The Greatness Machine

The Greatness Machine is on a Quest to Maximize the Human Experience! Join Award Winning CEO and Author, Darius Mirshahzadeh (pron. Mer-shaw-za-day), as he interviews some of the greatest minds in the world―turning their wisdom and experience into learnings and advice you can use in your life so that you can level up and create greatness. Join Darius as he goes deep with guests like: Moby, Seth Godin, Gabby Reece, Amanda Knox, UFC Ring Announcer Bruce Buffer, Former FBI Negotiator Chris Voss, BJ Fogg, Former Spy and CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante, 1-800-Got-Junk CEO Brian Scudamore, NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, and so many more! Our subject matter ranges from entrepreneurial and pro athlete underdog stories, world-class leadership development, and performance development, to wealth creation and more! If you are a learner who wants to level up in your life and learn from experts who have been there and done that, hit the subscribe button. The Greatness Machine is your ticket to create Greatness in your life! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+TGM@yapmedia.com

  1. 2 days ago

    TGM Classic | Howard Behar | Former Starbucks President on Creating Lasting Impact Through People-First Leadership

    What does it truly mean to lead with purpose? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Howard Behar, former President of Starbucks International and a servant leadership icon. Howard shares invaluable lessons on authenticity, vulnerability, and the importance of putting people first. From navigating insecurities to building a personal mission statement, Howard's insights offer a masterclass in leading with integrity. Discover why patience pays, why persistence matters, and how to align your purpose with your passion. Plus, hear his perspective on long-term thinking in business and the impact of shareholder-driven decision-making. In this episode, Darius and Howard will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Howard Behar (02:16) Howard's Immigrant Roots and Early Influences (06:54) Transitioning to Starbucks: The Journey Begins (10:32) Navigating Exponential Growth at Starbucks (16:59) Leadership and Building a Strong Team (21:30) People-Centric Philosophy at Starbucks (24:51) Partnership Dynamics with Howard Schultz (28:12) The Essence of Servant Leadership (31:23) Navigating Economic Challenges (34:02) The Impact of Public Markets (39:36) Qualities of Great Leaders (41:34) Lessons from Experience Howard Behar is a renowned business leader, author, speaker, and mentor, celebrated for his servant leadership philosophy. As the former President of Starbucks North America and founding President of Starbucks International, he played a pivotal role in the company's growth from 28 stores to over 15,000 across five continents. Howard's leadership principles, like “The Person Who Sweeps the Floor Should Choose the Broom,” continue to inspire leaders globally. He currently serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards and is the author of It’s Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Leadership from a Life at Starbucks. Connect with Howard: Website: http://howardbehar.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-behar-24ba274/ Twitter: https://x.com/NotAboutCoffee  Email: hb@howardbehar.com Contact: 206-9727-776 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.

    TGM Classic | Howard Behar | Former Starbucks President on Creating Lasting Impact Through People-First Leadership
  2. 4 Sept

    Darius Classic | What Advice Would Future You Give You Today

    Do you ever look back and think about the things that you could have done differently? Maybe you have done and said something that you wish you could take back. Maybe you wish you hadn’t worked so hard or wish you could have done better.  Most of us, if not all, have regrets. It could be things you did that you hoped you hadn’t or things you wish you had done but didn’t. Today, I am flying solo to share a list of things I would tell my younger self. Looking back, I remember being scared of a lot of things, worrying about what could happen, and spending my time thinking about the future. What I failed to realize was we can never take back whatever time and effort we have expended in the past.  In this episode, I will discuss the things I wish I had known when starting out in life and business, the biggest mistake I made as an entrepreneur dad, my realizations looking back in the past, and the things I wish to do now that I am in my 40’s. Topics include: List of things I would tell my younger self The pros of mental time travel  Why you should never stress about your businesses, clients, and team members The importance of spending time with your family and friends Why you shouldn’t wait to live your life Living in the now but also preparing for the future Why you should never sweat the small stuff The one big mistake I should never have made in the past Why it matters to live a life of intent 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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    Darius Classic | What Advice Would Future You Give You Today
  3. 2 Sept

    446 | Allison Maslan | Scale or Fail by Building a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You

    On today’s episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Allison Maslan, founder of Pinnacle Global Network and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of “Scale or Fail,” for a candid conversation about what it truly takes to scale a business. Drawing from her experience building 10 successful companies and mentoring over 150,000 CEOs, Allison shares the pivotal moments, including a near-fatal car accident, that transformed how she thinks about business growth, leadership, and building teams that don't depend on you. The conversation covers everything from meeting structures and core values to hiring mistakes and the critical importance of vision alignment across your entire organization. In this episode, Darius and Allison will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:14) Allison's Entrepreneurial Journey (10:41) The Turning Point: From Overwhelm to Clarity (15:30) Scaling Strategies and Leadership (22:18) Navigating Growth Challenges (23:59) Chasing Symptoms vs. Root Causes (26:02) The Importance of Meeting Structure (30:09) Core Values and Team Commitment (33:01) Setting Up Teams for Success (36:09) Vision Beyond Numbers (40:09) Aligning Team and Personal Visions (41:53) Overcoming Personal Barriers to Greatness (44:00) Pinnacle Global Network Overview Allison Maslan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, the founder of Pinnacle Global Network, and a leading CEO scaling mentor. She has built 10 successful companies, coached more than 150,000 CEOs and leadership teams, and now leads the world’s largest women-owned CEO mentoring and peer advisory network for 7–9 figure founders. Connect with Allison: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/allisonmaslan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonmaslan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/allisonmaslan  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.

