The Greatness Machine

In a world filled with distractions and endless desires, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But what if the answers to living a more meaningful life were already written in ancient wisdom? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh delves deep into the teachings of Stoicism and how they can help us live with intention and purpose. Drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of figures like Marcus Aurelius, he shares insights on how to reduce anxiety, focus on what truly matters, and show up as the best version of ourselves every single day. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Anxiety and Stoicism (02:46) Marcus Aurelius on Perception and Anxiety (06:07) Epictetus: Imagined Anxieties vs. Real Problems (09:04) Seneca: The Power of Imagination (11:53) Living in the Present: True Happiness (14:48) Nature's Control and Personal Responsibility (17:47) Practical Tools for Managing Anxiety The 10-Second-Rule Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/307-the-10-second-rule/id1555334180?i=1000673543121  Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the pressure is on, the difference between success and failure often comes down to the power of the mind. In this episode, Dr. Michael Gervais, a renowned high-performance psychologist, explores the science of mental mastery and how elite athletes and leaders achieve peak performance. Drawing on years of experience working with some of the world’s top performers, Michael delves into the habits, mindsets, and strategies that allow individuals to thrive under pressure. He highlights the importance of cultivating mental toughness, maintaining focus under stress, and developing resilience to not just survive, but to excel in any high-stakes environment. In this episode, Darius and Dr. Michael will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to High Performance Psychology (03:00) The Journey of Dr. Michael Gervais (09:59) Understanding Anxiety in Athletes (19:51) The Evolution of Sports Psychology (30:04) Building a High-Performance Culture (31:00) Building Mental Skills for Performance (32:11) The Role of Culture in High Performance (35:38) Maximizing Individual Potential in Teams (39:46) Mindfulness as a Foundation for Success (46:45) Creating a High-Performance Culture (51:51) The Importance of Recovery in Performance (57:02) Overcoming Internal Barriers to Greatness Dr. Michael Gervais is a high-performance psychologist, national bestselling author, and a leading authority on the connection between the mind and human performance. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked with world-class performers and organizations, crafting mental skills frameworks that empower individuals, teams, and organizations to excel under pressure. His impact spans diverse fields, from coaching Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks to supporting Olympians across five Games, including USA Surfing in Tokyo 2021. Dr. Michael’s clients also include world record holders, MVPs, celebrated musicians, and Fortune 50 CEOs, solidifying his influence on the global stage. Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  Connect with Dr. Michael: Website: https://findingmastery.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaelgervais  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgervais/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-mastery-with-dr-michael-gervais/id1025326955  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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is college really the only pathway to success? Shayla Gifford, entrepreneur, loan officer, Branch Manager at Guild Mortgage, VP of Sales Development, and national coach, has proven that a college diploma is not the only key to success.  Leaving behind the confines of a classroom, her insatiable curiosity and unwavering ambition propelled her toward a destiny far beyond what she could have imagined. The journey, however, was not without its challenges. Shayla faced rejection and failure before she found success outside of her comfort zone.  Join us as we unravel the story of a college dropout who defied expectations, defied convention, and emerged as a game-changing entrepreneur. In this inspiring episode, Darius and Shayla share their invaluable lessons as entrepreneurs. They highlight the importance of persistence, transcending comfort zones for success, being coachable, and thinking bigger. Tune in for motivating insights that will empower your entrepreneurial journey. Topics include: What Shayla learned during her involvement in network marketing What inspired Shayla to value authenticity over conformity How Shayla handled rejections during her transition into the mortgage business Finding and appreciating people’s great qualities when recruiting and leading them The benefits of building a close-knit team and fostering a supportive environment The importance of persistence and not letting temporary obstacles define failure Achieving success outside of your comfort zone How to be coachable and why it matters What makes a good coach The value of thinking bigger and not limiting oneself And other topics… Connect with Shayla: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGaSsziZzd-RGC4KebhRyqw  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 Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever experienced a moment where success brought praise and recognition, only to find yourself alone when faced with failure? Today, I am flying solo to delve into a profound quote that encapsulates the essence of these contrasting moments: “Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.” Drawing from my entrepreneurial journey, I will dive deep into the dynamics of success, failure, and the impact these have on personal identity. In this episode, I will embark on a personal narrative, recounting the highs and lows of starting a mortgage lending business at a young age, the emotional rollercoaster, the attachment to success, and what I have come to realize after facing a severe setback during the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Topics include: The importance of understanding that success attracts recognition and praise The disadvantages of having a personal attachment to success The value of learning from failures and seeing them as opportunities The key mindset for navigating both success and failure 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 Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From transforming industries to advocating for sustainability, Leyla Acaroglu is a trailblazer in the world of circular economy and sustainable design. In this episode, Leyla dives into the principles of the circular economy, sharing how businesses can integrate sustainable practices without compromising profitability. She also explores the role of leadership in creating a more responsible and future-focused world, offering actionable insights on how organizations can align their operations with social and environmental values. In this episode, Darius and Leyla will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:54) Leyla's TED Talk Experience (05:56) The Journey to Sustainability and Design (09:08) The Role of Education in Sustainability (11:57) The UN School of Disruptive Design (14:58) The Interconnectedness of Design and Life (18:04) The Importance of Composting and Sustainability (20:56) The Current State of Environmental Awareness (23:59) Capitalism and Its Impact on Sustainability (28:46) The Role of Regulation and Accountability (35:58) Innovative Solutions for Sustainability (40:54) The Impact of Climate Change on Insurance (46:53) The Future of Humanity and Nature (51:58) The Power of Individual Action (56:48) Understanding the Circular Economy (01:00:00) Barriers to Greatness and Gender Dynamics Leyla Acaroglu is a globally recognized sustainability expert, sociologist, and award-winning designer, known for her work in circular economy and systems thinking. Named Champion of the Earth by the United Nations and a Changemaker by LinkedIn, Leyla is a mainstage TED speaker who collaborates with global leaders to drive positive change for a sustainable and regenerative future. A serial social entrepreneur, she founded The UnSchool, an innovative knowledge lab for adults, developed the Disruptive Design Method, and serves as CEO of Disrupt Design and Swivel Skills, a platform for corporate sustainability training. Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  Connect with Leyla: Website: https://www.leylaacaroglu.com/ Website: https://www.unschools.co/  LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/leylaacaroglu  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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to unlocking humanity’s full potential lies in embracing the unique perspectives and contributions of those who have been overlooked or undervalued throughout history? Stacy Spikes’ journey as an outsider in the tech industry is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Recognizing that he did not fit the conventional image of a successful tech entrepreneur, he fearlessly confronted the barriers before him, driven by a desire to break down not only the mold but also the glass ceiling that loomed above. His experience navigating the intricacies of the tech world provided invaluable lessons about the challenges of being an outsider. But instead of viewing it as a hindrance, Stacy discovered that his unique position granted him a distinct advantage. By embracing his outsider perspective, he saw the untapped opportunities and unexplored niches that others may have overlooked.  Joining us on today’s episode of The Greatness Machine, Stacy talks about his book, Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider, where readers are taken on a powerful and transformative journey that combines an inspiring memoir with a candid exploration of the challenges faced by a trailblazing business leader.  In this episode, Darius and Stacy discuss Stacy’s entrepreneurial journey, including his experiences with MoviePass and his motivation to start Urbanworld Film Festival. Stacy shares some key takeaways from his book, Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider, offering guidance to fellow founders, and emphasizing the importance of overcoming mental barriers to success. They also recount MoviePass' rise and fall, its acquisition, and its triumphant return with a sustainable model.  Topics include: What sparked Stacy’s passion for the entertainment industry that lead him to pursue a career in Hollywood Stacy looks back at his experience and challenges working on soundtracks at Miramax How the events of 9/11 have left a profound impact on Stacy’s perspective How Urban World has helped launch the careers of notable filmmakers and actors Stacy shares his take on embracing diversity  What motivated Stacy to start a nonprofit festival called Urban World Co-founding Urbanworld Films and what the company offers to moviegoers  The challenges of co-founding MoviePass and what it took to fund the app What the future looks like for MoviePass What inspired Stacy to write Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider And other topics… Connect with Stacy: Website: https://www.stacyspikes.com/ Website: https://www.moviepass.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyspikes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacyspikes/  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 Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world of few true visionaries, Darius Mirshahzadeh honors the life of Rick Sapio, a man who redefined living with purpose and passion. In this heartfelt episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius celebrates Rick’s legacy as a mentor, entrepreneur, and founder of the Gathering of Titans at MIT. Rick’s humor, resilience, and commitment to growth shaped Darius’s life and teachings, encouraging others to play big, take risks, and live by core values. Even in the face of terminal illness, Rick’s unwavering courage continues to inspire. Darius challenges listeners to reflect on whether they, too, are embracing life's challenges with purpose. Join #TeamRick to support and donate: https://rickneedsacure.com/  In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Tribute to Rick Sapio (04:16) Lessons from a Life Well-Lived (10:14) Playing Big in Life (14:51) The Game vs. Real Life (18:15) Living with Purpose and Love Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world where influence is the key to success, understanding the delicate dance between power and persuasion can make all the difference. In this episode, Adam Galinsky explores the intricate dynamics of leadership, power, and negotiation, shedding light on how individuals can amplify their influence and foster meaningful connections. With a wealth of research-backed wisdom and engaging storytelling, Adam equips listeners with actionable ideas to harness their potential, empower others, and create meaningful impact. In this episode, Darius and Adam will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Inspiration and Leadership (02:00) Adam's Origin Story and Academic Journey (10:15) Transitioning to Leadership and Teaching (12:15) The Birth of the Book “Inspire” (17:02) Insights on Inspiring vs. Infuriating Leaders (23:19) Exploring Visionary Leadership (28:20) The Power of Optimism and Values (32:10) The Role of Hope in Visionary Thinking (37:31) Mastering Self for Effective Leadership (41:45) Overcoming Anxiety to Inspire Others (47:35) The Importance of Reflection in Leadership Adam Galinsky is the Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Paul Calello Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia Business School. A leading expert in leadership, negotiations, and decision-making, he has published over 300 works in management and social psychology. Co-author of the bestseller “Friend & Foe (2015)”, Adam’s insights have earned acclaim from The New York Times and Financial Times. His TED Talk, How to Speak Up for Yourself, has over 7.4 million views. His upcoming book, “INSPIRE (2025), explores the traits of truly inspiring leaders. Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  Connect with Adam: Website: https://adamgalinsky.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-galinsky-05090a3 Twitter: https://x.com/AdamGalinsky  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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered how some artists achieve extraordinary success in the music industry against all odds? Embarking on a creative journey in the music industry can be an unpredictable and daunting endeavor, much like the path followed by the renowned artist, Moby. His journey stands out as a shining example of unwavering dedication and ingenuity in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. Moby, the sonic visionary renowned for his genre-defying soundscapes, has multiple Grammy nominations and a career spanning several decades. Best known for his hit songs “Porcelain,” “Natural Blues,” and “South Side,” he carved out a niche for himself, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide and he continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of electronic music and beyond.  In this episode, Darius, Moby, and Lindsay engage in a candid conversation, delving into Moby's decision to pursue music over becoming a philosophy professor. They explore the concept of the "hungry ghost" and achieve true fulfillment, touching upon the pursuit of happiness in entrepreneurial endeavors. Together, they discuss the role of ego in their lives, the need for open-mindedness, and the significance of being receptive to different perspectives, leaving listeners with profound insights into purpose, fulfillment, and self-discovery. Topics include: What made Moby decide to pursue music instead of becoming a philosophy professor Moby reflects on his journey from poverty to material success, fame, and debauchery The importance of finding meaning, purpose, and value in life The concept of the “hungry ghost” and how to achieve true fulfillment What it takes to achieve true happiness in entrepreneurialism Lindsay discusses the constant striving in her career The importance of learning from both successes and failures Moby and Lindsay discuss the role of ego in their lives The value of being willing to look at the evidence and avoid clinging to preconceived notions beliefs or ideas The need for curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Almanac of Naval Ravikant: https://www.amazon.com/Almanack-Naval-Ravikant-Wealth-Happiness/dp/1544514212  The Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  Connect with Moby and Lindsay: Moby Website: https://moby.com/  Moby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moby/ Lindsay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linzhicks/  Lindsay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-hicks-6b392550/  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 Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is something that gives you a sense of purpose and a reason for living it? Whether it is a career path, a creative pursuit, a commitment to a cause, or nurturing meaningful relationships, purpose serves as a driving force that gives you a reason for living. Similarly, the Japanese concept of Ikigai offers a comprehensive perspective on discovering one’s purpose in life. Essentially, Ikigai is the convergence of four core elements; what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Today, I am flying solo to explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai. Drawing from my personal journey, I emphasize the importance of passion, purpose, and creating value in finding Ikigai. I will also highlight the value of embracing good stress and struggling well as signs of being in alignment with Ikigai. Topics include: The Japanese concept of Ikigai The challenges of finding Ikigai when forced Why it matters to assess your motivating force The struggle and good stress that come with finding your Ikigai 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 Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices