The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

215 | What Are You Attached to That You Are Willing to Let Go Of? Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

What do you hold onto tightly? What are the things you find yourself most attached to?

We often find ourselves clinging to certain things, ideas, or identities, developing attachments that shape our perceptions and influence our actions. But have you ever paused to reflect on what exactly you’re attached to? What are the things that hold immense significance in your life?

Today, I am flying solo to reflect on the attachments I used to hold toward titles, power, and respect. I will also shed light on the realization that attachments can both empower and restrict personal growth.

Join me in this captivating episode, where I explore the emotional rollercoaster of success, failure, and the unexpected changes that exposed the depth of my attachments. Prepare to delve into the depths of self-reflection and gain valuable insights into the potential limitations and opportunities that arise from our attachments.

Topics include:

Embracing meditation and the positive impact it has on a person’s overall well-being
How my attachment as a CEO and entrepreneur affected my relationships
The importance of releasing attachments and finding true happiness
The value of self-reflection and self-improvement
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

214 | Sean Magennis | The Key to Transformation: Unlocking Your Infinite Possibilities Jul 05, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered how you can unlock your full potential and create a life of purpose and fulfillment?

In a world filled with endless possibilities, many of us find ourselves longing for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. We yearn to unlock our full potential and live a life that truly aligns with our passions and values. But how do we bridge the gap between where we are now and where we want to be?

Sean Magennis, CEO of a 29-year-old private, multi-faceted Financial Services Firm, Mutual Capital Alliance, joins us on the Greatness Machine to discuss the significance of perspective, moving beyond survival mode, and leaving room for making a difference in various aspects of life.

In this thought-provoking episode, Darius and Sean delve into the importance of recognizing our responsibilities and the impact we can have on society and ourselves. They also share some insights into the transformative power of resilience and reinvention, especially during challenging times, and how support networks can make all the difference.

Topics include:

The benefits of living in the present and reflecting on the past
Why it is important to choose the right people to collaborate with
The significance of hard work, humility, and leadership in creating a successful environment
Taking risks and venturing into unfamiliar territories for business
Embracing an eclectic lifestyle and finding beauty in the environment
Recognizing the value of receiving help from others and building trusted relationships
The importance of early childhood education and the impact it has on an individual's potential
Understanding personal responsibilities as a citizen, spouse, parent, and member of the community
Moving beyond survival and finding ways to make a positive difference in various aspects of life
And other topics…

Connect with Sean:

Website: https://seanmagennis.com/

Website: https://www.ypo.org/

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

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 | John Lee Dumas | Discovering Your Common Path to Uncommon Success Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

What does your "ideal" life look like? It's different for each person, but what you're imagining is your version of uncommon success.

In today's episode of "The Greatness Machine," Darius talks with John Lee Dumas, founder and host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, an award winning podcast that has featured over 2700 guests, a million monthly listens and 18 million in revenue since 2012. Through EoF, JLD has interviewed inspiring, successful entrepreneurs including Tony Robbins, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuck and more to help entrepreneurs "fire up" their journey.

You'll learn how JLD shifted from a military background to running a multi-million dollar business.

You'll discover The one single question you must ask yourself in order to be successful in the podcast world.

You'll also learn the two key steps for creating uncommon success taken from his new book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success.

Join Darius and JLD as they light the spark that will help you ignite your business and take it to new levels!

Topics include:

How John went from a military background to running a multi-million dollar company
The ONE question you need to ask yourself in order to make it big in the podcast world
Two key steps for finding uncommon success straight from his book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success
And other topics…

Connect with JLD:

Website: https://www.eofire.com/

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

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

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

213 | Stacy Madison | Reviving the Art of Snacking: The Story of a Snack Revolution Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered what it takes to revolutionize the snack food industry and create a lasting impact with boldness and innovation?

Stacy Madison, a trailblazer in the food industry, has carved a remarkable path to success with her unwavering determination and innovative approach. From humble beginnings, she took the risk and had her breakthrough with the creation of Stacey’s Pita Chips, a product that revolutionized the snacking landscape.

With her keen business sense and commitment to quality, she turned a simple homemade recipe into a nationwide sensation. Embracing change and staying true to her entrepreneurial spirit, Stacy later sought to create a snack that not only satisfied cravings but also prioritized health and convenience with BeBOLD Bars.

In this episode, Darius and Stacy delve into her inspiring journey from clinical social worker to food cart entrepreneur. They discuss Stacy's bold transition and the challenges she faced attracting customers despite the negative perception of carts. They explore the secrets of successful brand-building and the importance of customer understanding during pivotal moments.

