The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

TGM Classic | Todd Kashdan | Getting Angry and Curious to Change the World Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Anger is often viewed as a negative emotion that is typically associated with violence. While aggression is destructive, anger is a normal human emotion that is designed to promote survival, provide a sense of control, motivate us to solve problems, make us aware of injustice, drive us toward our goals, and inject optimism.

Awarded the 2013 Distinguished Early Career Researcher Award by the American Psychological Association, Todd Kashdan dives deep into the surprising benefits of anger and the many ways it pushes people to go beyond what they are capable of and pursue their desired rewards. Through his book “The Art of Insubordination,” Todd also offers an essential guide for those who are seeking to be heard, make a change, and rebel against an unhealthy status quo.

In this episode, Darius and Todd discuss the value of anger, the advantages of giving and receiving critical feedback, the benefits of creating mental space, the demerits of social mobility, and the ways to bridge integrity and flexibility.

Topics include:

The challenges of growing up without a father figure
How Todd got into writing at a young age
Giving and receiving feedback effectively
Curiosity and insubordination
The surprising benefits of anger
The three elements that can improve the quality of life in difficult situations
The two forms of self-talk and their benefits
Ways to create more psychological space
Todd shares the story behind his new book “The Art of Insubordination”
The consequences of social mobility on relationships and overall well-being
Psychological flexibility with integrity
And other topics…

Connect with Todd:

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toddkashdan

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

256 | Pivot to Hit: Your 2024 New Year’s Goal Check-In Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

How are you doing with those 2024 goals you set for yourself?

Whenever a new year comes around, we have a natural tendency to reflect on the past and envision the possibilities that await. Our New Year’s resolutions serve us our compass, guiding us towards growth, achievement, and a brighter future.

Today, I am flying solo to talk about the common pitfalls of overambitious New Year’s resolutions and the importance of conducting a one-month check-in. Drawing from my personal journey of having experienced a sense of overwhelm after setting several goals, I will share with you how I learned the value of focusing on a manageable number of goals, ensuring they align with my established habits for sustained success.

In this episode, I will reflect on my own goals, including journaling, running, dietary restrictions, reading, and meditation. I will also talk about my decision to pivot, narrowing down my goals into three key objectives that complement each other.

Topics include:

The downside of setting too many goals
The importance of regularly checking in on your goals
Building habits is essential for long-term success in achieving goals
Why it matters to pivot and reset when goals are not met
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

255 | Garrett Gunderson | Money Unmasked: Unlearn, Unlock, and Take Back Control of Your Finances and Life Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Is more money the key to happiness? Or is there more to life than what meets the wallet?

People often seek financial success in the pursuit of happiness, believing that a substantial income and material wealth is equivalent to a more fulfilling life. While money certainly plays a crucial role in meeting basic needs and providing a sense of security, the relationship between money and happiness is complex and multifaceted.

Garrett Gunderson, through his book Money Unmasked: Unlearn, Unlock, and Take Back Control of Your Finances and Life, delves into the intricacies of financial well-being and challenges conventional wisdom about money. Beyond the punchlines and laughter, Garrett is a vocal advocate for financial education and literacy. In fact, he founded Wealth Factory, a company focused on providing education and coaching to help individuals and businesses optimize their financial strategies.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Garrett joins Darius to reflect on his venture into comedy and to talk about the motivation behind his book Money Unmasked, explaining the concept of money personas and shadow personas, and exploring the intricate relationship between money and happiness. The discussion will also touch upon the struggle to break free from busyness and confronting insecurities, along with various other compelling topics.

Topics include:

Garrett takes a look back into his spontaneous journey into comedy
The inspiration behind Garrett’s book Money Unmasked
The concept of money personas and shadow personas
Relationship between money and happiness
Garrett introduces the “Cycle of Creation” from Money Unmasked
The challenges of recording audio books
Escaping busyness and facing insecurities
And other topics…

Connect with Garrett:

Website: https://garrettgunderson.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-gunderson-651359b3

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GarrettGundersonTV

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gbgunderson/

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 ScentAir: Go to ScentAir.com/greatness to save 25% off your first Whisper MAX diffuser.

