The Greatness Machine

In the 1999 film The Matrix, Neo was given two choices: take the blue pill and stay asleep, or take the red pill and, as Morpheus puts it, "...you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes." Which one would you choose? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius talks with Rand Stagen, highly sought-after speaker and Managing Director of the Stagen Leadership Academy. In this wide-ranging discussion, Rand shares some of the insights he's gained in the world of conscious leadership, including the aforementioned line from The Matrix, which has provided inspiration for Rand and his team in their work. You'll learn how Rand and his business partner applied the principles behind high-intensity fitness training and applied them to leadership development. You'll discover how getting out of our own way can often result in us becoming conduits for profound and powerful ideas. You'll learn why the community told Rand that he needed to "get out of the way," changing the business from a semi-secret model to something that could be scaled to create a bigger impact. You'll also discover how using conscious leadership can help elevate others as well as ourselves. Join Darius and Rand as they explore ways to elevate your identity to the next level and demonstrate that business can, in fact, be a force for good. Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: How Rand took the principles of physical fitness - a structured high-intensity regimen that creates predictable results - and applied it to deep mental work and development. Why it's essential to take leadership to the next level, along with suggestions on how that can be achieved. How getting our egos out of the way can often result in us becoming a conduit for new and powerful ideas. How we can help elevate those around us by engaging in conscious leadership. And so much more... Resources: Stagen Website Rand's LinkedIn ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you had the chance to live to be 150 years old, or 200, or more, would you do it? What would you try to accomplish with that extra time? Those are some of the questions you'll discover in today's episode of The Greatness Machine. This time out, Darius sits down with Justin Breen, best-selling author, polymath and the founder and CEO of BrEpic Communications LLC. You'll learn how Justin transitioned from a 20-year career as a journalist to a founder and CEO of a global company, despite having no previous business experience. You'll discover why it's so important for Justin to spend time among the top thinkers in the world, exchanging ideas and expanding his mind. You'll learn the surprisingly simple elements that go into creating a successful global business, as well as the three key attributes he looks for when working with people. Join Darius and Justin as they explore the infinite possibilities that open up when you arm yourself with the right mindset and spend your time interacting with visionaries who see collaborators, where others see competitors. Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: How Justin went from a 20-year career as a journalist, who had never even heard the word "entrepreneur" growing up, to creating a wildly successful global company. The importance of surrounding himself with the greatest minds and the most expansive ideas. The three key attributes people MUST have in their mindset for Justin to work with them. Why he believes that he has no competitors, just potential collaborators. And so much more... Resources: Justin's LinkedIn ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a simple truth: 'business as usual' simply doesn't apply anymore... and not just because of the pandemic. In today's episode of "The Greatness Machine," Darius chats with Jay Wilkinson, entrepreneur, author, speaker, angel investor, CEO of Firespring and self-proclaimed "geek with social skills" about the rapidly shifting world of business. Hailing from Nebraska, the "middle of everywhere," Jay realized at a young age that he simply wasn't suited to taking instructions from others and became an entrepreneur, starting eight businesses by the time he left college - most of which failed. Undaunted, he took the lessons from those failures and, in 1986, helped launch Campus Connection magazine in NYC which caught on, eventually expanding to 350 college campuses. You'll discover how Jay realized he was 100% unemployable, and how that set him on the path to becoming an entrepreneur. You'll learn about B Corps - what they are and how they're changing the way business is done by focusing on making a positive impact in the community and even the world. You'll discover why businesses need to expand their worldview and focus on a "stakeholder capitalism" mentality if they're going to survive the next decade. You'll also learn about the Do More Good Movement (of which Jay is the founder) and its mission to educate, empower and amplify companies and business leaders doing more good. Join Darius and Jay for a fascinating conversation about making a positive impact through business and why Jay believes that, in its highest form, capitalism can be a force for good. Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: Jay's path to becoming an entrepreneur growing up in Nebraska and why he felt he was "100% unemployable." The definition of a B Corp, as well as the strict standards that must be met to become certified. Why Jay believes that businesses must develop a 'stakeholder capitalism' mentality in order to survive the next decade and beyond. The origins of the Do More Good Movement and its goal to inspire purpose-based businesses and reclaim capitalism. And so much more... Resources: Do More Good Movement Jay's Twitter ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy 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! Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: 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... Resources: Nadine's Instagram ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy 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 sound 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 goes 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! Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: The challenges of shooting Bravo’s "Below Deck Mediterranean" during a pandemic. Nadine’s journey from being in front of the camera to an Executive Producer. How comedy has changed and evolved over the years. And so much more... Resources: Nadine's Instagram ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all familiar with B2B (Businesses to Business) and B2C (Business to Consumer), but have you heard of H2H (Human to Human)? In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Joshua Lee, entrepreneur, author, coach, marketer, husband, father - "The Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn" - to discuss this concept, and why it's key to building a successful business in the 21st century. You'll learn a little about Joshua's start in digital marketing in the wild days of the early 2000s, when he landed a little company called "MySpace" as an early client before it was bought by Rupert Murdoch in an epic deal. You'll discover the moment he realized his work had devolved into "monetizing just to monetize," and why he decided to do a massive "reset" of his life and career, forging a new and more fulfilling path. You'll learn methods for pushing past the noise and automation to create and nurture an organic following and boost your engagement score using LinkedIn. You discover why Joshua is so passionate about helping people reconnect and create lasting relationships for themselves in business and in life. Joshua brings an incredible amount of value in this discussion - thoughts, ideas and strategies that can help you humanize your business and grow your engagement. Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: How he got started in the "Wild Wild West" of digital marketing in the early 2000s, as well as the moment he made a serious "reset" in his life and career. How you can build and nurture an organic following using LinkedIn. The "magic formula" for boosting your engagement score. Why bringing the human connection back into marketing and cutting through the noise is so important. And so much more... Resources: Joshua's website ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a childhood filled with gang violence, 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 pervades 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. Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: 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 so much more... Resources: Andre's website ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show, we interview entrepreneurial and executive coach, Malorie Nicole who shares with us her thoughts on ethics in coaching, core values, and fulfillment. Back in 2014, Malorie fell sick and faced some serious health issues which forced us to reassess her life’s priorities. She decided to change paths and chuck her comfortable engineering job to become a life coach. If you are finding it difficult to pivot and change tracks, this segment of the show will particularly interest you. One of the main themes of today’s show is the importance of ethics in coaching. Many self-appointed coaches neither have the necessary qualifications nor the disposition to help out other people. In the process, they end up doing more harm than good. We also talk a great deal about core values, and how a lack of consciousness leads to discomfort – and ultimately flailing mental AND physical health. Darius and Malorie also emphasize how core values can help in this segment of the show. Towards the end, Darius shares his unique fulfillment formula which will surely force you to self-introspect. What You Will Learn In This Show Integrity in Coaching The fulfillment formula and the biggest things that can move the needle forward for you How cultivating consciousness around core values can help your overall health on a holistic level And so much more… Resources Abundantly Clear Podcast ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy 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 is when he ran into Angelo who helped him get his health and his 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 that 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. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show Why people hit a plateau as they pursue their body transformation Understanding the highly complex and individualized subject of metabolism How different people respond to diets in a different manner And so much more… Resources Metpro ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling bogged down by your “need” to set the benchmark, higher and higher every time? On today’s show, we interview the incredible artist turned author, Victoria Labalme who shares with us her distilled wisdom on goal-setting, risk-taking, and our flawed attitude towards achievement. Victoria taps into her extensive experience in theatre, comedy clubs, and films to help out artists, entrepreneurs, and C-suite uncover their hidden genius at work, on stage, and in life, in general. Our society of today puts immense pressure on achievement and winning. On today’s show, Victoria shares why we need to change this attitude and get more comfortable with the “fog of not knowing”. We also question our judgmental society where we harbor incorrect biases. As someone who straddles across different professions, Victoria calls out this flawed mindset and emphasizes the need to respect people irrespective of their professional choices. This is a show that you cannot afford to miss. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show The idea of goal-setting Risk-taking and the pressure to achieve things Creating your own path and why it is important to realign How to get comfortable with the “fog of not knowing” Our judgemental attitudes and how to overcome our biases Resources Riskforward.com/circle ‎The Greatness Machine Podcast Website Facebook Instagram This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices