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. 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

What does your perfect day look like? Imagine a day where work is not a burden but a fulfilling pursuit. You engage in meaningful tasks that bring you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Whether you are pursuing a career you love or making a difference in your own business, your work feels like an extension of your passions. But it’s not all about work. Your perfect day includes time for self-care and well-being. You prioritize your physical and mental health, engaging in activities that rejuvenate and energize you. You cherish quality time with your loved ones, nurturing relationships that bring you joy and support.  Today, I am flying solo to delve into the concept of a perfect day and share my personal realization on uncovering life’s true priorities and the profound impact it had on my perspective. Join me as we embark on a journey of self-discovery to find meaning and purpose in our pursuit of a perfect day. In this episode, we will also explore what truly matters in our lives and how it shapes our daily experiences.  Topics include: The two types of wealth most people often prioritize How I struggled with prioritizing professional and financial success over personal well-being and time wealth The concept of designing a perfect day, both personally and professionally The importance of finding a balance between personal and professional time What an ideal workday looks like 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

How does one overcome the hurdles and misconceptions that follow a career in the adult film industry? Candice Horbacz, also known as Eva Lovia, shares her story of resilience and transformation, discussing the unique challenges she faced as a former adult entertainment actress and how she overcame them. Despite her success in the adult industry, Candice had to deal with the difficulties of balancing a demanding career with personal life and the societal judgments she had to endure.  Despite these hurdles, she has emerged as an important voice, especially for women, seeking to change the narrative about adult film actresses. With that mission, she started Chatting with Candice, where she dives deep into a variety of topics ranging from personal development to social issues.  With a keen focus on bridging the gender gap in podcasting, Candice aims to provide content that resonates with both men and women, but especially with women who are often underrepresented in this space. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Candice Horbacz to discuss her journey in the adult industry and the inspiration behind her podcast, Chatting with Candice. Candice shares the challenges she faces due to her career, the importance of internal confidence, and the stigma surrounding the adult film industry.  Topics include: Candice reflects on her experience in the adult industry The inspiration behind the Chatting with Candice Podcast Challenges Candice faces due to her career choices The importance of internal confidence over external validation  Differences in women's and men's sexuality and satisfaction The stigma surrounding the adult film industry Candice's personal relationships and their experience with external judgment Candice emphasizes the lack of female podcasters Differences between men’s and women’s routines And other topics… Connect with Candice: Website: https://www.chattingwithcandice.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evalovia/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/fallinlovia  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/candicehorbacz 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

Why are some people better at certain things than others? There are many factors that can contribute to why some individuals are naturally better at certain things than others. These factors can include genetics, environmental influences, upbringing, education, and life experiences. When you become good at something, you start to see the nuances of that skill that beginners may miss. As you gain more experience, you begin to understand the intricacies and subtleties of the task that may have been previously invisible to you. This increased awareness allows you to see why others struggle with the skill and what they may be doing wrong. You can recognize common mistakes that beginners make, understand why certain techniques are more effective, and identify patterns that lead to success. Furthermore, being good at something often requires a deep understanding of the underlying principles that govern the skill. James Altucher, a Top 10 Linkedin Influencer, prolific writer, successful entrepreneur, chess master, and venture capitalist, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his motivation in writing Skip the Line: The 10,000 Experiments Rule and Other Surprising Advice for Reaching Your Goals. In this episode, Darius and James dive deep into the pros and cons of having multiple interests and hobbies, the meaning of Idea Sex and how it can be used in all areas of life, and the interesting concept of using conspiracy numbers in choosing the right idea.  Topics include: How James became an accidental entrepreneur while working for HBO How to handle multiple interests and hobbies What motivated James to write his new book Skip the Line James explains the meaning of Idea Sex Using conspiracy numbers in choosing the right idea  The concept of plus minus equals James shares some pieces of advice for podcast creators And other topics… Connect with James: Website: https://jamesaltucher.com/  Website: https://notepd.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altucher  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Line-Experiments-Surprising-Reaching/dp/0062998927  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

Are you building a championship team or a recipe for failure? Jack Welch, the legendary business executive and former CEO of General Electric (GE), understood the critical importance of people and values in building successful organizations. He believed that the key to a thriving company lies in having the right people who not only possess the necessary skills and competencies but also align with the core values of the organization. For Jack, there is no middle ground when it comes to values. In fact, he emphasized that competency in commitments and living the core values are the two essential factors in evaluating the suitability of individuals in a team.  He also believed that the right people contribute to making the CEO’s life easier and help foster a positive and thriving organizational culture. On the other hand, individuals who do not align with the values become a hindrance, causing damage to the organization’s ability to grow and succeed. In this episode, I delve into a range of topics that shed light on the remarkable success achieved by Jack Welch. I will also talk about the key factors that contribute to the overall success and cohesion of an organization, and why hiring for value alignment is crucial to the success of a company. Topics include: The success Jack Welch achieved during his tenure at General Electric (GE) The importance of understanding the underlying principles of success The most crucial things for the success and cohesion of the organization Core values and how they help build a successful organization Why it matters to hire for value alignment And other topics… Resource mentioned: Lessons on Winning and Profitability from Jack Welch: https://neilpatel.com/blog/winning-and-profitability/  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