The Greatness Machine

A vision without action is nothing more than a fantasy, and action is merely a means to an end without a vision.  Having a vision is imagining what life will be like after reaching your goals. Not only is it important to have one, but it is essential to communicate your vision in a way that attracts excitement and action. After all, vision is about your goals and how you plan to achieve them in the future. Jonathan Domsky, business and life coach and founder of Untangled Coaching, joins us on The Greatness Machine for the second time around to talk about vision, purpose, and the common limiting beliefs that stop most people from reaching their full potential. In this episode, Darius and Jonathan discuss the importance of transforming vision into reality, the two kinds of visions and how they differ from each other, and the reasons why some of the most hard-working people don’t achieve the life they have always dreamed of. Topics include: How Jonathan realized he wanted to become a coach Two basic kinds of visions and their definitions The difference between affirmation and declaration Why having a sense of purpose is important What motivates people to take action What is vision and why you must have it Five reasons why hard-working people don’t have to lives and businesses they want What stops people from achieving greatness in their lives And other topics… Connect with Jonathan: Website: https://untangled-coaching.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/business-personal-growth-coach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathandomsky/  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 make time for the things you want to do when you have too much on your plate? Most of us, if not all, wish there were more hours in a day to grind and make time for what brings us joy. Any business owner or entrepreneur can attest to that. Finding a balance between work and life is easier said than done. But when done right, it can make the impossible possible. Today, I am flying solo to share a few tips on how I managed to surpass my goal of reading 22 books this year with three months to spare. In this episode, I will talk about the benefits of habit stacking and how it helped me learn to multitask while reading. I will also share the secret on how a busy entrepreneur like myself finds more time to read and what tools helped me to become a book athlete. Topics include: The benefits of building good habits Expert tips to reading more books in a year How I learned to multitask while reading The importance of narrator choice in audiobooks Pros and cons of reading multiple books at once Effective note-taking from reading Apps that helped me increase my reading My reading goal for 2023 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 we tap into the latent leadership qualities that reside within us, waiting to be cultivated and utilized to their fullest extent? As leadership is viewed as a rare quality possessed by only a select few, it's easy to overlook each individual's potential for leadership. Leadership, however, is not exclusively a skill that a privileged few possess. It can be cultivated and developed by anyone willing to work for it. Warren Rustand, whose illustrious career spans leadership roles in the White House, executive positions in multi-billion dollar corporations, and successful entrepreneurial ventures, shares profound insights into the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. He highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing one’s innate leadership potential, emphasizing the transformative power of stepping into one’s leadership role, even in the face of adversity or uncertainty. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Warren Rustand to talk about the need to acknowledge and cultivate our latent leadership qualities. The discussion will also explore the critical importance of finding the right space – whether in business, personal life, or relationships – and the transformative power that comes from making intentional changes.  Topics include: The importance of perseverance and determination in pursuing goals Warren highlights the significance of family and relationships in his life What Warren learned during his time in the White House Why it matters to engage in high-quality conversations to attain success Warren shares three fundamental principles essential for achieving greatness  The benefits of being in the right environment in order to grow and succeed Warren highlights the power of clarity of vision And other topics… Connect with Warren: Website: https://warrenrustand.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-rustand-8a9b026/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarrenSRustand/  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 take to be “authentic” when it comes to marketing? A fundamental requirement of marketing is authenticity, as consumers expect it. They demand you to communicate your brand’s message consistently, tell an honest story and provide relatable information that will capture customer attention.  Daniel Murphy, SVP of Marketing and angel investor at Liquid Death, discusses the uber-effective marketing strategy that is making Liquid Death the darling and “it brand” in the CPG space right now. With plans for global domination, the canned-water company takes pride in authentic brand-building and keeping its consumers interested.  