TGM Classic | Matt Abrahams | Speaking Up without Freaking Out Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

Communication is complex. While most people associate it solely with talking or speaking, a good communicator must also have the ability to listen, question, and provide constructive input. The act of communicating not only allows one to convey information but also helps build relationships, enhances engagement, fuels innovation, and fosters trust.

But just like any other skill, learning to be better at communicating comes with challenges.

Matt Abrahams, author of “Speaking Up without Freaking Out” and host of the “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast, names anxiety as one of the challenges on why it can be hard for some people to express their thoughts and ideas. He believes that it is normal to be nervous and goes on to share some helpful tips and routines that can help manage public speaking anxiety.

In this episode, Darius and Matt discuss the types of communication, the ways to become a great communicator, the challenges of public speaking and how to overcome them, the importance of structuring communication plans, and how to leverage and manage public speaking anxiety.

Topics include:

How Matt realized his passion for communication at an early age
Leveraging and managing speaking anxiety
How Ted Talks encourages effective good communication
Tips on how to level up speaking
Things to learn from neuroscience to communicate better
The power of communication when it comes to status
How to leverage communication to elevate status
The importance of listening skills in communication
Structuring communication plans
Hacks for public speaking with confidence
The story behind the creation of Matt’s book “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out”
Hosting “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast
Ways for communicating successfully with remote teams
And other topics…

Connect with Matt:

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

Website: https://nofreakingspeaking.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-fast-talk-smart-communication-techniques/id1494989268

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

254 | Are You A Success or A Failure? Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever experienced a moment where success brought praise and recognition, only to find yourself alone when faced with failure?

Today, I am flying solo to delve into a profound quote that encapsulates the essence of these contrasting moments: “Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.” Drawing from my entrepreneurial journey, I will dive deep into the dynamics of success, failure, and the impact these have on personal identity.

In this episode, I will embark on a personal narrative, recounting the highs and lows of starting a mortgage lending business at a young age, the emotional rollercoaster, the attachment to success, and what I have come to realize after facing a severe setback during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

Topics include:

The importance of understanding that success attracts recognition and praise
The disadvantages of having a personal attachment to success
The value of learning from failures and seeing them as opportunities
The key mindset for navigating both success and failure
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

253 | Giles Yeo | From Calorie Counting to Quality Eating: A Holistic Approach to Wellness Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

What if calories aren’t the whole story?

In the realm of nutrition and health, the traditional belief has been that counting calories is the ultimate key to managing one’s diet effectively. But what if we told you calories might not be the key to a healthy diet? Delving beyond the calorie count, this question encourages us to explore the multifaceted elements that influence our health and well-being, such as food quality, nutrient content, and individual genetic factors.

Giles Yeo, a biologist and professor of molecular neuroendocrinology at the Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, and scientific director of the Genomics/Transcriptomics Core at the University of Cambridge, challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding weight management.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Giles to shed light on the importance of food quality, nutrient partitioning, and the role of genetics in our individual responses to diet and exercise. His perspective invites us to reevaluate our approach to nutrition, weight loss, considering a more holistic view of health that goes beyond calorie counting.

Topics include:

What sparked Giles’ interest in the genetics of obesity and body weight
Giles explains what influences body weight and health
The importance of educating children about nutrition and healthy choices
Giles shares the impact of bariatric surgery
Why it matters to maintain muscle mass while losing weight
The crucial role of resistance training to preserve muscle and overall health
And other topics…

Connect with Giles:

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/giles-yeo-2062969

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GilesYeo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giles.yeo/

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 | Michael Arrieta | Making The Leap To Grow Small Businesses Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

Today I’m talking with Michael Arrieta, who currently serves as the Founder and CEO of Garden City, a purpose-driven holding company that buys, grows, and permanently holds family-owned companies.

He was an early employee at DocuSign and served as Global Vice President, General Manager, and Chief of Staff to the CEO before he founded MAV Ventures in 2016. Michael also co-founded New Story, a non-profit organization that has built over 2,000 homes in developing countries.

Following his success as a young sales representative at Cutco and after seeking wise counsel, Michael made the decision to move to Silicon Valley, where he joined a startup called Wyse before his path led him to DocuSign in 2014.

With his passion to make small things flourish, Michael started investing in small companies with a mission to help them grow, which later resulted in the creation of Garden City. Michael, through the holding company, envisions enriching the lives of the working class by acquiring family-owned service businesses and putting a culture that’s all about purpose, belonging, and excellence.

