Episodios

  • Darius Classic | If You Could Rewind Life
    Jul 18 2025
    Do you compare your current decisions with an ideal outcome that did not happen? Today, I am flying solo to dive deep into the concept of comparison and its impact on our happiness and decision-making. I will explore how we often measure ourselves against idealized outcomes or imagined scenarios rather than focusing on our unique journeys. I will also introduce the “rewind button” exercise, encouraging you to reflect on your past decisions and consider whether you would make the same choice again, armed with the knowledge you have now. This episode of The Greatness Machine will emphasize the importance of owning our choices, even when the outcomes aren’t what we expected. This will also highlight how cultivating gratitude for the lessons learned along the way can transform our perspective and foster personal growth. Topics include: The downside of comparing yourself to idealized or imagined outcomes The rewind button exercise for gaining clarity on past decisions Owning your choices, regardless of the final outcome Cultivating gratitude in hindsight for both the challenges and successes Practicing conscious leadership by being aware of your decisions and their impact Focusing on the present moment and maximizing its potential And other topics… Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 m
  • 369 | Elatia Abate | Why the Future of AI Depends on the Best of Our Humanity
    Jul 16 2025
    What if AI is more than a tool? What if it’s a toddler learning from us? In this mind-expanding episode of The Greatness Machine, futurist Elatia Abate joins Darius to explore the ethical and emotional dimensions of artificial intelligence. From the power of diverse voices shaping AI to how kindness in prompts can actually improve results, Elatia shares a bold vision of co-creating the future with technology. She also reflects on her personal journey—how pretending to be anything less than her full self held her back, and how authenticity unlocked her greatness. In this episode, Darius and Elatia will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Personal Background (03:05) Cultural Heritage and Identity (05:57) Career Journey and Transition to Futurism (09:04) The Impact of Technology on Work (11:55) Education and Influences (15:14) The Role of Humanity in Leadership (18:08) Exploring the Future of Work (20:59) Navigating the Age of AI (25:32) The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Employment (30:37) Navigating the Future of Work (34:55) The Velocity of Change and Workforce Displacement (38:40) Societal Implications of AI and Automation (41:57) Reimagining Value Creation in the Age of AI (48:04) Consciousness and AI: A New Frontier (53:57) The Importance of Diverse Voices in AI Development Elatia Abate is a globally recognized entrepreneur and futurist on a mission to revolutionize leadership in the Age of AI. Named a Forbes leading female futurist, she serves as Futurist in Residence at Paylocity and is the creator of Future-Led Leadership™️, a framework used by organizations such as Verizon, Deloitte, and GMAC. A sought-after keynote speaker and TEDx presenter, Elatia has shared insights on the future of work, leadership, and resilience with audiences from Citi to SHRM. Formerly an HR executive at Anheuser-Busch InBev and Dow Jones, she is also the author of Build a Career You Love and a featured expert in work with Tony Robbins and Trevor Noah. Elatia teaches at Stanford, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and LinkedIn Learning. Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Connect with Elatia: Website: https://elatiaabate.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elatiaabate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elatiaabate/ 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 12 m
  • TGM Classic | Garrett Gunderson | Money Unmasked: Unlearn, Unlock, and Take Back Control of Your Finances and Life
    Jul 14 2025
    Is more money the key to happiness? Or is there more to life than what meets the wallet? People often seek financial success in the pursuit of happiness, believing that a substantial income and material wealth is equivalent to a more fulfilling life. While money certainly plays a crucial role in meeting basic needs and providing a sense of security, the relationship between money and happiness is complex and multifaceted. Garrett Gunderson, through his book Money Unmasked: Unlearn, Unlock, and Take Back Control of Your Finances and Life, delves into the intricacies of financial well-being and challenges conventional wisdom about money. Beyond the punchlines and laughter, Garrett is a vocal advocate for financial education and literacy. In fact, he founded Wealth Factory, a company focused on providing education and coaching to help individuals and businesses optimize their financial strategies. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Garrett joins Darius to reflect on his venture into comedy and to talk about the motivation behind his book Money Unmasked, explaining the concept of money personas and shadow personas, and exploring the intricate relationship between money and happiness. The discussion will also touch upon the struggle to break free from busyness and confronting insecurities, along with various other compelling topics. Topics include: Garrett takes a look back into his spontaneous journey into comedy The inspiration behind Garrett’s book Money Unmasked The concept of money personas and shadow personas Relationship between money and happiness Garrett introduces the “Cycle of Creation” from Money Unmasked The challenges of recording audio books Escaping busyness and facing insecurities And other topics… Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Connect with Garrett: Website: https://garrettgunderson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-gunderson-651359b3 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GarrettGundersonTV Twitter: https://twitter.com/gbgunderson/ 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 4 m
  • 368 | More Than Winning: The Art of Showing Up Daily
    Jul 11 2025
    What if your company’s biggest problem isn’t strategy, but a lack of soul? Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Mike Maddock and John Tobin on Your Seat at the Table Podcast for a deep dive into leadership, company culture, and what it really takes to build a high-performing team. In this candid conversation, Darius opens up about the hard lessons he’s learned as a CEO, the blind spots that hold leaders back, and why most companies get core values completely wrong. He shares the frameworks he’s developed to help organizations scale with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. In this episode, Mike, John, and Darius will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Darius Mirshahzadeh (03:06) The Journey of an Entrepreneur (05:49) Lessons from Business Failures (12:00) The Impact of Entrepreneurship on Personal Life (17:53) Reflections on Success and Future Endeavors (26:15) The Pursuit of Financial Success (29:02) Understanding the Game vs. Real Life (33:54) The Art of Podcasting: Insights and Experiences (39:33) Balancing Work and Personal Relationships (45:16) Finding Purpose Beyond Success (49:50) Knowing When to Quit or Persist Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 2 m
  • 367 | Rorke Denver | Former Navy SEAL Shares Leadership Lessons from the Front Lines
    Jul 9 2025
    What does it take to lead when lives are on the line? In this compelling episode of The Greatness Machine, former Navy SEAL Commander Rorke Denver joins Darius to explore what real leadership looks like under pressure. Drawing from years of leading special ops missions, Rorke shares how the same principles that guide elite warriors—clarity, discipline, and trust—can transform how we lead in business and life. He reveals why great leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about staying calm in chaos, making tough decisions, and inspiring others through character. Whether you're leading a team, a company, or your own life, this episode offers powerful insights for anyone ready to lead with courage and purpose. In this episode, Darius and Rorke will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Special Occasions (03:00) Rorke's Origin Story and Path to Becoming a Navy SEAL (12:03) Leadership Lessons from Coaching and Military Experience (20:56) The Crisis of Masculinity and Modern Leadership (30:04) Experiences in BUD/S Training (32:15) Mindset and Resilience in Adversity (34:41) Embracing Challenges for Growth (36:39) The Role of Suffering in Strength (37:33) Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield (52:03) Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life Commander Rorke Denver is a decorated Navy SEAL, bestselling author, and leadership expert. He’s led over 200 combat missions, run SEAL training, and earned the Bronze Star with “V” for valor. Rorke is the author of “Damn Few” and “Worth Dying For,” and starred in the film Act of Valor and FOX’s American Grit with John Cena. A former All-American lacrosse player at Syracuse, he holds a master’s in Global Business Leadership and now leads EVER ONWARD, a leadership and performance brand. Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Connect with Rorke: Website: https://rorkedenver.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi7zKkoLnD-VszOJkmsX-YA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rorketdenver/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rorkedenverauthor/ 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 11 m
  • TGM Classic | Giles Yeo | From Calorie Counting to Quality Eating: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
    Jul 7 2025
    What if calories aren’t the whole story? In the realm of nutrition and health, the traditional belief has been that counting calories is the ultimate key to managing one’s diet effectively. But what if we told you calories might not be the key to a healthy diet? Delving beyond the calorie count, this question encourages us to explore the multifaceted elements that influence our health and well-being, such as food quality, nutrient content, and individual genetic factors. Giles Yeo, a biologist and professor of molecular neuroendocrinology at the Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit, and scientific director of the Genomics/Transcriptomics Core at the University of Cambridge, challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding weight management. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Giles to shed light on the importance of food quality, nutrient partitioning, and the role of genetics in our individual responses to diet and exercise. His perspective invites us to reevaluate our approach to nutrition, weight loss, considering a more holistic view of health that goes beyond calorie counting. Topics include: What sparked Giles’ interest in the genetics of obesity and body weight Giles explains what influences body weight and health The importance of educating children about nutrition and healthy choices Giles shares the impact of bariatric surgery Why it matters to maintain muscle mass while losing weight The crucial role of resistance training to preserve muscle and overall health And other topics… Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Connect with Giles: LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/giles-yeo-2062969 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilesyeo/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GilesYeo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giles.yeo/ 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 m
  • Darius Classic | How Do You Show Up In the World?
    Jul 4 2025
    How do people see you, and more importantly, how do you see yourself? The way others treat us reflects their perception of us, but how we respond shows how we perceive ourselves. Being able to recognize and own this dynamic is key to building strong relationships - both personal and professional. Today, I am flying solo for the 300th episode of The Greatness Machine! To celebrate, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a profound life lesson I recently learned. It is all about how people treat you based on their perception of you, and how your response is a mirror or your self-view. Despite being simple, this concept has the power to transform the way we engage with others and understand ourselves. In this episode, I explore the deep insights around power dynamics in relationships, the role of curiosity in self-reflection, and how we can better align our actions with the identity we wish to project. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, I challenge you to take stock of how you are showing up in your own life and how to leverage self-awareness for more authentic connections. Topics include: Darius talks about the power of perception in how others treat you The importance of self-awareness and curious responses Darius shares personal story about setting boundaries in business The value of authenticity in personal and professional relationships Darius encourages curiosity about how others perceive you The crucial role of authenticity in creating leverage and opening opportunities And other topics… Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 m
  • 366 | Robert Glazer | Rethinking Two Weeks’ Notice: Changing The Way Employees Leave Companies For The Better
    Jul 2 2025
    What if the key to lasting success isn’t just about hiring the right people, but also about letting them go the right way? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Robert Glazer, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and former CEO of Acceleration Partners, about building a culture of trust, transparency, and long-term relationships. Robert shares insights from his new book, “Rethinking Two Weeks’ Notice: Changing The Way Employees Leave Companies For The Better,” and discusses how his company helps employees transition into roles that truly fit their strengths. He also highlights why open conversations, fair treatment, and positive departures can turn former employees into future clients. In this episode, Darius and Robert will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Robert Glazer and His Work (02:59) The Evolution of Company Culture (06:20) Rethinking Employee Departures (10:57) The Changing Landscape of Employment (14:10) The Future of Remote Work (21:13) Transitioning Leadership in Business (25:25) Navigating Remote Work Challenges (30:02) Understanding Employee Engagement and Disengagement (35:13) Implementing Open Transition Programs (39:55) The Importance of Leaving Well Robert Glazer is the founder and Chairman of Acceleration Partners, a globally recognized partner marketing agency known for its award-winning company culture. A bestselling author, he has written “Elevate,” “Friday Forward,” and “How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace,” along with his widely read Friday Forward newsletter. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Robert has appeared on the TEDx stage and hosts the Elevate Podcast. His insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. Passionate about leadership and growth, he helps individuals and organizations reach their full potential. Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Connect with Robert: Website: https://robertglazer.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer Twitter: https://x.com/robert_glazer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertglazer_/ 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 m