In this episode, Darius and Daniel talk about marketing strategies, advertising, and the benefits of leveraging social media in building an audience. They also talk about cancel culture and the best ways to handle negative feedback, among other interesting topics. Topics include: How Daniel got into canned-water company Liquid Death What they do at Liquid Death How Daniel became SVP of Marketing at Liquid Death Daniel looks back at his career in advertising What Liquid Death has done in terms of marketing strategy How authentic brand-building wins over consumers Taking advantage of emerging social media platforms Cancel culture and how to handle it Daniel talks about their recent campaigns Collaborating with artists and other brands Working with Martha Stewart How Daniel found his dream job Future plans for Liquid Death And other topics… Connect with Daniel: Website: https://liquiddeath.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liquiddeath/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danqmurphy/ 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

Did you ever wish you could go back in time and get some advice from your younger self? We can all relate to this sentiment, prompting reflection on the paths we have taken and the wisdom we have gained. Today, I am flying solo to unpack the profound implications of seeking guidance from our past selves. Drawing from my personal experiences and the wisdom of others, I will discuss the complexities of emotional intelligence and decision-making. This episode of The Greatness Machine will also highlight the significance of embracing our emotions while maintaining a balanced perspective, shedding light on the nuanced interplay between past experiences and present choices. Topics include: The benefits of self-reflection for present action Annie Duke’s concept of “tilt” in decision-making The importance of prioritizing health, family, and meaningful relationships 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 do you build a devoted following for your brand? This question lies at the heart of every successful business endeavor, and Tricia Wallwork, the award-winning CEO of Milo’s Tea Company, shares compelling insights into exactly how to accomplish this goal. Her leadership has not only allowed the family-owned business to thrive, but also cultivated a devoted following that spans generations. By understanding and prioritizing the needs of consumers, Tricia highlights the importance of aligning the brand with consumer values and preferences. And through this consumer-centric philosophy, Milo’s Tea Company has been able to consistently deliver products that appeal to consumers.  Moreover, another key element to the company’s success is its people-centric culture, something Tricia champions as CEO. This internal culture of care and appreciation results in exceptional customer experiences, further strengthening the bond between Milo's Tea Company and its devoted following. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Tricia to talk about the essential elements of building a devoted following for your brand. Through candid conversation, Tricia shares the company’s journey to success, highlighting the importance of consumer trust, brand values, and a people-centric approach. This episode will also touch on some strategic insights and leadership principles that have shaped Milo’s Tea Company into a beloved household name with a passionate fan base. Topics include: Brand evolution of Milo’s Tea Company from a small regional business to a national powerhouse The importance of exceptional customer service and being willing to say no to maintain brand integrity and growth The benefits of having a People First culture in driving success Tricia explains why it matters to understand and serve the needs of consumers The crucial role of trust in consumer relationships Overcoming limits and believing in the impossible And other topics… Connect with Tricia: Website: https://drinkmilos.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciawallwork 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

Humans are not meant to be alone all the time. But with jobs to fulfill, businesses to run, kids to look after, and loved ones to spend time with, how do you gather old and new folks to rekindle friendships and encourage new connections? What better way to bring people together than hosting a cocktail party, right? Nick Gray, the founder of Museum Hack and author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to Build Big Relationships with Small Gatherings, joins us to share how he went from helping his family’s businesses to launching his own tour operator business and then writing his very first book about the benefits of hosting social gatherings.  In this episode, Nick looks back at how he made it possible to help his family grow their business by leading their hiring, marketing, and international sales. He takes us back to when he started and grew Museum Hack and reveals why he sold and exited the company in 2018. Nick also talks about the benefits of hosting cocktail parties in widening your network and building connections. Topics include: How Nick became a museum tour guide and turned Hack the Met tours into a business How long it took Nick to launch his book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party Nick and Darius share one thing to consider before publishing a book How Nick grew Museum Hack before he stepped down and sold the company The biggest fear of a new party host and how to avoid it Nick reveals the best days to host a cocktail party The secret formula to successfully hosting parties and making new friends Nick explains why a conventional cocktail party lasts only 2 hours Tips for parents who want to host or attend a party How to leverage party hosting And other topics… Resources: How to Host a Party Website: https://party.pro/  The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: https://party.pro/book/   The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: https://amzn.to/39rfb2V   The Easy Way to Host or Plan a Networking Event: https://party.pro/networking/  How to Plan a Clothing Swap (The Easy Way): https://party.pro/swap/  Hosting a Happy Hour: Nick Gray’s How-to Guide: https://party.pro/happyhour/  Kids at Your Party: Get a Sitter: https://party.pro/kids/  Connect with Nick: Website: https://nickgray.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickgraynews/?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

Are your relationships lifting you up or weighing you down? Today, I am flying solo to illustrate how positive relationships can make a big difference in life.  Drawing from my own experiences and insights, this episode prompts listeners to consider the true value of the relationships they nurture. Just as assets contribute to financial prosperity, positive relationships propel us forward on our journey towards greatness. Similarly, liabilities–such as toxic friendships, draining business partnerships, or unsupportive environments–impede progress and hinder personal development.  This episode of The Greatness Machine will prompt the listeners to think about whether the people around them are helping them grow or holding them back. By thinking of relationships like assets (things that help us) and liabilities (things that hold us back), this episode will help the audience understand the importance of surrounding themselves with people who make them feel good and help them succeed. Topics include: The benefits of viewing life in terms of assets and liabilities The importance of assessing relationships as assets and liabilities Why it matters to set boundaries with negative influences  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 do childhood influences shape the mindset and motivations of those who serve in the military? From early exposure to media depicting heroic military figures to the weight of familial legacies, past experiences intricately shape career decisions in the armed forces. These influences, whether based on action-packed films or the proud lineage of ancestors who served, instill a sense of duty, honor, and tradition. Clay Martin, a seasoned veteran whose military journey spans roles as a former USMC Infantryman, Reconnaissance Marine, and Scout Sniper, provides a glimpse into his familial heritage. He illuminates the proud tradition of military service that runs through his family, acting as a guiding force in his own journey towards enlistment. Clay shares poignant anecdotes about relatives who served in the military, emphasizing the profound sense of duty and honor instilled within him from a young age. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius welcomes special guest Clay to discuss a range of topics, from the carnivore diet to Clay's military background and a lot more. Clay shares his family's history of service and his decision to join the Marines, influenced by 80s action movies. In addition, they discuss the common motivations behind military enlistment. Topics include: The challenges and benefits of switching to a carnivore diet Clay shares personal anecdotes about his previous experiences with dietary changes Elon Musk’s unconventional approach to business and rule-breaking Clay shares his military origins and joining the Marines on his 18th birthday The warrior mentality and how it can manifest in different aspects of life And other topics… Connect with Clay: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-martin-a26ba616b  Twitter: https://twitter.com/wayofftheres 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 growing up in a bubble prepare you for life outside of it? Having spent his entire childhood in a church campus, it took Travis Chappell long years to realize that the path he was in at that time was not the life that he wanted to lead.  Travis, the man behind the Build Your Network podcast, looks back at how a ministry degree holder like him went from making door-to-door sales to starting a podcast and to building his own business.  Despite having to start from scratch, he persevered and used his experience making door-to-door until he finally launched his first-ever podcast in 2017. He later built his business, Guestio, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to build, grow, and monetize podcasts through interviewing. In this episode, Travis gets real about growing up in a Christian bubble and discovering his passion for podcasting. He and Darius also talk about the key strategies to build an audience, how to achieve success in the industry, and how to leverage podcasts to establish brand authority. Topics include: Travis looks back on growing up in a Fundamentalist Christian bubble How Travis started his podcast show and podcast coaching Why Travis decided to do door-to-door sales after college instead of going into ministry Podcasters that inspired Travis to get into the industry The secret formula for podcast success Leveraging podcasts to enhance brand How to get started in podcasting What Travis envisions Guestio to achieve Expanding the Build Your Network podcast for a wider reach And other topics… Connect with Travis: Website: https://travischappell.com/  Website: https://guestio.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/?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