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

Would a purpose-driven approach make a difference in how we care for the elderly? When it comes to caring for the elderly, a purpose-driven approach can make a big difference. By creating value beyond profits, we focus on the well-being and happiness of those we serve.  There is no better example of this concept than Chuck Hall's journey. After years of success in the construction industry, he recognized an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in senior care. Chuck’s business, Vitality Living, evolved from a fee-for-service model to a vertically integrated structure, providing services that extend beyond basic care.  This transformation underscores the positive outcomes of a purpose-driven approach. Through his leadership, the business shifted focus to not only building facilities for seniors but also providing comprehensive care through a variety of ancillary services.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Chuck Hall to discuss his journey from the construction industry to the senior care sector. Chuck shares how he transitioned from a fee-for-service model to a vertically integrated approach, focusing on providing high-quality care for the elderly. He explains the importance of conscious leadership, the benefits of vertical integration, and the role of partnerships in building successful businesses. Topics include: Chuck talks about his early entrepreneurial influences Creating vertically integrated system in his senior care business The benefits of having an entrepreneurial mindset Chuck looks back working for Turner Construction in New York City How failure served as a catalyst for Chuck to start his own business Chuck explains the value of co-investing in projects Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of your business partners And other topics… Connect with Chuck: Website: https://www.vitalityseniorliving.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-hall-53a259/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c4build/  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

What if the key to personal growth is learning to embrace stress and break free from people pleasing? In this special solo episode, I celebrate my 46th birthday by sharing reflections on the most profound lessons I have learned over the past year. I will take you through my personal growth journey, sharing with you the pivotal moments that shaped my understanding of self-worth, stress management, and building meaningful relationships.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will dive into the importance of embracing stress to test personal growth and explore how starting a new business brought unexpected challenges. I will also share my struggle with anxiety and my realization about the pitfalls of people pleasing. Join me as I discuss the tools that have helped me build the muscle of awareness and the power of confronting conflicts early for healthier relationships. Topics include: Understanding your own worth and finding a healthier approach to stress and anxiety Darius shares two challenges he faced during the launch of his new business The importance of building the muscle of awareness Darius talks about his No People Pleasing (No PP) mantra The value of embracing conflict earlier to ensure healthier relationships And other topics… 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

Ever found yourself puzzled by subtle smiles, raised eyebrows, or furrowed brows? What if you could decipher the hidden language of facial expressions and gain a deeper understanding of human interaction? Understanding facial expressions is like unlocking a secret code to human communication. It is the silent language that often speaks louder than words, offering valuable insights into people's thoughts, emotions, and intentions.  Annie Sarnblad, a renowned expert in the field of facial expression analysis, sheds light on the hidden language embedded within these seemingly mundane gestures. She also shares valuable insights gleaned from her extensive experience in decoding facial cues, offering practical applications for navigating various social situations.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Annie joins Darius to delve into the intricate world of facial expressions and nonverbal communication. Drawing from her extensive expertise, Annie shares practical tips and strategies for enhancing interpersonal communication skills from decoding micro-expressions to navigating negotiations and social dynamics. Topics include: What inspired Annie’s interest in teaching facial expressions Annie talks about her involvement with Young Presidents Organization (YPO) The importance of understanding nonverbal cues such as micro-expressions Annie emphasizes the universal nature of facial expressions Developing the skill of being comfortable with uncomfortable conversations And other topics… Connect with Annie: Website: https://anniesarnblad.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-sarnblad  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annie.sarnblad/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_F6qDv7H3_oLdoz8fZ4pw  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

Practicing meditation can enhance a person's mental and physical well-being in many ways. Research suggests that meditation can help ease anxiety, improve sleep quality, reduce negative emotions, and increase imagination, creativity, patience, and tolerance. There is also evidence that states people who meditate are more likely to be able to avoid destructive habits.  Today, I am flying solo to take a look back at that one moment in my life that made me a believer of meditation and its many benefits. In this episode, I will talk about how I went from disliking the practice of meditation to realizing its positive effects on my life. I will also discuss the effects of meditation on my mental health, decision-making, emotional reactions, and awareness of myself and others.  Topics include: How meditation helps ease my anxiety What I learned from practicing 100 days of meditation Awareness as one of the benefits of meditation What does “game of inches” mean in life and business How meditation benefits your mental health and decision-making And other topics… Sources mentioned: Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Habit-Being-Yourself-Create/dp/1401938094  The Waking Up Course: https://www.wakingup.com/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When time and money seem like limited resources, the idea of maximizing both can seem impossible. But what if it were possible to achieve true abundance in both? How would it be if our desire for personal fulfillment and financial abundance could be harmonized? Bill Perkins, a hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, author, and professional poker player, has discovered invaluable insights into the intersection of money and meaning. Through his book, Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life, he challenges the traditional notion of hoarding wealth for the future. He advocates for living life to the fullest now, making meaningful experiences a priority over accumulating wealth that may never be fully enjoyed. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Bill Perkins to explore practical strategies for maximizing both your life and your finances. Drawing from his remarkable journey and the principles outlined in his book, Bill shares what it takes to create a life that is truly worth living. Topics include: The importance of living life to the fullest and maximizing experiences Bill explains Die with Zero and emphasizes the value of spending wealth strategically Being off autopilot and deeply understanding one’s authentic desires and values The benefits of optimizing one’s life in terms of money and time Enjoying the journey of life rather than solely focusing on achieving financial success Why it matters to balance entrepreneurship and relationships Bill warns against falling into the trap of pursuing wealth or status for ego gratification Aligning actions with long-term fulfillment rather than societal expectations  And other topics… Connect with Bill: Twitter: https://twitter.com/bp22  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billperkins/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358099765  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

Fred Reichheld, known as Bain’s High Priest of Customer Loyalty, discusses the essence of purpose in business beyond just profit. He emphasizes that companies thrive on providing real value and personalized experiences for their customers. The conversation dives into the Net Promoter System (NPS) and its role in gauging customer loyalty. Fred outlines the key traits of great leadership, the significance of emotional connections, and offers insights on fostering sustainable success through genuine customer feedback.

It is common for customers to return to your brand when they feel valued and enjoy the overall experience. Having that culture of appreciation within your business, where your team members or your internal customers feel valued and recognized for their great work, will also reflect on your external customers’ experience.  Today, I am flying solo to share with you the secret to building a perfect customer experience.  In this episode, I will talk about the most important questions to ask your internal and external customers. I will also discuss how I have been using Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure customers’ experience. Topics include: Differences between an internal and an external customer What is Net Promoter Score (NPS) and how is it calculated Three questions I always ask my team members The importance of having an appreciation culture at work Five questions to build a perfect customer experience And other topics… Resources mentioned: Net Promoter Score: https://www.netpromoter.com/  ScaleMAP Method: https://www.dariusclass.com/training-video  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices