The Greatness Machine

It sometimes seems as if certain people are born to be entrepreneurs. That's certainly true of Alana Winter! In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Alana Winter, serial entrepreneur, creative thinker, founder of MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School and guide on the path to self-aware leadership. Her journey has taken her from university admission at 16 to simultaneously being fired by her dad and set up in her own business. Following a string of challenges and feelings of burnout, she sold her business in 2006, leading to some powerful questions: "Who am I now? What do I do with my life?" In this wide-ranging discussion, you'll discover how her upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs has helped guide the path of her life. You'll learn why a lack of passion and alignment with your business can open the door to greater and greater difficulties. You'll discover how Alana sold the business she was no longer passionate about, and how doing so forced her to decide who she really was and what she really wanted in her life. You'll also learn how a trip to a James Bond film eventually gave rise to an entirely unique form of coaching: The MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School! Join Darius and Alana as they explore the fascinating, unpredictable and sometimes frustrating path that is entrepreneurship. Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: Alana's background and unusual upbringing, and why she was literally born to be an entrepreneur. How her father helped her start her first business... by firing her. The challenges she faced in that early business, such as burnout, employee theft and even embezzlement from a business partner. Why she believes that a lack of passion and misalignment set the stage for the challenges she faced in her early entrepreneurial career. How she navigated "the void" after selling her first business with no plan for the immediate future. And so much more... Resources: Alana's Website MI6 Academy ‎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 entrepreneur, designer, endurance athlete, and certified Integral Coach, Tony Lillios who shares with us his incredible life story, his many tribulations, and successes. Tony started his professional career as a consultant with IDEO. But then the desire to “do more” kicked in. And back in 1996, Tony founded Speck Design and then Speck Products. Speck Products designed and manufactured cases for laptops and phones. And they were the first manufacturer to bring hard cases to the market. Speck rode the early wave of success but then the business got harder. And they plateaued once sales hit $150 million. Reading the market conditions, Tony and his partners sold out to Samsonite – a larger organization that had the resources and the distribution network to continue scaling the business. Today, as an Integral Coach, Tony works with individuals and small teams looking to unlock more possibilities when feeling stuck. His most productive relationships are with clients that have tried to address what isn't working or what they aspire towards and have come up short. Towards the end of the show, we have an interesting discussion on core values – a concept that is still grossly under thought. This is a show that you do not want to miss. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show How Tony started the journey to success in developing his own company What happens when a business starts plateauing, the market becomes harder and more expensive How Tony transitioned from owning his company to starting his integral coaching career Why core values are grossly underthought through And so much more… Resources The Greatness Machine Podcast Tony’s Website 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 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 towards success. This is a show that you do not want to miss. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show 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 so much more… Resources Brent Gleeson’s Website Taking Point Embrace The Suck The Greatness Machine Podcast Darius' 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

Ever wondered what makes Tiger Woods the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.)? On today’s show, we interview Dr. Jeff Spencer who shares with us some expert goal-setting tips and the five critical things to cultivate a winning mindset. At the age of 7, Jeff set the big, hairy, audacious goal of being an Olympic cyclist – something that he accomplished at the age of 21. Fortunately for him, he met some well-meaning mentors who helped him along the way. Later on, Jeff again found his true calling by helping out top athletes (like Tiger Woods) and entrepreneurs achieve their full potential. On today’s show, you will first learn how to vet your goal. If you are not in for the right reasons, can you really make the jump from the ordinary to the extraordinary? Along with having a solid why, Jeff shares that you also need the right skills and the right mindset to back you up.  Athletes and entrepreneurs who are performing at the top level often possess a similar level of skillsets. However, when push comes to shove, and you show up in the arena, it is just the champions who deliver their peak performance. So, what can you do to step into the winner’s circle more often? When you don’t win, it is not because you are lacking in skills, but because you have not gotten your head in the right place. You will learn how you can have your champion mindset trump your scarcity mindset so that can thoroughly enjoy your pursuit of excellence. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show How to vet your goal and ascertain that you are on the right path Aligning your mind, body, and soul to cultivate the champion mindset What is that top athletes and entrepreneurs do differently? And so much more… Resources 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, Darius interviews Jevon (JT) McCormick, CEO, Scribe Media who shares with us his thoughts on racial injustice, socio-economic inequality, company culture, and much, much more… Born a son of a black pimp father and an orphan mother, Jevon was in and one of the juvenile systems in his formative years. And early on in his career, he had to overcome racial injustice as he tried to cement his place in corporate America. He talks about his changing his name from Jevon to the more ambiguous, JT before changing it back to Jevon in the light of the recent BLM moment. We also talk about company culture. And how working at a “people-first” software company was an eye-opening experience for JT after his experience in the banking sector.  Because both Darius and JT come from the mortgage world, they also reminisce about the sub-prime crisis. While banks were blamed for the financial mess, Darius and JT ague that the people (borrowers) were equally responsible. As a huge proponent of conscious capitalism, Jevon is passionate about creating opportunities for at-risk youth. A board member for Conscious Capitalism and the StartEdUp Foundation, he has mentored young men and women in the juvenile justice system, as well as those in the lower economic communities. JeVon is passionate about conscious entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for at-risk youth. He has mentored young men and women in the juvenile justice system, as well as those in lower economic communities. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show How JeVon went from a GED to CEO Accountability in the workplace The effects of systemic racism for entrepreneurs of color and changes we can make to fight against it. Resources I Got There: How a Mixed-Race Kid Overcame Racism, Poverty, and Abuse to Arrive at the American Conscious Capitalism The StartEdUp Foundation Scribe Media 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

Have you taken a moment to step off the hamster wheel to pause and reflect on whether your life is headed in the right direction? On today’s show, we interview ex-CMO of Harley Davidson, Shelley Paxton who shares with us her wisdom on purpose, alignment, and discovery. You will learn the real truth about busyness and the importance of figuring out what’s truly important to you. With her trademark sass and rebel attitude, Shelley shares her incredible life story, and how she ended up stewarding some of the most iconic organizations in the world including Harley, Visa, McDonald’s, and AOL. Shelley stumbled into the world of marketing and advertising because of her dad. But years later, when she made it to the top of the corporate ladder, she still felt unfulfilled and non-aligned. So, at the height of her success, in 2016, she decided to give it all up and embark on her discovery journey. This ultimately led to Soulbbatical and her new life mission – which is to liberate the souls of leaders and organizations, by inspiring them to realize their greatest purpose and potential. Enjoy! What You Will Learn in This Show Building a rabid brand following The real truth about busyness How to discover your life’s calling Purpose of a sabbatical When your soul smacks you in the face And so much more…                                                                                                                                                                 Resources Soulbbatical The Greatness Machine Podcast Website                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

Ever wondered what your life would look like if you could strike a perfect balance between work and family? Our guest for today, Jon is living the life of his dreams. He is focused on fatherhood and family, owns a thriving business, and has enough money to live comfortably. But this wasn’t always the case. Back in 2005, Jon was trying to get his business up and running. He had run through all savings and was doing all he could to ensure his family’s survival. And ironically enough, his struggle had distanced him from his wife and kids.  This experience of his inspired him to start Front Row Dads whose main goal is to help fathers show up in the correct way for their families. As men, we are preoccupied with earning money and ensuring that our family leads a comfortable existence. But, in the process, we take the easier way out and dump all family responsibilities on our wives.  On today’s show, Jon and Darius share their experiences – both as sons and later on, as fathers. Like Jon, Darius also made the mistake of focusing all his energies on his business when he was just starting out. Eventually, he realized the futility of his approach. And how his “success” in business felt hollow if he was not giving his 100% to his family. Front Row Dads is helping men and dads deal with their deep-seated issues and their vulnerabilities. Listening to Jon will surely force you to pause, and indulge in some self-introspection. What You Will Learn In This Show Living life in the front row The complexities and vulnerabilities of being a father and a business owner How to create a true legacy And so much more… Resources Front Row Foundation Front Row Dads Front Row Factor The Greatness Machine Podcast 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 build it, they will come." Most of us know that line from the film, 'Field of Dreams.' It's inspirational, but not a great strategy when building a business - especially when it applies to the core values of your business. In June of 2008, Darius attended an event in which he experienced a "gut punch" that completely changed the trajectory of his life and forced him to rethink the way he ran his business. In this quick solo outing, Darius shares the story of his life-altering experience - and it all came down to three simple questions, starting with, "Does your business have core values?" Core values are powerful tools for any business, but, as Darius discovered, there's far more to them than it appears. You'll learn why creating core values for your business is important, but only the beginning of the process, not the end. You'll discover why 9 out of 10 business owners get the idea of "core values" wrong. You'll also learn about the power of "invisible scale" and how you can use this strategy to massively build your business. Core values are powerful tools, but only if they're understood and used correctly by everyone in your business. Stay tuned to the end for an exciting announcement about a new project Darius will be debuting shortly! Enjoy! What You’ll Learn in this Show: Why three questions at an event completely changed the trajectory of Darius' life. Why having core values and knowing what they actually are... are two completely different things. The power of "invisible scale." And so much more... Resources: ‎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, Mary Henderson, the founder of Lights Camera Action show shares with us her distilled wisdom on personal branding, building authority, and authenticity. As one of the most sought-after personal branding experts, Mary helps commercialize a brand into a monetizable online business. She is extremely picky about whom she works with and on today’s show, she reveals the seven qualification questions that she asks a client before signing them on. Growing up, Mary was keen to pursue a professional singing career. However, her parents forced her to take a more “conventional path”. Fortunately for her, she rediscovered her life’s purpose when she was in her mid-thirties. Mary’s discovery journey was not an easy one; she sold her business and took a year-long sabbatical. Fortunately for her, she found three well-meaning mentors who helped her along the way. She discovered how she could use her three superpowers to help true experts leverage the internet to monetize their business. We live in a world where everyone is a self-proclaimed “expert”. Creating a false halo has never been easier as there are many businesses that are operating solely in the online space. So, how can you cut through the noise and separate out the posers from the genuine experts? Mary also encourages listeners to indulge in introspection so that they can discover their big why. Confronting your authentic self is painful. But you will learn how doing so will allow you to get into an effortless and natural flow state. What You Will Learn In This Show Consistency and congruence Establishing your authority Creating your influential circle And so much more… Resources Mary Henderson’s Website Facebook Instagram 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

Have you ever wondered about your purpose - the core mission you're here to accomplish in this life?   It's a powerful question for many people, and one that, sadly, is often left unanswered. Intriguingly, each and every day we're being driven by purpose, whether it's driving to a specific destination or even going to the bathroom - there is a purpose to nearly every act, so why shouldn't our lives have an overall purpose as well?   In this episode of The Greatness Machine Live, Darius chats with Dandapani (again), a Hindu priest, entrepreneur, international speaker and former monk on finding a greater purpose and using it to create more joy in our lives.   Dandapani graduated university with a degree in Electrical Engineering and then incredibly, left it all behind to become a Hindu monk under the guidance of one of Hinduism’s foremost spiritual leaders of our time, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.    A decade later, Dandapani chose to venture out into the world once again with a powerful new mission: To help people live a life of purpose and joy by empowering them with tools and teachings that have been used by Hindu monks for thousands of years. He works with entrepreneurs and companies in cultivating focus and managing energy.   In this inspiring conversation, you'll discover how your ability to focus your mind is key to discovering your purpose. You'll also learn about the power of your core values, and how they help you stay connected to your singular purpose.    Join Darius and Dandapani (along with his delightful laugh!) as they explore this fascinating and inspiring subject and show you how you can connect to your purpose as well, creating a life of fulfillment and joy!   Enjoy!   What You’ll Learn in this Show: Dandapani's path to helping people find their purpose. The importance of spending time with yourself. Why your core values are vital for keeping within your lane. Why your core purpose should never be dependent on something or someone outside yourself. And so much more...   Resources: Dandapani'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