The Greatness Machine

What are the things that you value most in life? What does your calendar say about your priorities? With a limited amount of time each day, how do you make the most out of it? Your priorities are the things that deserve your time and attention. They are what you consider the most important above anything else. By defining your priorities, the process of decision-making becomes easier. Mike Ayala, an investor, speaker, podcaster, and founder of Investing for Freedom, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share his philosophies on freedom and entrepreneurship.  In this episode, Darius and Mike discuss the importance of taking some time off from work, getting clarity on what you want your life to look like, and why it is possible to achieve success in both business and personal life. They also talk about knowing the difference between contentment and satisfaction and what it takes to have a long-lasting relationship. Topics include: Difference between contentment and satisfaction Why taking time off is important What true freedom looks like The key secret of a long-lasting marriage Mike explains what “freedom fighter” means The most common misconception about investing in real estate What Investing for Freedom Podcast is all about And other topics… Resources mentioned: How Leadership (Actually) Works: https://www.amazon.com/How-Leadership-Actually-Works-Coordinating-ebook/dp/B09WF2KPPG The Ultimate Sales Machine: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Sales-Machine-Turbocharge-Relentless/dp/1591842158 The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: https://www.amazon.com/Almanack-Naval-Ravikant-Wealth-Happiness-ebook/dp/B08FF8MTM6 Connect with Mike: Podcast: https://investingforfreedom.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikeayala/?hl=en 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 it that we find it harder to accept and adapt to change as we grow older? A person's fear of change can originate from a lot of things, including their childhood experiences, familial views, personal outlooks, and even just the way they are programmed for life. Chip Conley, hospitality entrepreneur, bestselling author, and speaker, shares with us his distilled wisdom on navigating change and mid-life. At the age of 50, Chip found himself transitioning from being the CEO of Joeie de Vivre (JdV) for 24 years to answering his calling. In this episode, Darius and Chip talk about the phases of transition and how to navigate the “messy middle,” why you strive for long-life learning and not life-long learning, and how to deal with identity and self-worth issues while transitioning. Topics include: The three stages of transition The difference between transition and change The challenges of transitioning and going through changes What inspired Chip to establish Modern Elder Academy (MEA) What is MEA, what they do, and what they offer Benefits of letting go of emotional baggage How does Chip see MEA 10 years from now Distinguishing between a calling and workaholism And other topics… Resources mentioned: Emotional Equations: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Equations-Creating-Happiness-Business/dp/1451607261  Connect with Chip: Website: https://chipconley.com/ Website: https://wisdomwell.modernelderacademy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/  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

Six out of ten people believe journalists intentionally mislead the public with false or exaggerated statements. That is according to the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer, stating how the global pandemic and economic crisis have shaken public trust in the media. As a result, journalists and the entire media industry face an uphill struggle while trying to bring readers the latest facts and information.  Matthew Campbell, an award-winning reporter and editor for Bloomberg Businessweek magazine, and co-author of Dead in the Water, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share his personal experiences as a journalist who has reported from more than 25 countries.  In this episode, Darius and Matthew talk about writing and journalism and the challenges that go with them. They also discuss the influence of the media and how the public perceives the industry amidst the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Topics include: How Matthew got into writing and journalism Matthew shares one piece of advice for aspiring writers  Matthew looks back at one of the most pivotal moments in his life The story behind his book Dead in the Water Matthew reveals the most challenging part of writing a book What people think about journalism these days The most common misconceptions about journalists How the news media can regain the trust of the public Matthew spills plan of bringing Dead in the Water to the screen And other topics… Connect with Matthew: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-campbell-37907b18/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattCampbell?s=20&t=xHfYO9a6yh19PzcOkncKPA  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Water-Hijacking-Maritime-Conspiracy/dp/0593329236  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

