The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

135 | Nathanael Chawkin | The Art Of Conscious Leadership Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

Unconscious leaders are expert decision-makers and have a clear vision of what they want to achieve regardless of how their decisions or behavior can affect others. They tend to focus on the external environment and are driven by their emotional responses.

Conscious leaders, on the other hand, are those who lead with full awareness, authenticity, intentionality and hold themselves accountable. Rather than focusing on oneself, conscious leadership underlines the purpose of the organization as a whole.

Nathanael Chawkin, founder and CEO of Palæstra Leadership, takes us back to when he learned about conscious leadership and how his parents played a vital role in introducing him to meditation and consciousness. He also talks about his work with Palæstra Leadership, where he specializes in transforming organizational culture by coaching executive dynamics.

In this episode, Darius and Nathanael discuss the impact of conscious leadership in an organization, the benefits of meditation, the differences between spirituality and religion, and it is important for a leader to have a greater purpose.

Topics include:

Nathanael looks back on how he started conscious leadership
How Nathanael started working for the Stagen Leadership Academy
What is conscious leadership, and why it is important
How Nathanael started meditating at a young age
Understanding spirituality and religion
Why it matters to have a higher purpose as a leader
The benefits of higher intelligence in humans
The importance of self-knowledge
Palæstra Leadership and what it offers
Nathanael talks about Awakening Leadership and their upcoming plant medicine retreat in Costa Rica
And other topics…

Resources mentioned:

How To Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan: https://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Mind-Consciousness-Transcendence/dp/1594204225

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

134 | Where Will You Be In 3 Years? Sep 23, 2022

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

133 | Phil Mancuso | The Future Of The World Economy Sep 20, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Darius and Phil discuss wide-ranging topics such as microeconomics, capital markets, consumerism, inflation, automation, population growth, US economic forecast, and much more.

Topics include:

Understanding capital markets
What is exponential growth, and why it matters
Effects of asset inflation
Phil reveals what drives him in business
The impact of automation on workers, jobs, and wages
The influence of American consumerism culture
The difference between population slowdown and depopulation
The consumption response to COVID stimulus checks
How the internet and celebrity endorsement affect consuming buyer behavior
Phil shares an important tip every homeowner should take
And other topics…

Connect with Phil:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-mancuso-89975636

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

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

132 | Is Life Happening For You Or To You? Sep 16, 2022

Show notes

Why is this happening to me?

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

TGM Classic | Jordan Harbinger | How To Build The #1 Business Podcast In The World Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

As the popularity of podcasts continues to skyrocket, the podcast advertising industry also saw tremendous growth quarter after quarter, seeing how more consumers and marketers allocate a greater portion of their advertising budget to them. While podcast ads are said to generate higher brand awareness and effectiveness, putting money into marketing and advertising won’t save a podcast that no one actually wants to listen to.

Jordan Harbinger, the man behind one of the fastest-growing podcasts in the world, reveals the secret key to the success of The Jordan Harbinger Show. Jordan is an American lawyer turned social dynamics expert and entrepreneur. With an incredible 11 million monthly downloads, his show has featured some of the biggest names, including Simon Sinek, Kobe Bryant, and Dennis Rodman.

In this episode, Darius and Jordan discuss podcasting and reveal some simple and actionable strategies to grow your digital footprint without spending thousands after ad spend. They also talk about child-rearing practices in different cultures and why it is important to allow children to explore. You will also learn about Jordan’s secret in choosing his guests for his podcast show.

Topics include:

How Jordan learned to speak five languages
Why Jordan decided to go on a foreign exchange program in Germany in the late ‘90s
The biggest cultural differences between different societies
Drawbacks of a regressive mindset and excessive policing
The benefits of giving teenagers the opportunity to explore and feed their curiosity
The secret to growing your podcast without spending thousands of dollars in ad spend
Following your passion and taking the path less trodden
Jordan shares his biggest takeaway from interviewing his guests
How Jordan finds the best podcast guests
And other topics…

Connect with Jordan:

Website: https://www.jordanharbinger.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jordan-harbinger-show/id1344999619?mt=2

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

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

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

131 | Rene Rodriguez | Amplifying Your Influence As A Leader Sep 09, 2022

Show notes

What is influence, and why do we want to have it?

Influence is so much more than persuasion. The art of influence is having the ability to make an impact and affect how other people behave, think, and make decisions. Those who master the art of influence are often adept at tapping into people's emotions and motivating them to act. To put it simply, influence is the ability to get those around you to act on your ideas.

Rene Rodriguez is often described as “powerful,” “thought-provoking,” and “authentic” by his clients. He has researched and applied behavioral neuroscience as a dynamic keynote speaker, leadership advisor, world-class sales expert, and renowned speaker coach. His book, Amplify Your Influence, became a Wall Street Journal bestseller, earning the second spot.

In this episode, Darius and Rene talk about overcoming rejection and embracing suffering, the power of influence and how to leverage it, and the importance of authenticity in business. Rene also discusses negative bias and why humans give more psychological weight to unpleasant news and information.

Topics include:

Why Rene gave up basketball to become a salesperson at a young age
The value of embracing suffering
Rene shares the story behind his Wall Street Best Seller book, Amplify Your Influence
Understanding the importance of influence
Defining the AMPLIFII Formula and how it works
The 3 P’s of AMPLIFII Formula
Understanding Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle to gain maximum influence
Why people are hardwired for negativity
How to leverage core values in influencing others
The secret keys to staying fully authentic in the digital world
And other topics…

Resources Mentioned:

Amplify Your Influence by Rene Rodriguez: https://www.amplifiibook.com/

Connect with Rene:

Website: https://www.meetrene.com/

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

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

130 | Mike McCarthy | How to Build An Amazing Legacy Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

What will you leave behind?

