The Greatness Machine

How do you change your life for the better? Starting your day on the right foot is crucial in setting the tone for the rest of your day. By engaging in positive habits and activities in the morning, you can cultivate a sense of motivation, focus, and energy that can carry you through the day ahead. By waking up early and engaging in activities such as meditation, exercise, journaling, and reading, you can nourish your mind, body, and soul and set yourself up for success. Whether you are a morning person or not, creating a morning routine that works for you can help you start your day with a positive mindset and a sense of direction, ultimately leading to a more productive and fulfilling life. Hal Elrod, an international keynote speaker and bestselling author of 14 books, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about the Miracle Morning routine and how it changed his life and the lives of millions of people around the world. In this episode, Darius and Hal share their personal stories on how the Miracle Morning routine has turned their lives around. They also talk about the importance of visualization and the power of mindset. Topics include: What changed in Hal’s life when he started a morning routine Hal explains the 6-step morning routine using S.A.V.E.R.S. Helpful tips for waking up early in the morning The most important part of the visualization Hal shares a piece of advice for those who want to change their life And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  Connect with Hal Elrod: Website: https://halelrod.com/  Website: https://miraclemorning.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hal_elrod/ 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 do you make your investment choices? What philosophies or beliefs do you rely on to select a suitable investment? Everyone seems to have their own way of determining the answer to those questions, and today's guest is here to provide his own insights! In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Christopher M. Schelling, an educator, Director of Alternative Investments for Venturi Private Wealth, and the author of "Better Than Alpha." He holds degrees in psychology, business, and finance and is an expert at incorporating insights from behavioral finance into investment decision-making.  You'll learn how Chris made his way into the world of finance after receiving a degree in psychology, as well as a primer on the various philosophies people use to choose funds. You'll discover the differences between stocks and "alternative" investments (hedge funds, private equity, private real estate, etc.) You'll also learn about the ins and outs of private equities. Join Darius and Chris as they discuss everything you need to know about investing, stocks, funds, and so much more! Topics include: A little of Chris' background and the different philosophies that go into investing in funds Stock market investments vs. alternative investments The ins and outs of private and public equities And other topics… Connect with Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-schelling/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/schelling_chris 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 turn LinkedIn into a money-making machine? In today's digital age, LinkedIn has emerged as a powerful platform for networking, job searching, and professional growth. However, many are still unaware of its potential as a money-making tool. By leveraging LinkedIn’s features and building a strong online presence, you can tap into lucrative opportunities and use the platform to help you grow your business. Devin Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Kennected, a company that provides SaaS-based marketing services with a focus on automating the prospect and outreach process, joins us on the Greatness Machine to take us into his entrepreneurial journey from selling sneakers and making over $100,000 to founding a SaaS startup that now makes $15 million per year.  In this episode, Darius and Devin dive deeper into entrepreneurship, lead generation, marketing, and sales. They also talk about the importance of having the right mindset and knowing what you really want to achieve success.  Topics include: How and why Devin started selling sneakers at a young age Why Devin decided to distance himself from his family to find himself Devin looks back on founding Kennected in 2018 The primary growth driver of the Kennected product How to generate leads and sales on LinkedIn Devin explains Kennected subscription and implementation pricing The number one issue most businesses encounter And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  Burn the Boats: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X Connect with Devin: Website: https://kennected.io/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-title-necessary/id1677020306?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=podtail_podcasts  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadflow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinallenjohnson/  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 makes conscious leaders different and more effective? Conscious leadership is a leadership style that prioritizes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, purpose, and compassion. Unlike traditional leadership styles that focus on power and control, conscious leaders aim to create a positive impact on their organizations, communities, and the world at large. Conscious leaders make decisions with mindfulness and consideration for all stakeholders involved. They listen to their intuition and take into account the impact of their decisions on everyone involved, including the broader community. They also prioritize building a culture of trust, transparency, and psychological safety, where team members feel valued, heard, and supported. Rand Stagen, CEO of the Stagen Leadership Academy, joins us on the Greatness Machine for the second time around to talk about leadership and the importance of having great leaders to move forward. In this episode, Darius and Rand discuss conscious leadership, the benefits of seeing struggles as opportunities, and how fear can affect good leadership.  Topics include: The birth of Stagen Leadership Academy started in 1999 How great leadership keeps people moving forward Overcoming fear to become an effective leader The use of gender pronouns in the workplace The importance of seeing your hardships as gifts And other topics… Connect with Rand: Website: https://stagen.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rand-stagen-3398b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randstagen/ 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 chats with Cosmic Catalyst, Maverick Mischief-maker and Galactic Goofball Yanik Silver. He's redefining how business is done in the 21st century, and he's doing so at the intersection of evolutionary growth, impact and fun. You'll discover the path Yanik took to becoming an entrepreneur. You'll learn the benefits of removing our attachment to results. You'll also discover how Yanik's Cosmic Journal came into existence. Join Darius and Yanik for this wide-ranging, fun and inspiring discussion on growth and answering the "cosmic alarm clock!" Topics include:  Yanik's path to becoming an entrepreneur The benefits of removing our attachment to results How Yanik started his Cosmic Journal And other topics… Connect with Yanik: Website: https://yaniksilver.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaniksilver/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaniksilver/  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 do you find time to read when you’re extremely busy? Reading one book per week is an achievable goal that can lead to significant benefits. By committing to reading consistently, you can expand your knowledge, improve your focus, and enhance your critical thinking abilities. This reading habit can also improve your vocabulary and writing skills, which can be beneficial in various aspects of life.  Additionally, exploring different genres and topics can broaden your perspective and help you see the world in new ways. If you're having trouble reading regularly, start with shorter books or audiobooks, and gradually build up your reading stamina. However, it's important to remember that the quality of the reading experience is more important than the number of books you read. Today, I am flying solo to kick off the series How to Build Your Reading Superpower. In this episode, I will share a few tips on how I manage to read books despite my busy schedule. I will also talk about some of the books that helped me improve my mindset and lifestyle.  Check out the previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/187-the-worlds-most-important-superpower-you-can-get/id1555334180?i=1000606724968  Topics include: What I learned from reading books about the Holocaust Why I prefer audiobooks over physical books One simple tip to help you read more books Apps to help you read more And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Tattooist of Auschwitz: https://www.amazon.com/Tattooist-Auschwitz-Novel-Heather-Morris/dp/0062797158  The Happiest Man on Earth: https://www.amazon.com/Happiest-Man-Earth-Beautiful-Auschwitz/dp/0063097680  The Miracle Morning: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710  Younger Next Year: https://www.amazon.com/Younger-Next-Year-Strong-Beyond/dp/076114773X  Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 Tiny Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Habits-Changes-Change-Everything/dp/0358003326  Can’t Hurt Me: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287  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 happens when a company exits? When a company exits, it means that ownership of the company changes hands, either through a sale or transfer of ownership. The specific details of what happens when a company exits depend on the type of exit and the terms of the agreement. Having an exit strategy is crucial for any business because it helps the company plan for the future and ensures a smooth transition of ownership. Without a proper exit strategy, a company may be forced to sell under unfavorable terms, or it may be difficult to find a buyer or successor. Rick Sapio, CEO of Mutual Capital Alliance (MCA), Inc., joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his entrepreneurial journey and what he aims to achieve in working with private companies. In this episode, Darius and Rick discuss the importance of building core values and business exit reasons and strategies. Rick also talks about the Exit Concierge Service and what they do to help privately-owned & PE-backed companies through the often grueling and difficult Exit Process. Topics include: How Rick’s entrepreneurial journey started How Rick helps his kids build their values What they do at Mutual Capital Alliance (MCA) How the MCA Exit Concierge Service helps companies through the exit process Differences between strategic and financial buyers And other topics… Connect with Rick: Website: https://mutualcapitalalliance.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricksapio  Email: rsapio@mutualcapitalalliance.com  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

Building and growing a successful business is about more than just having a great idea or product. It's largely about having the right people around you, particularly as you scale. Today's guest discovered this simple truth and is here to share his insights. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Brian Scudamore, a serial entrepreneur probably best known for pioneering the professional junk hauling industry through 1-800-GOT-JUNK.  Since conquering that market, he's gone on to apply his O2E (ordinary to exceptional) formula to the painting and home-detailing industry with Wow 1-Day Painting and Shack Shine. You'll learn exactly what goes into being a so-called "overnight success." You'll discover the one mistake that a great many entrepreneurs make at some point in their journey. You'll also learn why it's vital to be surrounded by people in your business who share your vision and core values. Join Darius and Brian for this amazing and eye-opening discussion!  Topics include:  The reality of the "overnight success” One common mistake most entrepreneurs make The importance of having the right people in business And other topics... Connect with Brian: Website: https://brianscudamore.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scudamore/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianscudamore/ 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 could have a superpower, what would it be? While the ability to fly or have super strength might be exciting and thrilling, these powers are not necessarily practical or applicable to our everyday lives. So, what could it be? Reading is often referred to as a superpower because it has the potential to transform our lives in many positive ways. It is an incredible tool that can enable us to access knowledge, gain new perspectives, and open ourselves up to new experiences. One of the reasons reading is a superpower is that it allows us to learn from others. When we read books, articles, and other written materials, we are exposed to the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of others. We can learn about different cultures, explore new topics, and gain insights into complex concepts. Today, I am flying solo to talk about what I learned from reading James Altucher’s Skip the Line and how that book made me realize the life-changing benefits of reading. I will also discuss what motivated me to read more and how I actually find time for reading.  Topics include: The key takeaway Darius got from reading Skip the Line by James Altucher The life-changing benefits of reading books How to actually read more books  And other topics… Resource mentioned: Skip the Line by James Altucher: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Line-Experiments-Surprising-Reaching-ebook/dp/B08BLLF3RD  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

Why are some people better at certain things than others? There are many factors that can contribute to why some individuals are naturally better at certain things than others. These factors can include genetics, environmental influences, upbringing, education, and life experiences. When you become good at something, you start to see the nuances of that skill that beginners may miss. As you gain more experience, you begin to understand the intricacies and subtleties of the task that may have been previously invisible to you. This increased awareness allows you to see why others struggle with the skill and what they may be doing wrong. You can recognize common mistakes that beginners make, understand why certain techniques are more effective, and identify patterns that lead to success. Furthermore, being good at something often requires a deep understanding of the underlying principles that govern the skill. James Altucher, a Top 10 Linkedin Influencer, prolific writer, successful entrepreneur, chess master, and venture capitalist, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his motivation in writing Skip the Line: The 10,000 Experiments Rule and Other Surprising Advice for Reaching Your Goals. In this episode, Darius and James dive deep into the pros and cons of having multiple interests and hobbies, the meaning of Idea Sex and how it can be used in all areas of life, and the interesting concept of using conspiracy numbers in choosing the right idea.  Topics include: How James became an accidental entrepreneur while working for HBO How to handle multiple interests and hobbies What motivated James to write his new book Skip the Line James explains the meaning of Idea Sex Using conspiracy numbers in choosing the right idea  The concept of plus minus equals James shares some pieces of advice for podcast creators And other topics… Connect with James: Website: https://jamesaltucher.com/  Website: https://notepd.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altucher  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Line-Experiments-Surprising-Reaching/dp/0062998927  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