The Greatness Machine

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

What are you meant to be doing? Following your calling often means pursuing a career or path that is not necessarily conventional or typical, but that aligns with your unique talents and passions. It may involve taking a leap of faith and leaving a stable job to start your own business, or leaving behind a familiar community to explore new opportunities. Pursuing your calling can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It will require you to stay true to your own values, beliefs, and passions. At the same time, following your calling means being authentic which also means being honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to take risks and make mistakes. Today, I am flying solo to share a story of how I took a big risk to follow my calling at a young age. I will also reveal how my authenticity and determination helped me prove my doubters wrong, how I even inspired others to cherish our uniqueness, and why it’s ok to be different.  Topics include: The first time I took a very big risk in high school How I went viral before the internet What I learned from leading my class  How to believe in yourself and why it matters The importance of authenticity One of the greatest gifts I ever received at a young age and how I leveraged that 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 embrace artificial intelligence without losing our humanity in the process? The use of AI has revolutionized the way we work, communicate, and live. But despite this, there is a growing concern that technology will undermine our sense of humanity and lead to a loss of human connection. Embracing technology without sacrificing human values requires a balanced approach, helping us to create a future where AI serves as a tool to improve lives rather than a force that dehumanizes our experiences. Brian Evergreen, through his book Autonomous Transformation: Creating a More Human Future in the Era of AI, dives deep into how AI can be harnessed to drive efficiency and innovation while keeping human needs and values at the forefront. He highlights practical frameworks and methodologies for leaders and organizations to implement AI responsibly, ensuring that the shift to autonomous technology is guided by human-centered principles. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Brian to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and autonomous technology. They explore the potential of AI to reshape industries, eliminate inefficiencies, and create new opportunities, while also addressing concerns about the deflationary impact of automation. Topics include: Brian dives deep into his book Autonomous Transformation Brian talks about his chess background and the lessons he learned from it Learning critical and creative thinking skills through chess What makes chess different from other games The impact of autonomous AI on professional services The benefits of having a more human-centered approach to technology And other topics… Connect with Brian: Website: https://brianevergreen.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianevergreen Book: https://www.amazon.com/Autonomous-Transformation-Creating-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1119985293  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

Corporate spying, also known as industrial espionage, refers to the act of obtaining confidential information about a business or organization for the purpose of gaining a competitive advantage. This can be done through a variety of methods, including computer hacking, physical theft of documents, wiretapping, and infiltrating the organization with undercover agents. One common technique used in corporate spying is social engineering, which involves manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information. This can be done through phishing scams, pretexting (creating a false identity or pretext in order to obtain sensitive information), or baiting (offering something desirable in exchange for information). Robert Kerbeck, the founder of the Malibu Writers and a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee, joins us on the Greatness Machine to look back at how his career shifted from acting on theater stages to doing his apprenticeship as a corporate spy. In this episode, Darius and Robert dive deep into the world of corporate spying and the most common techniques used in industrial espionage. They also talk about the effects of ransomware attacks on businesses and how these can be prevented.  Topics include: How Robert stumbled into a spying job while working as an actor Robert shares important advice for job seekers The most efficient method for extracting data The most elaborate ruse Robert has ever conducted How do corporate spies get paid The legality of corporate espionage Robert talks about writing his book Ruse: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street How ransomware is a big problem for businesses Ways to protect businesses from ransomware attacks And other topics… Resources mentioned: Andrew Bustamante on TGM: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/101-andrew-bustamante-from-cia-operative-to-ceo/id1555334180?i=1000561746615  Ruse: https://www.amazon.com/Ruse-Lying-American-Hollywood-Street/dp/1586423169  Connect with Robert: Website: https://www.robertkerbeck.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kerbeck-12aa7a11/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertkerbeck/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/robertkerbeck  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 are you grateful for the most? Gratitude leads to greater happiness and joy in life. It allows us to reflect upon our accomplishments and appreciate the things that we have at the moment. The act of gratitude allows us to embrace everything that makes our lives meaningful. Today, I am flying solo to talk about my journey of discovering the gift of gratitude and how it changed my life for the better. In this episode, I will talk about how I managed to fight the voice of discontent in my head, how I turned from being ungrateful to realizing all the good things in my life, and all the lessons I learned from living an ungrateful life for so long. Topics include: How I discovered the gift of gratitude and how that moment changed me What prompted me to almost quit my nine-figure business Why I started writing a list of things I want to accomplish How I realized that I was living a life of ungratefulness Why being ungrateful is costing you happiness And others topics… Resources mentioned: Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  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

Would a purpose-driven approach make a difference in how we care for the elderly? When it comes to caring for the elderly, a purpose-driven approach can make a big difference. By creating value beyond profits, we focus on the well-being and happiness of those we serve.  There is no better example of this concept than Chuck Hall's journey. After years of success in the construction industry, he recognized an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in senior care. Chuck’s business, Vitality Living, evolved from a fee-for-service model to a vertically integrated structure, providing services that extend beyond basic care.  This transformation underscores the positive outcomes of a purpose-driven approach. Through his leadership, the business shifted focus to not only building facilities for seniors but also providing comprehensive care through a variety of ancillary services.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Chuck Hall to discuss his journey from the construction industry to the senior care sector. Chuck shares how he transitioned from a fee-for-service model to a vertically integrated approach, focusing on providing high-quality care for the elderly. He explains the importance of conscious leadership, the benefits of vertical integration, and the role of partnerships in building successful businesses. Topics include: Chuck talks about his early entrepreneurial influences Creating vertically integrated system in his senior care business The benefits of having an entrepreneurial mindset Chuck looks back working for Turner Construction in New York City How failure served as a catalyst for Chuck to start his own business Chuck explains the value of co-investing in projects Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of your business partners And other topics… Connect with Chuck: Website: https://www.vitalityseniorliving.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-hall-53a259/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c4build/  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