The Greatness Machine

Have you ever wondered if your quest for short-term gain might be hindering your long-term dreams? In the pursuit of long-term rewards, taking risks is the compass guiding us through uncharted territory. While risks can be intimidating, they also carry the potential for great rewards. It is the decision to invest in tomorrow, even if it means sacrificing short-term comfort.  In this inaugural episode of a 12-part series, I draw inspiration from a recent presentation I gave at the University of Texas in Austin, where I shared the valuable lessons I wished I had known as a 20-year old entrepreneur. Today, we are delving into the concept of taking risks, especially in your 20s. I firmly believe that when you are young, it is the perfect time to embrace what I call “asymmetric risk.” Why? Because the lessons you gain from such experience will benefit you for a lifetime. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I encourage listeners to find a balance between short-term goals and long-term vision. This episode sets the stage for an engaging 12-part series exploring valuable life lessons for entrepreneurs of all ages. Topics include: The importance of taking risks early in life Why it matters to explore the world and take on adventures The significance of aligning your business pursuits with your passions 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 how to reboot your life’s operating system for boundless success and purpose? In a world filled with challenges, demands, and distractions, many of us have experienced moments when we yearn for a fresh start, a way to unleash our full potential and discover true success and purpose. But how can one truly reboot their life's operating system to reach new heights and fulfill their dreams? The answer might lie in a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. Mike Koenigs, a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, speaker, and interactive online personality and influencer, takes a look back at that time when he had a transformative experience that turned his life around. He emphasizes the importance of shedding limiting beliefs, and seeking coaching and also underlines the significance of fostering connections with remarkable people. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius and Mike Koenigs cover essential topics, including maximizing value creation, understanding personal strengths, transformative experiences, and the power of storytelling. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and building a strong personal brand. Topics include: Maximizing value creation and avoiding unnecessary work The importance of understanding one’s strengths and tendencies Mike shares his transformative experience that changed his life The importance of seeking coaching, being part of groups, and attending events to expand horizons Mike talks about Dan Sullivan’s DOS Framework The value of having a strong personal brand before exiting a business Mike reveals one key to personal growth and happiness The power of crafting a compelling story and how it can transform your life Upgrading your identity and operating system to eliminate self-imposed limitations And other topics… Connect with Mike: Website: https://www.mikekoenigs.com/ Website: https://www.paidforlife.com/ Website: https://www.referralparty.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekoenigs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikekoenigs/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeKoenigsReal  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 today's episode of "To you know your "why?" Are you clear about what drives you and gets you up in the morning?  he Greatness Machine," Darius talks with acclaimed speaker, best-selling author and CEO whisperer Cameron Herold about his amazing body of work, life and what his plans are now that he's retired. You'll learn a little about Cameron's journey, from his beginnings as an entrepreneur in school to becoming a CEO whisperer and a business growth guru. You'll discover why it's so vital to understand and fully embrace your "why," your Vivid Vision. You'll learn the dangers of getting your identity caught up in a brand and why you should focus on simply being yourself. You'll also discover why the best companies in the world are run by leaders who are focused on a vision, driving towards goals, praising people, and creating momentum. Join Darius and Cameron in this wide-ranging discussion on life, business, and the power of an effective second in command. Topics include: A little about Cameron's background, from being groomed as an entrepreneur in his youth, to coaching some of the best entrepreneurs in the world The importance of understanding and fully embodying your "why”  Why you should focus on being yourself and never let your identity get wrapped up in a brand Why the best companies are run by leaders who are actually leading 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  Sponsers: • Go to https://incogni.com/greatness and Use code goodhumans to get an exclusive 60% off on annual Incogni plan • Go to shopify.com/darius to take your business to the next level • Head to ZBiotics.com/GREATNESS and use the code GREATNESS at checkout for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what the path to success looks like after launching a string of business ventures? Today I am flying solo to look back and take you through how I started my entrepreneurial journey with a candy business that my brother and I launched in fourth grade, converting a one-pound block of chocolate into a lucrative enterprise.  Over the years, I have initiated or invested in 21 businesses, resulting in $46.272 million in investments and generating over $1.4 billion in revenue, adjusted for today's values. After years of venturing into business, I have learned invaluable lessons that extend beyond dollars and cents. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I challenge conventional notions of success and encourage you to reflect on what success truly means to you as you navigate the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, this episode discusses the concealed value in the wisdom gained through struggles, emphasizing that lessons from failures serve as stepping stones to future success. Topics include: Darius reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and the concept of success and failure The importance of considering the value of your time when evaluating the success of a business venture Darius shares an exercise tracking each business venture, including investments, inflation-adjusted revenue, staffing, and success status Darius discusses how the lessons learned from failures contribute to long-term success Darius explains how struggles can be seen as paying the tuition for success 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 how the most successful leaders ignite greatness in their teams? Trey Taylor, a multi-faceted leader holding titles such as Managing Director of Threadneedle, CEO of Taylor Insurance Services, Managing Director of Trinity Blue, and Founding Partner of Ascend Partners, is a living testament to the power of great leadership and the success it breeds. Over his illustrious career, Trey has had to navigate a plethora of challenges on his path to becoming a top-tier CEO. His book, A CEO Only Does Three Things, is a revelatory guide that demystifies the complex role of a Chief Executive Officer. Trey’s work provides a blueprint for achieving leadership excellence and organizational success. He delves into the critical areas that CEOs should focus on to drive their organizations to greater heights. He also offers a fresh perspective on the priorities that truly matter, helping leaders to cut through the noise and clutter that often surround their roles. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius and Trey delve into the often challenging journey of achieving greatness as a CEO. They also highlight the importance of managing concentration risk, and the importance of values and culture in attaining success.  Topics include: Trey emphasizes the effort and work that goes into making things look easy The importance of letting go of grudges and negative emotions Trey discusses the dangers of concentration risk in business Trey looks back into taking over the family business and becoming the CEO The challenges of becoming a CEO and the lack of resources and guidance available  What motivated Trey to write A CEO Only Does Three Things The importance of defining and tracking results or numbers in an organization The crucial roles of values and culture in achieving success  And other topics… Connect with Taylor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treytylor Twitter: https://twitter.com/treytylor  Book: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Only-Does-Three-Things/dp/1544517270  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

It's a simple truth: 'business as usual' simply doesn't apply anymore... and not just because of the pandemic. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Jay Wilkinson, entrepreneur, author, speaker, angel investor, CEO of Firespring, and self-proclaimed "geek with social skills" about the rapidly shifting world of business. Hailing from Nebraska, the "middle of everywhere," Jay realized at a young age that he simply wasn't suited to taking instructions from others and became an entrepreneur, starting eight businesses by the time he left college - most of which failed. Undaunted, he took the lessons from those failures and, in 1986, helped launch Campus Connection magazine in NYC which caught on, eventually expanding to 350 college campuses.  You'll discover how Jay realized he was 100% unemployable, and how that set him on the path to becoming an entrepreneur. You'll learn about B Corps - what they are and how they're changing the way business is done by focusing on making a positive impact in the community and even the world. You'll discover why businesses need to expand their worldview and focus on a "stakeholder capitalism" mentality if they're going to survive the next decade.  You'll also learn about the Do More Good Movement (of which Jay is the founder) and its mission to educate, empower and amplify companies and business leaders doing more good. Join Darius and Jay for a fascinating conversation about making a positive impact through business and why Jay believes that, in its highest form, capitalism can be a force for good. Topics include: Jay's path to becoming an entrepreneur growing up in Nebraska and why he felt he was "100% unemployable” The definition of a B Corp, as well as the strict standards that must be met to become certified Why Jay believes that businesses must develop a 'stakeholder capitalism' mentality in order to survive the next decade and beyond The origins of the Do More Good Movement and its goal to inspire purpose-based businesses and reclaim capitalism And other topics… Connect with Jay: Website: https://jaywilkinson.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaywilkinson 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 a recession, and are we in one now? Today I’m flying solo to talk about the US economy, its current state, and what to expect during the second half of the year.  A recession is generally characterized by negative gross domestic product (GDP), rising unemployment, falling retail prices, and contracting measures of income and manufacturing lasting months or years. Recessions are often classified as two consecutive quarters of plummeting GDP growth, which the US economy is currently experiencing.  GDP fell at an annual rate of 0.9% in the second quarter this year, following the last quarter’s decline of 1.6%.  