The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

269 | What Advice Would PAST You Give to You TODAY? Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

Did you ever wish you could go back in time and get some advice from your younger self?

We can all relate to this sentiment, prompting reflection on the paths we have taken and the wisdom we have gained.

Today, I am flying solo to unpack the profound implications of seeking guidance from our past selves. Drawing from my personal experiences and the wisdom of others, I will discuss the complexities of emotional intelligence and decision-making.

This episode of The Greatness Machine will also highlight the significance of embracing our emotions while maintaining a balanced perspective, shedding light on the nuanced interplay between past experiences and present choices.

Topics include:

The benefits of self-reflection for present action
Annie Duke’s concept of “tilt” in decision-making
The importance of prioritizing health, family, and meaningful relationships
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

268 | Tricia Wallwork | How To Build A Cult Following For Your Brand Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

How do you build a devoted following for your brand?

This question lies at the heart of every successful business endeavor, and Tricia Wallwork, the award-winning CEO of Milo’s Tea Company, shares compelling insights into exactly how to accomplish this goal.

Her leadership has not only allowed the family-owned business to thrive, but also cultivated a devoted following that spans generations. By understanding and prioritizing the needs of consumers, Tricia highlights the importance of aligning the brand with consumer values and preferences. And through this consumer-centric philosophy, Milo’s Tea Company has been able to consistently deliver products that appeal to consumers.

Moreover, another key element to the company’s success is its people-centric culture, something Tricia champions as CEO. This internal culture of care and appreciation results in exceptional customer experiences, further strengthening the bond between Milo's Tea Company and its devoted following.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Tricia to talk about the essential elements of building a devoted following for your brand. Through candid conversation, Tricia shares the company’s journey to success, highlighting the importance of consumer trust, brand values, and a people-centric approach. This episode will also touch on some strategic insights and leadership principles that have shaped Milo’s Tea Company into a beloved household name with a passionate fan base.

Topics include:

Brand evolution of Milo’s Tea Company from a small regional business to a national powerhouse
The importance of exceptional customer service and being willing to say no to maintain brand integrity and growth
The benefits of having a People First culture in driving success
Tricia explains why it matters to understand and serve the needs of consumers
The crucial role of trust in consumer relationships
Overcoming limits and believing in the impossible
And other topics…

Connect with Tricia:

Website: https://drinkmilos.com/

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

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 | Nick Gray | The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Humans are not meant to be alone all the time. But with jobs to fulfill, businesses to run, kids to look after, and loved ones to spend time with, how do you gather old and new folks to rekindle friendships and encourage new connections?

What better way to bring people together than hosting a cocktail party, right?

Nick Gray, the founder of Museum Hack and author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings, joins us to share how he went from helping his family’s businesses to launching his own tour operator business and then writing his very first book about the benefits of hosting social gatherings.

In this episode, Nick looks back at how he made it possible to help his family grow their business by leading their hiring, marketing, and international sales. He takes us back to when he started and grew Museum Hack and reveals why he sold and exited the company in 2018. Nick also talks about the benefits of hosting cocktail parties in widening your network and building connections.

Topics include:

How Nick became a museum tour guide and turned Hack the Met tours into a business
How long it took Nick to launch his book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party
Nick and Darius share one thing to consider before publishing a book
How Nick grew Museum Hack before he stepped down and sold the company
The biggest fear of a new party host and how to avoid it
Nick reveals the best days to host a cocktail party
The secret formula to successfully hosting parties and making new friends
Nick explains why a conventional cocktail party lasts only 2 hours
Tips for parents who want to host or attend a party
How to leverage party hosting
And other topics…

Resources:

How to Host a Party Website: https://party.pro/

The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: https://party.pro/book/

The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: https://amzn.to/39rfb2V

The Easy Way to Host or Plan a Networking Event: https://party.pro/networking/

How to Plan a Clothing Swap (The Easy Way): https://party.pro/swap/

Hosting a Happy Hour: Nick Gray’s How-to Guide: https://party.pro/happyhour/

Kids at Your Party: Get a Sitter: https://party.pro/kids/

Connect with Nick:

Website: https://nickgray.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickgraynews/?hl=en

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

267 | How to Build Your Relationship Balance Sheet Mar 15, 2024

Show notes

Are your relationships lifting you up or weighing you down?

Today, I am flying solo to illustrate how positive relationships can make a big difference in life.

Drawing from my own experiences and insights, this episode prompts listeners to consider the true value of the relationships they nurture. Just as assets contribute to financial prosperity, positive relationships propel us forward on our journey towards greatness. Similarly, liabilities–such as toxic friendships, draining business partnerships, or unsupportive environments–impede progress and hinder personal development.

This episode of The Greatness Machine will prompt the listeners to think about whether the people around them are helping them grow or holding them back. By thinking of relationships like assets (things that help us) and liabilities (things that hold us back), this episode will help the audience understand the importance of surrounding themselves with people who make them feel good and help them succeed.

Topics include:

The benefits of viewing life in terms of assets and liabilities
The importance of assessing relationships as assets and liabilities
Why it matters to set boundaries with negative influences
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

266 | Clay Martin (Part 1) | Learnings from a Green Beret: How Childhood Influences Shape Military Paths Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

How do childhood influences shape the mindset and motivations of those who serve in the military?

From early exposure to media depicting heroic military figures to the weight of familial legacies, past experiences intricately shape career decisions in the armed forces. These influences, whether based on action-packed films or the proud lineage of ancestors who served, instill a sense of duty, honor, and tradition.

Clay Martin, a seasoned veteran whose military journey spans roles as a former USMC Infantryman, Reconnaissance Marine, and Scout Sniper, provides a glimpse into his familial heritage. He illuminates the proud tradition of military service that runs through his family, acting as a guiding force in his own journey towards enlistment. Clay shares poignant anecdotes about relatives who served in the military, emphasizing the profound sense of duty and honor instilled within him from a young age.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius welcomes special guest Clay to discuss a range of topics, from the carnivore diet to Clay's military background and a lot more. Clay shares his family's history of service and his decision to join the Marines, influenced by 80s action movies. In addition, they discuss the common motivations behind military enlistment.

Topics include:

The challenges and benefits of switching to a carnivore diet
Clay shares personal anecdotes about his previous experiences with dietary changes
Elon Musk’s unconventional approach to business and rule-breaking
Clay shares his military origins and joining the Marines on his 18th birthday
The warrior mentality and how it can manifest in different aspects of life
And other topics…

Connect with Clay:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-martin-a26ba616b

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wayofftheres

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 | Travis Chappell | Sales Is Life - How Selling Church, Door To Door Solar And A Startup Led To Massive Success Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

How does growing up in a bubble prepare you for life outside of it?

Having spent his entire childhood in a church campus, it took Travis Chappell long years to realize that the path he was in at that time was not the life that he wanted to lead.

Travis, the man behind the Build Your Network podcast, looks back at how a ministry degree holder like him went from making door-to-door sales to starting a podcast and to building his own business.

Despite having to start from scratch, he persevered and used his experience making door-to-door until he finally launched his first-ever podcast in 2017. He later built his business, Guestio, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to build, grow, and monetize podcasts through interviewing.

In this episode, Travis gets real about growing up in a Christian bubble and discovering his passion for podcasting. He and Darius also talk about the key strategies to build an audience, how to achieve success in the industry, and how to leverage podcasts to establish brand authority.

Topics include:

Travis looks back on growing up in a Fundamentalist Christian bubble
How Travis started his podcast show and podcast coaching
Why Travis decided to do door-to-door sales after college instead of going into ministry
Podcasters that inspired Travis to get into the industry
The secret formula for podcast success
Leveraging podcasts to enhance brand
How to get started in podcasting
What Travis envisions Guestio to achieve
Expanding the Build Your Network podcast for a wider reach
And other topics…

Connect with Travis:

Website: https://travischappell.com/

Website: https://guestio.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/?hl=en

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

265 | Bigger Conversations = Bigger Success Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

Do you ever think about how the conversations you engage in affect the trajectory of your life?

Each interaction leaves an indelible mark on our journey, shaping our perspectives, decisions, and ultimately, our trajectory. We shape our paths towards personal and professional fulfillment in a profound way by the quality and content of our dialogues, whether it is sharing insights with colleagues, seeking guidance from mentors, or sharing heartfelt conversations with loved ones.

Today, I am flying solo to navigate the intricate web of conversations, unveiling their significance in shaping our destinies. I will also highlight the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and self-awareness in enriching conversation quality and charting a course toward desired objectives.

This episode of The Greatness Machine will encourage the listeners to reflect on their own interactions, urging them to assess the environments they inhabit, the discussions they participate in, and the value they contribute.