Topics include:

How Stacy transitioned from being a clinical social worker to pursuing her passion for food by starting a food cart
The negative perception of carts before and how it made it challenging to attract customers
The benefits of gathering feedback from customers
The secret to a successful brand-building
The importance of taking a step back, recognizing strengths, and focusing on customer understanding during a pivot
How the COVID-19 Pandemic affected Stacy’s food cart business
Why it matters to expect and be prepared for the challenges that come with entrepreneurship
What happened when Stacy’s company take on Trader Joe’s as a client
What drove Stacy to sell her company to Pepsi in 2006
What the future looks like for BeBOLD Bars
And other topics…

Connect with Stacy:

Website: https://beboldbars.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-madison-09430a7

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

212 | Michael Bungay Stanier | How to Work with (Almost) Anyone: Five Questions for Building the Best Possible Relationships Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

How do your working relationships influence both your happiness and success?

When we think about the amount of time we spend at work and the significant role our colleagues play in our daily lives, it becomes clear that fostering positive and supportive relationships is crucial. Building strong working relationships, however, can sometimes be challenging. Conflicts, differing perspectives, and personality clashes are inevitable in any workplace.

Michael Bungay Stanier, a renowned author, speaker, and leadership coach, provides invaluable insights and practical strategies for navigating the complexities of working with diverse personalities in his newest book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone: Five Questions for Building the Best Possible Relationships.

Best known for his expertise in coaching, workplace relationships, and organizational development, he explores the nuances of different personalities and provides strategies to bridge gaps, manage differences, and find common ground.

In this episode, Darius and Michael reveal the secrets behind building strong working relationships, the power of coaching to drive behavior change, and the art of navigating organizational change. Michael will also share insights from his new book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, offering valuable strategies for creating impactful connections and embracing transformation.

Topics include:

How Michael won the Rhode Scholarship and made it to Oxford University
What Michael learned while working at an innovation company
How Michael got into entrepreneurship after a job offer fell through
The most common challenges of publishing and selling books
Building safe, vital, and repairable working relationships
Writing for people who interact with others
Michael explains his new book How to Work with Almost Anyone
How to make change happen in an organization
The effects of coaching on a person’s behavior
Embracing change and saying “no” to certain situations
And other topics…

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://www.mbs.works/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Anyone-Michael-Bungay-Stanier/dp/1774582651

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

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

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 | Nathanael Chawkin | Conscious Leadership: Getting Your Team "On the Mat" Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

The world of martial arts and of business may seem to have no points of connection.

However, there are powerful lessons there to be found, particularly around the ideas of conscious leadership and effective team building. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Nathanael Chawkin, founder and CEO of Palaestra Leadership, and a mindfulness and martial arts instructor about his practice-based approach to team building.

You'll find out why a business's core values can't just remain "on the wall" - they must be infused into your executive team and practiced on a daily basis. You'll learn how Nathanael is turning development into a team sport, helping leaders have tough conversations with heart, and creating radical new levels of trust, connectedness, and team flow. You'll discover why getting your team "on the mat" and sharing their truth with you is vital to creating powerful interpersonal dynamics and greater team flow.

Join Darius and Nathanael for this powerful discussion on conscious leadership and creating a team that operates and communicates with purpose and in alignment with the core values of the business.

Topics include:

Using consistent, daily practice to take your core values "off the wall" and incorporate them into all aspects of your executive team
The importance of getting your team "on the mat" - asking your teammates to share their truth with you
Why you must learn to receive feedback before you can give it effectively
And other topics...

Connect with Nathanael:

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

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

Palæstra Leadership: https://www.thepalaestra.com/

Awakening Leadership: https://awakeningleadership.org/

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

211 | How to Live a Fearless Life Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

How can one break free from fear and live a fearless life?

Fear has a remarkable ability to hold us back, trapping us within the confines of our comfort zones. But what if we could break free from the shackles of fear and live a truly fearless life? Imagine the possibilities that would unfold if we could face challenges head-on, pursue our dreams with unwavering determination, and embrace uncertainty with open arms.

Drawing on the wisdom of Dandapani’s The Power of Unwavering Focus, I will share some of the effects of fear and worry on one’s personal growth.

In his book, Dandapani emphasizes that fear often arises from a scattered and undisciplined mind, and adds that fear is often rooted in the mind’s projections about the future or past, rather than the present moment.

Today, I am flying solo to talk about living without limits and embracing a fearless life. Join me for another inspiring episode as I discuss the secrets to living a life free from the constraints of fear and discover the incredible rewards that await those who dare to step outside of their comfort zones.

Topics include:

Identifying with certain traits or behaviors can limit personal growth
How preoccupation with the future affects personal growth
Grounding oneself in the present moment
And other topics…

Resource mentioned:

The Power of Unwavering Focus: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Unwavering-Focus-Dandapani-ebook/dp/B09N6ZVT9M

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

210 | Jim Sheils | The Family Board Meeting: Reimagining Quality Family Time Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

What do we humans spend most of our time on?

They say how you choose to spend your time is a reflection of how you choose to live your life. Every decision, every moment invested, contributes to the tapestry of your existence. Regrettably, some realize the things that matter most when it is too late and the opportunities have already slipped away.

During his final days, Steve Jobs yearned to develop a genuine connection with his family. Recognizing the value of these precious bonds, he sought to bridge the gaps and delve into the depths of familial relationships, cherishing the opportunity to know and be known by those closest to his heart.

Jim Sheils, a renowned advocate for strong family relationships, has introduced a transformative concept known as the “Family Board Meeting.” This innovative approach emphasizes dedicated quality time with loved ones, allowing families to connect deeply and create lasting memories.

Through the Family Board Meeting, Jim guides families in setting aside intentional moments to foster understanding, communication, and growth. By implementing this powerful practice, families can strengthen their bonds and cultivate a harmonious and fulfilling family life.

In this episode, Darius and Jim engage in a captivating discussion about the profound influence Steve Jobs had on Jim's perspective on family and the subsequent impact on his own relationships. They explore the value of applying core principles from business success to family life. They also discuss the crucial role of positive anticipation in generating excitement within the family dynamic, as well as the need for intermittent tech fasting to foster meaningful interactions.

Topics include:

What Jim learned from Steve Jobs and how it affected his relationship with his family
Recognizing the value of applying core principles from business success to family life
How Jim started holding family board meetings every 90 days
The benefits of starting with simple and realistic goals
The value of regular one-on-one time with children
The importance of carving out time from mornings, nights, and weekends to spend with family
The crucial role of positive anticipation in creating excitement
Why it is important to have intermittent tech fasting to allow meaningful interactions
And other topics…

Connect with Jim:

Website: https://www.18summers.com/

Website: https://jimsheils.com/

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

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 | Jimmy Farris | How I Grappled With Loss of Identity After Retiring From NFL Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

In today’s show, Darius interviews Jimmy Farris. Jimmy is a former American football wide receiver who retired from the NFL in 2009. Farris has been a member of the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, and New England Patriots.

Today, Jimmy shares why it is important to rediscover your purpose in life. When you have a singular goal in life, and then life sets you on a different path, how can you reset, realign and rediscover your passion and purpose in life?

We start this show with Jimmy sharing his interesting backstory.

From a young age, Jimmy had one clear goal in mind – to play for the NFL. And that he did and how. Jimmy graduated from playing football for his high school and the University of Montana to the big league – the NFL.

As an NFL player, Jimmy shares that he was accorded a demi-god status. Being an NFL player opened up doors for Jimmy. Meeting other celebrities or company CEO’s was a cakewalk. The adulation, the love of fans…Jimmy was truly living his dream.

So, when Jimmy retired at the age of 30, he felt a massive loss of identity, passion, and purpose. He felt that everything that he prized so dearly was, in an instant, snatched away from him.

Was all the love, adulation, and tribute for his position? And not him, as a person?

How could he get people to respect him once again? How could he find another “mountaintop” that was worth scaling?

Topics discussed in today’s show include how to be your absolute best and how to enjoy the pursuit of your goal.

Topics include:

How to find another “mountaintop to scale” – rediscovering your motivation in life
Is all the tribute and adulation for you or for your position?
How to be your absolute best
And other topics…

Connect with Jimmy:

Website: https://jimmyfarris.com/

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

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

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

209 | How to Design the Perfect Day Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

What does your perfect day look like?

Imagine a day where work is not a burden but a fulfilling pursuit. You engage in meaningful tasks that bring you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Whether you are pursuing a career you love or making a difference in your own business, your work feels like an extension of your passions.

But it’s not all about work. Your perfect day includes time for self-care and well-being. You prioritize your physical and mental health, engaging in activities that rejuvenate and energize you. You cherish quality time with your loved ones, nurturing relationships that bring you joy and support.

Today, I am flying solo to delve into the concept of a perfect day and share my personal realization on uncovering life’s true priorities and the profound impact it had on my perspective.

Join me as we embark on a journey of self-discovery to find meaning and purpose in our pursuit of a perfect day. In this episode, we will also explore what truly matters in our lives and how it shapes our daily experiences.

Topics include:

The two types of wealth most people often prioritize
How I struggled with prioritizing professional and financial success over personal well-being and time wealth
The concept of designing a perfect day, both personally and professionally
The importance of finding a balance between personal and professional time
What an ideal workday looks like
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