The Greatness Machine

Are you showing up? Showing up for yourself is crucial for personal growth, self-awareness, and well-being. It means prioritizing your needs, desires, and goals, and taking intentional actions toward them. When you show up for yourself, you acknowledge your worth, and you create a foundation of self-love and self-respect.  It also means taking responsibility for your life, and not relying on others to fulfill your needs or make you happy. By showing up for yourself, you cultivate a sense of empowerment and agency, and you become more resilient and adaptable to life's challenges. So make it a habit to show up for yourself every day, in big and small ways, and watch how your life transforms for the better. Today I am flying solo to talk about who I am trying to be in the world and what I do to become that version of myself. In this episode, I will share a few tips I learned on how to become the best version of yourself and why it matters to show up and take action. I will also discuss the things I learned from two books I recently read, Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod. Topics include: My biggest takeaway from reading Atomic Habits The three things I’m trying to be in the world The importance of showing up And other topics… Resources mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits 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

What motivates someone to turn their personal challenges into moments of laughter for thousands? For Sara Weinshenk, it was about turning darkness into light, creating punchlines out of pain, and transforming adversity into avenues of connection. Through her comedic lens, she not only navigates her own struggles but also invites others to laugh along with her, sharing in the universal experience of overcoming life’s obstacles.  As a stand-up comedian, writer, and podcaster, Sara managed to transform her trials into triumphs motivated by the catharsis of laughter, the power of storytelling, and the innate human desire to find joy amidst hardship.  This episode of The Greatness Machine will dive into the inspiring journey of Sara Weinshenk, who has mastered the art of turning struggles into motivation to pursue her passions. Darius and Sara will also talk about the relentless grind of stand-up comedy, the importance of repetition and refinement in perfecting their craft, and the highs and lows of the comedy world. Topics include: The importance of following one's passion despite setbacks and societal expectations Sara recalls the challenges of shifting from an unfulfilling job to pursuing comedy How the evolution of social media transformed the landscape for comedians Sara talks about her initial struggles when she began her stand-up career The migration of comedians to Austin during the pandemic Sara shares how her podcasting journey started And other topics… Connect with Sara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princessshenk/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/princessshenk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sweinshenk  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shenk/id1396153950  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-bitch/id1593036777  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 Demostack. To learn more about Demostack or see it in action, visit demostack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does one pull themselves up from struggling through addiction to become one of the top connectors in the World? Is it possible to break the link between pain and addiction? Joe Polish, Founder of Genius Network and considered one of the most influential connectors in the world, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his new book, What’s In It For Them? 9 Genius Networking Principles To Get What You Want By Helping Others Get What They Want. In this episode, Darius and Joe explore the complex relationship between trauma, pain, and addiction. They delve into the concept of givers and takers and the importance of being someone who always gives. They also discuss the world of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the crucial role that mastering fundamental business skills plays in the industry. Topics include: Reasons why people resort to addiction as a solution to pain Joe looks back on how he battled drug addiction at such a young age What got Joe into entrepreneurship  The importance of learning the fundamental business skills Joe shares how Genius Network started Why you need to pay attention to what people complain about Ethics in life and business H.A.L.F. (Hard, Annoying, Lame, and Frustrating) versus E.L.F. (Easy, Lucrative, Fun) Joe explains what his new book What’s In It For Them is all about And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Five Love Languages: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Languages-Secret-that-Lasts/dp/080241270X Connect with Joe: Website: https://joepolish.com/  Book: https://whatsinitforthem.com/  Book: https://joesfreebook.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepolish  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joepolish/  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 wonder why some of the most successful people seem unfazed by rejection? Today I am flying solo to talk about the concept of “collecting nos” – a powerful mindset shift that can transform how you can approach challenges and opportunities. Discover why every “no” is a valuable step towards a “yes” and how it can fuel your growth and resilience.  This episode of The Greatness Machine will highlight the importance of seeking out rejection as a sign that you are pushing the limits of your comfort zone and striving for more. Join me as I share personal anecdotes and practical insights on how embracing the “nos” in life can lead you to unexpected yeses and monumental success. Topics include: The importance of learning how to embrace rejection Pushing your boundaries versus staying in your comfort zone The process of asking and receiving both “yeses” and “nos” Achieving success through persistence 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 if the darkest moments of your life could become the foundation for your greatest transformations? Imagine feeling hopeless, lost, and overwhelmed by the shadows of your own choices. Now, imagine that these very shadows, the darkest moments of your life, could be the foundation for your greatest transformations. A story such as Garrain Jones vividly illustrates the transformative power of adversity. His life took a dramatic turn when he found himself imprisoned in France for drug smuggling. At the time, Garrain was torn between a bright public image and a shadowy private life full of poor decisions and misguided priorities. But instead of succumbing to despair, he used his incarceration to reflect on his life. This episode of The Greatness Machine will delve into Garrain’s extraordinary journey from the depths of imprisonment in a foreign land to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment. Through his harrowing experiences and transformative insights, Garrain shares how he turned his darkest moments into the foundation for his greatest transformations. Topics include: The disparity between appearance and actual success in the entertainment industry The lasting effects of childhood trauma in terms of decision-making and worldview The importance of building grit and resilience The impact of intergenerational trauma and the power of individual choice in breaking such cycles The concept of mindset and behavioral change Honoring one’s true self and addressing unmet needs from childhood Garrain reflects on his experiences of imprisonment in France Garrain talks about his company Artist Power and what they offer And other topics… Connect with Garrain: Website: https://garrainjones.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrain.jones/  Membership: https://go.garrainjones.com/apply-artist-power-expressed LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrainjones  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 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