The Greatness Machine - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

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!

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable – https://chartable.com/privacy

For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+TGM@yapmedia.com

Copyright: © 2021 The Real Darius

Latest Episodes:

TGM Classic | Chris Voss | Hostage Negotiation Tactics for Everyday Life Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Negotiating anything in life can make even the most socially robust entrepreneurs break out in cold sweats. Many of us are not born with negotiation skills but have to learn how to persuade our audience to be on our side. Learning excellent negotiation skills can take your career to the next level by negotiating a significant raise at your annual performance review. Negotiating a raise is so much easier than negotiating hostage situations like our next guest has while working with the FBI.

In this episode, we talk to Chris Voss, also known as “The Master Negotiator.” Chris retired as the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI, is the CEO of the Black Swan Group, and is the author of the national bestseller Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It, which was one of Darius’s favorite books.

Drawing on his FBI experiences where the stakes are high, Chris Voss’s company, The Black Swan Group, specializes in solving business communication problems using hostage negotiation solutions. Their negotiation methodology focuses on discovering the “black swans,” small pieces of information that have a huge effect on an outcome. The biggest surprise is learning the tactics behind negotiating a business deal are very similar to negotiating with a barricaded gunman for the lives of hostages.

Don’t miss this thrilling episode!

What Darius discusses with Chris Voss:

How to be an effective negotiator for anything
How information gathering can give you an edge in the negotiation game
What it takes to subtly convince someone to have it your way
What small things make the biggest impact in negotiations
How to diffuse a situation by calling out the negative
How emotions drive human behavior, not logic
The Black Swan Rule: Treat others not the way you want to be treated but the way they want to be treated
Common mistakes in negotiating
Why you are 31% smarter with a positive mindset
Why curiosity is a superpower.
How to make the gunman feel empathy for you
Chris talks about his book Never Split the Difference
And other topics...

Connect with Chris:

Website: https://www.blackswanltd.com/

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

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

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805

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 | Who's Living In Your Emotional House? Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is flying solo during his mini-sabbatical/pseudo vacation in Mexico to discuss who's living in your emotional house and what we're doing about our past.

In this episode you'll discover how a chance encounter with Ed Mylett and his book, 'The Power of One More,' changed Darius' thinking, the concept of 'cleaning your emotional house' and identifying what type of emotional house you have, the importance of dreaming with imagination and dreaming about a compelling future for yourself.

Join Darius as he challenges you to consider your emotional house and the emotions you want to have living there each day. Enjoy!

Topics include:

How Ed Mylett’s book, 'The Power of One More,' has become a game changer in Darius' life
Your ‘emotional house’ and the emotions you choose to fill it with
Why dreaming with imagination and dreaming about a compelling future for yourself is so vital to happiness and success
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

229 | Christine Sperber | The Power of Community: Creating Impactful Connections Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

How can you redesign your second adulthood for greater fulfillment and purpose?

Drawing inspiration from the wisdom shared by Christine Sperber, this transformation begins with a deep understanding of your values, desires, and the unique contributions you can make. Her remarkable journey from the world of professional snowboarding to her pivotal role at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) is a testament to the power of reinvention and lifelong learning.

Having spent her early years as an elite athlete, Christine realized the importance of embracing change and continuous personal growth. Her transition from the slopes to the world of personal development reflects her deep commitment to helping others navigate life's transitions with grace and intentionality.

Joining us on The Greatness Machine, Christine shares her inspiring story of how one can harness their diverse life experiences to create positive change, both for themselves and those they touch through their work.

In this episode, Darius and Christine delve into her remarkable journey, transitioning from a career in professional snowboarding to her pivotal role at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA). They discuss MEA's mission to redefine second adulthood, emphasizing the importance of community and shared wisdom in personal growth. Christine's authentic passion and transformative experiences come to light, illustrating her role in guiding others toward greater fulfillment and purpose.

Topics include:

How Christine shifted from being a pro snowboarder to her current role at MEA
What ignited Christine’s passion for experiential education and adventure
What made Christine leave her pro athlete career and work on the business side of the snowboarding industry
Christine looks back on starting a hotel business in Baja, Mexico
Christine shares what MEA is all about and what the program offers
The importance of genuine hospitality and care in the MEA culture
Viewing the team as the first customer to ensure a positive experience for guests
Christine shares her personal challenge with imposter syndrome and underlines the importance of self-confidence
And other topics…

Connect with Christine:

Website: https://www.modernelderacademy.com/

LinkedIn: https://mx.linkedin.com/in/sperberc

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 | Amanda Knox | Fighting For Your Life Against A Trial By Media Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

How do you free yourself from the prison of your past? How do you get up after being dragged down?

Joining us today to talk about the 2007 murder case that shocked the world, Amanda Knox recalls her wrongful conviction for the death of Meredith Kercher. Fifteen years after the gruesome incident that attracted huge media attention, Amanda gets real about the experience that turned her life upside down.

Amanda is an exoneree, a journalist, a public speaker, and the author of a New York Times best-selling memoir, “Waiting to Be Heard.” She co-hosts the podcast Labyrinths with Christopher Robinson. She spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for a murder she did not commit. After that, she began advocating for reforms in criminal justice and media ethics.

In this episode, Amanda shares how her life has been after the wrongful conviction that put her behind the bars for years for the murder of her roommate in Italy. Amanda also recalls the police treatment she had experienced and how the media depicted her as guilty when she was on the trial for the murder case.

This conversation covers interesting topics such as media ethics, criminal justice, and how core values help in facing certain circumstances and impossible tasks.

Topics include:

Amanda recalls her wrongful conviction for the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher
How the media industry works
Amanda describes the experience as an “existential crisis”

Connect with Amanda:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandaknox

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 Overcome the Tests of Life to Level Up Sep 29, 2023

Show notes

Are you aware of the tests you've had to endure throughout your life? As we move through life, leveling up and growing, we all experience various tests designed to help us expand and meet the new challenges the future brings, even if we're not aware of it.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is recording from Wahaca, Mexico to discuss the tests we all have to pass in order to level up in our lives.

Join Darius as he discusses the tests we all must face as we level up to a new form of greatness! Enjoy!

Topics include:

Why the most successful people are always focused on the next goal, and the next target
Some of the tests Darius has had to endure to grow and expand in his life
Why recognizing these tests and persevering through them is a key component of success

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

228 | Adam Coffey | Empire Builder: Strategies for Thriving in the World of Private Equity Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

What if you could build an empire from scratch, navigate the world of private equity, and exit your business for millions? How would you make it happen?

Imagine if you had the opportunity to earn the strategies and secrets of entrepreneurs who have successfully built empires, thrived in the competitive landscape of private equity, and eventually exited their businesses for significant wealth. These individuals have blazed a trail, overcoming obstacles, and achieving remarkable success.

One such entrepreneur, Adam Coffey, founding partner of CEO Advisory Guru LLC, a best-selling author, and an acclaimed international speaker, has a story work exploring. His journey from startup struggles to navigating the intricacies of private equity and ultimately achieving his exit strategy serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with determination, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius and Adam explore the world of entrepreneurship, private equity, and business success. Adam shares his journey from youthful exuberance to seasoned expertise, emphasizing the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges. They discuss building and exiting businesses, the power of embracing risk, and Adam's mission to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs. This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring business leaders, regardless of their stage in the entrepreneurial journey.

Topics include:

How Adam’s journey into entrepreneurship and private equity began
Adam looks back on the things he learned during his military service and GE tenure
The importance of treating employees well and fostering a strong culture in today’s workforce
Adam explains the importance of the lower middle market in private equity
The strategy of “buy and build” in the private equity world
Adam advises looking for opportunities to expand revenue streams and diversify offerings within the core business
How youthful exuberance and energy can help you navigate challenges
Adam shares what his newest book, Empire Builder, aims to educate and provide
And other topics…

Connect with Adam:

Website: https://adamecoffey.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adam_coffey

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 | Chris Pronger | What’s Your Next Goal? And the Next? Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Chris Pronger, an NHL Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, NHL MVP, and 2x Olympic Gold Medalist (4x Olympian) who's building a travel company in the same mold as his professional hockey career.

His boutique luxury travel company, Well Inspired Travels, caters to elite athletes, entertainers, C-level executives, and business owners. This has been a passion project for him and his wife, Lauren, for many years.

You'll discover the importance of continually moving forward, even after achieving your goals.

You'll learn the factors that fuel people to keep pushing despite adversity.

You'll also discover how to raise the bar higher by improving your strengths and weaknesses.

Join Darius and Chris for this fascinating and inspiring discussion.

Topics include:

The importance of moving forward after achieving your goals
Understanding what fuels people to keep pushing despite adversity
Raising the bar higher by improving your strengths and weaknesses.
And other topics…

Connect with Chris:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrispronger

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 | Housing Market Truths from an Insider Sep 22, 2023

Show notes

It seems the economy at the moment is in turmoil. We're seeing Bitcoin under 20,000. The markets are down. The Dow Jones has reached 30,000, S&P was around 3600. On top of this volatility, there's a housing boom happening all around us.

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius goes solo to offer some insights on housing based on his past experience running one of the largest servicers and lenders in the United States. That business managed hundreds of billions of dollars of mortgages, and Darius uses that experience to offer his thoughts on the current boom.

Join Darius for this eye-opening discussion into the housing market and benefit from his insights and tips!

Topics include:

Why we need to focus more on hard facts than on media speculation
Data on the monthly supply of new houses in the US provided by the St. Louis Fed
The "very short-term demand shock" that is causing much of the volatility we're seeing in the market.
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

227 | Kevin Hines | Hope, Healing, and Resilience: A Path to a Better Life Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

Trigger Warning: Suicide Discussion

This episode discusses suicide and its prevention. It may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know needs help, please seek professional assistance. Listener discretion is advised.

Can a single conversation save a life?

Kevin Hines, a renowned mental health advocate, author, and speaker, has dedicated his life to suicide prevention and promoting mental wellness. He works with organizations, schools, and communities to provide resources and support to those in need.

Drawing from his personal journey, he became a leading voice in the fight against suicide, working tirelessly to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. His story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right support, recovery is possible, and every life is worth saving,

In observance of National Suicide Prevention Week, Kevin joins us on The Greatness Machine to talk about his courageous journey from the edge of despair to becoming a global advocate for mental health.

In this episode, Darius and Kevin engage in a profound discussion covering a wide range of topics related to mental health, suicide prevention, and personal resilience. They highlight dispelling misconceptions about suicide, nurturing human connections, and addressing the dangers of excessive screen time and instant gratification culture.

Topics include:

Three miracles that played a crucial role in Kevin’s survival from a suicide attempt
How a passage in Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s book saved Kevin’s life
The importance of taking suicide threats seriously
The significance of dispelling misconceptions about suicide
Why it matters to understand and attend to the needs of loved ones
The erosion of face-to-face communication and its impact on human connections
The dangers of excessive screen time for children’s developing brains
Concerns surrounding instant gratification culture
The importance of addressing suicide prevention at home
Kevin advocates for age restrictions on social media platforms
Why it is important to teach discipline and resilience to children through activities
And other topics…

Connect with Kevin:

Website: https://www.kevinhinesstory.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZeM7MIkXtU_--r9BlDTQA

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:

Zbiotics:Head to ZBiotics.com/GREATNESS and use the code GREATNESS at checkout for 15% off

Shopify: Go to shopify.com/darius to take your business to the next level

Factor: Go to factormeals.com/greatnesspod50 and use code greatnesspod50 to get 50% off

TGM Classic | Ryan Levesque | How to Generate Millions with a Quiz Funnel Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

A marketing funnel is a fundamental part of many businesses. The concept is designed to illustrate the journey a person takes with your business, from a stranger just learning about your company, to an eventual purchase and beyond.

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Ryan Levesque, CEO of The ASK Method® Company, entrepreneur, and #1 bestselling author of the books, 'Choose' and 'Ask.'

Ryan has made the Inc. 500 list five times and over 250,000 entrepreneurs subscribe to his email newsletter offering business advice. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USA Today, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and on NBC News and Fox. Additionally, he is the co-founder and an investor in bucket.io®, a leading quiz funnel software used by over 30 million people every year.

Topics include:

How Ryan’s life shifted when he was in China
What it's like starting multiple digital businesses
What the Ask Method Process and Ask Method Quiz Funnel actually are
And other topics…

Connect with Ryan:

Website: https://askmethod.com/

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

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

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

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

Related Podcasts