The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

Darius Classic | Lessons From Jack Welch - What Every CEO and Leader Needs to Hear Today Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

Are you building a championship team or a recipe for failure?

Jack Welch, the legendary business executive and former CEO of General Electric (GE), understood the critical importance of people and values in building successful organizations. He believed that the key to a thriving company lies in having the right people who not only possess the necessary skills and competencies but also align with the core values of the organization.

For Jack, there is no middle ground when it comes to values. In fact, he emphasized that competency in commitments and living the core values are the two essential factors in evaluating the suitability of individuals in a team.

He also believed that the right people contribute to making the CEO’s life easier and help foster a positive and thriving organizational culture. On the other hand, individuals who do not align with the values become a hindrance, causing damage to the organization’s ability to grow and succeed.

In this episode, I delve into a range of topics that shed light on the remarkable success achieved by Jack Welch. I will also talk about the key factors that contribute to the overall success and cohesion of an organization, and why hiring for value alignment is crucial to the success of a company.

Topics include:

The success Jack Welch achieved during his tenure at General Electric (GE)
The importance of understanding the underlying principles of success
The most crucial things for the success and cohesion of the organization
Core values and how they help build a successful organization
Why it matters to hire for value alignment
And other topics…

Resource mentioned:

Lessons on Winning and Profitability from Jack Welch: https://neilpatel.com/blog/winning-and-profitability/

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun!

291 | Ivy Zelman | Housing Expert Tells All: Predictions for the Next Decade Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

Is the future of housing not just around the corner, but already knocking on our doors?

Ivy Zelman, a renowned housing market analyst and CEO of Zelman & Associates, offers her unique perspective on the future of housing. With two decades of experience under her belt, she continues to provide invaluable insights and predictions that have helped shape the strategies of major investors and developers.

This episode of The Greatness Machine features Darius and our expert guest Ivy Zelman discussing how emerging technologies are influencing the housing market, from building materials to eco-friendly homes. Their discussion includes demographic shifts, economic factors, and environmental concerns, providing an overview of what the future holds for homeowners, renters, and investors.

In addition to offering her predictions on the trends that will dominate the next decade, Ivy also discusses innovative solutions for affordable housing and addressing the challenges provided by urbanization and climate change.

Topics include:

The importance of data-driven analysis over prevailing market sentiments
Ivy reveals her motivation for founding Zelman & Associates
The impact of low turnover and high home prices despite rising interest rates
Ivy explains the dynamics of new home sales versus existing home sales
Ivy predicts a potential softening in the housing market but not a significant meltdown
And other topics…

Connect with Ivy:

Website: https://www.zelmanassociates.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivy-zelman-64304616b

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun!

TGM Classic | Amy Morin | 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

How do you handle tough situations in life?

Building mental strength is a critical aspect of achieving success and living a fulfilling life. It involves developing a mindset that allows you to overcome obstacles and setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity.

It requires a strong sense of self-awareness, which involves understanding your strengths and weaknesses and being willing to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. This can involve setting realistic goals, practicing self-reflection, and seeking feedback from others.

Amy Morin, editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind, the biggest mental health website in the world, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about her new book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.

In this episode, Darius and Amy talk about the importance of building mental strength to help manage our thoughts and emotions. Amy explains the difference between knowing and doing, and why people often fear solitude and silence.

Topics include:

What changed Amy’s mind about becoming a doctor
What motivated Amy to learn about building mental strength and toughness
The challenges of knowing versus doing
The benefits of having a pros-and-cons list
Amy recalls writing 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do
How to stop dwelling in the past and move on for good
The three parts of mental strength
Ways to stop expecting immediate results
Why people fear the quiet and being alone
Amy talks about The Verywell Mind Podcast
And other topics…

Resources mentioned:

The War of Art by: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/

Connect with Amy:

Website: https://amymorinlcsw.com/

Website: https://www.verywellmind.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymorinlcsw/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Things-Mentally-Strong-People-Workbook/dp/0063252236

Podcast: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun!

Darius Classic | Part 1: Top 4 Things I Learned In My 44th Year On Earth Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

Is it really possible to achieve more by doing less?

In the pursuit of doing more, we often find ourselves entangled in a labyrinth of busyness, where productivity becomes a mere illusion. We chase after every opportunity that comes knocking, and our plates overflow, spilling over with commitments and aspirations, leaving us no room to savor life’s simple pleasures.

But amidst this flurry of constant motion, we fail to realize that doing more doesn’t always equate to achieving more. In fact, that is one of the things I learned after experiencing burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion as someone who tends to overwhelm himself with too many commitments.

