The Greatness Machine

When time and money seem like limited resources, the idea of maximizing both can seem impossible. But what if it were possible to achieve true abundance in both? How would it be if our desire for personal fulfillment and financial abundance could be harmonized? Bill Perkins, a hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, author, and professional poker player, has discovered invaluable insights into the intersection of money and meaning. Through his book, Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life, he challenges the traditional notion of hoarding wealth for the future. He advocates for living life to the fullest now, making meaningful experiences a priority over accumulating wealth that may never be fully enjoyed. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Bill Perkins to explore practical strategies for maximizing both your life and your finances. Drawing from his remarkable journey and the principles outlined in his book, Bill shares what it takes to create a life that is truly worth living. Topics include: The importance of living life to the fullest and maximizing experiences Bill explains Die with Zero and emphasizes the value of spending wealth strategically Being off autopilot and deeply understanding one’s authentic desires and values The benefits of optimizing one’s life in terms of money and time Enjoying the journey of life rather than solely focusing on achieving financial success Why it matters to balance entrepreneurship and relationships Bill warns against falling into the trap of pursuing wealth or status for ego gratification Aligning actions with long-term fulfillment rather than societal expectations  And other topics… Connect with Bill: Twitter: https://twitter.com/bp22  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billperkins/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358099765  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

Fred Reichheld, known as Bain’s High Priest of Customer Loyalty, discusses the essence of purpose in business beyond just profit. He emphasizes that companies thrive on providing real value and personalized experiences for their customers. The conversation dives into the Net Promoter System (NPS) and its role in gauging customer loyalty. Fred outlines the key traits of great leadership, the significance of emotional connections, and offers insights on fostering sustainable success through genuine customer feedback.

It is common for customers to return to your brand when they feel valued and enjoy the overall experience. Having that culture of appreciation within your business, where your team members or your internal customers feel valued and recognized for their great work, will also reflect on your external customers’ experience.  Today, I am flying solo to share with you the secret to building a perfect customer experience.  In this episode, I will talk about the most important questions to ask your internal and external customers. I will also discuss how I have been using Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure customers’ experience. Topics include: Differences between an internal and an external customer What is Net Promoter Score (NPS) and how is it calculated Three questions I always ask my team members The importance of having an appreciation culture at work Five questions to build a perfect customer experience And other topics… Resources mentioned: Net Promoter Score: https://www.netpromoter.com/  ScaleMAP Method: https://www.dariusclass.com/training-video  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 if discomfort was the key to unlocking your full potential? This thought-provoking question challenges conventional wisdom and invites us to reconsider our relationship with discomfort. While discomfort is often seen as something to avoid, discomfort can be the catalyst for achieving new heights of personal growth and achievement. Michael Easter, the New York Times bestselling author of Scarcity Brain and The Comfort Crisis, challenges us to consider discomfort as a powerful catalyst for unlocking our true potential. Through his exploration of nutrition, behavior change, and the transformative impact of extreme experiences, he prompts us to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and self-discovery. By delving into the nuances of discomfort, Michael shares how facing challenges head-on can lead to profound personal development and resilience. Whether it is enduring the relentless cold in the Arctic or adopting new dietary habits, his insights underscore the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones to realize our fullest capabilities. This episode of The Greatness Machine will serve as a poignant reminder that greatness is often forged in the crucible of discomfort.  Topics include: The importance of embracing short-term discomfort for long-term benefits Michael explains the concept of the “2% mindset” The concept of awareness and choice Michael discusses the idea of Misogi by Marcus Elliot The benefits of pushing boundaries and taking on challenges Why it matters to incorporate movement into daily routines Removing bad habits as a precursor to adopting good ones And other topics… Connect with Michael: Website: https://eastermichael.com/ Website: https://www.twopct.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Michael_Easter  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_easter/ 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

The ability to adapt enhances your capacity to cope with change, regardless of its severity. Being adaptable helps you come up with diverse solutions to problems. It’s also about having the willingness to go the extra mile. Going the extra mile is not just about feeling better about yourself. It is true that the more we are engaged in activities that enable us to put in our best effort, the better we feel about ourselves. But more than the positive self-image it brings, making a special effort to do and achieve something acts as a positive influence on other people. Gabby Reece, former pro-volleyball player, supermodel, and co-founder and co-innovator of Laird Superfood and XPT, joins us to talk about her life as a former athlete, fashion model, actress, and as an entrepreneur. In this episode, Darius and Gabby talk about the ways to get better at working under pressure, how to deal with online criticisms, the importance of adaptability, and why it matters to connect with people. Topics include: How to thrive under pressure How Gabby got into volleyball during the early ’90s Gabby shares the differences in volleyball then and now What Gabby learned from modeling Best ways as a leader to leverage teams How to improve adaptability skills How Gabby handles compliments and criticisms Movement as a tool to protect mental health Why it is important to connect with other people Gabby talks about her marriage with Laird Hamilton Gabby explains XPT and what the training program offers And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  Brain Energy by Christopher M. Palmer: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Energy-Revolutionary-Understanding-Health/dp/1637741588  The Breathing Cure by Patrick McKeown: https://www.amazon.com/BREATHING-CURE-Develop-Healthier-Happier/dp/1630061972  Connect with Gabby: Website: https://www.gabriellereece.com/ The Gabby Reece Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gabby-reece-show/id1492179907  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyreece/?hl=en  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 how to land a TED talk and make your message matter? Today, I am flying solo to walk you through the process of how I hosted a TEDx event back in 2012. With a theme of The Pursuit of Passion, the one-day event focused on the fire that drives people to pursue their passions. It was about how one finds the strength to follow their heart and intuition despite rejection, lack of support, challenges, or even outright failure. In this episode, I will talk about the process of applying to get a TED Talk, the challenges I had to deal with as a head curator of a TEDx event, and the story behind how I got Scott Dinsmore as one of the speakers for my event.  Resources mentioned: TED website: https://www.ted.com/  Scott Dinsmore TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpe-LKn-4gM  Topics include: Two different ways to get on the main TED stage What is TED and what they do What is a TEDx event and what is the application process for a license How to become a TEDx speaker  How I handled and prepared for no-shows during a TEDx event How Scott Dinsmore’s TEDx talk went viral on YouTube 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

What makes you wealthy?  In a world where success often takes center stage, we tend to equate wealth solely with the size of our bank account. But what if true wealth transcends monetary success? What if it encompasses something much deeper and more fulfilling? Robin Sharma, renowned author and leadership expert, challenges us to redefine our understanding of wealth in The Wealth Money Can’t Buy: The 8 Hidden Habits to Live Your Richest Life. Through his latest book, he introduces the hidden forms of wealth that extend beyond money which he said are essential components of a rich and fulfilling life. Drawing from his years of experience as a leadership expert, Robin shares practical strategies and profound wisdom to help readers live their richest lives.  This episode of The Greatness Machine will explore the deeper dimension of wealth to help the audience unlock a newfound sense of purpose, fulfillment, and abundance beyond financial measures.  Topics include: Robin discusses the concept of wealth beyond financial success The importance of introspection and finding inner peace The significance of processing emotions to achieve productivity and fulfillment Robin recounts humble beginnings and shift from being a successful lawyer to becoming a thought leader Robin introduces eight form of wealth and their contribution to a fulfilling life beyond monetary success The value of personal development and inner growth in achieving outer success Robin talks about the concept of the Virtuoso Algorithm Finding solitude to unleash creativity and achieve mastery Recognizing and overcoming limiting beliefs to achieve financial wealth and success Robin explains the importance of generosity as a business strategy Surrounding oneself with the right people and building strong relationships And other topics… Connect with Robin: Website: https://www.robinsharma.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinsharma/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6oh54zIYKyW6hgBiZzLLsA  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Money-Cant-Buy-Richest/dp/059379849X  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 I help others?” This is the starting point for finding a sense of purpose or your reason for being. Your life purpose is your reason for getting up in the morning and what will serve as your compass in making decisions. It is what helps you focus on the things that will bring you genuine happiness and fulfillment. Sam Ushio is the Chief Ikigai Officer of Connect3x, a people platform that embeds well-being into the rhythm of business. He is joining us to talk about the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” which means your “reason for being” or something that gives a person a reason for living. By knowing your ikigai and understanding its meaning, you can align yourself with the work you've longed for and the work the world needs. In this episode, Darius and Sam talk about finding purpose, taking risks, living a life with no regrets, building wealth through well-being, and a lot more. Topics include: Sam explains the definition of the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” Difference between shareholder and stakeholder Living with regrets and how to deal with them Sam looks back on becoming an entrepreneur The 7-year cycles of life Sam talks about Connect3x and what they do Importance of employee engagement in business And other topics… Connect with Sam: Website: https://connect3x.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samushio/ Email: info@connect3x.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

Do you often find yourself thinking about the “what ifs” of life? Are you someone who worries about the worst things that could happen? If you are, then you are probably wondering if there are ways to stop these negative thoughts from filling your mind. The good news is that there are tools, habits, and strategies that can help you avoid anxiety spirals.  Today, I am flying solo to share something very personal to me; my journey of dealing with and overcoming chronic worrying and anxiety.  Growing up in a complicated environment, I had to strive to achieve things and become a good example constantly. The unrealistic expectations later resulted in me becoming an anxious perfectionist.  In the first part of this mini-series, I will talk about how I dealt with anxiety as a kid until I reached adulthood. I will also walk you through the strategies and tools that helped me avoid having thinking errors and anxious thoughts.  Topics include: Experiencing anxiety disorder at such a young age How I coped with anxiety as a teen and young adult Defense mechanisms I used for anxiety as an adult What my therapist asked me to do to track my anxiety What I learned after writing a list of 100 things I was worried about How awareness helped me overcome my anxiety 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

Have you ever felt like you're hiding behind a facade of expectations and perceptions, concealing your true identity? Jen Gottlieb knows that feeling all too well. From being a gym trainer to becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur, she has lived the transformation of shedding societal masks and embracing authenticity. Drawing from her personal experiences, Jen unveils the power of finding your voice, building your brand, and living your dream through her book BE SEEN.  From the days of feeling invisible as a gym trainer to the moment she stepped into her authentic self as a thriving entrepreneur, Jen reveals how she broke free from the confines of conformity, ventured into the unknown of entrepreneurship, and carved her path to success.  This episode of The Greatness Machine is all about uncovering the moments of vulnerability, the triumphs of self-discovery, and the evolution from hiding to shining.  Topics include: Jen looks back at how her entrepreneurial journey started Co-founding Super Connector Media and helping brands online Jen talks about the lessons she learned from acting and being in musical theater The importance of taking action and how it organizes one’s path towards their goals Jen explains the difference between “creation” and “manifestation” Jen discusses the concept of the “Rule of 51%”  Experiencing imposter syndrome and why you need to embrace it Embracing the fluctuations in confidence and emotions Overcoming fear and embracing the unknown The benefits of committing to small steps to achieve significant shifts in mindset Jen talks about her newest book “Be Seen” And other topics… Connect with Jen: Website: https://jengottlieb.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jengottlieb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/BE-SEEN-Voice-Brand-Dream/dp/1401972586  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