The Greatness Machine

Life and business are shaped by power and influence. They are essential forces that drive decision-making, build connections, and create lasting impact. Understanding how to wield these forces effectively can be the key to unlocking opportunities and driving meaningful change. Today, I am flying solo to talk about the dynamics of power and influence–what they are, how they work, and how you can harness them to elevate both your personal and professional life.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will break down the nuances of power, explore the psychology of influence, and share actionable strategies for building authentic authority. Join me as we dive into the essentials of mastering power and influence to create a lasting impact in the world. Topics include: The distinction between power and influence Darius explores the choice between being “rich” or being “king” How recruiting industry experts can drive business growth The importance of self-leadership before leading others 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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Constant Contact - Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. 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 do espionage and creativity have in common? As creativity becomes increasingly important for innovation and problem-solving, the field of espionage offers intriguing parallels. Both require quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to see things from a different perspective. Matthew Dunn, a British spy novelist, media talent, creative adviser, and former MI6 intelligence officer, explores how these elements intertwine. With his extensive work experience, he shares how the principles of espionage–such as observation, adaptability, and tactical thinking–mirror the creative process.  He also provides practical advice on how to harness these principles to overcome challenges and foster a more imaginative approach to life and work. From his latest projects to his philosophy on creativity, Matthew offers a fresh perspective on how these seemingly disparate fields intersect. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Matthew Dunn, who will share how his background in MI6 has profoundly influenced his creative process. He discusses how the pressures and routines of everyday life can stifle creativity and offers practical advice on rekindling one's imaginative abilities through exercises and fresh perspectives.  Overall, this conversation will provide a thought-provoking look at how the skills honed in the world of intelligence can enhance creative thinking and inspire new ways of approaching life's challenges. Topics include: Matthew’s unconventional recruitment into MI6 The critical role of high emotional intelligence (EQ) for intelligence officers Matthew shares insights into the rigorous selection process of MI6 The use of aliases and disguises in the life of an MI6 spy Matthew’s transition from espionage to writing spy novels How life experiences influence creative processes And other topics… Connect with Matthew: Website: https://www.matthewdunnauthor.com/  LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dunn-30731a17  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewdunnauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMI6/  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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Constant Contact - Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Constant Contact: Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Timeline: Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what the path to success looks like after launching a string of business ventures? Today I am flying solo to look back and take you through how I started my entrepreneurial journey with a candy business that my brother and I launched in fourth grade, converting a one-pound block of chocolate into a lucrative enterprise.  Over the years, I have initiated or invested in 21 businesses, resulting in $46.272 million in investments and generating over $1.4 billion in revenue, adjusted for today's values. After years of venturing into business, I have learned invaluable lessons that extend beyond dollars and cents. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I challenge conventional notions of success and encourage you to reflect on what success truly means to you as you navigate the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, this episode discusses the concealed value in the wisdom gained through struggles, emphasizing that lessons from failures serve as stepping stones to future success. Topics include: Darius reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and the concept of success and failure The importance of considering the value of your time when evaluating the success of a business venture Darius shares an exercise tracking each business venture, including investments, inflation-adjusted revenue, staffing, and success status Darius discusses how the lessons learned from failures contribute to long-term success Darius explains how struggles can be seen as paying the tuition for success 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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Quince - Go to Quince.com/greatness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.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

Can anxiety, often perceived as a hindrance, become a powerful tool for personal growth? Despite being common, anxiety is frequently viewed as a weakness. But what if anxiety can actually be a catalyst for transformation if we turned the script around? The ability to embrace our anxious moments can lead us to resilience, creativity, and success, allowing us to tackle life's challenges with newfound confidence. In fact, world-renowned neuroscientist and author Dr. Wendy Suzuki shares her insights on the science behind anxiety, emphasizing how it can be harnessed to enhance our cognitive abilities and emotional being. Drawing from her book, Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion, Dr. Wendy discusses the practical strategies for reframing our perception of anxiety and offers valuable tips on how to integrate these lessons into our daily lives. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Dr. Wendy Suzuki to talk about the transformative power of anxiety, the neuroscience behind it, and how we can turn discomfort into a driving force for personal and professional success. This conversation will also highlight the importance of human interactions in maintaining social relationships and how nurturing these connections can foster resilience in challenging times.  Topics include: Neuroplasticity and the brain's ability to adapt and change Dr. Wendy's five tips for maintaining a healthy brain The influence of technology on social interactions The importance of human interaction in understanding body language, emotions, and facial expressions Managing difficult emotions in face-to-face situations The impact of physical proximity on social relationships Differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems Harmful effects of prolonged sympathetic nervous system activation Breathwork as an effective technique for calming the mind and body Dr. Wendy's concept of “Good Anxiety” and how to harness it Using gratitude as a tool to manage anxiety Dr. Wendy introduces “microflow” for achieving focus and productivity And other topics… Connect with Dr. Wendy: Website: https://www.wendysuzuki.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-suzuki-5a509411  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy.suzuki/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wasuzuki  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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Quince - Go to Quince.com/greatness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.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

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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Quince - Go to Quince.com/greatness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.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

Are you letting your anxiety and worries shape your reality and limit your potential? Today, I am flying solo to talk about a topic that resonates with many of us: the impact of anxiety and worry on our lives. We often find ourselves in a constant battle with these emotions, and it can feel overwhelming when they start to dictate our decisions and overshadow our potential. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will explore how anxiety can manifest in various aspects of our daily lives–whether it is affecting our relationships, work performance, or overall happiness. I will share practical strategies for managing anxiety, including tracking and documenting worries, which can help us gain clarity and perspective.  Topics include: Tracking and documenting worries to alleviate anxiety The benefits of granting yourself permission to worry Strategies for managing and redirecting worry in modern life 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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Quince - Go to Quince.com/greatness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.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

How do you transition from being a corporate leader to becoming a thriving entrepreneur? Changing from a structured corporate environment to the unpredictable waters of entrepreneurship is no easy task in today's fast-paced world. Many try to make this transition, but few succeed with the persistence and focus on excellence required for success. Terri Kallsen, a distinguished leader and entrepreneur, takes a look back at her remarkable journey of moving from executive leadership in publicly traded companies to her current role as an entrepreneur. She discusses how having mentors and a solid team have been critical to her success, especially during her transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship.  As the Senior Operating partner at Rise Growth, a synergistic financial partner, she now leads with a mission to help advisors and their teams perform at their best.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Terri Kallsen to talk about growth, leadership, and perseverance. Terri will also share the key lessons she has learned during her transition from corporate to executive roles to entrepreneurship. This conversation will also highlight how combining creativity with structure can help entrepreneurs innovate while staying accountable to their goals.  Topics include: The importance of staying open to new opportunities and stepping up to fill gaps Embracing failure as a step to innovation Navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) Understanding and connecting with your team and audience  Navigating gender dynamics in male-dominated spaces The challenges of transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship And other topics… Connect with Terri: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-kallsen-cfp-%C2%AE-3b72954  Email: terri@risegrwoth.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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Quince - Go to Quince.com/greatness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/MACHINE and get on your way to being your best self. 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… Connect with William: Website: https://williamgreenwrites.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-green-79809a19/ Richer, Wiser, Happier: https://www.amazon.com/Richer-Wiser-Happier-Greatest-Investors/dp/1501164856  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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Quince - Go to Quince.com/greatness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/MACHINE and get on your way to being your best self. Are you living in the present, or are you buried in the past and the future? It is easy to lose sight of the present as we dwell on past mistakes or dream of future achievements. But what if the key to fulfillment lies in mastering each moment as it comes? Today, I am flying solo to talk about a concept I call the 10-second rule–a simple yet powerful approach to living life in real-time. We will explore how embracing this idea can help you stop worrying about the past or obsessing over the future, allowing you to enjoy and grow in the now. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will share how focusing on life in 10-second intervals has shifted my perspective, increased my presence, and even helped me handle relationships and conflicts more gracefully. I will also talk about the importance of making the most of every moment and finding pride in the journey and not just the destination. Topics include: The 10-second rule and its role for living in the moment The downside of constantly dwelling on the past The importance of dreaming without attachment to outcomes Finding pride in the process, not just the results Letting go of ego to nurture stronger relationships How focusing on the present fosters personal growth 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 Sponsors: Timeline - Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Quince - Go to Quince.com/greatness for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Mochi Health - Visit joinmochi.com and apply code GREATNESS to get $40 off. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices