An achievement (in either work or life) that I’m proud of: Became the youngest person to achieve a black belt at my kickboxing school when I was 12 years old.