The Greatness Machine

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. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if your dreams came true?  What if your dream was to have a TV Show with Gordon Ramsay? What would you do to make it happen? Nyesha Arrington, an American chef, television star, activist, and entrepreneur, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share her story of figuring out what she wanted to do in life and how she realized her purpose at a very young age. Nyesha has long admired Gordon Ramsay as a culinary icon and mentor and dreamed of working alongside him, learning from his expertise, and gaining valuable insights into the art of cooking.  Fast forward to 2022, and that dream became a reality when she said yes to joining “Next Level Chef,” where she, Gordon Ramsay, and Richard Blais serve as mentors to the chosen home cooks, social media chefs, and culinary professionals. In this episode, Darius and Nyesha talk about the keys to achieving goals, the many benefits of doing what you really love, and why it is important to go above and beyond when doing something.  Topics include: How reverse engineering has helped Nyesha reached her goals Nyesha looks back at the epiphany moment when she realized her dream Why Nyesha decided to go on TV How Nyesha used the power of manifestation to achieve her dreams The story behind how Nyesha ended up working with Gordon Ramsay Nyesha explains the premise of “Next Level Chef” The importance of being an effective communicator Nyesha describes her death meal And other topics… Resource mentioned: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain: https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Confidential-Adventures-Culinary-Underbelly-ebook/dp/B002UM5BXW  War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield-ebook/dp/B007A4SDCG  Grit by Angela Duckworth: https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108  Connect with Nyesha: Website: https://www.nyeshaarrington.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyeshajoyce Twitter: https://twitter.com/nyeshajoyce 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: Indeed - Just go to indeed.com/darius right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. 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

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. What do you hold onto tightly? What are the things you find yourself most attached to? We often find ourselves clinging to certain things, ideas, or identities, developing attachments that shape our perceptions and influence our actions. But have you ever paused to reflect on what exactly you’re attached to? What are the things that hold immense significance in your life? Today, I am flying solo to reflect on the attachments I used to hold toward titles, power, and respect. I will also shed light on the realization that attachments can both empower and restrict personal growth.  Join me in this captivating episode, where I explore the emotional rollercoaster of success, failure, and the unexpected changes that expose the depth of my attachments. Prepare to delve into the depths of self-reflection and gain valuable insights into the potential limitations and opportunities that arise from our attachments. Topics include: Embracing meditation and the positive impact it has on a person’s overall well-being How my attachment as a CEO and entrepreneur affected my relationships The importance of releasing attachments and finding true happiness The value of self-reflection and self-improvement 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: Indeed - Just go to indeed.com/darius right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. 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

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. What if the recipe for success was a blend of mindset, words, and a pinch of creativity? Shahira Marei, founder and CEO of Dirty Cookie, reflects on her journey from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, revealing how this shift not only changed her personal outlook but also fueled the remarkable growth of her business.  Through her unique and innovative company known for its delicious “cookie shots,” Shahira has transformed the cookie experience. Her cookies, presented in edible shot glasses, add a unique twist to traditional treats, making them a popular gift. As a result of her dedication to creating meaningful and unforgettable gifts, Shahira's brand has achieved significant success and recognition. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Shahira Marei to explore her fascinating journey of transforming her mindset and achieving remarkable success with her innovative business, Dirty Cookie. Shahira also explores how a shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and positivity has played a pivotal role in her entrepreneurial success. Topics include: Shahira’s journey to entrepreneurship and founding Dirty Cookie Shahira reflects on becoming a finalist on Shark Tank  The benefits of influencer marketing for brands The story and inspiration behind the name “Dirty Cookie” Understanding the Dunning-Kruger effect The importance of surrounding yourself with the right team The impact of manifestation and a strong support system on success Transitioning from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset Harnessing the power of words to shape reality And other topics… Connect with Shahira: Website: https://www.dirtycookie.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahira-marei-a609b319  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedirtycookieoc/  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: Indeed - Just go to indeed.com/darius right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. 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

How do you change your life for the better? Starting your day on the right foot is crucial in setting the tone for the rest of your day. By engaging in positive habits and activities in the morning, you can cultivate a sense of motivation, focus, and energy that can carry you through the day ahead. By waking up early and engaging in activities such as meditation, exercise, journaling, and reading, you can nourish your mind, body, and soul and set yourself up for success. Whether you are a morning person or not, creating a morning routine that works for you can help you start your day with a positive mindset and a sense of direction, ultimately leading to a more productive and fulfilling life. Hal Elrod, an international keynote speaker and bestselling author of 14 books, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about the Miracle Morning routine and how it changed his life and the lives of millions of people around the world. In this episode, Darius and Hal share their personal stories on how the Miracle Morning routine has turned their lives around. They also talk about the importance of visualization and the power of mindset. Topics include: What changed in Hal’s life when he started a morning routine Hal explains the 6-step morning routine using S.A.V.E.R.S. Helpful tips for waking up early in the morning The most important part of the visualization Hal shares a piece of advice for those who want to change their life And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  Connect with Hal Elrod: Website: https://halelrod.com/  Website: https://miraclemorning.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hal_elrod/ 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

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. How can one break free from fear and live a fearless life? Fear has a remarkable ability to hold us back, trapping us within the confines of our comfort zones. But what if we could break free from the shackles of fear and live a truly fearless life? Imagine the possibilities that would unfold if we could face challenges head-on, pursue our dreams with unwavering determination, and embrace uncertainty with open arms.  Drawing on the wisdom of Dandapani’s The Power of Unwavering Focus, I will share some of the effects of fear and worry on one’s personal growth.  In his book, Dandapani emphasizes that fear often arises from a scattered and undisciplined mind, and adds that fear is often rooted in the mind’s projections about the future or past, rather than the present moment.  Today, I am flying solo to talk about living without limits and embracing a fearless life. Join me for another inspiring episode as I discuss the secrets to living a life free from the constraints of fear and discover the incredible rewards that await those who dare to step outside of their comfort zones.  Topics include: Identifying with certain traits or behaviors can limit personal growth How preoccupation with the future affects personal growth Grounding oneself in the present moment And other topics… Resource mentioned: The Power of Unwavering Focus: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Unwavering-Focus-Dandapani-ebook/dp/B09N6ZVT9M  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 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! 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. What if AI could revolutionize your business, streamline operations, and free you of mundane work? The use of artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It is a game-changing tool that is transforming businesses across industries. From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making with data-driven insights, AI has the power to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. Joshua Pellicer and Peter Cobabe, the visionary co-founders of RLTM.ai, dive into these benefits, bringing a wealth of knowledge on how to seamlessly adopt and integrate AI into businesses.  Through their company, RLTM.ai, Joshua and Peter are dedicated to helping businesses integrate AI into their operations, making complex processes more manageable and enabling teams to focus on what truly matters.  In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Joshua Pellicer and Peter Cobabe to explore how AI is transforming business operations. They discuss the benefits of automating tasks, the essential role of a Chief AI Officer, and the mindset shift required for successful AI adoption. Joshua and Peter also emphasize the importance of having a clear vision to fully leverage AI's potential.  Topics include: Joshua and Peter discuss their mission behind founding RLTM.ai  The transformative impact AI is having on businesses How AI is being adopted and integrated into business operations The advantages of automating standard operating procedures (SOPs) with AI The essential role of a Chief AI Officer in maximizing the effectiveness of AI tools The mindset shift necessary for successful AI adoption The importance of clarity in defining goals and objectives The benefits of maintaining a flexible self-identity rather than being tied to a specific title And other topics…. Connect with Joshua: Website: https://www.rltm.ai/  Email: joshua@rltm.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuapellicer  Twitter: https://x.com/joshuapellicer/ Connect with Peter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercobabe Twitter: https://x.com/peterccobabe  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 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! 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. What makes conscious leaders different and more effective? Conscious leadership is a leadership style that prioritizes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, purpose, and compassion. Unlike traditional leadership styles that focus on power and control, conscious leaders aim to create a positive impact on their organizations, communities, and the world at large. Conscious leaders make decisions with mindfulness and consideration for all stakeholders involved. They listen to their intuition and take into account the impact of their decisions on everyone involved, including the broader community. They also prioritize building a culture of trust, transparency, and psychological safety, where team members feel valued, heard and supported. Rand Stagen, CEO of the Stagen Leadership Academy, joins us on the Greatness Machine for the second time around to talk about leadership and the importance of having great leaders to move forward. In this episode, Darius and Rand discuss conscious leadership, the benefits of seeing struggles as opportunities, and how fear can affect good leadership.  Topics include: The birth of Stagen Leadership Academy started in 1999 How great leadership keeps people moving forward Overcoming fear to become an effective leader The use of gender pronouns in the workplace The importance of seeing your hardships as gifts And other topics… Connect with Rand: Website: https://stagen.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rand-stagen-3398b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randstagen/ 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 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! 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. Ever wondered how exiting a successful business can turn your financial world upside down? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I am flying solo to share some hard-earned lessons from my own journey through entrepreneurship and investing.  I dive into the unexpected challenges that hit after you exit a business and how they can impact your financial future. After my own business exit, I faced a critical realization: just because you are great at making money does not mean you are automatically skilled at managing it. I will also explain how my initial missteps led to valuable insights and the strategies I have developed to turn things around. Join me as I lay out the key elements you need to consider to protect and grow your wealth effectively. From the basics of cash flow to the nuances of investment structures, I will guide you through what it means to manage your money wisely after a big exit. This is part one of a series where I will delve into these topics and share insights from my experiences. Tune in to discover how you can avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions that align with your personal financial goals. Topics include: Establishing a solid passive income strategy before exiting Prioritizing tax efficiency for entrepreneurs Understanding the difference between earning money and investing wisely Implementing risk management for effective wealth preservation and growth Avoiding panic selling and aligning investments with risk tolerance  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 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! 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. How do you turn a seemingly impossible situation into a win-win solution? High stakes and intense pressure often accompany negotiation, making it feel like navigating a minefield. Whether you're haggling over a business contract, settling a dispute, or trying to make a major purchase, the ability to negotiate effectively is a crucial skill. Successful negotiations are based on the principles of collaboration and mutual gain. Understanding those principles can transform your approach, allowing you to transform daunting challenges into opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit. Alexandra Carter, a renowned negotiation expert and professor at Columbia Law School, has dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations master the art of negotiation. With her wealth of experience and practical insights, she offers a fresh perspective on how to approach negotiations with confidence and clarity. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Alexandra Carter to delve into the art of negotiation and its profound impact on both personal and professional success, sharing her insights on how to navigate complex negotiations with confidence and finesse. The conversation also covers essential strategies like understanding psychological drivers, leveraging alternatives, and the power of asking the right questions.  Topics include: Setting perceptions of your worth to influence how others see your value Recognizing the mirror and window phases in negotiation Maintaining integrity and honesty after deals are made Managing emotional reactions to keep negotiations focused Addressing issues, not personal conflicts Balancing short-term needs with long-term goals Understanding fallback positions to anticipate alternatives Asking open-ended questions to gain deeper insights Reading vocal tones and non-verbal cues for better understanding Finding win-win solutions through effective partnerships And other topics… Connect with Alexandra: Website: https://alexcarterasks.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrabcarter/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrabcarter/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexbcarter/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-More-Questions-Negotiate-Anything/dp/1982130482  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 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! 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. What happens when a company exits? When a company exits, it means that ownership of the company changes hands, either through a sale or transfer of ownership. The specific details of what happens when a company exits depend on the type of exit and the terms of the agreement. Having an exit strategy is crucial for any business because it helps the company plan for the future and ensures a smooth transition of ownership. Without a proper exit strategy, a company may be forced to sell under unfavorable terms, or it may be difficult to find a buyer or successor. Rick Sapio, CEO of Mutual Capital Alliance (MCA), Inc., joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his entrepreneurial journey and what he aims to achieve in working with private companies. In this episode, Darius and Rick discuss the importance of building core values and business exit reasons and strategies. Rick also talks about the Exit Concierge Service and what they do to help privately-owned & PE-backed companies through the often grueling and difficult Exit Process. Topics include: How Rick’s entrepreneurial journey started How Rick helps his kids build their values What they do at Mutual Capital Alliance (MCA) How the MCA Exit Concierge Service helps companies through the exit process Differences between strategic and financial buyers And other topics… Connect with Rick: Website: https://mutualcapitalalliance.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricksapio  Email: rsapio@mutualcapitalalliance.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 This episode is sponsored by Porkbun. Go to https://porkbun.com/GreatnessMachine24 and get your .PRO domain for only $1 for the first year at Porkbun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices