The Greatness Machine

On today’s show, Darius interviews JeVon (JT) McCormick, CEO of Scribe Media, who shares with us his thoughts on racial injustice, socio-economic inequality, company culture, and much, much more. Born a son of a black pimp father and an orphan mother, JeVon was in one of the juvenile systems in his formative years. And early on in his career, he had to overcome racial injustice as he tried to cement his place in corporate America. He talks about his changing his name from JeVon to the more ambiguous, JT before changing it back to JeVon in light of the recent BLM moment. We also talk about company culture. And how working at a “people-first” software company was an eye-opening experience for JT after his experience in the banking sector.   Because both Darius and JT come from the mortgage world, they also reminisce about the subprime crisis. While banks were blamed for the financial mess, Darius and JT argue that the people (borrowers) were equally responsible.  As a huge proponent of conscious capitalism, Jevon is passionate about creating opportunities for at-risk youth. A board member for Conscious Capitalism and the StartEdUp Foundation, he has mentored young men and women in the juvenile justice system, as well as those in the lower economic communities. JeVon is passionate about conscious entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for at-risk youth. He has mentored young men and women in the juvenile justice system, as well as those in lower economic communities. Topics include: How JeVon went from a GED to CEO Accountability in the workplace The effects of systemic racism on entrepreneurs of color and changes we can make to fight against it And other topics… Connect with JeVon: Website: https://jevonmccormick.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jevonmccormick/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jevonmccormick/ 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 we break free from the cycle of disconnection and disengagement in the face of economic instability and remote work? Is there a way to challenge the prevailing trends and create meaningful change that truly matters? Seth Godin, a renowned author, entrepreneur, and thought leader, delves into the heart of what truly matters in our personal and professional lives. Through his book, The Song of Significance, he explores the challenges of our disconnected and disengaged world, offering profound insights and actionable advice to break free from the status quo. The Song of Significance goes beyond traditional business narratives, urging us to question prevailing trends and seek meaningful change. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or simply someone seeking to make a difference, this book is a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. It challenges us to rethink our approach, embrace our individuality, and contribute to a world where significance becomes our guiding melody. Join Darius and Seth in this captivating episode as they delve into the transformative shifts in societal norms and their profound impact on individuals. Discover the power of embracing technology, unleashing your full potential, and embracing a future filled with endless possibilities. Topics include: The inspiration behind the title of Seth’s new book The Song of Significance Why it matters to have honest communication between employers and workers Starting with the smallest unit of significant progress and making a mutual commitment The importance of human direction Market capitalism versus industrial capitalism How the rapid shifts in societal norms can affect individuals Why we need to embrace technology and how can we leverage it Allowing individuals to navigate challenges and develop necessary skills Addressing toxic behavior promptly and decisively The crucial role of leaders in spreading the culture within an organization Leveraging the collective intelligence of an entire organization in making successful leaps Why employers need to focus on the quality of work rather than the identity of the worker And other topics… Connect with Seth: Website: https://www.sethgodin.com/ Blog: https://seths.blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethgodin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethgodin/ The Song of Significance: https://www.amazon.com/Song-Significance-New-Manifesto-Teams/dp/0593715543/  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

With more people staying at home than usual over the last two years, it comes as no surprise when the popularity of podcasts continues to grow. Unlike TV shows or YouTube videos, this new on-demand platform is easy to access, stores a wide variety of categories, and offers convenience.  But how do you make your podcast stand out from the rest? Lindsay Graham looks back at how he started to take an interest in audio composition. Setting up a studio in his garage, his passion and dedication led him to become the Webby Award-winning host of the podcasts American History Tellers, American Scandal, and American Elections: Wicked Game. In this episode, Darius and Lindsay discuss podcasting, its growing popularity, and its influence on the audience. They also share some tips on how to find success in the industry and give a hint on what podcasting should look like in the years to come. Topics include: How Lindsay started doing audio composition for fun at his garage Lindsay looks back at how his podcasting career started What makes a podcast a hit vs. a miss What does the future of podcasting look like What success means for podcasters What they do at AIRSHIP and what Lindsay aspires for his company to accomplish Lindsay shares his reason for doing podcasts Podcast as a medium to educate and influence The creation of the American Elections: Wicked Game podcast What advice would Lindsay give his younger self And other topics… Connect with Lindsay: Website: https://airship.fm/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayagraham/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindsayagraham American History Tellers: https://wondery.com/shows/american-history-tellers/  American Scandal: https://wondery.com/shows/american-scandal/  Business Movers: https://wondery.com/shows/business-movers/ 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 show, we interview entrepreneur, designer, endurance athlete, and certified Integral Coach, Tony Lillios who shares with us his incredible life story, his many tribulations, and successes. Tony started his professional career as a consultant with IDEO. But then the desire to “do more” kicked in. And back in 1996, Tony founded Speck Design and then Speck Products. Speck Products designed and manufactured cases for laptops and phones. And they were the first manufacturer to bring hard cases to the market. Speck rode the early wave of success but then the business got harder. And they plateaued once sales hit $150 million. Reading the market conditions, Tony and his partners sold out to Samsonite – a larger organization that had the resources and the distribution network to continue scaling the business. Today, as an Integral Coach, Tony works with individuals and small teams looking to unlock more possibilities when feeling stuck. His most productive relationships are with clients that have tried to address what isn't working or what they aspire towards and have come up short.  Towards the end of the show, we have an interesting discussion on core values – a concept that is still grossly under thought. This is a show that you do not want to miss. Topics include: How Tony started the journey to success in developing his own company What happens when a business starts plateauing, the market becomes harder and more expensive How Tony transitioned from owning his company to starting his integral coaching career Why core values are grossly underthought through And other topics… Connect with Tony: Website: https://www.lillios.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillios/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonylillioscoach/  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 conversations are you having with yourself? The power of your inner dialogue and the conversations you have with yourself cannot be underestimated. They hold the ability to shape your mindset, emotions, and actions. Negative self-talk has a way of weighing you down and filling your mind with insecurities, and self-criticism. But when you choose words of encouragement, support, and optimism, you create a nurturing environment within yourself. Today I am flying solo for part two of the Top 4 Things I Learned In My 44th Year On Earth series, where I will share my personal experiences of negative self-talk and how it impacted my life for so many years. In this episode, I will reveal that pivotal moment that made me let go of the negative conversations I was having with myself, and what changed in me after I started having positive self-talk.  Topics include: The significance of self-talk and how they shape our decisions and actions How both internal and external conversations influence our thoughts and beliefs My personal experiences of negative self-talk The importance of choosing uplifting and positive conversations with oneself  The turning point that made me let go of negative conversations The power of awareness in making choices The importance of intentional practice in maintaining positive conversations with oneself Embracing self-cheerleading and self-empowerment And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  The Miracle Morning: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710  How Leadership (Actually)Works: https://www.amazon.com/How-Leadership-Actually-Works-Coordinating-ebook/dp/B09WF2KPPG  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

Do you have both the willingness and ability to take risks with your investments? William Green, through his book “Richer, Wiser, Happier,” takes a deep dive into the world of investing after drawing powerful insights from the world’s greatest investors. As a journalist and author, William spent more than two decades interviewing some of the most successful investors to explore the strategies, philosophies, and principles they use to achieve long-term success and happiness, both in investing and in life.  His book offers insights into how they think, act, and make decisions, and how ordinary investors can apply these lessons to their own portfolios and lives. Willam emphasizes the importance of avoiding bad decisions and taking a rational approach to investing, while also acknowledging the role of luck in investment success. In this episode, Darius and William talk about a wide range of topics including financial freedom and achieving success through investing, the importance of setting intentions, and making principled decisions. They also discuss the dangers of investing and why it is important to learn and understand it before making an investment decision.  Topics include: What led William to study English at Oxford and pursue a career in writing What sparked William’s interest in the stock market despite his initial views on business and markets How to achieve financial freedom and success through investing How a setback can lead to introspection and a deeper understanding of life Setting an intention to help achieve a positive impact and avoid being driven by ego Leading a life with no regrets by making principled decisions  The many benefits of approaching life in a more rational manner The effects of making poor and bad decisions The dangers of investing without knowing what you are doing And other topics… Connect with William: Website: https://williamgreenwrites.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-green-79809a19/ Richer, Wiser, Happier: https://www.amazon.com/Richer-Wiser-Happier-Greatest-Investors/dp/1501164856  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's episode of The Greatness Machine is part two of Darius' conversation with childhood friend and Executive Producer of "Below Deck: Mediterranean," Nadine Rajabi. A little about Nadine: Host for several Bravo digital series such as "The Shahs Come Clean with Nadine," "Fresh Squeezed: The Real Housewives of Orange County," and "Housewivesology: The Real Housewives of New Jersey," as well as several other top networks and platforms. She's an actress, comedian, national champion black belt, competitive snowboarder, and a former semi-pro soccer player. On top of all that, Nadine also holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. in Biology. You'll learn about some of the most bizarre conspiracy theories currently making the rounds. You'll learn about a stunning scene from "Below Deck: Mediterranean" that didn't make the cut, along with a sneak peek at what's coming up. You'll also hear about the time Darius found himself the victim of a scam - right in front of a crowd of people! If you enjoyed part one of this fun and wide-ranging conversation, you're going to love part two! Topics include: Some of the latest (and most bizarre) conspiracy theories A shocking scene that didn't make the cut on "Below Deck: Mediterranean," as well as some hints about what's coming up on the show What happened when Darius was scammed in front of a crowd of people while overseas And so much more... Connect with Nadine: Website: http://nadinerajabi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadinerajabi/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadinerajabi/ 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 adopt a champion’s mindset and unleash your full potential? Champions understand that success doesn't come overnight and they are willing to put in the time, effort, and dedication required to achieve their goals. That is why having a champion’s mindset entails having the mental and emotional strength to accomplish your goals and overcome obstacles.  Joining us on The Greatness Machine for the second time around, Dr. Jeff Spencer talks about helping athletes, performers, and business leaders achieve their full potential by cultivating a champion’s mindset. As a former Olympian, acclaimed chiropractor, and performance coach, Jeff understands that success is not just about physical ability, but also about mental strength, emotional resilience, and a positive attitude. In this episode, Darius and Jeff discuss the importance of finding and living your calling, the crucial role of having a champion’s mindset in reaching success, what it takes to win, and how fear prevents you from fulfilling your potential. Check out Dr. Jeff Spencer’s previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-jeff-spencer-pursuit-excellence-towards-winning/id1555334180?i=1000524616706  Topics include: How Jeff found his calling of becoming an Olympian at a young age What it takes to win the Olympics Reasons why most people ignore their calling The impacts of a fear-driven life Winning as a learned behavior Learning to cultivate and prioritize a champion's mindset to achieve goals The five core competencies and why they need to be developed simultaneously The importance of methodology and rhythm in achieving success How to live an enriched life and have a sense of purpose And other topics…. Connect with Jeff: Website: https://www.drjeffspencer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeffspencer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jeffspencer/ 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 it really possible to achieve more by doing less? In the pursuit of doing more, we often find ourselves entangled in a labyrinth of busyness, where productivity becomes a mere illusion. We chase after every opportunity that comes knocking, and our plates overflow, spilling over with commitments and aspirations, leaving us no room to savor life’s simple pleasures. But amidst this flurry of constant motion, we fail to realize that doing more doesn’t always equate to achieving more. In fact, that is one of the things I learned after experiencing burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion as someone who tends to overwhelm himself with too many commitments.  Today I am flying solo for part one of this series where I will discuss the top four things I learned in my 44th year on Earth. In this episode, I will share how I have come to a realization that choosing less over more is the key to a happier life. I will also share some tips on how to simplify decision-making and how to identify and focus on the things that truly matter in order to succeed.  Topics include: The top four lessons I learned during my 44th year Reflecting on my past tendencies to constantly fill my plate Looking back hitting a wall when I left my business Experiencing burnout and exhaustion due to overcommitting Making a conscious decision to focus on what matters most 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

If you've watched "Below Deck: Mediterranean" on Bravo, then you know crazy things can happen at sea. As you're about to learn, it's no different behind the scenes! In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with childhood friend and Executive Producer of "Below Deck: Mediterranean," Nadine Rajabi. A list of Nadine's accomplishments sounds as if she's lived several lifetimes: Host for several Bravo digital series such as "The Shahs Come Clean with Nadine," "Fresh Squeezed: The Real Housewives of Orange County," and "Housewivesology: The Real Housewives of New Jersey," as well as several other top networks and platforms. She's an actress, comedian, national champion black belt, competitive snowboarder, and a former semi-pro soccer player. On top of all that, Nadine also holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. in Biology. You'll learn about the kinds of challenges (and craziness!) that go into filming "Below Deck: Mediterranean," particularly during a pandemic. You'll find out how Nadine made the transition from being in front of the camera as an actress/comedian/host to the role of Executive Producer. You'll also learn about the ever-changing and evolving nature of comedy over the years. Join Darius and Nadine in part one of this fun and eye-opening two-part conversation! Topics include: The challenges of shooting Bravo’s "Below Deck Mediterranean" during a pandemic. Nadine’s journey from being in front of the camera to being an Executive Producer. How comedy has changed and evolved over the years. And other topics… Connect with Nadine: Website: http://nadinerajabi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadinerajabi/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadinerajabi/ 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