The Greatness Machine

What makes a great Chief Operating Officer (COO)? A Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a crucial role in the success of a company. The COO is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. This includes managing internal operations, such as finance, human resources, and IT, as well as external operations, such as sales and marketing. Hiring a great COO can have a significant impact on the growth and success of a company. A strong COO will have a deep understanding of the industry and the company's operations and will be able to identify areas for improvement and implement effective strategies to drive growth. They will also be able to lead and motivate employees, and work closely with the CEO to develop and execute the company's overall strategy. Cameron Herold, a top business consultant, best-selling author, and speaker, joins us on the Greatness Machine for the second time around to talk about his newest book, The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO, where he shares details of the process of hiring a COO and successfully working with them. In this episode, Darius and Cameron lay down the characteristics that make a good COO, the roles and responsibilities of a Second in Command, and the most common mistakes entrepreneurs and CEOs make when hiring and onboarding a new COO. Cameron also talks about his decision to become a digital nomad and even shares a piece of advice to those who want to follow the same path.  Topics include: How and why Cameron was asked to leave 1800-GOT-JUNK The must-have traits of a great COO The motivation behind Cameron’s first book Double Double Cameron shares inspiration for writing The Second In Command The biggest failure point most entrepreneurs and CEOs make in looking for a second in command What caused Cameron to become a digital nomad and travel the world with his wife Cameron shares a piece of advice for those who are hesitant to travel And other topics... Resources mentioned: Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837  Cameron Herold on TGM (Part 1): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-cameron-herold-the-power-of-a-second/id1555334180?i=1000532262742  Connect with Cameron: Website: https://cameronherold.com/  Website: https://cooalliance.com/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Command-Unleash-Power-Your/dp/1544537603  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coo-alliance/  Course: https://investinyourleaders.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it true that maintaining a habit of going to bed and waking up early can result in good health, wealth, and wisdom? Waking up early can be a powerful tool to boost productivity throughout the day. By starting your day earlier, you give yourself extra time to accomplish important tasks, prioritize your to-do list, and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. One of the key benefits of waking up early for productivity is that it allows you to establish a routine. When you wake up at the same time every day, your body becomes accustomed to the schedule and you can train yourself to be more productive during your waking hours. This can lead to increased efficiency and focus throughout the day, as you're already in the mindset of getting things done. Waking up early also allows you to tackle your most important tasks when you're at your freshest and most alert. This is because you're able to start your day with a clear mind and fewer distractions, allowing you to focus your energy on the tasks that require the most brainpower and creativity. Today, I am flying solo to talk about Hal Elrod’s book, The Miracle Morning, and how it changed me to become a morning person.  In this episode, I will talk about my morning routine and what my day looks like after learning about the SAVERS productivity routine. I will also share my manifestations and what I do to achieve them. Topics include: How Hal Elrod’s book The Miracle Morning changed my life Practical steps to becoming a morning person How the SAVERS routine help boosts my productivity How to visualize and manifest what you want The benefits of having an accountability partner And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710  The Self-Aware Leader by John Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Aware-Leader-Play-Strengths-Unleash/dp/078526664X  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 navigate the steepest slopes of mental health challenge and merge stronger than ever? Just like traversing a mountain, overcoming mental health obstacles requires preparation, resilience, and a solid support system.  Drew Petersen, a professional skier and mental health advocate, has faced some of the most treacherous terrains, but his toughest battles were fought within his own mind. His journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of addressing mental health with the same dedication and care as any physical challenge. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Drew to open up about his struggles with mental health, his near-suicidal experiences, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and ultimately, find a path to recovery. Drew will also talk about his newest film, “Feel It All,” which documents his successful ultramarathon attempt.  Topics include: Drew talks about his professional journey and becoming a skier at 15 Breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide through films Raising awareness and promoting mental health within the outdoor sports community Drew shares how his passion for storytelling started The importance of teamwork in creative endeavors Drew discusses his short film “Ups & Downs” and the message it aims to convey The importance of embracing the continuous cycle of ups and downs in life Drew gives a sneak peek into his newest film “Feel It All” And other topics… Connect with Drew: Website: https://drew-petersen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewpeterski/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drewpeterski/ Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1786995813/feel-it-all/  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 defines an effective leader? What are the qualities employers look for in a leader? In an ever-changing workplace, an effective leader is an excellent communicator and someone who empowers their team. Integrity, honesty, and authenticity are essential attributes of a good leader. Good leadership involves defining outcomes and then helping team members use their talents to achieve them. Larry Yatch, an elite leadership strategist and the creator of the SEAL Success programs, joins us on the Greatness Machine for the second time around to talk about his book, How Leadership (Actually) Works: A Navy SEAL’s Complete System for Coordinating Teams. In this episode, Darius and Larry dive deep into leadership and discuss the six-pillar system that teaches companies how to effectively structure teams, manage behavior, and maximize self-regulation. They also discuss purpose alignment and the power of language in coordinating action with others.  Topics include: Larry talks about his book How Leadership (Actually) Works An overview of the 6 pillars of leadership Why Larry used to feel unfulfilled despite his achievements How to produce success as an individual or as a company Leveraging language for building a good team Language as a tool to coordinate action with others The difference between ego and confidence How to align individual, team, and organizational purpose The effects of social media and news on a person’s self-regulation Larry defines culture and leadership And other topics… Resources mentioned: Larry Yatch (Episode 1): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/141-larry-yatch-leading-like-a-navy-seal/id1555334180?i=1000583007928&l=ru  Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287  Connect with Larry: Website: https://www.sealteamleaders.com/ Book: https://www.howleadershipactuallyworks.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-yatch/ 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 can you overcome resistance to change? Overcoming resistance is often a key factor in achieving greatness, whether that means excelling in your career, creating a work of art, or achieving a personal goal. Resistance can take many forms, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, or a lack of motivation. However, by recognizing and overcoming these obstacles, you can tap into your full potential and create something truly great. One of the keys to overcoming resistance is to develop a growth mindset. This means embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as indications of failure. It also means focusing on the process of creating, rather than solely on the outcome. By shifting your perspective in this way, you can take on challenges with greater resilience and creativity, and view obstacles as opportunities to learn and improve. Today, I am flying solo to talk about my experience joining the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camps and how that experience made me learn the importance of overcoming resistance. In this episode, I will take a look back at the moment I heard true resistance for the very first time and how I learned the benefits of quieting our monkey minds. Topics include: What I experienced joining the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camps The first time I heard true resistance What I learned from J Robinson about resistance Quieting the monkey mind to overcome resistance And other topics… Resources mentioned: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/  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 can you go from just being a leader to being a truly inspirational leader? To transition from merely being a leader to one who truly inspires, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of influence and impact. Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, a luminary in the realm of leadership and executive coaching, discusses key principles that can facilitate this transformation. It starts with recognizing the power of intentionality in communication and decision-making. Inspirational leaders, as Marshall highlights, pause to consider whether their actions align with the goal of making a positive difference. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Marshall to delve into the nuances of effective leadership. Through insightful anecdotes and practical wisdom, Marshall elucidates the importance of making a positive difference, fostering trust, and embracing self-awareness on the journey toward greatness in leadership. Topics include: Influencing decisions through understanding and addressing the needs of others Making positive difference rather than proving oneself right The crucial role of honoring other people’s perspectives Embracing the uncertainties in business and being open to other possibilities Being ready to adapt and willing to acknowledge mistakes Being cautious about out-of-hours emails or messages The importance of purposeful communication Recognizing and de-stigmatizing self-interest in business Encouraging long-term planning but understanding the practical challenges And other topics… Connect with Marshall: Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/ Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.ai/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshallgoldsmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachgoldsmith/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachgoldsmith/ 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 mean to surrender and let go of control? Letting go and surrendering can be a difficult task, but it is often the only way to truly move forward. It takes courage to relinquish control and accept that sometimes life has its own path for us.  But with this courage comes great rewards; when we let go of our worries, fears, doubts, and expectations we open ourselves up to new possibilities in life. By surrendering, we are going with the flow of life while working towards our goals.  Kute Blackson, world-renowned teacher, author, leader, and speaker in the world of personal development, joins us on the Greatness Machine to dive deep into his bestselling book, The Magic of Surrender: Finding the Courage to Let Go. In this episode, Darius and Kute talk about how people can break free from self-imposed conditions by surrendering and letting go of control. They also discuss how painful experiences and traumas can lead us into finding our purpose in life. Topics include: Kute shares what it feels like growing up in a long line of spiritual leaders Kute looks back coming to the US for the first time to live his calling How to turn painful experiences into purpose What it means to surrender and how to do it Kute shares the story behind writing The Magic of Surrender Letting go and breaking conditioned patterns Moving away from ego to seek the truth And other topics… Sources mentioned: Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363 Connect with Kute: Website: https://kuteblackson.com/  Website: https://www.boundlessblissbali.com/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Surrender-Finding-Courage-Let-ebook/dp/B08LMJ8YQF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuteblackson/  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 the loyalty of others such a blessing? Loyalty can be seen as a gift in the sense that it is something that is given freely, without expecting anything in return. It demonstrates a genuine commitment and a sense of caring for someone or something. It is often a key ingredient in successful personal and professional relationships, as it helps to foster a strong bond and promote stability. Whether it is demonstrated in personal relationships, communities, or larger social and cultural contexts, one could argue that loyalty is indeed a gift, as it has the power to enrich and enhance the lives of those around us.  Today, I am flying solo to look back at the things I have learned about loyalty and its value. I will also reveal what happened when I stopped expecting things from other people and how it reframed my mindset. Topics include: The gifts that we give to each other Loyalty as a gift What I learned from the Burning Man event What happened when I stopped expecting things from other people 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what it takes to balance the adrenaline rush of hurtling down a bobsled track with the discipline of military service, all while aiming for Olympic gold? Riley Tejcek, a support specialist at Expeditionary Warfare School at the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, exemplifies resilience, ambition, and unwavering dedication as she navigates the dual worlds of elite athletics and military service.  While striving to become the first female Marine to compete in the Olympics, Riley navigates the challenges of training, competition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, all while breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Riley to talk about her journey as an athlete and a captain in the Marine Corps. This episode will also explore her path to becoming an Olympic hopeful, overcoming self-doubt, and achieving greatness in both sports and military service. Topics include: The importance of pushing boundaries, taking risks, and embracing challenges The most common challenges for athletes pursuing niche sports Riley provides a concise overview of bobsledding, the intense speeds, and danger Riley looks back at the adrenaline-filled experience of her first time in a bobsled The physical toll of bobsledding and the effects of G-Forces on the body Riley talks about the rigorous selection process to secure a spot on the Olympic team Riley discusses her unexpected path into the military Riley reflects on her experience participating in the Miss Military 2023 pageant The benefits of overcoming self-doubt by taking bold steps And other topics… Connect with Riley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-tejcek-b264902b9  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riley.tejcek/ 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

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done? We all have dreams of working less and making more, but it can seem impractical. Whether it’s getting through our to-do list at work or completing household chores, finding ways to maximize efficiency and productivity can be difficult. Although it can be challenging, the good news is it’s possible! Working half as much and making twice as much may sound like an impossible feat, but it’s actually not that hard.  Denise Gosnell, CEO, entrepreneur, strategist, attorney, investor, and the author of the bestselling book The Vacation Effect for Entrepreneurs, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share her secret to running three companies while working on an average of just three days a week.  In this episode, Darius and Denise talk about workaholicism, the American “grind” culture,” and how it is possible to break free from these mentalities and achieve the freedom mindset. They also discuss how to eliminate the feeling of guilt when pursuing the life you have always dreamed of.  Topics include: How Denise became a seven-figure entrepreneur from humble beginnings What workaholism taught Denise about money, life, and family How a tragic fire incident changed Denise’s mindset to be truly happy What working 80 hours a week look like, its benefits, and challenges What motivated Denise to do a three-day workweek test for 30 days Evaluating team members based on results versus hours spent Some of the stumbling blocks Denise experienced around the framework How to increase productivity and get more done in less time How Denise spends her “freedom days” How to overcome the grind culture and workaholic mentality And other topics… Connect with Denise: Website: https://denisegosnell.com/ Website: https://growbysubtraction.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisegosnell/  Book: https://denisegosnell.com/book  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