What are you meant to be doing? Following your calling often means pursuing a career or path that is not necessarily conventional or typical, but that aligns with your unique talents and passions. It may involve taking a leap of faith and leaving a stable job to start your own business, or leaving behind a familiar community to explore new opportunities. Pursuing your calling can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It will require you to stay true to your own values, beliefs, and passions. At the same time, following your calling means being authentic which also means being honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and being willing to take risks and make mistakes. Today, I am flying solo to share a story of how I took a big risk to follow my calling at a young age. I will also reveal how my authenticity and determination helped me prove my doubters wrong, how I even inspired others to cherish our uniqueness, and why it’s ok to be different.  Topics include: The first time I took a very big risk in high school How I went viral before the internet What I learned from leading my class  How to believe in yourself and why it matters The importance of authenticity One of the greatest gifts I ever received at a young age and how I leveraged that And other topics… Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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 define success? The entrepreneurial path is a long and difficult one, filled with risks and obstacles to be overcome. On the other hand, there are great rewards to be found along that path as well, as long as you have a clear definition of what success means to you.  One path taken by many entrepreneurs is authorship - leveraging their experience, successes, and failures and sharing those insights with their readers. Such a path is often far more difficult than people realize and brings with it its own set of challenges. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Mike Michalowicz, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Get Different, Fix This Next, Clockwork, Profit First, The Pumpkin Plan, and The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur. His books have been published around the world and translated into 10 different languages, and he's passionate about connecting with entrepreneurs. You'll discover some of the challenges of writing, launching, and promoting a book, and why many new authors only focus on the first part of that process and forget the rest. You'll learn why "success" has almost as many definitions as those who strive for it in business and in life. You'll also discover why Mike believes that marketing is not in any way bothersome - in fact, it's the ultimate, deliberate act of kindness.  Join Darius and Mike as they explore the long and winding road to becoming an entrepreneur, as well as the rewards and pitfalls that can be found along the way.  Topics include: The challenges and rewards of writing, launching, and promoting a book, particularly for an entrepreneur How we each define success in different ways, based on our beliefs, experiences, and desires Why Michael believes that marketing is, in reality, a deliberate act of kindness And other topics… Connect with Mike: Website: https://mikemichalowicz.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemichalowicz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikemichalowicz/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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 defines an effective leader? What are the qualities employers look for in a leader? In an ever-changing workplace, an effective leader is an excellent communicator and someone who empowers their team. Integrity, honesty, and authenticity are essential attributes of a good leader. Good leadership involves defining outcomes and then helping team members use their talents to achieve them. Larry Yatch, an elite leadership strategist and the creator of the SEAL Success programs, joins us on the Greatness Machine for the second time around to talk about his book, How Leadership (Actually) Works: A Navy SEAL’s Complete System for Coordinating Teams. In this episode, Darius and Larry dive deep into leadership and discuss the six-pillar system that teaches companies how to effectively structure teams, manage behavior, and maximize self-regulation. They also discuss purpose alignment and the power of language in coordinating action with others.  Topics include: Larry talks about his book How Leadership (Actually) Works An overview of the 6 pillars of leadership Why Larry used to feel unfulfilled despite his achievements How to produce success as an individual or as a company Leveraging language for building a good team Language as a tool to coordinate action with others The difference between ego and confidence How to align individual, team, and organizational purpose The effects of social media and news on a person’s self-regulation Larry defines culture and leadership And other topics… Resources mentioned: Larry Yatch (Episode 1): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/141-larry-yatch-leading-like-a-navy-seal/id1555334180?i=1000583007928&l=ru  Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287  Connect with Larry: Website: https://www.sealteamleaders.com/ Book: https://www.howleadershipactuallyworks.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-yatch/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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 possible to invest in real estate with little money? Investing in real estate has proven to be one of the safest and most profitable forms of long-term investing. Contrary to what many believe, you don’t need to have large amounts of capital to get started.  In fact, it is not necessary that you own a property, flip properties, or invest huge amounts of money in development deals in order to enter this lucrative market. Andrea Petersen, Co-Founder and CEO of the real estate crowdfunding platform School of Whales, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about her wide range of experiences from commercial real estate to renewable energy, hospitality, and banking. In this episode, Darius and Andrea dive deep into real estate investing, crowdfunding, entrepreneurship, success, purpose, and a lot more. Topics include: What made Andrea shift from banking to entrepreneurship What they do and offer with the School of Whales Where the name School of Whales comes from How School of Whales differ from Fundrise What types of returns the School of Whales are targeting What Andrea envisions the School of Whales to be in the future How Andrea defines success Investing in real estate in Miami And other topics… Connect with Andrea: Website: https://www.schoolofwhales.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/school-of-whales/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whalesfund/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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

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.  Topics include: 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 more topics… Connect with Shelley: Website: https://www.shelleypaxton.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-paxton-759163/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulbbatical/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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 does it mean to surrender and let go of control? Letting go and surrendering can be a difficult task, but it is often the only way to truly move forward. It takes courage to relinquish control and accept that sometimes life has its own path for us.  But with this courage comes great rewards; when we let go of our worries, fears, doubts, and expectations we open ourselves up to new possibilities in life. By surrendering, we are going with the flow of life while working towards our goals.  Kute Blackson, world-renowned teacher, author, leader, and speaker in the world of personal development, joins us on the Greatness Machine to dive deep into his bestselling book, The Magic of Surrender: Finding the Courage to Let Go. In this episode, Darius and Kute talk about how people can break free from self-imposed conditions by surrendering and letting go of control. They also discuss how painful experiences and traumas can lead us into finding our purpose in life. Topics include: Kute shares what it feels like growing up in a long line of spiritual leaders Kute looks back coming to the US for the first time to live his calling How to turn painful experiences into purpose What it means to surrender and how to do it Kute shares the story behind writing The Magic of Surrender Letting go and breaking conditioned patterns Moving away from ego to seek the truth And other topics… Sources mentioned: Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363 Connect with Kute: Website: https://kuteblackson.com/  Website: https://www.boundlessblissbali.com/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Surrender-Finding-Courage-Let-ebook/dp/B08LMJ8YQF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuteblackson/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done? We all have dreams of working less and making more, but it can seem impractical. Whether it’s getting through our to-do list at work or completing household chores, finding ways to maximize efficiency and productivity can be difficult. Although it can be challenging, the good news is it’s possible! Working half as much and making twice as much may sound like an impossible feat, but it’s actually not that hard.  Denise Gosnell, CEO, entrepreneur, strategist, attorney, investor, and the author of the bestselling book The Vacation Effect for Entrepreneurs, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share her secret to running three companies while working on an average of just three days a week.  In this episode, Darius and Denise talk about workaholicism, the American “grind” culture,” and how it is possible to break free from these mentalities and achieve the freedom mindset. They also discuss how to eliminate the feeling of guilt when pursuing the life you have always dreamed of.  Topics include: How Denise became a seven-figure entrepreneur from humble beginnings What workaholism taught Denise about money, life, and family How a tragic fire incident changed Denise’s mindset to be truly happy What working 80 hours a week look like, its benefits, and challenges What motivated Denise to do a three-day workweek test for 30 days Evaluating team members based on results versus hours spent Some of the stumbling blocks Denise experienced around the framework How to increase productivity and get more done in less time How Denise spends her “freedom days” How to overcome the grind culture and workaholic mentality And other topics… Connect with Denise: Website: https://denisegosnell.com/ Website: https://growbysubtraction.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisegosnell/  Book: https://denisegosnell.com/book  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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

If asked, there's one ability most of us would like to have - the ability to see into the future and prepare for what's to come.  While no one can truly predict the future, we've gotten very good at using data and technology to make educated guesses about what's coming next.  In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Jeff Booth, an entrepreneur, tech leader, strategic advisor, proud family man, and the author of The Price of Tomorrow: Why Deflation is the Key to an Abundant Future.  Jeff draws on his 20 years of experience at the forefront of technological change to provide an enlightening look at what's to come. You'll discover why the entrepreneurial mindset and understanding your own impact on the world will be key to creating a better future.  You'll learn why technology is a deflationary force, and why the current political and financial system impedes that deflationary effect. You'll also discover some of the challenges facing currencies around the world, such as the inflation/deflation cycle, and the manipulation of global currencies to gain trade advantages.  Topics include: Why it's essential to focus on an entrepreneurial mindset and realize how much your impact in the world matters Why technology is a deflationary force and what the rapid growth of technology means for the future The future of currency, including a true understanding of inflation and deflation, as well as the political realities that affect them  And other topics… Connect with Jeff: Website: https://www.jeffreybooth.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffBooth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdbooth/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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

Corporate spying, also known as industrial espionage, refers to the act of obtaining confidential information about a business or organization for the purpose of gaining a competitive advantage. This can be done through a variety of methods, including computer hacking, physical theft of documents, wiretapping, and infiltrating the organization with undercover agents. One common technique used in corporate spying is social engineering, which involves manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information. This can be done through phishing scams, pretexting (creating a false identity or pretext in order to obtain sensitive information), or baiting (offering something desirable in exchange for information). Robert Kerbeck, the founder of the Malibu Writers and a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee, joins us on the Greatness Machine to look back at how his career shifted from acting on theater stages to doing his apprenticeship as a corporate spy. In this episode, Darius and Robert dive deep into the world of corporate spying and the most common techniques used in industrial espionage. They also talk about the effects of ransomware attacks on businesses and how these can be prevented.  Topics include: How Robert stumbled into a spying job while working as an actor Robert shares important advice for job seekers The most efficient method for extracting data The most elaborate ruse Robert has ever conducted How do corporate spies get paid The legality of corporate espionage Robert talks about writing his book Ruse: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street How ransomware is a big problem for businesses Ways to protect businesses from ransomware attacks And other topics… Resources mentioned: Andrew Bustamante on TGM: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/101-andrew-bustamante-from-cia-operative-to-ceo/id1555334180?i=1000561746615  Ruse: https://www.amazon.com/Ruse-Lying-American-Hollywood-Street/dp/1586423169  Connect with Robert: Website: https://www.robertkerbeck.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kerbeck-12aa7a11/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertkerbeck/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/robertkerbeck  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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/whoompdarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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