Today I am flying solo for part one of this series where I will discuss the top four things I learned in my 44th year on Earth. In this episode, I will share how I have come to a realization that choosing less over more is the key to a happier life. I will also share some tips on how to simplify decision-making and how to identify and focus on the things that truly matter in order to succeed.

Topics include:

The top four lessons I learned during my 44th year
Reflecting on my past tendencies to constantly fill my plate
Looking back hitting a wall when I left my business
Experiencing burnout and exhaustion due to overcommitting
Making a conscious decision to focus on what matters most
And other topics…

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

290 | Marko Gargenta | Being a Life Maximizer: Pushing Boundaries in Life and Work Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

How can you balance work and play while achieving unparalleled success? What are the keys to maximizing every moment of your life?

Balancing work and play while achieving unparalleled success is a delicate yet achievable feat, as demonstrated by Marko Gargenta's journey. Best known for his innovative ventures, he embodies the art of integrating work and play seamlessly into his life, highlighting several key strategies that anyone can adopt to maintain equilibrium and excel in both professional and personal realms.

Marko stresses the importance of setting clear priorities and boundaries. By defining what matters most in both work and personal life, individuals can allocate their time and energy effectively. For Marko, this means dedicating time to work tasks, utilizing technology and optimizing workflows to maximize output.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Marko as they delve into his remarkable journey—from immigrating from Serbia to Canada during the Yugoslav Wars, his transitions between tech and hospitality industries, to founding PlusPlus. Marko shares his inspirations for entering tech, including the creation of Marakana for tech training, and his pivotal decision to join Twitter. He discusses crafting a personal vision and actively pursuing it, advocating for living an epic life through joyous experiences.

Topics include:

Marko recalls immigrating from Serbia to Canada during the Yugoslav Wars
Marko talks about his professional journey and founding PlusPlus
What inspired Marko to transition to the tech industry
Transitioning from tech to hospitality and back
Creating Marakana as a sandbox for tech training and consulting
Marko reveals his inspiration for joining Twitter
Creating a vision for your life and actively working towards making it a reality
Embracing the concept of living an epic life and seeking out experiences that bring you joy
And other topics…

Connect with Marko:

Website: https://plusplus.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markogargenta/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/markog

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

TGM Classic | Giovanni Marsico | Living The Dream: Turning Your Talents And Gifts Into Your Life’s Work Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

What’s stopping you from turning your dreams into reality?

Turning your dreams into reality is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences you can have in life. It is about taking that idea or goal that you've had in your head for so long and making it a tangible, real-life accomplishment. It is about taking the necessary steps to pursue the life you have always wanted.

Making your dream a reality requires organization, flexibility, positivity, and support. By staying focused on your vision, being adaptable in the face of challenges, maintaining a positive attitude, and seeking out support when needed, you can turn your dream into a reality and reach your full potential.

Giovanni Marsico, the founder of Archangel, a community of superhero entrepreneurs, leaders, and game changers, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share his personal story of living his dream and helping others achieve theirs.

In this episode, Darius and Giovanni talk about overcoming the challenges of chasing your dreams, combating imposter syndrome, and the benefits of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Giovanni also reveals the inspiration behind the “Dreamer” documentary, where they tell the story of entrepreneurs who never gave up on their dreams despite the hurdles.

Topics include:

Giovanni recalls the beginning of Archangel Academy
How starting Archangel helped Giovanni cope with depression
Why he initially chose real estate instead of carrying out the idea of Archangel
The challenges of curating an event
Giovanni shares how he succeeded in inviting Gary Vaynerchuk to speak to his first big summit event
Overcoming imposter syndrome
What inspired the “Dreamer” documentary
And other topics…

Connect with Giovanni:

Website: https://archangel.cc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannimarsico/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giftedwithgio

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Darius Classic | How To Get Off The Hedonic Treadmill Jul 26, 2024

Show notes

Are you running on the hedonic treadmill?

The hedonic treadmill refers to the phenomenon where people's expectations and desires for pleasure and happiness increase over time, but their actual level of happiness and satisfaction remains relatively constant. In other words, people constantly strive for more and more pleasure and happiness, but they never really reach a state of lasting satisfaction or contentment.

Getting off the hedonic treadmill can be achieved by changing one's mindset and approach to life, focusing on things that provide deeper meaning and fulfillment rather than short-term pleasure.

Today I am flying solo to talk about my personal struggles of being on the hedonic treadmill for so long and how that mindset has caused me dissatisfaction despite achieving some of the biggest milestones I have set for myself.