Topics include:

The direct correlation between the quality of conversations and the individuals involved with our success and progress
The importance of ongoing learning and adaptability in enhancing conversation quality and ensuring our contributions remain meaningful
The significance of establishing credibility and earning invitations to consequential discussions by enriching conversations with valuable insights
Self-awareness and reflection as essential practices for assessing our current position and aligning our aspirations
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

264 | Pamela Cantor, M.D. | Realizing Your Fullest Potential Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

Do you ever pause to consider the extraordinary capacity that lies within you to transcend adversity and unlock your fullest potential?

Realizing your human potential is a profound journey of self-discovery and growth, transcending mere achievement to encompass the fullest expression of who you are. It is fueled by passion, determination, and a belief in your abilities, and involves constant learning, growth, and self-improvement.

Dr. Pamela Cantor, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, author, and thought leader on human potential, sheds light on this transformative journey, highlighting the importance of human connection, trusting relationships and the brain’s capacity to rewire in unlocking human potential. Although challenges and setbacks can occur, Pam emphasizes that they can also serve as opportunities for growth and learning, which can propel us toward our fullest potential.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Pam to delve deep into the essence of self-actualization and offer valuable guidance for unlocking the boundless possibilities that lie within each of us. During the discussion, Pam will also share insights from her own experiences and professional expertise, shedding light on how challenges can serve as opportunities for growth and learning.

Topics include:

Tough moments as sources of strengths and resilience
Dr. Cantor reflects on the challenges of motherhood and parenting
The biological basis of the potential for growth and development in each individual
The influence of experiences, relationships, and environments in shaping one’s potential - epigenetics.
The impact of childhood trauma on personal development. Trauma is not destiny.
Building trust and connection as a therapist, parent or adult in a child’s lifeThe significance of listening to children and creating an environment of trust
Efforts to build a movement across the country to harness the potential in each person
And other topics…

Connect with Pam:

Website: https://www.pamelacantormd.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-cantor-md

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drpamelacantor/

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

Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-kids-thriving

Book: https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/abs/wholechild-development-learning-and-thriving/67237E6CA30DAD7D1707057EEFD3E8D0

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 | Larry Yatch | Leading Like A Navy SEAL Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

What does it take to be a successful Navy SEAL or entrepreneur? And how does one learn from the other?

Surprisingly, entrepreneurs are no different from special operators. Just like in the Navy SEAL, entrepreneurship requires good leadership with the ability to plan, execute, and be methodical. Both require unyielding perseverance, regulation, and belief in the mission and vision.

Larry Yatch, a ten-year US Navy SEAL-turned-elite leadership strategist, has been helping senior executives optimize their personal growth and leadership strategy for superior performance. Through his book, How Leadership (Actually) Works: A Navy Seal’s Complete System For Coordinating Teams, he shares his six-pillar system that companies can use to achieve success.

In this episode, Darius and Larry discuss the similarities and differences between special operators and entrepreneurs. They also talk about self-regulation, self-fulfillment, leadership, core values, confidence, ambition, and a lot more!

Topics include:

What inspired Larry to join the military
How Larry found out about Navy SEALs in 7th grade
Larry looks back at his 10-year experience as a Navy SEAL
Self-regulation as a key to succeed
The similarities between Navy SEALs and entrepreneurs
What “hungry ghost” teach us about fulfillment
How Larry led the largest Special Operations in US history
What motivated Larry to start his company, SEAL Team Leaders
Larry explains his book, How Leadership (Actually) Works
The benefits of values-based leadership
Defining the line between ego and confidence
The two tools Larry leverages for his company
What separates those who want to be better from those who actually become better
And other topics…

Connect with Larry:

Website: https://www.sealteamleaders.com/

Book: https://www.howleadershipactuallyworks.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-yatch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larryyatch/?hl=en

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 | Are You Building A Life Of Competition Or A Life Of Gratitude? Mar 01, 2024

Show notes

Success does not necessarily equate to happiness and contentment. We often think that it is by grinding day in and day out that we would find fulfillment. Most of us think of happiness as a destination, one that we can only truly experience when we reach a certain level in our job or hit a certain number in our business.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. While it can be rewarding to achieve our goals, it is also true that sometimes success will only give us momentary happiness before it leaves us feeling empty.

Today, I am flying solo to talk about that one special event that opened my eyes to the importance of cultivating gratitude and what it means to lead a fulfilling life.

In this episode, I will share what it means to have a competitive attitude and why healthy competition is essential as we work on our dreams. I will also discuss passion as an essential key to achieving professional goals.

Topics include: