The Greatness Machine

Is the future of housing not just around the corner, but already knocking on our doors? Ivy Zelman, a renowned housing market analyst and CEO of Zelman & Associates, offers her unique perspective on the future of housing. With two decades of experience under her belt, she continues to provide invaluable insights and predictions that have helped shape the strategies of major investors and developers.  This episode of The Greatness Machine features Darius and our expert guest Ivy Zelman discussing how emerging technologies are influencing the housing market, from building materials to eco-friendly homes. Their discussion includes demographic shifts, economic factors, and environmental concerns, providing an overview of what the future holds for homeowners, renters, and investors. In addition to offering her predictions on the trends that will dominate the next decade, Ivy also discusses innovative solutions for affordable housing and addressing the challenges provided by urbanization and climate change. Topics include: The importance of data-driven analysis over prevailing market sentiments Ivy reveals her motivation for founding Zelman & Associates The impact of low turnover and high home prices despite rising interest rates Ivy explains the dynamics of new home sales versus existing home sales Ivy predicts a potential softening in the housing market but not a significant meltdown And other topics… Connect with Ivy: Website: https://www.zelmanassociates.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivy-zelman-64304616b  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 do you handle tough situations in life?  Building mental strength is a critical aspect of achieving success and living a fulfilling life. It involves developing a mindset that allows you to overcome obstacles and setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. It requires a strong sense of self-awareness, which involves understanding your strengths and weaknesses and being willing to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. This can involve setting realistic goals, practicing self-reflection, and seeking feedback from others. Amy Morin, editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind, the biggest mental health website in the world, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about her new book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. In this episode, Darius and Amy talk about the importance of building mental strength to help manage our thoughts and emotions. Amy explains the difference between knowing and doing, and why people often fear solitude and silence. Topics include: What changed Amy’s mind about becoming a doctor What motivated Amy to learn about building mental strength and toughness The challenges of knowing versus doing The benefits of having a pros-and-cons list Amy recalls writing 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do How to stop dwelling in the past and move on for good The three parts of mental strength Ways to stop expecting immediate results Why people fear the quiet and being alone Amy talks about The Verywell Mind Podcast And other topics… Resources mentioned: The War of Art by: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/  Connect with Amy: Website: https://amymorinlcsw.com/  Website: https://www.verywellmind.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymorinlcsw/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Things-Mentally-Strong-People-Workbook/dp/0063252236  Podcast: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058  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

Is it really possible to achieve more by doing less? In the pursuit of doing more, we often find ourselves entangled in a labyrinth of busyness, where productivity becomes a mere illusion. We chase after every opportunity that comes knocking, and our plates overflow, spilling over with commitments and aspirations, leaving us no room to savor life’s simple pleasures. But amidst this flurry of constant motion, we fail to realize that doing more doesn’t always equate to achieving more. In fact, that is one of the things I learned after experiencing burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion as someone who tends to overwhelm himself with too many commitments.  Today I am flying solo for part one of this series where I will discuss the top four things I learned in my 44th year on Earth. In this episode, I will share how I have come to a realization that choosing less over more is the key to a happier life. I will also share some tips on how to simplify decision-making and how to identify and focus on the things that truly matter in order to succeed.  Topics include: The top four lessons I learned during my 44th year Reflecting on my past tendencies to constantly fill my plate Looking back hitting a wall when I left my business Experiencing burnout and exhaustion due to overcommitting Making a conscious decision to focus on what matters most 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

How can you balance work and play while achieving unparalleled success? What are the keys to maximizing every moment of your life? Balancing work and play while achieving unparalleled success is a delicate yet achievable feat, as demonstrated by Marko Gargenta's journey. Best known for his innovative ventures, he embodies the art of integrating work and play seamlessly into his life, highlighting several key strategies that anyone can adopt to maintain equilibrium and excel in both professional and personal realms. Marko stresses the importance of setting clear priorities and boundaries. By defining what matters most in both work and personal life, individuals can allocate their time and energy effectively. For Marko, this means dedicating time to work tasks, utilizing technology and optimizing workflows to maximize output. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Marko as they delve into his remarkable journey—from immigrating from Serbia to Canada during the Yugoslav Wars, his transitions between tech and hospitality industries, to founding PlusPlus. Marko shares his inspirations for entering tech, including the creation of Marakana for tech training, and his pivotal decision to join Twitter. He discusses crafting a personal vision and actively pursuing it, advocating for living an epic life through joyous experiences.  Topics include: Marko recalls immigrating from Serbia to Canada during the Yugoslav Wars Marko talks about his professional journey and founding PlusPlus What inspired Marko to transition to the tech industry Transitioning from tech to hospitality and back Creating Marakana as a sandbox for tech training and consulting Marko reveals his inspiration for joining Twitter  Creating a vision for your life and actively working towards making it a reality Embracing the concept of living an epic life and seeking out experiences that bring you joy  And other topics… Connect with Marko: Website: https://plusplus.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markogargenta/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/markog  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’s stopping you from turning your dreams into reality? Turning your dreams into reality is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences you can have in life. It is about taking that idea or goal that you've had in your head for so long and making it a tangible, real-life accomplishment. It is about taking the necessary steps to pursue the life you have always wanted. Making your dream a reality requires organization, flexibility, positivity, and support. By staying focused on your vision, being adaptable in the face of challenges, maintaining a positive attitude, and seeking out support when needed, you can turn your dream into a reality and reach your full potential. Giovanni Marsico, the founder of Archangel, a community of superhero entrepreneurs, leaders, and game changers, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share his personal story of living his dream and helping others achieve theirs.  In this episode, Darius and Giovanni talk about overcoming the challenges of chasing your dreams, combating imposter syndrome, and the benefits of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Giovanni also reveals the inspiration behind the “Dreamer” documentary, where they tell the story of entrepreneurs who never gave up on their dreams despite the hurdles.  Topics include: Giovanni recalls the beginning of Archangel Academy How starting Archangel helped Giovanni cope with depression Why he initially chose real estate instead of carrying out the idea of Archangel The challenges of curating an event Giovanni shares how he succeeded in inviting Gary Vaynerchuk to speak to his first big summit event Overcoming imposter syndrome  What inspired the “Dreamer” documentary  And other topics… Connect with Giovanni: Website: https://archangel.cc/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannimarsico/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giftedwithgio  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 running on the hedonic treadmill? The hedonic treadmill refers to the phenomenon where people's expectations and desires for pleasure and happiness increase over time, but their actual level of happiness and satisfaction remains relatively constant. In other words, people constantly strive for more and more pleasure and happiness, but they never really reach a state of lasting satisfaction or contentment. Getting off the hedonic treadmill can be achieved by changing one's mindset and approach to life, focusing on things that provide deeper meaning and fulfillment rather than short-term pleasure. Today I am flying solo to talk about my personal struggles of being on the hedonic treadmill for so long and how that mindset has caused me dissatisfaction despite achieving some of the biggest milestones I have set for myself. In this episode, I will share some tips on how to avoid getting stuck on the hedonic treadmill, the benefits of building habits and rituals to achieve success, and the importance of celebrating achievements. Topics include: What is the hedonic treadmill and how does it affect your happiness Letting go of chronic dissatisfaction Things that hold back happiness Why setting daily goals helps you accomplish more The importance of building habits and rituals to achieve success And other topics… Resources mentioned: War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/  The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710  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 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