In this episode, I will share some tips on how to avoid getting stuck on the hedonic treadmill, the benefits of building habits and rituals to achieve success, and the importance of celebrating achievements.

Topics include:

What is the hedonic treadmill and how does it affect your happiness
Letting go of chronic dissatisfaction
Things that hold back happiness
Why setting daily goals helps you accomplish more
The importance of building habits and rituals to achieve success
And other topics…

Resources mentioned:

War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

289 | Shirl Penney | Living the American Dream Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

How does one go from financial struggle to creating a platform worth nearly $100 billion?

This question encapsulates the extraordinary journey of Shirl Penney, founder, president, and CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners. Beginning in rural Maine where financial stability was difficult to come by, his story is one of grit and determination.

Although Shirl had to overcome early hardships, his desire for education and self-improvement led him to prestigious institutions and eventually to the competitive world of finance. Having navigated and overcome numerous obstacles led to the establishment of Dynasty Financial Partners, a firm he founded with resilience and an innovative mindset.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Shirl Penney to share his compelling journey from the financial struggles of his upbringing in rural Maine to building a financial empire managing nearly $100 billion in assets. The conversation delves into the challenges he faced, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the innovative strategies he employed to revolutionize the wealth management industry. Shirl also discusses the importance of resilience, leadership, and maintaining a clear vision in the pursuit of success.

Topics include:

Shirl looks back at being homeless to founding Dynasty Financial Partners
Improving financial literacy and providing independent financial advice
The origin and motivation behind the creation of Dynasty Financial Partners
The impact of Shirl’s upbringing and experiences on his approach to business
The value of maintaining a strong corporate culture and significant growth
And other topics…

Connect with Shirl:

Website: https://dynastyfinancialpartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirlpenney

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

TGM Classic | Sarah Edmondson | NXIVM Cult Whistleblower Teaches Us How To Take Down A Cult And Reclaim Your Life! Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

How do you reclaim your life after exiting a cult?

Cults often prey on vulnerable individuals, offering them a sense of community, belonging, and purpose. They use tactics such as manipulation, mind control, and emotional abuse to keep their members in line, making it challenging for individuals to leave and regain their freedom.

Escaping a cult can be a difficult and traumatizing experience, requiring immense courage and strength. One of the most challenging aspects of escaping a cult is the process of deprogramming. Members of a cult have been subjected to intense indoctrination, where their thoughts, beliefs, and behavior have been shaped by the organization's leaders.

Sarah Edmondson, a Canadian actress, voice actor, and podcaster, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about her experience as a former member of NXIVM, a now-defunct multi-level marketing company.

In this episode, Darius and Sarah dive deep into the effects of cult manipulation and how cults rewire the brain of their members. Now a cult recovery advocate, Sarah also shares her story of being a member of NXIVM, which she later exposed for their abusive practices.

Topics include:

What drew Sarah to join the NXIVM group
How Sarah found out about the disturbing activities within the group
The factors that contribute to joining cults
What it was like for Sarah working as an actor while being a member of the NXIVM
Sarah talks about the HBO documentary series “The Vow”
The story behind A Little Bit Culty podcast
And other topics…

Connect with Sarah:

Website: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-little-bit-culty/id1553334816

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Story-Escaped-NXIVM-Memoir/dp/1452184267

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahedmondson/

Connect with Darius:

Website: ⁠https://therealdarius.com/⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine⁠

Book: The Core Value Equation ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Darius Classic | How to Build Your Reading Superpower (Part 3) - Set and Hit Your Annual Reading Goal Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

Are you tired of falling short on your reading goal?

If falling short on your reading goal is becoming a recurring pattern, it might be helpful to step back and assess your reading habits and patterns. Are you setting unrealistic goals for yourself? Are you choosing books that don’t capture your interest or challenge you enough?

Today, for the third part of this series on How to Build Your Reading Superpower, I will share some more tips that helped me improve my reading habits. If you are still struggling to finish a book or make progress on your reading goal, then maybe you need to make adjustments and set more attainable goals for yourself.

One helpful strategy to stay motivated and on track with your reading goals is to create a reading schedule or routine. Another way to approach falling short on your reading goal is to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Use it as a chance to reflect on your reading preferences, explore new genres or authors, or deepen your understanding of the books you do read.

In this episode, I will share why it is important to go deep and understand the books better if you want to improve your reading superpower. I will also reveal some tips on how to get through books a little faster.

Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darius-classic-how-to-build-your-reading-superpower/id1555334180?i=1000661223263

Part 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darius-classic-l-how-to-build-your-reading/id1555334180?i=1000662009918

Topics include: