The Greatness Machine

"If you build it, they will come." Most of us know that line from the film, 'Field of Dreams.' It's inspirational, but not a great strategy when building a business - especially when it applies to the core values of your business. In June of 2008, Darius attended an event in which he experienced a "gut punch" that completely changed the trajectory of his life and forced him to rethink the way he ran his business. In this quick solo outing, Darius shares the story of his life-altering experience - and it all came down to three simple questions, starting with, "Does your business have core values?" Core values are powerful tools for any business, but, as Darius discovered, there's far more to them than it appears. You'll learn why creating core values for your business is important, but only the beginning of the process, not the end. You'll discover why 9 out of 10 business owners get the idea of "core values" wrong. You'll also learn about the power of "invisible scale" and how you can use this strategy to massively build your business. Core values are powerful tools, but only if they're understood and used correctly by everyone in your business. Stay tuned to the end for an exciting announcement about a new project Darius will be debuting shortly! Topics include: Why three questions at an event completely changed the trajectory of Darius' life Why having core values and knowing what they actually are... are two completely different things The power of "invisible scale" 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

Are you tired of simply letting life happen to you, or are you ready to take charge and design a life that truly reflects your aspirations and desires? In a world where routines and obligations often dictate our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of our own dreams and ambitions. We find ourselves going through the motions, yearning for something more but unsure of how to break free from the monotony. Jack Daly, an experienced and inspirational sales trainer, and sales coaching expert, is a true testament to the power of designing one's own life and stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication, and a clear vision converge. From humble beginnings, he defied the odds and carved a path that led him to the life he had always envisioned. Driven by an unwavering determination, Jack pursued his dreams relentlessly, navigating through challenges and setbacks with resilience and an unyielding spirit. He understood that success was not a stroke of luck, but the result of strategic planning, purposeful actions, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. In this episode, Darius and Jack dive deep into a captivating conversation that spans various aspects of personal and professional growth. They explore Jack's early passion for sales, which ignited during his formative years and paved the way for his entrepreneurial endeavors. They discuss the transformative power of setting goals and the significance of writing them down.  Topics include: Jack’s passion for sales began at a young age and led to early entrepreneurial ventures The benefits of setting goals and writing them down  The importance of defining what success means to oneself What it matters to put your bucket list out in the universe and share it openly The value of defining and pursuing one’s own goals and desires in life Why you should focus on starting and finishing rather than winning Recognizing and tapping into your untapped potential in all areas of your life Taking control of your mindset and choosing positivity to eliminate bad days And other topics… Resources mentioned: Open by Andre Agassi: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Autobiography-Andre-Agassi/dp/0307388409 A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle: https://www.amazon.com/New-Earth-Awakening-Purpose-Selection/dp/0452289963  Connect with Jack: Website: https://jackdalysales.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackdaly/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ironmanjack  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 Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, host of the Build for Tomorrow and Problem Solvers podcasts, and the author of Mr. Nice Guy and Build for Tomorrow. He's also worked as Editor of Men's Health, Fast Company, Maxim, and Boston Magazine, and has written about business technology for The Washington Post, Slate, and others. Jason is best known as the guy who gets you excited for the future. He's passionate about helping people become more resilient in a world of constant change, so they can seize new opportunities before anyone else does.  You'll discover how Jason made the decision about what he wanted to do with his life. You'll learn the one crucial mistake people make when writing for a publication. You'll also discover why you need to be bad at something, in order to be good at it.  Topics include: How Jason made the decision about what he wanted to do with his life The one crucial mistake people make when writing for a publication Why you need to be bad at something, in order to be good at it And other topics… Connect with Jason: Website: https://www.jasonfeifer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfeifer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyfeifer/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/heyfeifer/ 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 feeling bogged down by the monotony of your daily life? On today’s show, Darius talks about enjoying the journey rather than incessantly worrying about the end results.  Like many of us, Darius loves his cup of morning coffee. And he obsesses about getting the right beans, the temperature, and adding the correct amount of milk.  Recently, a friend of Darius’s bought an expensive coffee machine that automated the entire process. While this made it extremely easy to make the perfect cup of coffee, Darius realized that he enjoyed the process of making his cup of coffee way more than drinking the coffee itself. On today’s show, you will learn why you need to fully immerse yourself in the process to enjoy the outcome.  Darius also shares how the simple act of making a cup of coffee aligns with his SIX Core Values. And why you should strive to apply this same passion and love to all your aspects of life. Topics include: Enjoying the journey rather than incessantly worrying about the outcome Finding joy in the mundane chores that typically bog us down How to approach every aspect of your life with love and passion 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

Have you ever wondered how some artists achieve extraordinary success in the music industry against all odds? Embarking on a creative journey in the music industry can be an unpredictable and daunting endeavor, much like the path followed by the renowned artist, Moby. His journey stands out as a shining example of unwavering dedication and ingenuity in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. Moby, the sonic visionary renowned for his genre-defying soundscapes, has multiple Grammy nominations and a career spanning several decades. Best known for his hit songs “Porcelain,” “Natural Blues,” and “South Side,” he carved out a niche for himself, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide and he continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of electronic music and beyond.  In this episode, Darius, Moby, and Lindsay engage in a candid conversation, delving into Moby's decision to pursue music over becoming a philosophy professor. They explore the concept of the "hungry ghost" and achieve true fulfillment, touching upon the pursuit of happiness in entrepreneurial endeavors. Together, they discuss the role of ego in their lives, the need for open-mindedness, and the significance of being receptive to different perspectives, leaving listeners with profound insights into purpose, fulfillment, and self-discovery. Topics include: What made Moby decide to pursue music instead of becoming a philosophy professor Moby reflects on his journey from poverty to material success, fame, and debauchery The importance of finding meaning, purpose, and value in life The concept of the “hungry ghost” and how to achieve true fulfillment What it takes to achieve true happiness in entrepreneurialism Lindsay discusses the constant striving in her career The importance of learning from both successes and failures Moby and Lindsay discuss the role of ego in their lives The value of being willing to look at the evidence and avoid clinging to preconceived notions beliefs or ideas The need for curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Almanac of Naval Ravikant: https://www.amazon.com/Almanack-Naval-Ravikant-Wealth-Happiness/dp/1544514212  The Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  Connect with Moby and Lindsay: Moby Website: https://moby.com/  Moby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moby/ Lindsay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linzhicks/  Lindsay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-hicks-6b392550/  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 Cat Hoke, founder of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program and Defy Ventures, entrepreneur, author, and speaker. As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter, Cat mastered the art of “breakfall”: how to prevent injury when you get taken down. Cat works with gang leaders in the most notorious prisons, leading gang intervention programs. Her Hustle 2.0 initiative reduces crime, violence, and recidivism by providing evidence-based rehabilitation programs that equip incarcerated people with the tools to transform their lives by changing their thoughts and behaviors. You'll discover how Cat started wrestling at a young age and ended up as the only girl on the team. You'll learn what you can learn working with incarcerated people. You'll also discover details of Cat's Hustle 2.0 program. Topics include: How Cat started wrestling at a young age and ended up as the only girl on the team What you can learn working with incarcerated people Details on the Hustle 2.0 initiative And other topics… Connect with Cat: Website: https://www.cathoke.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinehokeny/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherine_hoke/  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

Have you ever found yourself wandering amidst the chaos, yearning for a guiding light of clarity? Life often presents us with moments of uncertainty and chaos, leaving us feeling adrift and in need of direction. Like travelers in a dense fog, we stumble forward, desperately seeking clarity and a sense of purpose. It is during these times that having confidence becomes paramount, for it is the beacon that guides us through the storm. Peter Atwater, a renowned author, speaker, and consultant in the field of behavioral finance and investor sentiment, delves into the profound impact of confidence on our decision-making, resilience, and overall well-being in his latest book, The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity.  Drawing from his extensive expertise in behavioral finance and investor sentiment, Peter presents a compelling framework that illuminates the intricate relationship between confidence and chaos. In this episode, Darius and Peter discuss the vital role of confidence in decision-making and behavior across various aspects of life. Peter shares the journey behind his book, The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity, emphasizing resilience in facing uncertainty and embracing growth from failure. They explore making financial decisions with uncertainty, avoiding gut-driven choices, and the importance of seeking help and feedback for personal and professional development. Topics include: The crucial role of confidence in driving decisions and behaviors in various aspects of life Peter explains the story behind The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity How resilience plays a role in dealing with uncertainty and lack of control Why it is important to embrace uncertainty and powerlessness The benefits of seeing failure as an opportunity for learning and growth Making financial decisions with an understanding that the future is uncertain Why you should avoid making decisions solely based on gut feelings Why it matters to be willing to ask for help and seek feedback to improve and grow in personal and professional endeavors And other topics… Connect with Peter: Website: https://peteratwater.com/  Book: https://peteratwater.com/books-2/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Peter_Atwater  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-atwater-08467034/  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

Have you ever wondered what it takes for someone to seamlessly transition from the electrifying realm of sports announcing to the cutthroat world of business, conquering both with remarkable finesse? Bruce Buffer, an iconic figure in the world of sports announcing and business, joins us on The Greatness Machine to share his story of venturing into the world of business while captivating sports fans with his booming voice on stage.  Leveraging his brand and recognizability, he has successfully built a thriving business empire. Bruce ventures include merchandise, licensing deals, public appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. His business acumen and strategic mindset have allowed him to transcend the confines of sports announcing, establishing himself as a savvy entrepreneur. In this episode, Darius and Bruce dive into various intriguing topics, starting with Bruce's journey of how he began managing his half-brother, Michael Buffer, and the lessons he learned along the way. They also explore the future of personal branding, emphasizing the significance of values and purpose in establishing a strong personal brand. Bruce shares his insights on the future of combat sports, providing a unique perspective on what lies ahead. Moreover, they unravel the secret to following one's passions and achieving success, delving into the mindset and strategies required. Topics include: How Bruce started managing his half-brother Michael Buffer The future of personal branding The importance of values and purpose in leading a personal brand What the future looks like for combat sports according to Bruce The secret to following your passions and achieving success And other topics… Connect with Bruce: Website: https://brucebuffer.com/  Website: https://puncherschancebourbon.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brucebufferufc/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brucebuffer/  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 Sam Penny, who with his wife operates Artisans Bend (Cheese Therapy), Australia's largest artisan cheese retailer. Sam is passionate about strategy, marketing, and the pursuit of the perfect cheese.  In the sports world, Sam made the first attempt to swim the English Channel in Winter, has run 87km in 13 hours, and swam an Ice Mile in 3.9-degree celsius water. You'll discover what life looks like as a serial entrepreneur. You'll learn about Sam's passion for cheese and how he became the "Cheese Monger." You'll also discover what it was like to swim the English Channel... in Winter! Join Darius and Sam as they explore the tasty world of cheese, entrepreneurship, and how it feels to swim in essentially frozen water. Topics include: Life as a serial entrepreneur How and why Sam shifted from running a medical device company to the role of "Cheese Monger” What it was like to be the 191st Australian to swim the English Channel And other topics... Connect with Sam: Website: https://cheesetherapy.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampenny 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 you foster an ownership mindset within your organization that catapults you miles ahead of the competition? In today’s show, Darius shares how the Core Equation Value Equation Process can help you cultivate this much-prized mindset which will have your employees treating your business as if it was theirs. When you do so, you can extract that extra 20% - that extra bit that separates the winners from the losers. Learn how you can discover, design, and roll out your own core equation value process to make all this happen.  Topics include: Cultivating an ownership mindset within your organization How to discover, design, and roll out your core equation value process How to incentivize employees in the correct manner 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