The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

208 | Jamie Wheal | Recapture the Rapture: Rethinking God, Sex, and Death in a World That's Lost Its Mind Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

How can we find meaning when life seems devoid of purpose?

Jamie Wheal, a renowned author, speaker, and expert on the subject of peak performance and flow states, explores the pressing question of how we can regain a sense of awe, wonder, and meaning in our lives and society in his new book Recapture the Rapture: Rethinking God, Sex, and Death in a World That’s Lost Its Mind.

Drawing from his extensive research in fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology, Jamie examines the impact of societal and cultural factors on overall well-being and sense of meaning. He explores the human longing for transcendence and proposes a roadmap for individuals to reclaim a more vibrant, purpose-driven existence.

Jamie also suggests that reclaiming a sense of rapture–a deep, transformative experience of wonder and connection–is crucial for our personal growth and the overall health of our society.

Join Darius and Jamie in this episode as they talk about purpose, authenticity, and the importance of having real-world experiences in order to become a better human being. Jamie also gives an overview of the Flow Genome Project, how it started, and what the research and training organization offers.

Topics include:

Jamie’s unique upbringing as an immigrant and adapting to a new culture
What inspired Jamie to start the Flow Genome Project
What is the Flow Genome Project and what they offer
How Jamie realized the need to make a career shift to pursue his purpose
The importance of authenticity and doing what truly matters
Why it matters to take action and gain real-world experience
Jamie gives an overview on neuroanthropology
Jamie explains what the Homegrown Humans podcast is all about
And other topics…

Resource mentioned:

The Attention Merchants: https://www.amazon.com/Attention-Merchants-Scramble-Inside-Heads/dp/0385352018

Recapture the Rapture: https://www.amazon.com/Recapture-Rapture-Rethinking-Death-World-ebook/dp/B08DNT8B9B

Connect with Jamie:

Website: https://www.flowgenomeproject.com/

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

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 Brody-Waite | Unapologetic Humanity: Leadership Lessons from Recovering Addicts Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Do you wear a mask in your professional life? Not the mask you wear to protect yourself from COVID, but the kind of mask where you hide your true, authentic self.

In today's episode of "The Greatness Machine," Darius chats with Michael Brody-Waite, acclaimed speaker, leadership coach, recovering addict, and the author of Great Leaders Live Like Drug Addicts. Michael shares some of his amazing stories, one of struggle, inspiration, and unapologetic humanity.

You'll learn how Michael's journey began, and how he believes that every experience, both good and bad, prepared him for the moment he made the decision to get clean.

You'll find out why the idea that we have to hide our humanity (particularly our weaknesses) in the professional world can be an obstacle to becoming a great leader.

You'll learn the three principles that addicts in recovery have been using for decades to take control of their lives, and how those principles can be adapted to develop powerful leadership skills.

You'll discover how his story led to being invited to create a powerful viral TedTalk... and why it almost didn't happen.

You'll also learn why, in the areas of personal and professional development, we're long on inspiration but short on implementation.

Join Darius and Michael for this heartfelt and inspiring discussion on living "mask-free" and thriving in all areas of your life.

Topics include:

Michael's journey from addiction, through recovery and into a new life filled with gratitude, success, and continuous learning
How practicing rigorous authenticity and surrendering the outcome became essential components of his road to recovery
Why hiding our true selves in the professional world actually gets in the way of great leadership
The process that led Michael to his viral TedTalk - and how it almost never happened.
And other topics…

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://michaelbrodywaite.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikebrodywaite

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

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

207 | Lessons From Jack Welch - What Every CEO and Leader Needs to Hear Today Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

Are you building a championship team or a recipe for failure?

Jack Welch, the legendary business executive and former CEO of General Electric (GE), understood the critical importance of people and values in building successful organizations. He believed that the key to a thriving company lies in having the right people who not only possess the necessary skills and competencies but also align with the core values of the organization.

For Jack, there is no middle ground when it comes to values. In fact, he emphasized that competency in commitments and living the core values are the two essential factors in evaluating the suitability of individuals in a team.

He also believed that the right people contribute to making the CEO’s life easier and help foster a positive and thriving organizational culture. On the other hand, individuals who do not align with the values become a hindrance, causing damage to the organization’s ability to grow and succeed.

In this episode, I delve into a range of topics that shed light on the remarkable success achieved by Jack Welch. I will also talk about the key factors that contribute to the overall success and cohesion of an organization, and why hiring for value alignment is crucial to the success of a company.

Topics include:

The success Jack Welch achieved during his tenure at General Electric (GE)
The importance of understanding the underlying principles of success
The most crucial things for the success and cohesion of the organization
Core values and how they help build a successful organization
Why it matters to hire for value alignment
And other topics…

Resource mentioned:

Lessons on Winning and Profitability from Jack Welch: https://neilpatel.com/blog/winning-and-profitability/

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

206 | Peter Schiff | The Death of the U.S. Dollar and What You Can Do About It Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

What should you own if the U.S. dollar collapses?

Peter Schiff, a prominent economist and financial commentator, has long been critical of the monetary policies of the United States and expresses concerns about the long-term viability of the U.S. dollar.

He points out the unsustainable nature of the U.S. national debt and emphasizes that the growing levels of indebtedness pose a serious threat to the dollar’s long-term strength. He argues that the U.S. government's persistent budget deficits, coupled with its reliance on borrowing from foreign entities, weaken the dollar's status as a trusted reserve currency.

To protect against the potential death of the U.S. dollar, Peter consistently recommends diversifying investments into tangible assets such as gold and other precious metals. He believes that holding physical assets with intrinsic value can serve as a safeguard against the potential devaluation of fiat currencies, including the U.S. dollar.

In this episode, Darius and Peter dive deeper into topics related to economics, finance, and investing. They talk about the economic outlook, Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies, and the merits of investing in precious metals as a hedge against inflation and financial uncertainty.

Topics include:

What could possibly replace the U.S. dollar as the world reserve currency
Differences between real gold and fake gold (Bitcoin)
Why gold is a better store of value than Bitcoin
Peter shares his take on the current banking crisis
The impact of higher Federal interest rates on banks
Helpful tips to prepare for rising inflation
And other topics…

Connect with Peter:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIjuLiLHdFxYtFmWlbTGQRQ

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

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peterschiffofficial

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 | JeVon “JT” McCormick | Challenges and Opportunities for the Youth At Risk Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

On today’s show, Darius interviews JeVon (JT) McCormick, CEO of Scribe Media, who shares with us his thoughts on racial injustice, socio-economic inequality, company culture, and much, much more.

Born a son of a black pimp father and an orphan mother, JeVon was in one of the juvenile systems in his formative years. And early on in his career, he had to overcome racial injustice as he tried to cement his place in corporate America. He talks about his changing his name from JeVon to the more ambiguous, JT before changing it back to JeVon in light of the recent BLM moment.

We also talk about company culture. And how working at a “people-first” software company was an eye-opening experience for JT after his experience in the banking sector.

Because both Darius and JT come from the mortgage world, they also reminisce about the subprime crisis. While banks were blamed for the financial mess, Darius and JT argue that the people (borrowers) were equally responsible.

As a huge proponent of conscious capitalism, Jevon is passionate about creating opportunities for at-risk youth. A board member for Conscious Capitalism and the StartEdUp Foundation, he has mentored young men and women in the juvenile justice system, as well as those in the lower economic communities.

JeVon is passionate about conscious entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for at-risk youth. He has mentored young men and women in the juvenile justice system, as well as those in lower economic communities.

Topics include:

How JeVon went from a GED to CEO
Accountability in the workplace
The effects of systemic racism on entrepreneurs of color and changes we can make to fight against it
And other topics…

Connect with JeVon:

Website: https://jevonmccormick.com/

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

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

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

205 | Seth Godin | The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

How can we break free from the cycle of disconnection and disengagement in the face of economic instability and remote work? Is there a way to challenge the prevailing trends and create meaningful change that truly matters?

Seth Godin, a renowned author, entrepreneur, and thought leader, delves into the heart of what truly matters in our personal and professional lives. Through his book, The Song of Significance, he explores the challenges of our disconnected and disengaged world, offering profound insights and actionable advice to break free from the status quo.

The Song of Significance goes beyond traditional business narratives, urging us to question prevailing trends and seek meaningful change. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or simply someone seeking to make a difference, this book is a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. It challenges us to rethink our approach, embrace our individuality, and contribute to a world where significance becomes our guiding melody.

Join Darius and Seth in this captivating episode as they delve into the transformative shifts in societal norms and their profound impact on individuals. Discover the power of embracing technology, unleashing your full potential, and embracing a future filled with endless possibilities.

Topics include:

The inspiration behind the title of Seth’s new book The Song of Significance
Why it matters to have honest communication between employers and workers
Starting with the smallest unit of significant progress and making a mutual commitment
The importance of human direction
Market capitalism versus industrial capitalism
How the rapid shifts in societal norms can affect individuals
Why we need to embrace technology and how can we leverage it
Allowing individuals to navigate challenges and develop necessary skills
Addressing toxic behavior promptly and decisively
The crucial role of leaders in spreading the culture within an organization
Leveraging the collective intelligence of an entire organization in making successful leaps
Why employers need to focus on the quality of work rather than the identity of the worker
And other topics…

Connect with Seth:

Website: https://www.sethgodin.com/

Blog: https://seths.blog/

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

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

The Song of Significance: https://www.amazon.com/Song-Significance-New-Manifesto-Teams/dp/0593715543/

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

204 | Lindsay Graham | Webby Award Winner Shares Secret To Podcasting Success May 31, 2023

Show notes

With more people staying at home than usual over the last two years, it comes as no surprise when the popularity of podcasts continues to grow. Unlike TV shows or YouTube videos, this new on-demand platform is easy to access, stores a wide variety of categories, and offers convenience.

But how do you make your podcast stand out from the rest?

Lindsay Graham looks back at how he started to take an interest in audio composition. Setting up a studio in his garage, his passion and dedication led him to become the Webby Award-winning host of the podcasts American History Tellers, American Scandal, and American Elections: Wicked Game.

In this episode, Darius and Lindsay discuss podcasting, its growing popularity, and its influence on the audience. They also share some tips on how to find success in the industry and give a hint on what podcasting should look like in the years to come.

Topics include:

How Lindsay started doing audio composition for fun at his garage
Lindsay looks back at how his podcasting career started
What makes a podcast a hit vs. a miss
What does the future of podcasting look like
What success means for podcasters
What they do at AIRSHIP and what Lindsay aspires for his company to accomplish
Lindsay shares his reason for doing podcasts
Podcast as a medium to educate and influence
The creation of the American Elections: Wicked Game podcast
What advice would Lindsay give his younger self
And other topics…

Connect with Lindsay:

Website: https://airship.fm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayagraham/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindsayagraham
American History Tellers: https://wondery.com/shows/american-history-tellers/
American Scandal: https://wondery.com/shows/american-scandal/
Business Movers: https://wondery.com/shows/business-movers/

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 | Tony Lillios | How to Pivot Successfully When Market Conditions Become Unfavorable May 29, 2023

Show notes

On today’s show, we interview entrepreneur, designer, endurance athlete, and certified Integral Coach, Tony Lillios who shares with us his incredible life story, his many tribulations, and successes.

Tony started his professional career as a consultant with IDEO. But then the desire to “do more” kicked in. And back in 1996, Tony founded Speck Design and then Speck Products. Speck Products designed and manufactured cases for laptops and phones. And they were the first manufacturer to bring hard cases to the market.

Speck rode the early wave of success but then the business got harder. And they plateaued once sales hit $150 million. Reading the market conditions, Tony and his partners sold out to Samsonite – a larger organization that had the resources and the distribution network to continue scaling the business.

Today, as an Integral Coach, Tony works with individuals and small teams looking to unlock more possibilities when feeling stuck. His most productive relationships are with clients that have tried to address what isn't working or what they aspire towards and have come up short.

Towards the end of the show, we have an interesting discussion on core values – a concept that is still grossly under thought.

This is a show that you do not want to miss.

Topics include:

How Tony started the journey to success in developing his own company
What happens when a business starts plateauing, the market becomes harder and more expensive
How Tony transitioned from owning his company to starting his integral coaching career
Why core values are grossly underthought through
And other topics…

Connect with Tony:

Website: https://www.lillios.com/

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

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

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

203 | The Most Important Podcast You Will Listen To This Year: Gift #2 From My 44th Year On This Planet May 26, 2023

Show notes

What conversations are you having with yourself?

The power of your inner dialogue and the conversations you have with yourself cannot be underestimated. They hold the ability to shape your mindset, emotions, and actions. Negative self-talk has a way of weighing you down and filling your mind with insecurities, and self-criticism. But when you choose words of encouragement, support, and optimism, you create a nurturing environment within yourself.

Today I am flying solo for part two of the Top 4 Things I Learned In My 44th Year On Earth series, where I will share my personal experiences of negative self-talk and how it impacted my life for so many years.

In this episode, I will reveal that pivotal moment that made me let go of the negative conversations I was having with myself, and what changed in me after I started having positive self-talk.

Topics include:

The significance of self-talk and how they shape our decisions and actions
How both internal and external conversations influence our thoughts and beliefs
My personal experiences of negative self-talk
The importance of choosing uplifting and positive conversations with oneself
The turning point that made me let go of negative conversations
The power of awareness in making choices
The importance of intentional practice in maintaining positive conversations with oneself
Embracing self-cheerleading and self-empowerment
And other topics…

Resources mentioned:

The Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363

The Miracle Morning: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710

How Leadership (Actually)Works: https://www.amazon.com/How-Leadership-Actually-Works-Coordinating-ebook/dp/B09WF2KPPG

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

202 | William Green | Richer, Wiser, Happier: Mastering the Game of Investing May 24, 2023

Show notes

Do you have both the willingness and ability to take risks with your investments?

William Green, through his book “Richer, Wiser, Happier,” takes a deep dive into the world of investing after drawing powerful insights from the world’s greatest investors.

As a journalist and author, William spent more than two decades interviewing some of the most successful investors to explore the strategies, philosophies, and principles they use to achieve long-term success and happiness, both in investing and in life.

His book offers insights into how they think, act, and make decisions, and how ordinary investors can apply these lessons to their own portfolios and lives. Willam emphasizes the importance of avoiding bad decisions and taking a rational approach to investing, while also acknowledging the role of luck in investment success.

In this episode, Darius and William talk about a wide range of topics including financial freedom and achieving success through investing, the importance of setting intentions, and making principled decisions. They also discuss the dangers of investing and why it is important to learn and understand it before making an investment decision.

Topics include:

What led William to study English at Oxford and pursue a career in writing
What sparked William’s interest in the stock market despite his initial views on business and markets
How to achieve financial freedom and success through investing
How a setback can lead to introspection and a deeper understanding of life
Setting an intention to help achieve a positive impact and avoid being driven by ego
Leading a life with no regrets by making principled decisions
The many benefits of approaching life in a more rational manner
The effects of making poor and bad decisions
The dangers of investing without knowing what you are doing
And other topics…