The Greatness Machine

Eric Jorgenson, author and creator known for simplifying complex ideas, shares insights from his bestselling works, including "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant." He discusses how impactful literature can fuel personal growth and refine decision-making. The conversation dives into the defining aspects of wealth beyond money, the crucial role of leverage in success, and lessons learned from influential figures like Naval Ravikant and Balaji Srinivasan. Jorgenson also teases an exciting book project centered on Elon Musk's innovations.

Have you ever found yourself wandering amidst the chaos, yearning for a guiding light of clarity? Life often presents us with moments of uncertainty and chaos, leaving us feeling adrift and in need of direction. Like travelers in a dense fog, we stumble forward, desperately seeking clarity and a sense of purpose. It is during these times that having confidence becomes paramount, for it is the beacon that guides us through the storm. Peter Atwater, a renowned author, speaker, and consultant in the field of behavioral finance and investor sentiment, delves into the profound impact of confidence on our decision-making, resilience, and overall well-being in his latest book, The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity.  Drawing from his extensive expertise in behavioral finance and investor sentiment, Peter presents a compelling framework that illuminates the intricate relationship between confidence and chaos. In this episode, Darius and Peter discuss the vital role of confidence in decision-making and behavior across various aspects of life. Peter shares the journey behind his book, The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity, emphasizing resilience in facing uncertainty and embracing growth from failure. They explore making financial decisions with uncertainty, avoiding gut-driven choices, and the importance of seeking help and feedback for personal and professional development. Topics include: The crucial role of confidence in driving decisions and behaviors in various aspects of life Peter explains the story behind The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity How resilience plays a role in dealing with uncertainty and lack of control Why it is important to embrace uncertainty and powerlessness The benefits of seeing failure as an opportunity for learning and growth Making financial decisions with an understanding that the future is uncertain Why you should avoid making decisions solely based on gut feelings Why it matters to be willing to ask for help and seek feedback to improve and grow in personal and professional endeavors And other topics… Connect with Peter: Website: https://peteratwater.com/  Book: https://peteratwater.com/books-2/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Peter_Atwater  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-atwater-08467034/  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: 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 the grand theater of life, each of us has our own script. But how often do we find ourselves peeking at the script of others, wondering if their lines are better written? In a world that often values success, happiness, and fulfillment as measurable commodities, the tendency to measure our own worth against the apparent achievements and joys of others becomes all too common. What we often fail to recognize in the midst of comparison is that every individual’s journey is unique, marked by a complex interplay of circumstances, choices, and personal growth. Today, I am flying solo to highlight the drawbacks of comparison and introduce the concept of 100% trades. Inspired by Naval Ravikant’s insights, I will emphasize why we need to consider every aspect of someone else’s life before wishing to be like them. Drawing from my personal experience comparing myself to Elon Musk, I will also talk about self-appreciation and the cessation of unhealthy comparisons. Topics include: Comparison as the thief of joy Darius explains the 100% trades concept by Naval Ravikant The importance of gratitude for one’s own unique experiences and challenges The idea of “struggling well” within one’s life to optimize and improve 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: 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

Building wealth is just one piece of the puzzle to living a fulfilling life, but aligning purpose with financial success creates a powerful blueprint for long-term happiness. In this episode, William Green shares strategies and mindset shifts that can help you achieve not just financial freedom, but a meaningful, balanced life. He dives into how to create wealth while staying true to your values, navigating challenges, and ultimately building a life that reflects your true passions. Tune in to hear about the importance of living intentionally, making decisions with purpose, and using wealth as a tool to fuel your bigger vision for the future. In this episode, Darius and William will discuss: (00:00) The Power of Connection and Enlightenment (02:52) Impermanence and the Pursuit of Happiness (05:59) Balancing Complexity and Simplicity in Life (08:52) Creating Impact and Building Relationships (11:51) Navigating Life's Buckets and Non-Negotiables (15:04) Destination Analysis: Long-Term Thinking for a Beautiful Life (31:21) Investing in Peace of Mind (34:20) Navigating Life's Complexities with Kindness (37:05) A Memorable Encounter with Charlie Munger (46:55) Lessons from Charlie Munger on Ethics and Success (52:35) The Journey of Redefining Success and Wealth William Green is the author of “Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life,” a bestselling book translated into 26 languages and ranked #1 on Goodreads’ “Top 100 Most Popular Investing Books.” Drawing on decades of interviews with legendary investors like Charlie Munger and Peter Lynch, the book offers deep insights into their strategies and successes. William also hosts the Richer, Wiser, Happier podcast, featuring top investors and thinkers, with episodes on the popular We Study Billionaires network. Sponsored by: 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 William:  Website: https://williamgreenwrites.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-green-richerwiserhappier  Twitter: https://x.com/williamgreen72  Podcast: https://www.theinvestorspodcast.com/richer-wiser-happier/  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 what it takes for someone to seamlessly transition from the electrifying realm of sports announcing to the cutthroat world of business, conquering both with remarkable finesse? Bruce Buffer, an iconic figure in the world of sports announcing and business, joins us on The Greatness Machine to share his story of venturing into the world of business while captivating sports fans with his booming voice on stage.  Leveraging his brand and recognizability, he has successfully built a thriving business empire. Bruce ventures include merchandise, licensing deals, public appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. His business acumen and strategic mindset have allowed him to transcend the confines of sports announcing, establishing himself as a savvy entrepreneur. In this episode, Darius and Bruce dive into various intriguing topics, starting with Bruce's journey of how he began managing his half-brother, Michael Buffer, and the lessons he learned along the way. They also explore the future of personal branding, emphasizing the significance of values and purpose in establishing a strong personal brand. Bruce shares his insights on the future of combat sports, providing a unique perspective on what lies ahead. Moreover, they unravel the secret to following one's passions and achieving success, delving into the mindset and strategies required. Topics include: How Bruce started managing his half-brother Michael Buffer The future of personal branding The importance of values and purpose in leading a personal brand What the future looks like for combat sports according to Bruce The secret to following your passions and achieving success And other topics… Connect with Bruce: Website: https://brucebuffer.com/  Website: https://puncherschancebourbon.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brucebufferufc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brucebuffer/  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: 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 year of profound challenges and personal growth, Darius Mirshahzadeh takes a moment to reflect on the invaluable lessons learned and the power of resilience. In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, he dives into the importance of embracing life's preciousness, and the role rituals play in grounding us during uncertain times. Darius explores the friction we often encounter within ourselves, how it can lead to self-deception, and the reality that goals and dreams come with their own set of obstacles. He discusses the concept of humility, the Dunning-Kruger effect, and why it is vital to approach life with a sense of curiosity and openness. With a focus on empathy, Darius shares how shifting our mindset to see others as humans can deepen our connections.  In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Welcome to 2025: Reflections and Gratitude (02:22) The Importance of Rituals and Life's Preciousness (04:43) Navigating Friction and Self-Deception (08:02) Goals and the Reality of Life's Challenges (12:20) Embracing Resilience and Personal Growth (16:10) Lessons Learned: Humility and the Dunning-Kruger Effect (20:05) Seeing Others as Humans: The Outward Mindset (21:58) No Free Lunches: Understanding Costs and Commitments Sponsored by: 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

After an extensive career in the financial industry, Matthew now serves as a key figure at Pathstone, where he leads with a commitment to integrity, strategy, and client-first solutions. In this episode, Matthew shares insights from his journey at Pathstone, diving into the firm’s unique approach to wealth management and how they’re reshaping the financial landscape. He discusses the lessons he has learned about building trust with clients, leading teams with purpose, and adapting to the ever-evolving financial world. Matthew also reflects on how Pathstone's client-centric model continues to drive long-term success and create lasting impact for families and institutions alike. In this episode, Darius and Matthew will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Pathstone and Matt Fleissig (02:02) Matt's Journey: From Computer Nerd to Wealth Management (05:55) The Birth of Pathstone: Vision and Early Days (09:57) Understanding Family Offices and Pathstone's Unique Model (14:05) Client Profiles: Ultra High Net Worth and Family Offices (18:01) Innovative Services: Unbundling Wealth Management (21:47) Scaling the Business: Technology and Automation (26:00) Entrepreneurial Growth: Pathstone's Rapid Expansion (30:12) Maintaining Vision: M&A and Future Directions (30:42) Understanding Wealth Management Scale (34:06) The Evolution of Leadership in Growing Firms (35:15) Reinventing Leadership for Growth (38:32) The Role of Private Equity in Growth (40:28) Creating a Culture of Ownership (48:22) Integrating Diverse Talents and Cultures (54:34) Future Trends in Wealth Management Matthew Fleissig is the CEO and co-founder of Pathstone, The Family Office, serving families, family offices, and foundations. He leads the firm’s strategic vision and innovation and serves on the Investment Oversight Committee and Executive Leadership Team. Previously, Matt was President of Pathstone and held roles at Harris myCFO and The Ayco Company, advising high-net-worth clients on investments and financial planning. Connect with Matthew: Website: https://www.pathstone.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleissig/  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 steps can you take to turn your aspirations into reality and move from where you are right now to where you truly want to be? Reaching your desired destination from your current position is an exciting and transformative endeavor. It requires a combination of vision, determination, effective decision-making, and actionable techniques. Katy Milkman, through her book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, introduces various psychological concepts, such as habits, motivation, and self-control, and explains how these factors impact our ability to make lasting changes. Drawing from her expertise as a behavioral scientist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Katy provides readers with practical insights and techniques for transforming their lives. Throughout the book, she highlights the significance of self-reflection and self-awareness in the change process. Katy also encourages readers to identify their own patterns, biases, and obstacles, offering strategies to overcome them and cultivate new habits that align with their aspirations. In this episode, Darius and Katy engage in a captivating conversation covering a range of topics. They explore how Katy's passion for research ignited during her undergraduate studies and delve into the motivations behind her pursuit of behavioral economics. Katy opens up about her purpose in writing her book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. They discuss the power of fresh starts and how they can enhance motivation, the importance of well-planned methodologies and tools for achieving success, the benefits of temptation bundling, and the effectiveness of commitment devices in increasing productivity. Topics include: How Katy discovered her passion for research during her undergraduate studies What motivated Katy to pursue and embrace research and behavioral economics Katy shares her purpose for writing How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be The power of fresh starts and how they boost your motivation The importance of having a well-planned methodology and tools to achieve success Substantial benefits of temptation bundling Using a commitment device to get more things done And other topics… Connect with Katy: Website: https://www.katymilkman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-milkman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katymilkman/ 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 at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.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 fast-paced world driven by ambition and endless to-do lists, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. In this solo episode, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives deep into the power of forgiveness, gratitude, and living with intention. Sharing personal reflections, Darius introduces the transformative practice of the Ho’oponopono prayer—an ancient Hawaiian practice for forgiveness and reconciliation that fosters healing and inner peace. He explores how aligning our actions with our values can create meaningful impact and how embracing vulnerability allows us to show up fully for ourselves and others. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Reflections on 2024: A Year of Change (07:23) Navigating Relationships: The Importance of Showing Up (16:01) Practicing Forgiveness: The Ho'oponopono Prayer (19:24) Gratitude and Life's Little Moments Sponsored by: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.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

Don Jose Ruiz, a bestselling author and spiritual teacher, shares insights from his rich Toltec heritage, emphasizing personal transformation through ancient wisdom. He discusses the significance of breaking free from limiting beliefs and the journey of self-discovery. Key topics include the Four Agreements, the power of consciousness, and the importance of skepticism in fostering authenticity. Jose also touches on overcoming addiction, nurturing well-being, and the role of gratitude in leading a fulfilling life, inspiring listeners to embrace their true selves.