The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

175 | How to Overcome Resistance to Create Greatness Feb 17, 2023

Show notes

How can you overcome resistance to change?

Overcoming resistance is often a key factor in achieving greatness, whether that means excelling in your career, creating a work of art, or achieving a personal goal. Resistance can take many forms, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, or a lack of motivation. However, by recognizing and overcoming these obstacles, you can tap into your full potential and create something truly great.

One of the keys to overcoming resistance is to develop a growth mindset. This means embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as indications of failure. It also means focusing on the process of creating, rather than solely on the outcome. By shifting your perspective in this way, you can take on challenges with greater resilience and creativity, and view obstacles as opportunities to learn and improve.

Today, I am flying solo to talk about my experience joining the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camps and how that experience made me learn the importance of overcoming resistance.

In this episode, I will take a look back at the moment I heard true resistance for the very first time and how I learned the benefits of quieting our monkey minds.

Topics include:

What I experienced joining the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camps
The first time I heard true resistance
What I learned from J Robinson about resistance
Quieting the monkey mind to overcome resistance
And other topics…

Resources mentioned:

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/

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 | Brent Gleeson | From Navy SEAL to Serial Entrepreneur Journey Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

On today’s show, we interview Brent Gleeson, a Navy SEAL combat veteran, serial entrepreneur, and now acclaimed speaker who shares his distilled wisdom on leadership, accountability, and discipline. Growing up in Dallas, Brent had a normal and secure childhood. And after graduating from SMU, he decided to stick to the tried and tested path by becoming a financial analyst.

But, along the way, Brent was inspired by a fraternity brother who had a lifelong dream of joining the Navy. And he decided to ditch his spreadsheets and pivot tables as he set his eyes on becoming a SEAL. In this segment of the show, you will get a peek into the world of the military. Only 10-15% of applicants manage to successfully complete the rigorous SEAL training. An ultimate test of physical and mental strength, you will surely be inspired by tuning into this show's segment.

After leaving the military, Brent went on to start two businesses, New Condos Online and Internet Marketing Inc, a digital marketing agency – a business that he successfully exited in 2016. Brent has since been helping organizations develop better teams and better leaders. He is an acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and culture transformation to change management and building high-performance teams Towards the end of the show, we have an interesting discussion on core values. And how clearly defining core values and measuring success can help drive an organization toward success.

Topics include:

The importance of having the same vision with your business partners on where to take business
The benefits of having authentic core values in an organization
How core values drive an organization
Why SEAL training is the ultimate test of physical and mental prowess
And other topics…

Connect with Brent:

Website: http://www.brentgleesonspeaker.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentgleeson-takingpoint/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brentgleeson

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

174 | Michael Caito | Mastering The CEO Skillset: Overcoming Challenges And Staying Ahead Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/darius and get on your way to being your best self.

What are the attributes that define an effective leader?

Becoming an effective CEO requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the industry and market you operate in. An effective CEO is a visionary who sets clear goals for the company and inspires their team to work together to achieve them. They are also able to make difficult decisions and navigate challenges with grace and confidence.

To become an effective CEO, it is important to continuously learn and grow, seeking out opportunities to improve your skills and stay ahead of industry trends. Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, is also critical to success. Ultimately, an effective CEO is a dynamic leader who inspires success in their organization and drives positive change in their industry.

Michael Caito, owner and CEO of Management Action Programs, Inc. (MAP), joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about the lessons he learned on the journey of becoming an effective leader.

In this episode, Darius and Michael discuss what it takes to be a good CEO and what are the challenges that come with the job. Michael also reveals how having a business coach has helped him become the leader that he is right now.

Topics include:

What Mike did to become a better CEO of Restaurants on the Run
The power of focus in running a business
The benefits of having a business coach
The six mistakes that companies need to get right
Mike shares the story behind buying MAP in 2017
And other topics…

Connect with Mike:

Website: https://www.mapconsulting.com/

Email: mc@mapconsulting.com

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

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

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

173 | Why Loyalty Is A Gift You Should NOT Expect Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

Why is the loyalty of others such a blessing?

Loyalty can be seen as a gift in the sense that it is something that is given freely, without expecting anything in return. It demonstrates a genuine commitment and a sense of caring for someone or something. It is often a key ingredient in successful personal and professional relationships, as it helps to foster a strong bond and promote stability.

Whether it is demonstrated in personal relationships, communities, or larger social and cultural contexts, one could argue that loyalty is indeed a gift, as it has the power to enrich and enhance the lives of those around us.

Today, I am flying solo to look back at the things I have learned about loyalty and its value. I will also reveal what happened when I stopped expecting things from other people and how it reframed my mindset.

Topics include:

The gifts that we give to each other
Loyalty as a gift
What I learned from the Burning Man event
What happened when I stopped expecting things from other people
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 | Gino Wickman | Using an Entrepreneurial Operating System to Jumpstart Your Career Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

What if you could avoid some of the biggest and most common mistakes that entrepreneurs make early on in their careers?

On today’s show, Darius interviews the incredible Gino Wickman, founder, EOS Worldwide who gives us a peek into his Entrepreneurial Operating System. You will learn how you can avoid pain and get a smoother jumpstart when you use an EOS to run your business.

Early on in his story, Gino had his entrepreneurial fire lit, and he took charge of his family business at 25, turned it around, and sold it 7 years later. Over the next 5 years, he worked with more than 50 clients in an inspired phase of mad experimentation. At the end of this, he compiled all his learnings to form his famed Entrepreneurial Operating System.

As of date, there are 375 EOS implementers and 100,000 companies worldwide that are running on this system.

As of now, Gino has withdrawn from EOS Worldwide so that he can focus his creativity and energies on his new project – The Entrepreneurial Leap.

With his new passion project, Gino is helping entrepreneurs get a better jump start in life. Entrepreneurs, being natural risk-takers, are prone to diving in without proper planning and due diligence. And, as a result, they have to put up with a lot of avoidable pain.

In today’s show, Gino shares his three-step process which can help entrepreneurs chart out the best path ahead. You will also learn how you can get access to some including the e-Leap Assessment Tool and MyBiz Match.

Topics include:

Finding and using an entrepreneurial operating system
The power of setting a BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal)
The incredible impact Gino is making with Entrepreneurial Leap!
Tools and Resources to help you in your entrepreneurial journey
And other topics…

Connect with Gino:

Website: https://ginowickman.com/

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

Book: https://www.eosworldwide.com/get-a-grip-book

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

172 | Joe Polish | What’s In It For Them? 9 Genius Networking Principles To Get What You Want By Helping Others Get What They Want Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/darius and get on your way to being your best self.

How does one pull themselves up from struggling through addiction to become one of the top connectors in the world?

Is it possible to break the link between pain and addiction?

Joe Polish, Founder of Genius Network and considered one of the most influential connectors in the world, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his new book, What’s In It For Them? 9 Genius Networking Principles To Get What You Want By Helping Others Get What They Want.

In this episode, Darius and Joe explore the complex relationship between trauma, pain, and addiction. They delve into the concept of givers and takers and the importance of being someone who always gives. They also discuss the world of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the crucial role that mastering fundamental business skills plays in the industry.

Topics include:

Reasons why people resort to addiction as a solution to pain
Joe looks back on how he battled drug addiction at such a young age
What got Joe into entrepreneurship
The importance of learning the fundamental business skills
Joe shares how Genius Network started
Why you need to pay attention to what people complain about
Ethics in life and business
H.A.L.F. (Hard, Annoying, Lame, and Frustrating) versus E.L.F. (Easy, Lucrative, Fun)
Joe explains what his new book What’s In It For Them is all about
And other topics…

Resources mentioned:

The Five Love Languages: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/dp/080241270X

Connect with Joe:

Website: https://joepolish.com/

Book: https://whatsinitforthem.com/

Book: https://joesfreebook.com/

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

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

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 | Victoria Labalme | Goal-Setting, Risk-Taking, and Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

Feeling bogged down by your “need” to set the benchmark, higher and higher every time? On today’s show, we interview the incredible artist turned-author, Victoria Labalme who shares with us her distilled wisdom on goal-setting, risk-taking, and our flawed attitude towards achievement.

Victoria taps into her extensive experience in theatre, comedy clubs, and films to help out artists, entrepreneurs, and C-suite uncover their hidden genius at work, on stage, and in life, in general. Our society of today puts immense pressure on achievement and winning.

On today’s show, Victoria shares why we need to change this attitude and get more comfortable with the “fog of not knowing”. We also question our judgmental society where we harbor incorrect biases. As someone who straddles across different professions, Victoria calls out this flawed mindset and emphasizes the need to respect people irrespective of their professional choices.

Topics include:

The idea of goal-setting
Risk-taking and the pressure to achieve things
Creating your own path and why it is important to realign
How to get comfortable with the “fog of not knowing”
Our judgemental attitudes and how to overcome our biases
And other topics…

Connect with Victoria:

Website: https://www.victorialabalme.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/victorialabalme

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

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 | Sergey Young | Living Longer, Living Better: The Science of Longevity Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

Most of us would like to live longer lives, but only if those extra years are healthy and happy.

The science of longevity may seem relatively new, but in fact, we've been increasing our own lifespans for the last century or so. We've gone from an average age of about 35 to something closer to 70-75 years, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Sergey Young, longevity investor, speaker, and author of The Science and Technology of Growing Young about our desire to live longer and happier lives, and his mission to extend the healthy lifespans of one billion people worldwide.

You'll discover the origins of longevity research and what brought a longtime investor such as Sergey into this field. You'll learn five habits we should adapt to promote longevity and health in our own lives.

You'll also learn why Sergey believes that greater longevity is inevitable, as well as a concept he calls "the near horizon of longevity innovation." Join Darius and Sergey as they discuss finding the fountain of youth, being young, and feeling young!

Topics include:

The origins of longevity research and what brought Sergey to the field as an investor
Five things we should be doing to improve our own longevity
Creating and extending life and something Sergey calls "the near horizon of longevity innovation”
And other topics…

Connect with Sergey:

Website: https://sergeyyoung.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SergeyYoung200

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergeyyoung200/

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

171 | Cameron Herold | Unleashing the Power of a COO: A Look at How a Skilled Second-in-Command Can Impact a Company's Success Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

What makes a great Chief Operating Officer (COO)?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a crucial role in the success of a company. The COO is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. This includes managing internal operations, such as finance, human resources, and IT, as well as external operations, such as sales and marketing.

Hiring a great COO can have a significant impact on the growth and success of a company. A strong COO will have a deep understanding of the industry and the company's operations and will be able to identify areas for improvement and implement effective strategies to drive growth. They will also be able to lead and motivate employees, and work closely with the CEO to develop and execute the company's overall strategy.

Cameron Herold, a top business consultant, best-selling author, and speaker, joins us on the Greatness Machine for the second time around to talk about his newest book, The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO, where he shares details of the process of hiring a COO and successfully working with them.

In this episode, Darius and Cameron lay down the characteristics that make a good COO, the roles and responsibilities of a Second in Command, and the most common mistakes entrepreneurs and CEOs make when hiring and onboarding a new COO. Cameron also talks about his decision to become a digital nomad and even shares a piece of advice to those who want to follow the same path.

Topics include:

How and why Cameron was asked to leave 1800-GOT-JUNK
The must-have traits of a great COO
The motivation behind Cameron’s first book Double Double
Cameron shares inspiration for writing The Second In Command
The biggest failure point most entrepreneurs and CEOs make in looking for a second in command
What caused Cameron to become a digital nomad and travel the world with his wife
Cameron shares a piece of advice for those who are hesitant to travel
And other topics...

Resources mentioned:

Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837

Cameron Herold on TGM (Part 1): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-cameron-herold-the-power-of-a-second/id1555334180?i=1000532262742

Connect with Cameron:

Website: https://cameronherold.com/

Website: https://cooalliance.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Command-Unleash-Power-Your/dp/1544537603

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coo-alliance/

Course: https://investinyourleaders.com/

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

170 | The First Time I Followed My Calling When I Was 16 Years Old Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

What are you meant to be doing?

Following your calling often means pursuing a career or path that is not necessarily conventional or typical, but that aligns with your unique talents and passions. It may involve taking a leap of faith and leaving a stable job to start your own business, or leaving behind a familiar community to explore new opportunities.

Pursuing your calling can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It will require you to stay true to your own values, beliefs, and passions. At the same time, following your calling means being authentic which also means being honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to take risks and make mistakes.

Today, I am flying solo to share a story of how I took a big risk to follow my calling at a young age. I will also reveal how my authenticity and determination helped me prove my doubters wrong, how I even inspired others to cherish our uniqueness, and why it’s ok to be different.

Topics include:

The first time I took a very big risk in high school
How I went viral before the internet
What I learned from leading my class
How to believe in yourself and why it matters
The importance of authenticity
One of the greatest gifts I ever received at a young age and how I leveraged that
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