The Greatness Machine

What are you grateful for the most? Gratitude leads to greater happiness and joy in life. It allows us to reflect upon our accomplishments and appreciate the things that we have at the moment. The act of gratitude allows us to embrace everything that makes our lives meaningful. Today, I am flying solo to talk about my journey of discovering the gift of gratitude and how it changed my life for the better. In this episode, I will talk about how I managed to fight the voice of discontent in my head, how I turned from being ungrateful to realizing all the good things in my life, and all the lessons I learned from living an ungrateful life for so long. Topics include: How I discovered the gift of gratitude and how that moment changed me What prompted me to almost quit my nine-figure business Why I started writing a list of things I want to accomplish How I realized that I was living a life of ungratefulness Why being ungrateful is costing you happiness And others topics… Resources mentioned: Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363  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

From a childhood filled with gang violence and illiteracy resulting in a 100+ year prison sentence to a successful career as a speaker, author, and Harvard Fellow - it sounds like something out of a Hollywood film. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with the "Ambassador of Hope," Andre Norman, to discuss his incredible and inspiring journey, as well as the circumstances that shaped his decisions at a young age. You'll learn how he struggled with illiteracy and systemic racism in the inner city of Boston and how they factor into his choices. You'll discover how the path he was on eventually led to a series of convictions, eventually resulting in a sentence of over 100+ years. You'll learn how a two-year stint in solitary confinement led to an epiphany and a new path for Andre's life... one that eventually led to Harvard University. You'll also learn how systemic racism and classism pervade the country and results in a society where 4% of the population makes up 50% of the prison system. Andre's story is powerful and ultimately triumphant. He is living proof that, while we all have the potential to rise above our circumstances, there is still a great deal of work to be done to create a society where every person has the opportunity to discover their greatness.  Topics include: Andre's struggles with poverty and illiteracy growing up in the inner city of Boston How he ended up with a 100+ year prison sentence The epiphany that changed his life and put him on a path that eventually led to becoming the "Ambassador of Hope” The effects of the systemic racism and classism that still pervades the country And other topics… Connect with Andre: Website: https://andrenorman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrenorman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-norman/ 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 create a high-performing team? A good leader is someone who empowers their team and focuses on team dynamics, which is crucial in order for the members to perform at their best. When a team has a healthy dynamics, the team members become problem solvers. Dane Espegard, a culture consultant who teaches, assists, and executes the implementation of a culture centered around Dream Achieving, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about his book, The Dream Machine: A Leader’s Guide to Creating Teams of High Performers Who Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes. In this episode, Darius and Dane discuss why dreams matter, the benefits of having a dream list, how having a “dream culture” can improve the performance of a team, and how leaders can help their members achieve their dreams. They also touch on the topic of best practices for making dreams a reality. Topics include: How Dane’s book The Dream Machine came about The importance of having a dream list How Dane leads and helps his team achieve their dreams The best practices for making dreams into reality The coolest dream Dane has seen someone turned into reality What the readers can learn from The Dream Machine How businesses can show their appreciation for their team members And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Dream Manager: https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Manager-Matthew-Kelly/dp/1401388442   The Rhythm of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Life-Everyday-Passion-Purpose-ebook/dp/B013GYKKRO?ref_=ast_sto_dp  Connect with Dane: Website: https://daneespegard.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daneespegard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daneespegard/?hl=en  Book: https://thedreammachinebook.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

With 2022 coming to an end, why not take this time to do a personal inventory? What are the things you have done this year that you are most proud of? And what goals do you want to achieve in 2023? Today, I am flying solo to take a look back at how this year has gone and what goals have been accomplished.  In this episode, I will talk about my personal goals this year and the things I look forward to next year. I will also share some tips on how I manage to make time for self-care, spend quality time with my family, and do fun things outside of work. Topics include: Making a list of top priorities and goals Taking note of the things you are most proud of Darius shares his four goals this year  The importance of balancing your grind and self-care Darius reveals plan to start a new endeavor And other topics… Resources mentioned: The Family Board Meeting: https://www.amazon.com/Family-Board-Meeting-Connection-Children/dp/1732362912 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 is the number ONE reason that people do not hit their body transformation goals? (Hint: It is not a lack of will-power)  On today’s show, we interview international body transformation expert Angelo Poli, who unravels the mysteries of metabolism and data-driven weight loss. At the age of 38, Darius was tipping the scale at 363 pounds and was grappling with multiple health problems as a result. This was when he ran into Angelo, who helped him get his health and life back on track.  On the back of his extensive experience, which involves working with more than 20,000 people (including celebrities like Aaron Rodgers), Angelo dispels some common health and nutrition myths in today’s show. You will learn how to use data to tackle a highly individualized subject like metabolism.  Angelo also reveals the TWO important factors he considers when recommending a diet. If you are frustrated with your fitness levels and your overall health, you must tune in to this show for some valuable insights. Topics include: Why people hit a plateau as they pursue their body transformation Measuring metabolism Understanding the highly complex and individualized subject of metabolism Understanding how your body is responding to your diet And other topics… Connect with Angelo: Website: https://www.metpro.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelo-poli/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelopoli/?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

It’s one thing to have an idea and be able to raise capital to execute and make it happen but are these enough to guarantee a business’s success? Ron Bauer, the founder of Theseus Capital Ltd. and a Venture Capitalist, joins the Greatness Machine to share the most important elements in building a successful business. With over 20 years of experience under his belt, he is focused on Biotech, Tech, and FinTech and was the co-founder of Turkana Energy, which merged with Africa Oil in 2009. In this episode, Darius and Ron talk about venture capital and how it works, the advantages and disadvantages of a company going public, the realities and future of Metaverse, and what they do at Theseus Capital Ltd. They also discuss what it takes to achieve and appreciate success and the importance of being focused and adaptable. Topics include: Ron shares his own experience of failures and successes as a venture capitalist Why you should not wait out on the market to raise capital The downside of being a publicly traded company How Ron evaluates the people he works with How to achieve and appreciate success What the global pandemic has taught people How the Metaverse will shape the future And other topics… Connect with Ron: Website: www.thescapital.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronbauer888  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 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