The Greatness Machine

How can you align your values with wealth management, lead authentically in business and navigate life's challenges with resilience? Joe Duran, a known figure in the field of wealth management, is highly regarded for his approach that goes beyond traditional financial strategies. As the founder and former CEO of United Capital, he consistently emphasizes the significance of aligning one's values with wealth management, recognizing that true prosperity extends beyond measures. His philosophy surpasses wealth management by integrating values, authenticity and resilience into an approach. Through this approach, Joe not only revolutionizes people's perception of wealth, but also empowers them to lead more fulfilling lives rooted in their genuine aspirations and values. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Joe joins Darius to share his journey from Zimbabwe to becoming an entrepreneur. He highlights the importance of kindness and belief in the universe, discusses his experience building and selling United Capital, leaving Goldman Sachs for impact as well as providing insights on wealth management and personal growth. Additionally, Joe delves into topics such as aligning choices with values, bridging the gap between personal and professional identities, and the significance of leadership. Topics include: The power of choosing to believe in a kind universe Joe emphasizes creating conditions where individuals can shine Joe talks about the lessons he learned from being on the rugby field Money as fuel, not the end goal Joe looks back selling United Capital to Gold Sachs in 2019 Embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning Closing the gap between ideal and real self Breaking down the separation between personal and professional identities Joe introduces the concept of working at the top of your license Persistence, adaptability, and optimism as key elements to succeed And other topics… Connect with Joe: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-duran-711167 Twitter: https://twitter.com/duranmoney/ 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

Today I’m talking with John Jackson, Director of Correctional Partnerships for Hustle 2.0, an evidence-based, trauma-informed curriculum used in more than 450 jails and prisons across the country. He is a co-author of ten books, a TEDx speaker, and a keynote speaker for multiple organizations advocating for second chances. After spending 18 years incarcerated, John earned four SHU terms before coming to one of California's most notorious supermax prisons, Pelican Bay. He also earned his GED, a Baylor University certificate, and led networking events for top executives and investors in prison.  His life changed when he was hired to work for Hustle 2.0 in 2019, where they help corrections departments to effectively program more of their population with minimal impact on facility staff and space resources. Now, John works with gang leaders nationwide to interrupt generational cycles of violence and incarceration. In this episode, you will learn how John was subjected to crimes at an early age, how he became a gang member in prison, and how the “worst of the worst” found a second chance in life.  Topics include: Experiences that led John to prison at a very young age Structure of prison gangs and how he became a member of one The turning point that made him want to turn his back on his gang and change his life The challenges and discriminations John had to face after he was paroled from Pelican Bay How he stumbled upon Hustle 2.0 And other topics… Connect with John: Website: https://www.hustle20.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjackson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmjacksonca/ 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 you giving yourself the gift of dreaming? Or are you only grinding hard towards your goals? Many people think that dreams will take you nowhere unless you embrace the grind and take action towards achieving them. However, they allow you to see the future with optimism and to see what’s impossible become possible.  Today, I am flying solo to talk about dreams and goals and their big differences, how they affect our disposition towards success, and what it means to allow ourselves to just dream and stop beating ourselves up when things don’t turn out right. In this episode, I will discuss what Ed Mylett’s book The Power of One More made me realize about my dreams and goals. I will also talk about my motivation for starting my podcast, The Greatness Machine, and what I aspire to achieve for the show.  Topics include: The key difference between dreams and goals The realizations I got after reading The Power of One More by Ed Mylett Why I decided to start The Greatness Machine podcast Why you need to give yourself the gift of dreaming 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

In a world full of challenges, how can technology be a force for good? As we navigate the complexities of the modern era, it becomes increasingly evident that the role of technology extends far beyond innovation for innovation’s sake; it is a formidable force capable of catalyzing positive change. Marga Hoek, a visionary three-time CEO and sustainability advocate, unravels the transformative potential of technology in her latest book, Tech for Good: Imagine Solving the World’s Greatest Challenges. Her perspective invites the readers to reconsider the potential impact of technology on society, urging us to shift our focus from mere profit-driven endeavors to initiatives that prioritize the greater good. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius talks with Marga to delve into the significance of ethical business practices and leadership's role in instigating change, touching on the European sustainability approach and challenges like trust and short-termism. Marga highlights the positive impact of technology and stresses the essential balance between tech and human engagement. The conversation covers the interaction of humans and technology, anticipating future professions, and the value of envisioning technology for good and conquering inner fears. Topics include: Setting up the Dutch Sustainable Business Association and the Sustainable Science Association The difference in perspectives on sustainability between Europe and the United States The importance of recognizing liabilities and expenses in business The potential role of technology in forcing disruption and bringing about change The collective impact of individuals, companies, and business leaders in driving change The crucial role of leadership in driving change and overcoming challenges  The interconnectedness of sustainability and innovation The role of purpose-driven companies and their potential for scaling up Leveraging technology for sustainability And other topics… Connect with Marga: Website: https://margahoek.com/ Books: https://margahoek.com/order/ LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/margahoek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margahoek/  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 you living the life you want to live, or the one you want others to see? That was the question on the mind of today's guest when he hit his first year of university. At the time. life seemed good. He had an academic scholarship to a top-tier school and a dream of making the U-19 Canadian Rugby Team had become a reality. But then it all came crashing down... In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Ben Nemtin, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 'What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?,' co-founder of The Buried Life movement and inspirational keynote speaker. He has delivered over 500 keynotes to brands and Fortune 500 companies around the globe.  In this episode you'll discover: How Ben overcame crippling depression, including his list of 100 things to do before he dies (of which he has achieved 96!) How a poem called 'The Buried Life' led him to a TV show on MTV, where he played basketball with President Obama among other things Answers to questions such as: 'What do you want to do before you die?' And 'What are the top five things people regret on their deathbeds?' Join Darius and Ben as they discuss creating the life you want for yourself - not the one you want others to see. Topics include: How Ben conquered depression in his youth to create a list of 100 things to do before he dies Why a 150 year-old poem called 'The Buried Life' by Matthew Arnold led Ben to create a show for MTV How to discover what you want to do before you die, and how you can avoid having regrets at the end of your life And other topics... Connect with Ben: Website: https://www.bennemtin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennemtin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennemtin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nemtin/  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 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