The Greatness Machine

What is something that gives you a sense of purpose and a reason for living it? Whether it is a career path, a creative pursuit, a commitment to a cause, or nurturing meaningful relationships, purpose serves as a driving force that gives you a reason for living. Similarly, the Japanese concept of Ikigai offers a comprehensive perspective on discovering one’s purpose in life. Essentially, Ikigai is the convergence of four core elements; what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Today, I am flying solo to explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai. Drawing from my personal journey, I emphasize the importance of passion, purpose, and creating value in finding Ikigai. I will also highlight the value of embracing good stress and struggling well as signs of being in alignment with Ikigai. Topics include: The Japanese concept of Ikigai The challenges of finding Ikigai when forced Why it matters to assess your motivating force The struggle and good stress that come with finding your Ikigai 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 This episode is sponsored by: HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/greatfree and use code greatfree for FREE breakfast for life! Articulate 360: Visit articulate.com/360 to start a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picture a life where your business not only survives but thrives, seamlessly blending with a life that fulfills your every aspiration. Setbacks become stepping stones, success is measured by impact, and collaboration fuels both professional and personal growth. Your integrated life allows for a harmonious balance, enabling cherished moments and personal joy. But what does it take to turn your business into a source of both success and personal fulfillment? Malorie Nicole, a renowned figure in the coaching world and best known as a CEO secret weapon, delves into the intricate connection between building a successful business and leading a deeply fulfilling life in her latest book, The Abundance Decision: The Intersection of a Thriving Business and Fulfilling Life. Drawing on her expertise and personal experiences, she navigates the readers through the essential intersection where professional achievement meets personal achievement. Rooted in the belief that everyone is worthy and capable of achieving abundance, Malorie inspires readers to become their own best allies. In her return on The Greatness Machine for the second time around, Malorie delves into her shift from health coaching to performance coaching, unraveling the intricacies of coaching’s multifaceted nature. She shares the inspiration behind her book, The Abundance Decision, emphasizing its role as a roadmap for a thriving business and fulfilling life. This episode also highlights the importance of reflection and addresses challenges in fostering an abundance mindset. Topics include: Malorie explains her transition from health coaching business to performance coaching The multifaceted nature and complexity of coaching Malorie shares her motivation for writing The Abundance Decision The importance of reflecting on patterns and behaviors and how they influence experiences Malorie outlines a roadmap in her book based on five key principles The challenges with abundance mindset and the importance of healing work And other topics… Connect with Malorie: Website: https://malorie-nicole.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malorie-nicole-5b132894  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malorienicoleee/ Book: https://malorie-nicole.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 This episode is sponsored by: HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/greatfree and use code greatfree for FREE breakfast for life! Articulate 360: Visit articulate.com/360 to start a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode covers business, real estate investing, strategic planning, software development, adventure, and a lot more. Our guest takes us back to his teenage years and how he started breaking sales records as the #1 sales representative in a company of more than 30,000 at the age of 20. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Brad Weimert, entrepreneur, investor, and adventurer. In 2012, he founded Easy Pay Direct, a payment gateway for businesses selling between $1 million and $100 million online. Brad is also the host of the Beyond A Million podcast, where he interviews world-class experts in sales, marketing, operations, hiring, technology, and wealth building to discover the strategies and tactics that are most effective today. Topics include: Some of the key lessons Brad has gleaned from his years of experience Brad's first entry into real estate investing The reasons why 5- or 10-year plans don't work And other topics... Connect with Brad: Website: https://bradweimert.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradweimert/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradweimert/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BradWeimert  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: HelloFresh: Go to HelloFresh.com/greatfree and use code greatfree for FREE breakfast for life! Articulate 360: Visit articulate.com/360 to start a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the grand theater of life, each of us has our own script. But how often do we find ourselves peeking at the script of others, wondering if their lines are better written? In a world that often values success, happiness, and fulfillment as measurable commodities, the tendency to measure our own worth against the apparent achievements and joys of others becomes all too common. What we often fail to recognize in the midst of comparison is that every individual’s journey is unique, marked by a complex interplay of circumstances, choices, and personal growth. Today, I am flying solo to highlight the drawbacks of comparison and introduce the concept of 100% trades. Inspired by Naval Ravikant’s insights, I will emphasize why we need to consider every aspect of someone else’s life before wishing to be like them. Drawing from my personal experience comparing myself to Elon Musk, I will also talk about self-appreciation and the cessation of unhealthy comparisons. Topics include: Comparison as the thief of joy Darius explains the 100% trades concept by Naval Ravikant The importance of gratitude for one’s own unique experiences and challenges The idea of “struggling well” within one’s life to optimize and improve 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 This episode is sponsored by Articulate 360. Visit articulate.com/360 to start a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever thought about the power of timeless lessons in steering your journey through the unpredictable? Morgan Housel, a two-time winner of the Best in Business Award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, and winner of the New York Times Sidney Award, brings forth a treasure trove of wisdom with his latest book, Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes. With a keen understanding of historical patterns and human behavior, he unveils the enduring principles that remain constant amid life’s ever-changing landscape. Through relatable anecdotes and profound wisdom, Morgan provides readers with a roadmap to navigate the uncertainties of today by tapping into the timeless truths that have shaped generations.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Morgan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Darius about the timeless insights explored in his latest book, Same as Ever. The discussion delves into historical examples, drawing parallels between economic collapse and social upheaval. Morgan also reflects on the concept of “calm plants the seed for crazy” and shares wisdom on navigating uncertainties. Topics include: Morgan shares how he got into writing during the 2008 economic downturn The importance of understanding and focusing on things that remain constant over time Morgan discusses the value of studying historical behaviors Why it matters to invest in preparedness rather than attempting to predict specific events Human nature and its struggle with understanding and accepting probabilities The importance of marketing, emotional appeal, and narrative in business success And other topics… Connect with Morgan: Website: https://www.morganhousel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-housel-5b473821/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganhousel/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/morganhousel/  Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B084ZNV1LR/allbooks  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 Articulate 360. Visit articulate.com/360 to start a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine Darius chats with Peter Kozodoy, an Inc. 5000 serial entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, business coach and the author of Honest to Greatness. He works with organizations and their leaders to help them overcome self-limiting bullshit and use brutal honesty to achieve massive success. Peter is a former Olympic-hopeful figure skater and black belt in Taekwondo. You'll learn why, in the process of launching a book, the writing isn't necessarily the hardest part. You'll discover the importance of defining not just what honesty is but also what it is not. You'll also learn why it's vital that we acknowledge the differences we show concerning our values. Join Darius and Peter as they discuss the importance of nurturing more honesty in our society. Topics include: Why the process of launching a book isn't what you'd expect, and why the writing isn't necessarily the hardest part The importance of defining what honesty is NOT Acknowledging our differences around values And other topics... Connect with Peter: LinkedIn: https://pr.linkedin.com/in/peterkozodoy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterkozodoy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterKozodoyOfficialPage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterKozodoy  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 Articulate 360. Visit articulate.com/360 to start a free 30-day trial of Articulate 360. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot can change in just a couple short years….your dreams may be just around the corner! These changes, whether they are good or bad, can happen in a blink of an eye. It may seem like every day is the same, but when you look back, everything is different from how it used to be, and you are different from who you used to be.  Change offers new opportunities and experiences. It keeps life exciting and ensures that bad situations don’t last. It helps you move on, stay focused, and helps shape you. After all, progress is impossible without change. Today, I am flying solo to share my realization after reading a book called The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl, where he shared behind-the-scene stories of his musical life as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, drummer, and record producer. In this episode, I will discuss why it matters to seek and embrace change. I will also reveal what motivated me to step down from my position as a CEO after building a company from zero to a nine-figure organization and what has changed since then.  Topics include: Dave Grohl’s book The Storyteller and the realization I got from it I look back at where I was three, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, eighteen, and even twenty-one years ago and how different each three-year period was from the next. Why I decided to quit my nine-figure company The inevitability of change How to thrive when dealing with change The importance of reflecting on your life and career 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 are we rewriting the narrative around men's mental health challenges and solutions? In today's ever-changing landscape of mental health awareness, there is a growing recognition that the narrative around men's mental health needs a significant rewrite. It is a tale of strength found in vulnerability, of support forged in humor, and solutions inspired by empathy. Anson Whitmer, Founder of Mental, a mental health app designed for men, emphasizes the necessity of tailored solutions for men, acknowledging their unique emotional challenges and the societal pressures that often deter them from seeking help.  By addressing the unique stressors and pressures men face, his approach not only redefines the narrative around men's mental health but also instills a sense of empowerment. His visionary perspective demonstrates that addressing men's emotional well-being is not just about offering help; it's about ushering in a new era where men can unabashedly confront their challenges and emerge stronger. In this enlightening episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius engages in a profound conversation with Anson, where they talk about how this groundbreaking Mental app is revolutionizing the landscape of men's mental health. This episode redefines how we perceive and approach men's mental health, reinforcing the idea that seeking help is an empowering step toward personal growth and well-being. Topics include: What motivated Anson to work in the mental health field Anson talks about the Calm and Mental apps and what they focus on Anson explains how most men view meditation The importance of training the mind to handle stress and negative self-talk Meditation as a tool to achieve personal growth and improvement Anson discusses how men tend to deal with emotional struggles Stoicism and its practicality in helping people change their perspectives on life How the COVID-19 pandemic affect the usage of mental health apps Anson explains Get Mental app and its features And other topics… Connect with Anson: Website: http://getmental.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansonwhitmer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalapp/  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 your life would look like if you could strike a perfect balance between work and family? Our guest for today, Jon is living the life of his dreams. He is focused on fatherhood and family, owns a thriving business, and has enough money to live comfortably. But this wasn’t always the case.  Back in 2005, Jon was trying to get his business up and running. He had run through all savings and was doing all he could to ensure his family’s survival. And ironically enough, his struggle had distanced him from his wife and kids.   This experience of his inspired him to start Front Row Dads whose main goal is to help fathers show up in the correct way for their families.  As men, we are pre-occupied with earning money and ensuring that our family leads a comfortable existence. But, in the process, we take the easier way out and dump all family responsibilities on our wives.   On today’s show, Jon and Darius share their experiences – both as sons and later on, as fathers. Like Jon, Darius also made the mistake of focusing all his energies on his business when he was just starting out. Eventually, he realized the futility of his approach. And how his “success” in business felt hollow if he was not giving his 100% to his family.  Front Row Dads is helping men and dads deal with their deep-seated issues and their vulnerabilities. Listening to Jon will surely force you to pause, and indulge in some self-introspection.  Topics include: Living life in the front row The complexities and vulnerabilities of being a father and a business owner How to create a true legacy And other topics… Connect with Jon: Website: https://frontrowfactor.com/ Website: https://frontrowdads.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonvroman Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonvroman/  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 this happening to me?  Or Why is this happening for me?  Do you ask yourself these questions when faced with adversities? Although both are true, what you focus on will determine how well you react when push comes to shove. After all, life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. And one of the only things we can control is our attitude toward things that happen to us. We can either be happy about them or resent them.  Today I am flying solo to talk about how I managed to let go of the “worst case scenario” mindset and why I chose to direct my focus on seeing the struggles as opportunities to learn, grow, and become a better version of myself.  In this episode, I will discuss the ways that life is happening for us and not to us. I will talk about my personal struggle in the past, how I acted like I was a victim of my own life, and what made me realize I needed to give up this mindset for good. Topics include: The importance of having a good perspective on life Having a scarcity mindset and how it affects your life Managing your emotional reactions to what happens to you Shifting from victim mentality to creator mindset Cultivating gratitude during difficult times The secret to achieving greatness 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