Flow refers to the state of being completely immersed in an activity. It is defined as a mental state in which a person’s full attention is held by a single task while enjoying the process. It is a level of consciousness where you are most comfortable and performs at your best. An individual experiencing flow can be said to be completely absorbed in what they are doing, with a resulting transformation in their perception of time. Steven Kotler, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective, joins us to give us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad, where he shares his personal experiences pushing himself beyond preconceived limits.  In this episode, Darius and Steven talk about park skiing, the psychology behind flow state and its benefits, and how to reach peak performance. They also tackle how having a positive aging mindset can slow down the effects of getting older. Topics include: How Steven got into writing and journalism Steven gives a sneak peek into his book Gnar Country What park skiing is all about Five major intrinsic internal motivators What is a flow state and what are its benefits Steven explains what “ghost dog” means What does peak performance look like Steven explains why grit is a limited resource Embodied cognition and its applications The benefits of having a positive aging mindset And other topics… Resources mentioned: Gnar Country: www.gnarcountry.com The Art of Impossible: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Impossible-Peak-Performance-Primer/dp/0062977539  Connect with Steven: Website: www.stevenkotler.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenkotler/  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

Business is not just about making money. Business owners, especially those starting out, should have a clearly stated purpose or the essence of the organization. More than the numbers and figures, businesses exist to provide value to their customers.  Likewise, customers recognize value when you provide them with products and services worth their time, effort, and money. Most of them, if not all, crave a personalized experience and want to feel cared for.  Fred Reichheld, also known as the “high priest” of loyalty and the creator of the Net Promoter System℠ (NPS®), joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about customer loyalty and his book, Winning on Purpose. In this episode, Darius and Fred discuss what great leadership looks like, the key driver of customer loyalty, and the ways to enrich the lives of other people. They also talk about NPS and eNPS and how these things work and help businesses measure the quality of their customer service. Topics include: What is the one key driver of customer loyalty Definition of Net Promoter System℠ (NPS®) and how it works Fred explains the NPS rating scale Verbal NPS versus digital NPS NPS versus eNPS What makes a great leader And other topics… Resources mentioned: Winning on Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Purpose-Unbeatable-Strategy-Customers/dp/1647821789 Good to Great: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996  Connect with Fred: Website: https://www.netpromotersystem.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredreichheld/  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 move forward after achieving your long-sought-after goals? Where do you go next after you succeed? Wouldn’t it be great if you could do something meaningful beyond success? Being human is all about adding value to the lives around you, and that’s when you realize that you have moved past being merely successful to becoming significant. Bob Buford, in his book Halftime, wrote, “When all is said and done, our success will be pretty empty unless it has included a corresponding degree of significance.” When we live a life of significance, we focus on others rather than ourselves. Having a true understanding of the things that matter most to us is what it means to be significant. Christopher Ryan, former CEO of peer-to-peer mastermind organization GoBundance, joins us to talk about the differences between success and significance. In this episode, Darius and Chris discuss the importance of knowing your vocation and what it feels like to move from success to significance. They also talk about the value of family and what it truly means to leave a lasting legacy. Topics include: What helped Chris find his calling and vocation What is success and how to measure it What it looks like shifting from success to significance Why a parent-child relationship is important Chris shares the secret behind the success of GoBundance What it means to leave a legacy Overcoming imposter syndrome Resources mentioned: Halftime by Bob Buford: https://www.amazon.com/Halftime-Significance-Bob-P-Buford/dp/0310344441 More Than Money by Michael Cole: https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Money-Sustaining-Preserving/dp/1119264707 Connect with Christopher: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherryan2 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Paredigm/ Website: https://www.gobundance.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

The ability to adapt enhances your capacity to cope with change, regardless of its severity. Being adaptable helps you come up with diverse solutions to problems. It’s also about having the willingness to go the extra mile. Going the extra mile is not just about feeling better about yourself. It is true that the more we are engaged in activities that enable us to put in our best effort, the better we feel about ourselves. But more than the positive self-image it brings, making a special effort to do and achieve something acts as a positive influence on other people. Gabby Reece, former pro-volleyball player, supermodel, and co-founder and co-innovator of Laird Superfood and XPT, joins us to talk about her life as a former athlete, fashion model, actress, and as an entrepreneur. In this episode, Darius and Gabby talk about the ways to get better at working under pressure, how to deal with online criticisms, the importance of adaptability, and why it matters to connect with people. Topics include: How to thrive under pressure How Gabby got into volleyball during the early ’90s Gabby shares the differences in volleyball then and now What Gabby learned from modeling Best ways as a leader to leverage teams How to improve adaptability skills How Gabby handles compliments and criticisms Movement as a tool to protect mental health Why it is important to connect with other people Gabby talks about her marriage with Laird Hamilton Gabby explains XPT and what the training program offers And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  Brain Energy by Christopher M. Palmer: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Energy-Revolutionary-Understanding-Health/dp/1637741588  The Breathing Cure by Patrick McKeown: https://www.amazon.com/BREATHING-CURE-Develop-Healthier-Happier/dp/1630061972  Connect with Gabby: Website: https://www.gabriellereece.com/ The Gabby Reece Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gabby-reece-show/id1492179907  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyreece/?hl=en  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

Practicing meditation can enhance a person's mental and physical well-being in many ways. Research suggests that meditation can help ease anxiety, improve sleep quality, reduce negative emotions, and increase imagination, creativity, patience, and tolerance. There is also evidence that states people who meditate are more likely to be able to avoid destructive habits.  Today, I am flying solo to take a look back at that one moment in my life that made me a believer of meditation and its many benefits. In this episode, I will talk about how I went from disliking the practice of meditation to realizing its positive effects on my life. I will also discuss the effects of meditation on my mental health, decision-making, emotional reactions, and awareness of myself and others.  Topics include: How meditation helps ease my anxiety What I learned from practicing 100 days of meditation Awareness as one of the benefits of meditation What does “game of inches” mean in life and business How meditation benefits your mental health and decision-making And other topics… Sources mentioned: Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Habit-Being-Yourself-Create/dp/1401938094  The Waking Up Course: https://www.wakingup.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

“How can I help others?” This is the starting point for finding a sense of purpose or your reason for being. Your life purpose is your reason for getting up in the morning and what will serve as your compass in making decisions. It is what helps you focus on the things that will bring you genuine happiness and fulfillment. Sam Ushio is the Chief Ikigai Officer of Connect3x, a people platform that embeds well-being into the rhythm of business. He is joining us to talk about the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” which means your “reason for being” or something that gives a person a reason for living. By knowing your ikigai and understanding its meaning, you can align yourself with the work you've longed for and the work the world needs. In this episode, Darius and Sam talk about finding purpose, taking risks, living a life with no regrets, building wealth through well-being, and a lot more. Topics include: Sam explains the definition of the Japanese concept of “Ikigai” Difference between shareholder and stakeholder Living with regrets and how to deal with them Sam looks back on becoming an entrepreneur The 7-year cycles of life Sam talks about Connect3x and what they do Importance of employee engagement in business And other topics… Connect with Sam: Website: https://connect3x.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samushio/ Email: info@connect3x.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

It is common for customers to return to your brand when they feel valued and enjoy the overall experience. Having that culture of appreciation within your business, where your team members or your internal customers feel valued and recognized for their great work, will also reflect on your external customers’ experience.  Today, I am flying solo to share with you the secret to building a perfect customer experience.  In this episode, I will talk about the most important questions to ask your internal and external customers. I will also discuss how I have been using Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure customers’ experience. Topics include: Differences between an internal and an external customer What is Net Promoter Score (NPS) and how is it calculated Three questions I always ask my team members The importance of having an appreciation culture at work Five questions to build a perfect customer experience And other topics… Resources mentioned: Net Promoter Score: https://www.netpromoter.com/  ScaleMAP Method: https://www.dariusclass.com/training-video  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