In this episode, you will learn the advantages of seeking wise counsel, why hard work is necessary to be successful in life and business, and the importance of knowing your ‘why’ and purpose.

Topics include:

Michael looks back at his humble beginnings.
How he landed a job at DocuSign in the early years of the company.
The importance and benefits of mentorship.
What made him take the path to become an entrepreneur.
What they do in Garden City and the impact they want to make.

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://gardencityequity.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikearrieta/

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

252 | 2023 Year in Review: From the Lens of My Daily Affirmations Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Do you believe that affirmations and goal-setting have the power to transform your life?

Today, I am flying solo for a year-end episode where I unpack my thoughts on the transformative power of affirmations, highlighting a particular affirmation that stands out to me – growing a private equity business in the next 36 months.

This episode will delve into the unexpected success and challenges of this goal, showcasing the transformative journey from setting affirmations to realizing them. I will also underscore the belief in affirmations as a driving force, demonstrating the power of speaking intentions into the universe.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I embark on a soul-searching journey to encapsulate the essence of the transformative year that was 2023. I will also share some personal insights, scoring myself on affirmations, from being a loving father to the audacious goal of growing a private equity business.

Topics include:

The transformative power of affirmations and goal-setting
The importance of accountability and vulnerability
Turning goals into reality
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

This episode is sponsored by the Harvard Business Review: Go to www.hbr.org/subscriptions and enter promo code: GREATNESS, for unlimited content starting at only $10 a month.

251 | Matt Higgins (Part 2) | Mindset Mastery: Navigating Failures and Finding Opportunities Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Ever wondered how burning the boats can lead to extracting more value than you ever thought possible?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, we welcome back Matt Higgins, the author of the groundbreaking book Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential.

Matt delves into the art of setting and achieving goals, sharing his unique four-step matrix. He emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from the right individuals when developing a business idea, highlighting how relationships can profoundly impact professional success.

During the conversation, Darius and Matt explore the transformative concepts from Burn the Boats, discussing how these principles can reshape one’s approach to challenges, turning them into stepping stones for unprecedented success. They also delve into the intricate dynamics of co-founder relationships, shedding light on both the challenges and strategies in navigating this crucial aspect of entrepreneurship.

Join us for a discussion as Matt revisits the show, bringing forth a wealth of strategic wisdom, actionable insights and profound impact of Burn the Boats on your journey to success.

Topics include:

Burning the boats for goals, not tactics
Matt explains the four-step risk matrix he uses before committing to a goal
The importance of consulting the right people when developing a business idea
The concept of agenda-less supporters
The critical aspect of choosing the right partners in business and personal life
The impact of personal relationships on professional success
The challenges of co-founder relationships
Matt explains the purpose of his book Burn the Boats
And other topics…

Connect with Matt:

Website: https://rseventures.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhiggins/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-higgins-rse

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

Check out Matt Higgins’ first interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/196-matt-higgins-burn-the-boats-toss-plan-b-overboard/id1555334180?i=1000611559474

This episode is sponsored by the Harvard Business Review: Go to www.hbr.org/subscriptions and enter promo code: GREATNESS, for unlimited content starting at only $10 a month.

TGM Classic | Matt Stewart | Why Are Values Important to Succeed in Business and Life? Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Why are values important to succeed in business and in life? Today's guest shows us what really happens behind the scenes of a successful company and how values factor into the equation.

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Matthew Stewart, co-founder and CEO of National Service Group (NSG), which operates College Works Painting, Empire Community Construction, Home Genius Exteriors, and SMJJ Investments. From a small Southern California company, NSG has grown into an international company with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Matthew currently serves on the boards of several organizations in addition to his role at NSG. In his past role, he was chairman of the global board of Entrepreneur's Organization (EO), a worldwide business network representing more than 142 chapters across 46 countries.

In this episode you'll discover:

- The entrepreneurial advice Matthew would give to his younger self.

- How values help his company succeed.

- The secrets to running a successful business.

Join Darius and Matthew for this fascinating discussion as they explore how our values and even our mistakes provide lessons that we can use to create success. They also discuss the reasons why being patient and having a strategy are vital to achieving greatness.

Topics include: