The Greatness Machine

How does one go from financial struggle to creating a platform worth nearly $100 billion?  This question encapsulates the extraordinary journey of Shirl Penney, founder, president, and CEO of Dynasty Financial Partners. Beginning in rural Maine where financial stability was difficult to come by, his story is one of grit and determination.  Although Shirl had to overcome early hardships, his desire for education and self-improvement led him to prestigious institutions and eventually to the competitive world of finance. Having navigated and overcome numerous obstacles led to the establishment of Dynasty Financial Partners, a firm he founded with resilience and an innovative mindset.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Shirl Penney to share his compelling journey from the financial struggles of his upbringing in rural Maine to building a financial empire managing nearly $100 billion in assets. The conversation delves into the challenges he faced, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the innovative strategies he employed to revolutionize the wealth management industry. Shirl also discusses the importance of resilience, leadership, and maintaining a clear vision in the pursuit of success.  Topics include: Shirl looks back at being homeless to founding Dynasty Financial Partners Improving financial literacy and providing independent financial advice  The origin and motivation behind the creation of Dynasty Financial Partners The impact of Shirl’s upbringing and experiences on his approach to business The value of maintaining a strong corporate culture and significant growth And other topics… Connect with Shirl: Website: https://dynastyfinancialpartners.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirlpenney 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you reclaim your life after exiting a cult? Cults often prey on vulnerable individuals, offering them a sense of community, belonging, and purpose. They use tactics such as manipulation, mind control, and emotional abuse to keep their members in line, making it challenging for individuals to leave and regain their freedom. Escaping a cult can be a difficult and traumatizing experience, requiring immense courage and strength. One of the most challenging aspects of escaping a cult is the process of deprogramming. Members of a cult have been subjected to intense indoctrination, where their thoughts, beliefs, and behavior have been shaped by the organization's leaders. Sarah Edmondson, a Canadian actress, voice actor, and podcaster, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about her experience as a former member of NXIVM, a now-defunct multi-level marketing company. In this episode, Darius and Sarah dive deep into the effects of cult manipulation and how cults rewire the brain of their members. Now a cult recovery advocate, Sarah also shares her story of being a member of NXIVM, which she later exposed for their abusive practices.  Topics include: What drew Sarah to join the NXIVM group How Sarah found out about the disturbing activities within the group The factors that contribute to joining cults What it was like for Sarah working as an actor while being a member of the NXIVM Sarah talks about the HBO documentary series “The Vow” The story behind A Little Bit Culty podcast And other topics… Connect with Sarah: Website: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-little-bit-culty/id1553334816  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Story-Escaped-NXIVM-Memoir/dp/1452184267  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahedmondson/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tired of falling short on your reading goal? If falling short on your reading goal is becoming a recurring pattern, it might be helpful to step back and assess your reading habits and patterns. Are you setting unrealistic goals for yourself? Are you choosing books that don’t capture your interest or challenge you enough? Today, for the third part of this series on How to Build Your Reading Superpower, I will share some more tips that helped me improve my reading habits. If you are still struggling to finish a book or make progress on your reading goal, then maybe you need to make adjustments and set more attainable goals for yourself.  One helpful strategy to stay motivated and on track with your reading goals is to create a reading schedule or routine. Another way to approach falling short on your reading goal is to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Use it as a chance to reflect on your reading preferences, explore new genres or authors, or deepen your understanding of the books you do read. In this episode, I will share why it is important to go deep and understand the books better if you want to improve your reading superpower. I will also reveal some tips on how to get through books a little faster. Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darius-classic-how-to-build-your-reading-superpower/id1555334180?i=1000661223263   Part 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darius-classic-l-how-to-build-your-reading/id1555334180?i=1000662009918  Topics include: Setting goals and going deep on books to improve reading The importance of finding narrators with interesting voices Taking notes, summarizing chapters, and discussing books with others Choosing a book you know you can finish in the time frame you set Finding the best situation that makes you more engaged And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Power of One More: How Leadership Actually Works: Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our pursuit of wealth, what lessons can we learn from stoicism? Darius Foroux, an investor, entrepreneur, blogger, podcast host, and writer, examines how to achieve lasting wealth and personal fulfillment by exploring stoicism's timeless wisdom. His newest book, The Stoic Path to Wealth: Ancient Wisdom for Enduring Prosperity, serves as a practical guide for integrating stoic principles into financial strategies. Rather than placing a heavy emphasis on external circumstances, Darius Foroux emphasizes the importance of emotional mastery in wealth-building. Through stoic teachings, he highlights moderation, gratitude, and meaningful experiences over material possessions as ways to transition from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. This episode of The Greatness Machine features Darius Foroux to give a sneak peek into his new book, The Stoic Path to Wealth: Ancient Wisdom for Enduring Prosperity, and to delve into the transformation power of stoicism in the pursuit of wealth, emphasizing the emotional resilience and mastery as foundational to financial success. This conversation will also explore the intersection of philosophy and practical financial strategies, providing a compelling framework for enduring prosperity. Topics include: Darius Foroux talks about his motivation for book writing The benefits of managing emotions to build wealth Transitioning from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset  The importance of not being overly attached to money Darius Foroux discusses living according to stoicism Prioritizing meaningful experiences over material possessions And other topics… Connect with Darius Foroux: Website: https://dariusforoux.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusforoux/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariusforoux/ Book: https://members.dariusforoux.com/stoic-path  Connect with Darius Mirshahzadeh: 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elevating your team to become a team of leaders is a crucial step in building a high-performance team. It involves empowering each team member to take ownership of their role, develop their skills, and contribute to the team's success. By creating a culture that values leadership at all levels, you can unlock the full potential of your team and achieve greater results. To build a team of leaders, it is essential to foster an environment that encourages open communication, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're a team leader, manager, or business owner, building a team of leaders is a critical component of achieving long-term success. Robert Glazer, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Acceleration Partners, a global partner marketing agency, joins us once again on the Greatness Machine to give us a sneak peek into his newest book, titled, Elevate Your Team: Empower Your Team To Reach Their Full Potential and Build A Business That Builds Leaders. In this episode, Robert and I discuss the four areas of the “Capacity-Building” framework which are spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional capacities. We also dive deep into the challenge of having difficult conversations at work and how new managers often fail at handling such situations.  Topics include: Robert looks back at his decision to step back from his CEO position in 2019 The role and responsibilities of a CEO Robert explains the “Capacity-Building” framework and its four areas Why recruiting based on experience often is not the right option Handling difficult conversations at work Robert talks about his new book Elevate Your Team And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Motive by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.amazon.com/Motive-Leaders-Abdicate-Important-Responsibilities/dp/1119600456 Connect with Robert: Website: https://robertglazer.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer  Book: https://eytbook.com/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/elevate-with-robert-glazer/id1454045560  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it important to read books from different genres? Each genre offers unique insights and knowledge that can be applied to various aspects of life. Whether it is fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self-help, or any other genre, diversifying your reading choices will help you open yourself up to new and exciting stories that keep you engaged and eager to read more.  In addition, reading books from different genres can help you break out of reading ruts and challenge yourself to read outside of your comfort zone. You may even discover new authors or genres that you would have never explored before, broadening your literary horizons. Today, I am flying solo for part two of this series on How to Build Your Reading Superpower. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to finish every book you have started. That is what I learned from reading tons of books in the past. So in this episode, I will explain this helpful tip that helped me reached my reading goal last year.  Check out the first part of this series here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darius-classic-how-to-build-your-reading-superpower/id1555334180?i=1000661223263 Topics include: The importance of reading more than one genre What books I would recommend others to read Why it is okay not to finish a book Helpful tips on reading more books And other topics… Resource mentioned: The Game by Neil Strauss: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Penetrating-Secret-Society-Artists/dp/0060554738  The Surrender Experiment by Michael Alan Singer: https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Experiment-Journey-Lifes-Perfection/dp/080414110X The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Winning-Creative-Battle-audio-cd/dp/1501260626  Happy Money by Ken Honda: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Japanese-Making-Peace/dp/1501188372 The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Money-Reclaiming-Wealth-Resources/dp/039332950X Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green: https://www.amazon.com/Richer-Wiser-Happier-Greatest-Investors/dp/1501164856 The Storyteller by Dave Grohl: https://www.amazon.com/Storyteller-Tales-Life-Music/dp/0063076098  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you go from corporate finance to the bright lights of America's Got Talent? To make the leap from the structured corporate world to the dazzling stage of America's Got Talent, you must shift your mindset and pursue a passion relentlessly. In Oz Pearlman's case, the journey was more than abandoning spreadsheets and boardrooms; it was about embracing a calling rooted in enchanting audiences with mentalism's inexplicable effects. Best known as “Oz the Mentalist,” Oz transitioned from working in a global technology services department to performing on one of the world's biggest talent stages, he transformed himself through courage, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of the human mind. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Oz to talk about his early fascination with magic to becoming a renowned mentalist. They will also delve into the intricacies of this unique career path, discussing the challenges, strategies, and mindsets that have propelled Oz to success.  Topics include: Oz talks about his journey from magic enthusiast to professional mentalist Understanding the difference between a magician and a mentalist Setting quantifiable goals, seeking mentors, and providing value to others Oz reflects on his decision to leave Wall Street for mentalism The value of persistence and hard work over luck Overcoming multiple rejections and pursuing goals  Oz discusses overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome And other topics… Connect with Oz: Website: https://www.ozpearlman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozthementalist/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ozthementalist/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ozthementalist1405  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do small habits make a big difference? Tiny habits are small, simple actions that can be easily integrated into your daily routine. These habits may seem insignificant on their own, but when practiced consistently over time, they can lead to significant changes in your life. One of the reasons tiny habits are so powerful is that they are easy to stick to. When starting a new habit, it can be overwhelming to think about the big picture and all the changes you need to make. Tiny habits, on the other hand, are manageable and do not require a significant amount of effort. This makes it more likely that you will follow through with them and eventually form a lasting habit. Once you establish a small habit, it can be the foundation for building other positive habits. In addition, tiny habits can be used to address specific areas of your life that you want to improve. Whether it's for personal growth, career advancement, or physical health, small habits can be tailored to your specific goals. BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist and founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his new book, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything. In this episode, Darius and BJ talk about habit formation and how to create big changes by starting small. They also discuss the various applications of Tiny Habits in areas such as personal development, health, and business. Topics include: BJ explains the Fogg Behavior Model and Tiny Habits Method BJ reveals one habit he had to get rid of Effects of disruptive behavior and how to manage them Homeostasis and change Setting the bar low as a key to behavior change Creating action prompts and anchors for new habits Why it is important to celebrate successes How tiny habits can lead to big changes And other topics… Connect with BJ: Website: https://www.bjfogg.com/ Website: https://tinyhabits.com/  Website: https://behaviormodel.org/  Website: https://www.foggmethod.com/  Book: https://tinyhabits.com/book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjfogg/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjfogg/  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you find time to read when you’re extremely busy? Reading one book per week is an achievable goal that can lead to significant benefits. By committing to reading consistently, you can expand your knowledge, improve your focus, and enhance your critical thinking abilities. This reading habit can also improve your vocabulary and writing skills, which can be beneficial in various aspects of life.  Additionally, exploring different genres and topics can broaden your perspective and help you see the world in new ways. If you're having trouble reading regularly, start with shorter books or audiobooks, and gradually build up your reading stamina. However, it's important to remember that the quality of the reading experience is more important than the number of books you read. Today, I am flying solo to kick off the series How to Build Your Reading Superpower. In this episode, I will share a few tips on how I manage to read books despite my busy schedule. I will also talk about some of the books that helped me improve my mindset and lifestyle.  Check out the previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/187-the-worlds-most-important-superpower-you-can-get/id1555334180?i=1000606724968  Topics include: What I learned from reading books about the Holocaust Why I prefer audiobooks over physical books One simple tip to help you read more books Apps to help you read more And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Tattooist of Auschwitz: https://www.amazon.com/Tattooist-Auschwitz-Novel-Heather-Morris/dp/0062797158  The Happiest Man on Earth: https://www.amazon.com/Happiest-Man-Earth-Beautiful-Auschwitz/dp/0063097680  The Miracle Morning: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710  Younger Next Year: https://www.amazon.com/Younger-Next-Year-Strong-Beyond/dp/076114773X  Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 Tiny Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Habits-Changes-Change-Everything/dp/0358003326  Can’t Hurt Me: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to transform a single business purchase into a $300 million enterprise? Creating a $300 million enterprise from a single business purchase requires both strategic vision and effective management. Dave Lamont's journey exemplifies the key elements necessary for such a transformation.  As the CEO of Renfrew Business Group and president of Renfrew Chrysler, Dave emphasizes that success in business starts with mastering the fundamentals. This means understanding the basics of sales, operations, and financial management. For him, running a car dealership successfully involved creating a strong sales organization and not just reacting to market conditions. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Dave to talk about the importance of mastering business fundamentals, the power of mentorship, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. They will also discuss Dave’s book, Crank It!: A Playbook for Succeeding in Business and Life, where readers will find actionable steps and resources to help them succeed professionally and personally.  Topics include: Dave talks about his background and passion for automotive Acquiring Renfrew Chrysler and thriving through the 2008 economic challenges The importance of being a management-driven rather than market-driven The evolving landscape of the automotive industry  The value of continuous learning and growth at any age Dave discusses his book “Crank It!” and the inspiration behind it Dave shares the challenges of having a learning disability in his youth And other topics… Connect with Dave: Website: https://renfrewchrysler.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-lamont-851a93aa/  Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Crank-Playbook-Succeeding-Business-Life/dp/1544543921  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices