The Greatness Machine

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Derrick Kinney, CEO of Good Money Framework and host of the popular Good Money podcast, which inspires you to make more money and use it for good. Derrick's belief that money is not bad and good people should possess more of it is designed to change your perspective.  Having applied these proven principles with thousands of clients, he's sold his multimillion-dollar business to teach you these success steps. He's been a sought-after guest on local and national media, where he has been interviewed by CNBC, FOX News, CNN, FOX Business, PBS, Cheddar News, and the Wall Street Journal, among others. You'll discover Derrick's journey to becoming an entrepreneur. You'll learn about rejection and how to overcome it. You'll also discover the experience that led Derrick to an epiphany. Join Darius and Derrick as they discuss ways to change your perspective on money! Topics include: Derrick's journey to becoming an entrepreneur Rejection and how to overcome it An experience that led Derrick to an epiphany And other topics… Connect with Derrick: Website: https://www.goodmoneyframework.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derricktkinney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerrickTKinney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derricktkinney/  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 The Greatness Machine, Darius is flying solo at MIT Endicott house, outside Boston, Massachusetts. In it he shares the story of how he launched his first company and the hustle required to make it successful. You'll discover a little about Darius' early days in business. You'll learn what happened when he moved to San Francisco at 23 with $1,500 to his name and $10,000 of credit card debt. You'll also discover how he was able to turn that $1,500 into $15 million of gross revenue in his business between 2001 and 2007. Join Darius as he offers advice on chasing a dream and what happens when you truly hustle. Topics include: A little about Darius' early days in business What happened when he moved to San Francisco at 23 with $1,500 to his name and $10,000 of credit card debt How he was able to turn that $1,500 into $15 million of gross revenue in his business between 2001 and 2007 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 realized how storytelling goes beyond marketing, actually influencing product value, brand perception, and the triumph of company exits? The benefits of storytelling contribute to the long-term growth and success of a business by shaping its identity, influencing how it is perceived, and building a loyal customer base. People are drawn to stories that resonate with their experiences, values, and aspirations. And by crafting a unique and authentic narrative, businesses can differentiate themselves and leave a lasting impression on consumers.  Clay Hebert, a visionary in this real, delves into the art of weaving narratives that define the trajectory of businesses. As a renowned entrepreneur, storyteller, and marketing strategist, he has a proven track record of helping companies craft compelling narratives that not only drive growth but also resonate with their target audience.  His insights into the art of storytelling have been shared on stages worldwide, inspiring countless individuals to leverage storytelling for business success.  Today, he is joining us n The Greatness Machine to look back on how it started, who inspired him, and how he became the man that he is right now.  In this episode, Darius and Clay explore Clay's journey from selling candy bars to embracing entrepreneurship and creative marketing. They emphasize the power of personal connections over sales pitches, the influence of Seth Godin, strategic customer selection, and the creation of the "Perfect Intro" framework. The conversation underscores how storytelling shapes product value, brand perception, and company success, encapsulating Clay's expertise in marketing, entrepreneurship, and storytelling dynamics. Topics include: How Clay learned an early lesson in marketing by selling candy bars What inspired Clay to shift towards entrepreneurship and creative marketing The importance of creative thinking and adapting to different environments in overcoming creative blocks The value of personal connection over sales pitches How Seth Godin played a vital role in Clay’s entrepreneurial journey Clay explains why strategic customer selection matters in a business Clay recalls his encounter with Matt Mullenweg and how that meeting led to the idea of the “Perfect Intro” framework How the power of storytelling impacts a company’s life cycle And other topics… Resources mentioned: Purple Cow: https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Cow-Transform-Business-Remarkable/dp/014101640X  This is Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/This-Marketing-Cant-Until-Learn/dp/0241370140/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Creative Act: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Act-Way-Being/dp/0593652886/ref=sr_1_1  Connect with Clay: Website: https://clayhebert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayhebert/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/clayhebert  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

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Tucker Max, co-founder of Scribe Media, a company that helps you write, publish, and market your book. He's written four New York Times Best Sellers (three that hit #1), which have sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide.  Tucker has been credited with being the originator of the literary genre, “fratire,” and is only the fourth writer (along with Malcolm Gladwell, Brené Brown and Michael Lewis) to have three books on the New York Times Nonfiction Best Seller List at one time. He was nominated to the Time Magazine 100 Most Influential List in 2009. You'll discover the concept of the 'ultimate reality' and how you can better understand it. You'll learn the importance and impact of community and having a group. You'll also discover why it's vital to choose the right people to surround yourself with. Join Darius and Tucker for this fascinating look into the state of the world, and how we're headed for disruption, whether we realize it or not. Topics include: The concept of the 'ultimate reality' and how to understand it The importance and impact of community and having a group Choosing the right people to surround yourself with And other topics… Connect with Tucker: Website: https://www.tuckermax.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuckermax/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtuckermax/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuckerMax/  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 The Greatness Machine, Darius discusses a top near and dear to his heart - leadership and the things every leader needs to know in order to be the best leader they can be, no matter their field.  You'll discover a little about Darius' background and his long-standing desire to be a leader in all his endeavors. You'll learn the three things that every leader 'owns' in their business.  You'll also discover how those three things apply to your business and how you leverage them to your full advantage.  Join Darius as he offers his take on leadership, both inside and outside business. Topics include:  A little about Darius' background and his long-standing desire to be a leader in all his endeavors The three things that every leader 'owns' in their business How those three elements apply to your business How you leverage them to your full advantage 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

Is college really the only pathway to success? Shayla Gifford, entrepreneur, loan officer, Branch Manager at Guild Mortgage, VP of Sales Development, and national coach, has proven that a college diploma is not the only key to success.  Leaving behind the confines of a classroom, her insatiable curiosity and unwavering ambition propelled her toward a destiny far beyond what she could have imagined. The journey, however, was not without its challenges. Shayla faced rejection and failure before she found success outside of her comfort zone.  Join us as we unravel the story of a college dropout who defied expectations, defied convention, and emerged as a game-changing entrepreneur. In this inspiring episode, Darius and Shayla share their invaluable lessons as entrepreneurs. They highlight the importance of persistence, transcending comfort zones for success, being coachable, and thinking bigger. Tune in for motivating insights that will empower your entrepreneurial journey. Topics include: What Shayla learned during her involvement in network marketing What inspired Shayla to value authenticity over conformity How Shayla handled rejections during her transition into the mortgage business Finding and appreciating people’s great qualities when recruiting and leading them The benefits of building a close-knit team and fostering a supportive environment The importance of persistence and not letting temporary obstacles define failure Achieving success outside of your comfort zone How to be coachable and why it matters What makes a good coach The value of thinking bigger and not limiting oneself And other topics… Connect with Shayla: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGaSsziZzd-RGC4KebhRyqw  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

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Nik Bhatia, financial researcher, CFA charterholder, and Adjunct Professor of Finance and Business Economics at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business where he teaches Applied Finance in Fixed Income Securities.  Previously, Nik worked the US Treasuries trading desk for a large institutional asset manager and has extensive trading experience in money markets and interest rate futures.  After starting his teaching career, Nik felt the urge to bring his research on both the international monetary system and Bitcoin together as one to write the book Layered Money: From Gold and Dollars to Bitcoin and Central Bank Digital Currencies. You'll discover some of the primary misconceptions people have about Bitcoin. You'll learn how to think of Bitcoin as a digital version of gold. You'll also discover Bitcoin's current market capitalization. Join Darius and Nik for this fascinating and eye-opening discussion. Topics include: Some of the primary misconceptions people have about Bitcoin Seeing Bitcoin as a digital version of gold Bitcoin's current market capitalization And other topics… Connect with Nik: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-bhatia-cfa-cmt-b549b858/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/timevalueofbtc  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 business, failure on some level is inevitable. Whether it be a small stumble or a huge mistake, often the greatest business lessons can be found in those dark moments. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius shares the story of one of his biggest triumphs, which ultimately led to his biggest failure and the lessons he learned along the way.  You'll discover the story of Darius' first big success that led to his first really big failure. You'll learn the lessons he took from that failure and how it informed his future decisions.  You'll also discover what it was like to be running a mortgage brokerage during the 2008 collapse. Join Darius as he offers some insights into recovering from failure in your business. Topics include:  The story of Darius' first big success that led to his first really big failure The lessons he took from that failure and how it informed his future decisions. What it was like to be running a mortgage company during the 2008 collapse. 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

What if the key to unlocking humanity’s full potential lies in embracing the unique perspectives and contributions of those who have been overlooked or undervalued throughout history? Stacy Spikes’ journey as an outsider in the tech industry is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Recognizing that he did not fit the conventional image of a successful tech entrepreneur, he fearlessly confronted the barriers before him, driven by a desire to break down not only the mold but also the glass ceiling that loomed above. His experience navigating the intricacies of the tech world provided invaluable lessons about the challenges of being an outsider. But instead of viewing it as a hindrance, Stacy discovered that his unique position granted him a distinct advantage. By embracing his outsider perspective, he saw the untapped opportunities and unexplored niches that others may have overlooked.  Joining us on today’s episode of The Greatness Machine, Stacy talks about his book, Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider, where readers are taken on a powerful and transformative journey that combines an inspiring memoir with a candid exploration of the challenges faced by a trailblazing business leader.  In this episode, Darius and Stacy discuss Stacy’s entrepreneurial journey, including his experiences with MoviePass and his motivation to start Urbanworld Film Festival. Stacy shares some key takeaways from his book, Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider, offering guidance to fellow founders, and emphasizing the importance of overcoming mental barriers to success. They also recount MoviePass' rise and fall, its acquisition, and its triumphant return with a sustainable model.  Topics include: What sparked Stacy’s passion for the entertainment industry that lead him to pursue a career in Hollywood Stacy looks back at his experience and challenges working on soundtracks at Miramax How the events of 9/11 have left a profound impact on Stacy’s perspective How Urban World has helped launch the careers of notable filmmakers and actors Stacy shares his take on embracing diversity  What motivated Stacy to start a nonprofit festival called Urban World Co-founding Urbanworld Films and what the company offers to moviegoers  The challenges of co-founding MoviePass and what it took to fund the app What the future looks like for MoviePass What inspired Stacy to write Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider And other topics… Connect with Stacy: Website: https://www.stacyspikes.com/ Website: https://www.moviepass.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacyspikes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacyspikes/  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

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with David Siegel, CEO of Meetup.com, where he oversees its global business. Meetup currently has 52 million members, hosts 15,000 events daily, and has events in 193 countries. David also hosts the “Keep Connected” podcast, devoted to the power of community. He is a business leader and expert in building personal and professional communities. You'll discover how Meetup started and how it has impacted communities. You'll learn what happened when WeWork acquired Meetup. You'll also discover the concept of "Decide and Conquer," 44 decisions that will make or break all leaders. Join Darius and David as they discuss the power of professional communities. Topics include: How Meetup started and how it has impacted communities What happened when WeWork acquired Meetup Decide and conquer: 44 decisions that will make or break all leaders And so much more… Connect with David: Website: https://www.meetup.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmsiegel/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Davidmeirsiegel  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