The Greatness Machine

Darius Mirshahzadeh has spent two decades building high-growth companies from startups to hundreds of employees, and during that span of time, he realized what it takes to grow his companies exponentially and how to build a core-value-driven organization from zero to one thousand employees. Darius is a core value evangelist, a serial entrepreneur, and a culture-building mad scientist who was ranked #9 on Glassdoor’s list of Top CEOs of Small and Medium Companies in the US. Topics include: The story behind my “pink unicorn” symbol What made me realize that I was meant to be an entrepreneur Discovering the importance of core values Where the title The Core Value Equation came from What is cultural fit and why it matters in the workplace The most important principles The Core Value Equation will teach the readers How to design headers that stick out  Knowing your values and sticking to them And other topics… Brandon Fong is a young entrepreneur and the founder and host of the 7-Figure Millennials podcast. His podcast now ranks as one of the top 2% most popular shows out of 2.7M podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score (the estimated popularity score). Connect with Brandon: Website: https://7figuremillennials.com/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-figure-millennials/id1539028952  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsfong/ 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 do small habits make a big difference? Tiny habits are small, simple actions that can be easily integrated into your daily routine. These habits may seem insignificant on their own, but when practiced consistently over time, they can lead to significant changes in your life. One of the reasons tiny habits are so powerful is that they are easy to stick to. When starting a new habit, it can be overwhelming to think about the big picture and all the changes you need to make. Tiny habits, on the other hand, are manageable and do not require a significant amount of effort. This makes it more likely that you will follow through with them and eventually form a lasting habit. Once you establish a small habit, it can be the foundation for building other positive habits. In addition, tiny habits can be used to address specific areas of your life that you want to improve. Whether it's for personal growth, career advancement, or physical health, small habits can be tailored to your specific goals. BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist and founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his new book, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything. In this episode, Darius and BJ talk about habit formation and how to create big changes by starting small. They also discuss the various applications of Tiny Habits in areas such as personal development, health, and business. Topics include: BJ explains the Fogg Behavior Model and Tiny Habits Method BJ reveals one habit he had to get rid of Effects of disruptive behavior and how to manage them Homeostasis and change Setting the bar low as a key to behavior change Creating action prompts and anchors for new habits Why it is important to celebrate successes How tiny habits can lead to big changes And other topics… Connect with BJ: Website: https://www.bjfogg.com/ Website: https://tinyhabits.com/  Website: https://behaviormodel.org/  Website: https://www.foggmethod.com/  Book: https://tinyhabits.com/book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjfogg/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjfogg/  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 show of the Greatness Machine, Darius interviews a Hindu priest, former monk, entrepreneur, and teacher, Dandapani. Dandapani teaches people how to avoid instant gratification and the accompanying distractions so that we can focus on the most important things that truly take us forward.  We start this show by discussing the impact of COVID. While the loss of life and livelihood has been devastating and unimaginable, this black swan event has forced us to reassess our lives and priorities.   Next, Dandapani shares with listeners some interesting details about his visionary project – Siva Ashram in Costa Rica. Built on 33 acres of land, near a river, this Ashram will house seven botanical gardens – each signifying a critical area of our mind.   Dandapani reveals his 300-year plan for this Ashram so that his work can continue uninterrupted for many generations to come. Additionally, Dandapani has some excellent advice to help listeners focus on the core things that matter the most.  Topics include:  How COVID has forced us to reassess our priorities How to FOCUS on the core things that matter the most How we can do our bit to care for and protect our environment And more topics… Connect with Dandapani: Website: https://dandapani.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandapanillc/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/DandapaniLLC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dandapanillc/ 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 true that maintaining a habit of going to bed and waking up early can result in good health, wealth, and wisdom? Waking up early can be a powerful tool to boost productivity throughout the day. By starting your day earlier, you give yourself extra time to accomplish important tasks, prioritize your to-do list, and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. One of the key benefits of waking up early for productivity is that it allows you to establish a routine. When you wake up at the same time every day, your body becomes accustomed to the schedule and you can train yourself to be more productive during your waking hours. This can lead to increased efficiency and focus throughout the day, as you're already in the mindset of getting things done. Waking up early also allows you to tackle your most important tasks when you're at your freshest and most alert. This is because you're able to start your day with a clear mind and fewer distractions, allowing you to focus your energy on the tasks that require the most brainpower and creativity. Today, I am flying solo to talk about Hal Elrod’s book, The Miracle Morning, and how it changed me to become a morning person.  In this episode, I will talk about my morning routine and what my day looks like after learning about the SAVERS productivity routine. I will also share my manifestations and what I do to achieve them. Topics include: How Hal Elrod’s book The Miracle Morning changed my life Practical steps to becoming a morning person How the SAVERS routine help boosts my productivity How to visualize and manifest what you want The benefits of having an accountability partner And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710  The Self-Aware Leader by John Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Aware-Leader-Play-Strengths-Unleash/dp/078526664X  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 should be the next step? In uncertain times, it can be tempting to stand still and wait for things to clear up before making a decision on what your best step forward should be. However, it's important to remember that uncertainty is a natural part of life, and it can also present opportunities for growth and self-discovery. To help you through these times, it is important to practice mindfulness, create a supportive network, remain flexible, focus on progress, seek out new experiences, and maintain a positive outlook. Jeff Henderson, an entrepreneur, speaker, pastor, and business leader, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his newest book, What to Do Next: Taking Your Best Step When Life is Uncertain. In this episode, Darius and Jeff talk about the power of language in leadership, the importance of networking for your career, and pursuing more meaning and purpose in life and work.  Topics include: What drove Jeff to write his new book What to Do Next The story behind building FOR Gwinnett The power of language to improve leadership Effective steps before taking a big leap Why networking is essential for your career Why it is important to leave your employers on good terms And other topics… Resources mentioned: Traction by Gino Wickman: https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837 Connect with Jeff: Website: https://jeffhenderson.com/ Book: https://www.whattodonextbook.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefferyehenderson/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jefferyhenderson/  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 show of The Greatness Machine, Darius interviews leading behavioral change expert, Christina Harbridge who shares with us her thoughts on conflict, discomfort, and resolution. Christina is the Founder and CEO of Allegory Inc. Most human beings behave irrationally….in a way that suits their discomfort. But understanding your operating system can prevent this and help you adopt a more rational demeanor. Once you learn to look inwards and evaluate your behavior, you should strive to make an effort for conscious communication. This resulting communication might cause discomfort – but this discomfort is an offshoot of change. It is an indication that something right is happening. We also discuss the intense debate surrounding the “Black Lives Matter” movement and call out the political entities who are pouring gasoline to further fuel the “us vs. them” ideology. This movement has certainly forced everyone to question their beliefs on diversity and bias. As a practiced observer of human behavior, Christina shares how seamless communication also leads to solid core values – which is the invisible thread that binds an organization together.  In today’s show, you will learn how “coordinating” rather than “collaborating” can help employees live up to their innate abilities. Other topics discussed in today’s show include tips for dealing with complex emotions and the importance of recognizing and disregarding feedback that originates from fragility. Topics include: Sitting with discomfort and allowing the feeling  How to recognize and deal with complex emotions  Getting out of your head during a conflict  How seamless communication leads to solid organizational core values  And other topics… Connect with Christina: Website: https://christinaharbridge.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-harbridge/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/charbridge  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinaharbridge/ 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 overcome resistance to change? Overcoming resistance is often a key factor in achieving greatness, whether that means excelling in your career, creating a work of art, or achieving a personal goal. Resistance can take many forms, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, or a lack of motivation. However, by recognizing and overcoming these obstacles, you can tap into your full potential and create something truly great. One of the keys to overcoming resistance is to develop a growth mindset. This means embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as indications of failure. It also means focusing on the process of creating, rather than solely on the outcome. By shifting your perspective in this way, you can take on challenges with greater resilience and creativity, and view obstacles as opportunities to learn and improve. Today, I am flying solo to talk about my experience joining the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camps and how that experience made me learn the importance of overcoming resistance. In this episode, I will take a look back at the moment I heard true resistance for the very first time and how I learned the benefits of quieting our monkey minds. Topics include: What I experienced joining the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camps The first time I heard true resistance What I learned from J Robinson about resistance Quieting the monkey mind to overcome resistance And other topics… Resources mentioned: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/  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 Brent Gleeson, a Navy SEAL combat veteran, serial entrepreneur, and now acclaimed speaker who shares his distilled wisdom on leadership, accountability, and discipline. Growing up in Dallas, Brent had a normal and secure childhood. And after graduating from SMU, he decided to stick to the tried and tested path by becoming a financial analyst.  But, along the way, Brent was inspired by a fraternity brother who had a lifelong dream of joining the Navy. And he decided to ditch his spreadsheets and pivot tables as he set his eyes on becoming a SEAL. In this segment of the show, you will get a peek into the world of the military. Only 10-15% of applicants manage to successfully complete the rigorous SEAL training. An ultimate test of physical and mental strength, you will surely be inspired by tuning into this show's segment.  After leaving the military, Brent went on to start two businesses, New Condos Online and Internet Marketing Inc, a digital marketing agency – a business that he successfully exited in 2016. Brent has since been helping organizations develop better teams and better leaders. He is an acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and culture transformation to change management and building high-performance teams Towards the end of the show, we have an interesting discussion on core values. And how clearly defining core values and measuring success can help drive an organization toward success. Topics include: The importance of having the same vision with your business partners on where to take business  The benefits of having authentic core values in an organization How core values drive an organization Why SEAL training is the ultimate test of physical and mental prowess And other topics… Connect with Brent: Website: http://www.brentgleesonspeaker.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentgleeson-takingpoint/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brent_gleeson/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/brentgleeson  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

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/darius and get on your way to being your best self. What are the attributes that define an effective leader? Becoming an effective CEO requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the industry and market you operate in. An effective CEO is a visionary who sets clear goals for the company and inspires their team to work together to achieve them. They are also able to make difficult decisions and navigate challenges with grace and confidence.  To become an effective CEO, it is important to continuously learn and grow, seeking out opportunities to improve your skills and stay ahead of industry trends. Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, is also critical to success. Ultimately, an effective CEO is a dynamic leader who inspires success in their organization and drives positive change in their industry. Michael Caito, owner and CEO of Management Action Programs, Inc. (MAP), joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about the lessons he learned on the journey of becoming an effective leader. In this episode, Darius and Michael discuss what it takes to be a good CEO and what are the challenges that come with the job. Michael also reveals how having a business coach has helped him become the leader that he is right now.  Topics include: What Mike did to become a better CEO of Restaurants on the Run The power of focus in running a business The benefits of having a business coach The six mistakes that companies need to get right Mike shares the story behind buying MAP in 2017 And other topics… Connect with Mike: Website: https://www.mapconsulting.com/ Email: mc@mapconsulting.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcaitomap/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapcaito/  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 is the loyalty of others such a blessing? Loyalty can be seen as a gift in the sense that it is something that is given freely, without expecting anything in return. It demonstrates a genuine commitment and a sense of caring for someone or something. It is often a key ingredient in successful personal and professional relationships, as it helps to foster a strong bond and promote stability. Whether it is demonstrated in personal relationships, communities, or larger social and cultural contexts, one could argue that loyalty is indeed a gift, as it has the power to enrich and enhance the lives of those around us.  Today, I am flying solo to look back at the things I have learned about loyalty and its value. I will also reveal what happened when I stopped expecting things from other people and how it reframed my mindset. Topics include: The gifts that we give to each other Loyalty as a gift What I learned from the Burning Man event What happened when I stopped expecting things from other people 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