But before we talk about these figures, let’s take a step back and look at the four to five consecutive quarters with the most significant revenue growth in the last 15 years.  US real GDP rose at an annual rate of 6.9% in the fourth quarter of 2021, following a 2.3% growth in the third quarter, a 6.7% pace in the second quarter, and a 6.3% increase during the first quarter of the same year.  Despite the two recent negative quarters, we need to look at the numbers and what they represent. Moreover, a negative GDP growth rate does not necessarily connote that the economy is entering a recession. In this episode, you will learn about the US economy, GDP, recession, and why running a country is similar to running a business.  Topics include: The real GDP growth in the US for the first two quarters of 2022. The definition of recession How economists determine whether the economy is in a recession Why we need to look at the data and consider the previous quarters Why a negative GDP does not indicate a recession 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 a deeper understanding of sex and sexuality empower individuals to enrich their intimate lives and build healthier relationships? Developing a deeper comprehension of human sexuality and intimate connections can pave the way for more fulfilling and healthier relationships, nurturing greater emotional and physical closeness. That is why, Dr. Sadie Allison, a renowned expert in the field of sexual health and wellness, is on a mission to inform and educate about the realm of sexual well-being and relationships. With a diverse portfolio of ventures aimed at enhancing intimacy and pleasure, Dr. Sadie is committed to empowering individuals in their intimate lives. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sadie, exploring her innovative ventures and extensive expertise in the realm of sexual health and wellness. They also delve into the pervasive stigma linked to male vulnerability and sexual performance concerns, emphasizing the need for open dialogues to dispel these issues. Topics include: What inspired Dr. Sadie to write her debut book in 2001 Dr. Sadie discusses the stigma around vulnerability and expressing concerns about sexual performance for men Understanding and exploring your partner's desires and needs is essential for improving sexual experiences The importance of open communication and exploration in intimate relationships to improve sexual experiences The role of sex education and how understanding female anatomy, preferences, and open communication can help bridge the orgasm gap And other topics… Connect with Dr. Sadie: Website: https://golovecbd.com/ Website: https://www.ticklekitty.com/  Book: https://www.ticklekitty.com/collections/sex-help-books LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsadieallison Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsadie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsadieallison/  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

It sometimes seems as if certain people are born to be entrepreneurs. That's certainly true of Alana Winter! In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Alana Winter, serial entrepreneur, creative thinker, founder of MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School and guide on the path to self-aware leadership. Her journey has taken her from university admission at 16 to simultaneously being fired by her dad and set up in her own business. Following a string of challenges and feelings of burnout, she sold her business in 2006, leading to some powerful questions: "Who am I now? What do I do with my life?" In this wide-ranging discussion, you'll discover how her upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs has helped guide the path of her life. You'll learn why a lack of passion and alignment with your business can open the door to greater and greater difficulties. You'll discover how Alana sold the business she was no longer passionate about, and how doing so forced her to decide who she really was and what she really wanted in her life. You'll also learn how a trip to a James Bond film eventually gave rise to an entirely unique form of coaching: The MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School! Join Darius and Alana as they explore the fascinating, unpredictable and sometimes frustrating path that is entrepreneurship. Topics include: Alana's background and unusual upbringing, and why she was literally born to be an entrepreneur How her father helped her start her first business... by firing her The challenges she faced in that early business, such as burnout, employee theft and even embezzlement from a business partner Why she believes that a lack of passion and misalignment set the stage for the challenges she faced in her early entrepreneurial career How she navigated "the void" after selling her first business with no plan for the immediate future And other topics… Connect with Alana: Website: https://alanawinter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanawinter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awinter123/ 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 this special episode of The Greatness Machine, I embark on a culinary journey with my mom, Susan, who is sharing the cherished family heirloom recipe for her remarkable red sauce pasta. This isn't just another cooking show; it's a heartwarming tale of preserving traditions and passing on a culinary legacy from one generation to another. Ingredients: Two 91-ounce cans of Carmelina whole peeled tomatoes  One small tomato paste One-pound ground turkey ½ of a slab of St. Louis pork ribs Three bone-in chicken thighs One medium white onion Six cloves of garlic ½ a bunch of Italian parsley Romano cheese (pulverized) ¼ cup of fennel seed ½ teaspoon of red pepper chili flakes Seven turns of the pepper mill ¼ cup of oregano 6 Large torn or sliced fresh Basil leaves 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