Leaving a great legacy is one of the most powerful things you can do in your career and personal life. It's about creating something enduring that has lasting and multi-generational effects. This isn't about how people will remember you; it's about creating something strong enough to make a powerful ripple impact. Mike McCarthy is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and their families increase collaboration and connection and create shared values and goals that will leave a lasting legacy.

Mike McCarthy is a husband, a father, and a serial entrepreneur who has played an integral role in helping Keller Williams become the #1 real estate company in the world. He also spearheads GoBundance Mastermind as the Co-Founder and CEO. Mike co-authored The Tribe of Millionaires, The Miracle Morning for Parents and Families, and its accompanying book, Family Playbook.

In this episode, Darius and Mike discuss the pros and cons of family businesses, the importance of workplace and family core values, the fascinating benefits of living in the present, the downside of hustle culture, and the advantages of abundant thinking.

Topics include:

How Mike became a real estate entrepreneur
What advice Mike would give his younger self
The expense of living in the future
Why mindfulness and being in the present make people happier
How he became a Co-Founder and CEO of GoBundance
How core values promote accountability within GoBundance
Mike shares the story behind co-writing The Miracle Morning for Parents and Familieswith Hal Elrod and wife, Lindsay
What motivated Mike to build FamBundance for families
Mike’s family core values and their definition
The benefits of holding family meetings
And other topics…

Resources Mentioned:

The Miracle Morning: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Parents-Families-Yourself/dp/1942589344/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1662114360&refinements=p_27%3ALindsay+McCarthy&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Lindsay+McCarthy

The Miracle Morning Playbook: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Parents-Families-Playbook/dp/1942589360/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1662114672&refinements=p_27%3ALindsay+McCarthy&s=books&sr=1-2&text=Lindsay+McCarthy

GoBundance: https://www.gobundance.com/

FamBundance: https://www.gobundance.com/fambundance

Connect with Mike:

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

Website: www.gomikemccarthy.com

Book: www.miraclemorning.com/pfplaybook

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

129 | Justin Breen | How Visionary Leaders Live An Epic Life Sep 02, 2022

Show notes

How do you draw the line between your business and personal life?

A balanced lifestyle means having the time, resources, and motivation to do well at work and home. After all, who wouldn't want to grow their business and spend more time with their loved ones without choosing one from the other?

Author of the International Best-Selling Book, Epic Business, Justin Breen is CEO of the global PR firm BrEpic Communications and co-founder of the premium connectivity platform BrEpic Network. In addition to being an active member of Strategic Coach 10x and Abundance 360 Summit, he has built a remarkable international network of leaders and entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Darius and Justin discuss the importance of visionary leadership, why it matters to know your values and strengths, how to master work-life balance as an entrepreneur, the effects of trauma on self-esteem, and the inspiration behind Justin’s new book Epic Life.

Topics include:

A sneak peek of Justin’s life before he became an entrepreneur
Justin reveals his most precious possession and the story behind it
How to be a visionary entrepreneur and still have a personal life
The two questions Justin asks himself every day
The benefits of knowing your values and strengths
Justin talks about his second book “Epic Life”
Justin explains why entrepreneurship is an addiction
Why self-worth matters and how to improve it
The importance of gratitude and being thankful
Justin picks a favorite chapter of his new book and explains why he chose that
And other topics…

Resources Mentioned:

Justin Breen’s Book Epic Life:

https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Life-Collaborative-Companies-Putting-ebook/dp/B0B7QLBDLM

Justin Breen’s Company: https://www.brepicllc.com/

Dopamine Nation: https://www.amazon.com/Dopamine-Nation-Finding-Balance-Indulgence/dp/152474672X/ref=asc_df_152474672X/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509494905560&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16069962025356892720&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028258&hvtargid=pla-1209607320147&psc=1

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

128 | Todd Kashdan | Getting Angry And Curious To Change The World Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

Anger is often viewed as a negative emotion that is typically associated with violence. While aggression is destructive, anger is a normal human emotion that is designed to promote survival, provide a sense of control, motivate us to solve problems, make us aware of injustice, drive us toward our goals, and inject optimism.

Awarded the 2013 Distinguished Early Career Researcher Award by the American Psychological Association, Todd Kashdan dives deep into the surprising benefits of anger and the many ways it pushes people to go beyond what they are capable of and pursue their desired rewards. Through his book “The Art of Insubordination,” Todd also offers an essential guide for those who are seeking to be heard, make a change, and rebel against an unhealthy status quo.

In this episode, Darius and Todd discuss the value of anger, the advantages of giving and receiving critical feedback, the benefits of creating mental space, the demerits of social mobility, and the ways to bridge integrity and flexibility.

Topics include:

The challenges of growing up without a father figure
How Todd got into writing at a young age
Giving and receiving feedback effectively
Curiosity and insubordination
The surprising benefits of anger
The three elements that can improve the quality of life in difficult situations
The two forms of self-talk and their benefits
Ways to create more psychological space
Todd shares the story behind his new book “The Art of Insubordination”
The consequences of social mobility on relationships and overall well-being
Psychological flexibility with integrity
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

127 | What Advice Would Future You Give You Today Aug 26, 2022

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: