The Greatness Machine

Do you find yourself grappling with the idea of exploring various opportunities versus staying committed to a single path for long-term success? In the third installment of this compelling series, join me as I focus on a crucial lesson: “The game is long, but you need to stay to win it.” Reflecting on my experiences as a CEO and entrepreneur, I discuss the pitfalls of job hopping and share insights on the power of consistency in the world of business and entrepreneurship. Drawing inspiration from legendary figures like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, known for their long-term thinking, I emphasize the importance of finding the right game to play in your career.  Tune in to uncover the secrets of creating exponential values, seizing opportunities, ang thriving in the long game of business.  Topics include: The importance of staying committed to a path for long-term success The value of consistency in personal and professional endeavors The benefits of staying in a chosen game or industry for an extended period The importance of aligning one’s personality with the characteristics of a chosen industry The necessity of continuously learning and adapting to changes in the chosen field 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 Sponsored by: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From redefining comic book storytelling with “Spawn” to revolutionizing the toy industry, Todd McFarlane's creative journey is nothing short of legendary. In this episode, Todd shares the incredible story of how he built a global empire by breaking industry rules and trusting his vision. Todd dives into the challenges he faced while disrupting both the comic and toy industries, the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur, and the passion that drives his storytelling. He also opens up about the importance of perseverance, staying true to your creative instincts, and the mindset required to succeed in any venture. In this episode, Darius and Todd will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Todd McFarlane (02:04) Todd's Journey into Comic Books (08:03) The Birth of Image Comics (14:24) Challenges of Starting a New Venture (19:50) Reflections on Success and Independence (21:48) The Bold Move: Leaving Marvel for Independence (27:34) The Rise of Image Comics and Spawn (33:12) Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Art (39:21) The Impact of AI on the Creative Industry (44:49) The Power of Focus and Longevity (49:39) Navigating the Giants: Finding Your Niche (52:13) The Importance of Personality in Entrepreneurship (57:04) Embracing Fearlessness and Authenticity (1:01:03) Advocating for Yourself and Taking Risks Todd McFarlane is a Canadian comic book creator and entrepreneur best known for his work on “The Amazing Spider-Man” and as the creator of “Spawn.” A co-founder and President of Image Comics, he revolutionized the industry by championing creator-owned properties. Todd’s “Spawn” debuted in 1992, selling a record 1.7 million copies and cementing his legacy as a visionary in comics and entertainment. Sponsored by: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Connect with Todd: Website: https://mcfarlane.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liketoddmcfarlane/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddmcfarlane/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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

Are you tired of simply letting life happen to you, or are you ready to take charge and design a life that truly reflects your aspirations and desires? In a world where routines and obligations often dictate our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of our own dreams and ambitions. We find ourselves going through the motions, yearning for something more but unsure of how to break free from the monotony. Jack Daly, an experienced and inspirational sales trainer, and sales coaching expert, is a true testament to the power of designing one's own life and stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, dedication, and a clear vision converge. From humble beginnings, he defied the odds and carved a path that led him to the life he had always envisioned. Driven by an unwavering determination, Jack pursued his dreams relentlessly, navigating through challenges and setbacks with resilience and an unyielding spirit. He understood that success was not a stroke of luck, but the result of strategic planning, purposeful actions, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. In this episode, Darius and Jack dive deep into a captivating conversation that spans various aspects of personal and professional growth. They explore Jack's early passion for sales, which ignited during his formative years and paved the way for his entrepreneurial endeavors. They discuss the transformative power of setting goals and the significance of writing them down.  Topics include: Jack’s passion for sales began at a young age and led to early entrepreneurial ventures The benefits of setting goals and writing them down  The importance of defining what success means to oneself What it matters to put your bucket list out in the universe and share it openly The value of defining and pursuing one’s own goals and desires in life Why you should focus on starting and finishing rather than winning Recognizing and tapping into your untapped potential in all areas of your life Taking control of your mindset and choosing positivity to eliminate bad days And other topics… Resources mentioned: Open by Andre Agassi: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Autobiography-Andre-Agassi/dp/0307388409 A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle: https://www.amazon.com/New-Earth-Awakening-Purpose-Selection/dp/0452289963  Connect with Jack: Website: https://jackdalysales.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackdaly/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ironmanjack  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 Sponsored by: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever stopped to ponder how the roles you play in life shape your identity and, ultimately, the mark you leave on the world? How we define our identity is a complex and ever-evolving process. It is not merely a single label or job title, but a multifaceted tapestry of experiences, roles, and characteristics that make us who we are. How we define our identity ultimately shapes our perspective on life, influences our choices, and guides our interactions with the world.  In this second installment of our series, I will draw upon my personal experiences to delve into the concept of identity and its pivotal role in our lives. I will share how I have navigated the intricate landscape of self-discovery, highlighting moments that have shaped my understanding of identity.  Together, we will explore the diverse facets that make up our identities and learn from my experiences how to embrace the complexity of who we are.  Topics include: What makes up your identity and true essence as a person Why it matters to explore and invest in other interests and passions beyond your business 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://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Sponsored by: Constant Contact - Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After being critically wounded during a combat mission in Iraq, Navy SEAL Jason Redman faced an unimaginable battle—not just to recover physically but to rebuild his life and leadership. Throughout his journey, Jason discovered powerful lessons in trust, leadership, and resilience. In this episode, Jason dives deep into how leaders can rebuild trust after it has been broken, and why authentic leadership is the foundation for creating strong, united teams. He also shares valuable insights from his books, “The Trident” and “Overcome,” focusing on overcoming adversity, leading with integrity, and staying grounded in purpose. In this episode, Darius and Jason will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Background (03:08) Jason Redman's Origin Story (06:02) The Journey to Becoming a Navy SEAL (09:32) Resilience and Overcoming Challenges (11:35) The Importance of Mindset in SEAL Training (15:05) Strengths, Weaknesses, and Team Dynamics (20:10) The Warrior Mentality and Personal Growth (24:03) Leadership Lessons from Failure (27:34) Camaraderie in Combat (27:59) The Reality of War (29:30) Facing Adversity (32:03) The Power of Failure (33:41) Rebuilding After Failure (35:14) The Importance of Support (38:22) Earning Back Trust (42:23) Life Ambushes (46:23) Creating Resilience in Others (50:27) Leading by Example Jason Redman is a severely wounded warrior, NY Times and Amazon bestselling author, veteran advocate, business leader, and renowned leadership and resilience speaker. After facing a career-threatening leadership failure, Jason turned his recovery into a mission to inspire others to overcome failures. He now inspires audiences nationwide with his powerful story of leadership, resilience, and transformation. Through his speaking and writing, Jason teaches others how to lead themselves, overcome adversity, and build a relentless mindset to tackle any challenge. Sponsored by: Constant Contact - Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great. Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Connect with Jason: Website: https://jasonredman.com/  Website: https://www.patriotseltzer.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-redman-b8324210/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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

Have you ever wondered how you can unlock your full potential and create a life of purpose and fulfillment? In a world filled with endless possibilities, many of us find ourselves longing for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. We yearn to unlock our full potential and live a life that truly aligns with our passions and values. But how do we bridge the gap between where we are now and where we want to be? Sean Magennis, CEO of a 29-year-old private, multi-faceted Financial Services Firm, Mutual Capital Alliance, joins us on the Greatness Machine to discuss the significance of perspective, moving beyond survival mode, and leaving room for making a difference in various aspects of life. In this thought-provoking episode, Darius and Sean delve into the importance of recognizing our responsibilities and the impact we can have on society and ourselves. They also share some insights into the transformative power of resilience and reinvention, especially during challenging times, and how support networks can make all the difference. Topics include: The benefits of living in the present and reflecting on the past Why it is important to choose the right people to collaborate with The significance of hard work, humility, and leadership in creating a successful environment Taking risks and venturing into unfamiliar territories for business Embracing an eclectic lifestyle and finding beauty in the environment Recognizing the value of receiving help from others and building trusted relationships The importance of early childhood education and the impact it has on an individual's potential Understanding personal responsibilities as a citizen, spouse, parent, and member of the community Moving beyond survival and finding ways to make a positive difference in various aspects of life And other topics… Connect with Sean: Website: https://seanmagennis.com/  Website: https://www.ypo.org/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmagennis/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINTMOBILE.com/great. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered if your quest for short-term gain might be hindering your long-term dreams? In the pursuit of long-term rewards, taking risks is the compass guiding us through uncharted territory. While risks can be intimidating, they also carry the potential for great rewards. It is the decision to invest in tomorrow, even if it means sacrificing short-term comfort.  In this inaugural episode of a 12-part series, I draw inspiration from a recent presentation I gave at the University of Texas in Austin, where I shared the valuable lessons I wished I had known as a 20-year old entrepreneur. Today, we are delving into the concept of taking risks, especially in your 20s. I firmly believe that when you are young, it is the perfect time to embrace what I call “asymmetric risk.” Why? Because the lessons you gain from such experience will benefit you for a lifetime. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I encourage listeners to find a balance between short-term goals and long-term vision. This episode sets the stage for an engaging 12-part series exploring valuable life lessons for entrepreneurs of all ages. Topics include: The importance of taking risks early in life Why it matters to explore the world and take on adventures The significance of aligning your business pursuits with your passions 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://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Legal Zoom: Get everything from setup to success at LEGALZOOM.com with promo code DARIUS. Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINTMOBILE.com/great. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could spend an entire year living as if your actions could change the world? How would that shape your perspective on life, purpose, and the people around you? It is easy to feel like we are too small to make a real difference, but sometimes it just takes one person with the right mindset to start a ripple effect. When we shift our focus to living with intention and connecting deeply with the people around us, even the smallest actions can lead to something bigger. AJ Jacobs, bestselling author, journalist, and master of personal experiments, joins us to share stories from his fascinating life experiments. Known for his books “The Year of Living Biblically” and “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” AJ dives into experiments that challenge his worldview and reveal how gratitude, curiosity, and small acts of kindness can make a profound impact–not just on our own lives, but on the world at large. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, AJ Jacobs joins Darius to talk about his fascinating journey exploring the Bible for his book “The Year of Living Biblically.” AJ emphasizes the importance of thorough research, collaboration, and fully immersing oneself in a belief system to truly understand it. He reflects on how cherry-picking information can lead to a skewed perspective and discusses the power of gratitude in shifting our mindset. AJ also shares insights from his “Year of Living Constitutionally” and the lessons he learned from both projects, highlighting how they transformed his thinking and approach to life. Topics include: AJ reflects on exploring the Bible for his book The Year of Living Biblically The importance of research and collaboration in bookwriting process The need for immersion in understanding beliefs and systems The dangers of cherry-picking information to support one’s argument How gratitude can counteract negative bias and enhance one's perspective on life The lessons AJ learned during his “Year of Living Constitutionally” And other topics… Connect with AJ: Website: https://ajjacobs.com/ Substack: https://substack.com/@experimentalliving  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajjacobsinc/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajjacobs/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-puzzler-with-a-j-jacobs/id1709071922  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Legal Zoom: Get everything from setup to success at LEGALZOOM.com with promo code DARIUS. Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINTMOBILE.com/great. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do your working relationships influence both your happiness and success? When we think about the amount of time we spend at work and the significant role our colleagues play in our daily lives, it becomes clear that fostering positive and supportive relationships is crucial. Building strong working relationships, however, can sometimes be challenging. Conflicts, differing perspectives, and personality clashes are inevitable in any workplace.  Michael Bungay Stanier, a renowned author, speaker, and leadership coach, provides invaluable insights and practical strategies for navigating the complexities of working with diverse personalities in his newest book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone: Five Questions for Building the Best Possible Relationships.  Best known for his expertise in coaching, workplace relationships, and organizational development, he explores the nuances of different personalities and provides strategies to bridge gaps, manage differences, and find common ground. In this episode, Darius and Michael reveal the secrets behind building strong working relationships, the power of coaching to drive behavior change, and the art of navigating organizational change. Michael will also share insights from his new book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, offering valuable strategies for creating impactful connections and embracing transformation. Topics include: How Michael won the Rhode Scholarship and made it to Oxford University What Michael learned while working at an innovation company How Michael got into entrepreneurship after a job offer fell through The most common challenges of publishing and selling books Building safe, vital, and repairable working relationships Writing for people who interact with others Michael explains his new book How to Work with Almost Anyone How to make change happen in an organization The effects of coaching on a person’s behavior Embracing change and saying “no” to certain situations And other topics… Connect with Michael: Website: https://www.mbs.works/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Anyone-Michael-Bungay-Stanier/dp/1774582651  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbungaystanier/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbs_works/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Legal Zoom: Get everything from setup to success at LEGALZOOM.com with promo code DARIUS. Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINTMOBILE.com/great. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Timeline: Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world where we are pressured to put up walls, learning to be truly open can transform our relationships, fuel personal growth, and even shift how we view ourselves. In this solo episode, Darius Mirshahzadeh explores the powerful role vulnerability plays in building trust, forging real connections, and living authentically. Through personal stories and moments of self-reflection, he reveals how embracing vulnerability allows us to show up more fully—both for ourselves and others. He also delves into the difference between "scuba divers" and "snorkelers" when it comes to connection, offering valuable insights on how to balance authenticity with the risks of oversharing. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Embracing Vulnerability and Gratitude (02:38) Two Types of People: Scuba Divers vs. Snorkelers (04:51) Vulnerability as a Superpower (06:00) Vulnerability vs. Oversharing (13:03) Navigating Relationships (15:22) Vulnerability is a Gift (20:25) Reassessing Expectations in Relationships Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Go to ConstantContact.com and start your FREE trial today. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Legal Zoom: Get everything from setup to success at LEGALZOOM.com with promo code DARIUS. Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINTMOBILE.com/great. NPR - Code Switch: Listen now to Code Switch from NPR - wherever you get your podcasts.  Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius. Timeline: Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/GREATNESS. Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube 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