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The Greatness Machine — Business
The Greatness Machine

The Greatness Machine is on a Quest to Maximize the Human Experience!

Join Award Winning CEO and Author, Darius Mirshahzadeh (pron. Mer-shaw-za-day), as he interviews some of the greatest minds in the world―turning their wisdom and experience into learnings and advice you can use in your life so that you can level up and create greatness. Join Darius as he goes deep with guests like: Moby, Seth Godin, Gabby Reece, Amanda Knox, UFC Ring Announcer Bruce Buffer, Former FBI Negotiator Chris Voss, BJ Fogg, Former Spy and CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante, 1-800-Got-Junk CEO Brian Scudamore, NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, and so many more!

Our subject matter ranges from entrepreneurial and pro athlete underdog stories, world-class leadership development, and performance development, to wealth creation and more! If you are a learner who wants to level up in your life and learn from experts who have been there and done that, hit the subscribe button.

The Greatness Machine is your ticket to create Greatness in your life!

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Copyright: © 2021 The Real Darius

Latest Episodes:

245 | Morgan Housel | Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Ever thought about the power of timeless lessons in steering your journey through the unpredictable?

Morgan Housel, a two-time winner of the Best in Business Award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and winner of the New York Times Sidney Award, brings forth a treasure trove of wisdom with his latest book, Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes. With a keen understanding of historical patterns and human behavior, he unveils the enduring principles that remain constant amid life’s ever-changing landscape.

Through relatable anecdotes and profound wisdom, Morgan provides readers with a roadmap to navigate the uncertainties of today by tapping into the timeless truths that have shaped generations.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Morgan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Darius about the timeless insights explored in his latest book, Same as Ever. The discussion delves into historical examples, drawing parallels between economic collapse and social upheaval. Morgan also reflects on the concept of “calm plants the seed for crazy” and shares wisdom on navigating uncertainties.

Topics include:

Morgan shares how he got into writing during the 2008 economic downturn
The importance of understanding and focusing on things that remain constant over time
Morgan discusses the value of studying historical behaviors
Why it matters to invest in preparedness rather than attempting to predict specific events
Human nature and its struggle with understanding and accepting probabilities
The importance of marketing, emotional appeal, and narrative in business success
And other topics…

Connect with Morgan:

Website: https://www.morganhousel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-housel-5b473821/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/morganhousel/

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B084ZNV1LR/allbooks

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 Articulate 360. Visit articulate.com/360 to start a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360.

TGM Classic | Peter Kozodoy | When a Book about Marketing Becomes a Book about Honesty Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine Darius chats with Peter Kozodoy, an Inc. 5000 serial entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, business coach and the author of Honest to Greatness. He works with organizations and their leaders to help them overcome self-limiting bullshit and use brutal honesty to achieve massive success. Peter is a former Olympic-hopeful figure skater and black belt in Taekwondo.

You'll learn why, in the process of launching a book, the writing isn't necessarily the hardest part.

You'll discover the importance of defining not just what honesty is but also what it is not.

You'll also learn why it's vital that we acknowledge the differences we show concerning our values.

Join Darius and Peter as they discuss the importance of nurturing more honesty in our society.

Topics include:

Why the process of launching a book isn't what you'd expect, and why the writing isn't necessarily the hardest part
The importance of defining what honesty is NOT
Acknowledging our differences around values
And other topics...

Connect with Peter:

LinkedIn: https://pr.linkedin.com/in/peterkozodoy

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterKozodoyOfficialPage/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterKozodoy

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 Articulate 360. Visit articulate.com/360 to start a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360.

Darius Classic | Where Will You Be In 3 Years? Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

A lot can change in just a couple short years….your dreams may be just around the corner!

These changes, whether they are good or bad, can happen in a blink of an eye. It may seem like every day is the same, but when you look back, everything is different from how it used to be, and you are different from who you used to be.

Change offers new opportunities and experiences. It keeps life exciting and ensures that bad situations don’t last. It helps you move on, stay focused, and helps shape you. After all, progress is impossible without change.

Today, I am flying solo to share my realization after reading a book called The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl, where he shared behind-the-scene stories of his musical life as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, drummer, and record producer.

In this episode, I will discuss why it matters to seek and embrace change. I will also reveal what motivated me to step down from my position as a CEO after building a company from zero to a nine-figure organization and what has changed since then.

Topics include:

Dave Grohl’s book The Storyteller and the realization I got from it
I look back at where I was three, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, eighteen, and even twenty-one years ago and how different each three-year period was from the next.
Why I decided to quit my nine-figure company
The inevitability of change
How to thrive when dealing with change
The importance of reflecting on your life and career
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

244 | Anson Whitmer | Redefining Men's Mental Health: Breaking Stereotypes and Seeking Solutions Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

How are we rewriting the narrative around men's mental health challenges and solutions?

In today's ever-changing landscape of mental health awareness, there is a growing recognition that the narrative around men's mental health needs a significant rewrite. It is a tale of strength found in vulnerability, of support forged in humor, and solutions inspired by empathy.

Anson Whitmer, Founder of Mental, a mental health app designed for men, emphasizes the necessity of tailored solutions for men, acknowledging their unique emotional challenges and the societal pressures that often deter them from seeking help.

By addressing the unique stressors and pressures men face, his approach not only redefines the narrative around men's mental health but also instills a sense of empowerment. His visionary perspective demonstrates that addressing men's emotional well-being is not just about offering help; it's about ushering in a new era where men can unabashedly confront their challenges and emerge stronger.

In this enlightening episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius engages in a profound conversation with Anson, where they talk about how this groundbreaking Mental app is revolutionizing the landscape of men's mental health. This episode redefines how we perceive and approach men's mental health, reinforcing the idea that seeking help is an empowering step toward personal growth and well-being.

Topics include:

What motivated Anson to work in the mental health field
Anson talks about the Calm and Mental apps and what they focus on
Anson explains how most men view meditation
The importance of training the mind to handle stress and negative self-talk
Meditation as a tool to achieve personal growth and improvement
Anson discusses how men tend to deal with emotional struggles
Stoicism and its practicality in helping people change their perspectives on life
How the COVID-19 pandemic affect the usage of mental health apps
Anson explains Get Mental app and its features
And other topics…

Connect with Anson:

Website: http://getmental.com

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

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

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 | Jon Vroman | How Life Looks In The Front Row Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Ever wondered what your life would look like if you could strike a perfect balance between work and family?

Our guest for today, Jon is living the life of his dreams. He is focused on fatherhood and family, owns a thriving business, and has enough money to live comfortably. But this wasn’t always the case.

Back in 2005, Jon was trying to get his business up and running. He had run through all savings and was doing all he could to ensure his family’s survival. And ironically enough, his struggle had distanced him from his wife and kids.

This experience of his inspired him to start Front Row Dads whose main goal is to help fathers show up in the correct way for their families.

As men, we are pre-occupied with earning money and ensuring that our family leads a comfortable existence. But, in the process, we take the easier way out and dump all family responsibilities on our wives.

On today’s show, Jon and Darius share their experiences – both as sons and later on, as fathers. Like Jon, Darius also made the mistake of focusing all his energies on his business when he was just starting out. Eventually, he realized the futility of his approach. And how his “success” in business felt hollow if he was not giving his 100% to his family.

Front Row Dads is helping men and dads deal with their deep-seated issues and their vulnerabilities. Listening to Jon will surely force you to pause, and indulge in some self-introspection.

Topics include:

Living life in the front row
The complexities and vulnerabilities of being a father and a business owner
How to create a true legacy
And other topics…

Connect with Jon:

Website: https://frontrowfactor.com/

Website: https://frontrowdads.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonvroman/

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 | Is Life Happening For You Or To You? Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

Why is this happening to me?

Or

Why is this happening for me?

Do you ask yourself these questions when faced with adversities? Although both are true, what you focus on will determine how well you react when push comes to shove.

After all, life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. And one of the only things we can control is our attitude toward things that happen to us. We can either be happy about them or resent them.

Today I am flying solo to talk about how I managed to let go of the “worst case scenario” mindset and why I chose to direct my focus on seeing the struggles as opportunities to learn, grow, and become a better version of myself.

In this episode, I will discuss the ways that life is happening for us and not to us. I will talk about my personal struggle in the past, how I acted like I was a victim of my own life, and what made me realize I needed to give up this mindset for good.

Topics include:

The importance of having a good perspective on life
Having a scarcity mindset and how it affects your life
Managing your emotional reactions to what happens to you
Shifting from victim mentality to creator mindset
Cultivating gratitude during difficult times
The secret to achieving greatness
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

243 | Michael Zagaris | A Visual Archive of Sound: The Journey of a Rock 'n' Roll Photographer Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

What qualities set apart a legendary rock photographer whose work resonates with the soul of a generation and captures the spirit of an entire era?

In the heart of rock 'n' roll's whirlwind, Michael Zagaris emerges as an iconic figure, the man behind the lens who documented the defining moments of music history. With a camera as his tool, he captured the raw energy, vulnerability, and unadulterated authenticity of the legends that graced the world's most legendary stages.

His photographs transcend mere visuals, serving as sonic snapshots that pulse with the rhythms of a bygone era.

Yet, beyond the photographic frame, Michael remains a mystic seeker of life's hidden melodies, an artist with a relentless drive for the extraordinary. His story is an intricately woven tapestry of artistic integrity, the allure of adventure, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity that defined the rock 'n' roll era.

This episode of The Greatness Machine explores Michael's transition from law school to rock 'n' roll photography, his work with iconic musicians, and his role as a documentarian during the civil rights movement, highlighting the inspiring journey of an artist who followed his true calling against conventional expectations.

Topics include:

Michael looks back at how he started taking pictures at a very young age
Michael shares what it was like working with Robert Kennedy
What introduced Michael to rock ‘n’ roll photography
Michael reflects on the meaning of life
Michael spills the craziest experiences he had as a rock photographer
And other topics…

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://morrisonhotelgallery.com/collections/michael-zagaris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-zagaris-011b857

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.zagaris/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Field-Play-Years-NFL-Photography/dp/1951836766

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 | Derek Coburn | Building Rejection Muscles Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Derek Coburn, the author of 'Networking Is NOT Working' and the co-founder and CEO of CADRE, an un-networking community in Washington, DC, which currently supports over 100 CEOs and business leaders.

Derek began his career in the financial services industry. When the economy took a turn for the worse, he had to devote more attention to his existing clients and had less time for "traditional networking". He began to experiment with his own ideas, which included creating an informal 'un-networking' group consisting of his best clients and other top professionals. Derek's passion for connecting remarkable professionals led him to start CADRE and write his first book.

You'll discover how Derek overcame childhood trauma and made his personality stronger.

You'll learn how both Derek and Darius started their books and how it changed their lives.

You'll also discover the importance of creating value in our lives and living for the present.

Join Darius and Derek as they discuss the drawbacks of traditional networking, living for the present and building rejection muscles.

Topics include:

How Derek overcame childhood trauma, made his personality stronger, and built his 'rejection muscles’
How Derek and Darius started their books and how it changed their lives
Creating value in our lives and living for the present
And other topics…

Connect with Derek:

Website: https://www.cadredc.com

Website: https://www.derekcoburn.com/

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

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 | What Advice Would Future You Give You Today Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

Do you ever look back and think about the things that you could have done differently? Maybe you have done and said something that you wish you could take back. Maybe you wish you hadn’t worked so hard or wish you could have done better.

Most of us, if not all, have regrets. It could be things you did that you hoped you hadn’t or things you wish you had done but didn’t.

Today, I am flying solo to share a list of things I would tell my younger self. Looking back, I remember being scared of a lot of things, worrying about what could happen, and spending my time thinking about the future. What I failed to realize was we can never take back whatever time and effort we have expended in the past.

In this episode, I will discuss the things I wish I had known when starting out in life and business, the biggest mistake I made as an entrepreneur dad, my realizations looking back in the past, and the things I wish to do now that I am in my 40’s.

Topics include:

List of things I would tell my younger self
The pros of mental time travel
Why you should never stress about your businesses, clients, and team members
The importance of spending time with your family and friends
Why you shouldn’t wait to live your life
Living in the now but also preparing for the future
Why you should never sweat the small stuff
The one big mistake I should never have made in the past
Why it matters to live a life of intent
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

TGM Classic | Jessica Lawson | Start by…Starting Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Jessica Lawson, a self-taught chef and baker. Food is her creative release and being in the kitchen keeps her centered.

Jessica started a blog to share recipes, favorite gadgets, and products with her friends and family. She's fiercely passionate about good quality ingredients, healthy-ish living, and sharing her original well-tested recipes.

You'll discover why you must 'start by starting' and readjust your thinking

You'll learn the power of pursuing what you love and are passionate about.

You'll also discover tips for organically growing your following.

Join Darius and Jessica for this exciting (and delicious!) discussion.

Topics include:

Start by starting: readjusting your thinking
The power of pursuing what you love.
Tips for growing your following, organically.
And other topics…

Connect with Jessica:

Website: https://bigdeliciouslife.com

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

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

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

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