    446 | Allison Maslan | Scale or Fail by Building a Business That Doesn’t Depend on You
  4. 31 Aug

    TGM Classic | Adam Dell | Smart Money Moves: How to Take Control of Your Financial Future

    Managing money shouldn’t be complicated—but for many high earners, the traditional wealth management system feels more like a maze than a roadmap to success. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Adam Dell, founder of Domain Money, to explore how financial planning can be simplified for high-earning professionals. Adam shares insights on why traditional wealth management often falls short, the importance of a clear financial roadmap, and how Domain Money is transforming the industry with a transparent, flat-fee approach. In this episode, Darius and Adam will discuss: (00:00 Introduction to Adam Dell and His Journey (04:45) The Evolution of Entrepreneurship (10:12) Navigating Exits and Corporate Transitions (14:58) The Importance of Feedback and Iteration (19:55) Diverse Ventures and Problem Solving (24:50) Wealth Management and Domain Money's Mission (27:20) The Evolution of Wealth Management (30:06) Understanding Domain Money's Target Audience (33:47) Differentiating Domain Money from Traditional Advisors (40:11) The A La Carte Approach to Financial Planning (44:55) Navigating Investment Decisions and Market Trends (49:12) Future Aspirations for Domain Money Adam Dell is the Founder and CEO of Domain Money and a serial entrepreneur with four successful exits, including Clarity Money (Goldman Sachs), MessageOne (Dell), Buzzsaw (Autodesk), and Civitas Learning (Francisco Partners). Previously a partner at Goldman Sachs, he led product development for Marcus by Goldman Sachs, launching Marcus Invest, Marcus Checking, and Marcus Insights. Adam has also served as an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School and the University of Texas School of Law. He holds a B.A. from Tulane University and a law degree from the University of Texas. Connect with Adam: Website: https://www.domainmoney.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamdell/  Twitter: https://x.com/adamdell  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.

    TGM Classic | Adam Dell | Smart Money Moves: How to Take Control of Your Financial Future
  5. 19 Aug

    444 | Sébastien Page | The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless Principles to Improve Your Management of Individuals, Teams... and Yourself!

    In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Sébastien Page, Head of Global Multi-Asset and Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price, award-winning investment researcher, and author of “The Psychology of Leadership,” for a wide-ranging conversation on what it truly takes to lead at the highest levels. Sébastien shares his remarkable origin story, crossing the Canadian border in a red Jetta with little more than a computer and a bag of clothes to chase his dream of working in financial markets.  From there, the conversation dives deep into the psychology behind elite performance, covering mastery vs. ego mindsets, goal-induced blindness, positive psychology, stress management, and the foundational role of relationships in both leadership and life. The episode is equal parts practical framework and personal reflection, offering leaders at every level a roadmap for managing themselves before they can effectively manage others. In this episode, Darius and Sébastien will discuss: (02:16) From Quebec to Managing Trillions: Sébastien’s Journey (06:32) Mastery vs. Ego: A Better Way to Lead (13:36) Why Great Leaders Separate Luck from Skill (16:42) How to Turn Stress into Peak Performance (22:16) Why the Basics Beat Endless Optimization (28:29) The Hidden Danger of Goal-Induced Blindness (32:25) The Four Pillars of a Meaningful Career (35:00) Building a Cathedral: Creating Purpose at Work (42:32) Leading Teams Through the Age of AI (48:34) Redefining Success Beyond Money and Status (54:53) The Greatest Barrier to Success Is a Lack of Resilience Sébastien Page is the Head of Global Multi-Asset and Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price, where he oversees more than $500 billion in assets under management. A recognized investment leader and award-winning researcher, he has authored multiple books on finance and leadership, including “The Psychology of Leadership”. Sébastien is a frequent contributor to CNBC and Bloomberg TV and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Barron's. Connect with Sébastien: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastienpagebook/ Book: https://www.psychologyofleadership.net/  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.

    444 | Sébastien Page | The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless Principles to Improve Your Management of Individuals, Teams... and Yourself!
  6. 12 Aug

    443 | Dr. Marc Gafni | First Principles and First Values: Forty-Two Propositions on CosmoErotic Humanism, the Meta-Crisis, and the World to Come

    Host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with philosopher, author, and cultural thinker Dr. Marc Gafni for a wide-ranging conversation that is equal parts philosophical deep-dive and urgent call to action. Dr. Gafni, whose work spans Oxford-trained philosophy, mystical traditions, evolutionary theory, and cutting-edge science, makes the case that humanity is at a critical inflection point, facing what he calls the "metacrisis": a convergence of existential threats that cannot be solved by fixing infrastructure or social structures alone. The only real solution, he argues, is changing the story of value from which we generate reality itself. Drawing on his landmark book “First Principles and First Values,” Dr. Gafni unpacks why value is not a human invention but a fundamental property of the cosmos, and why reclaiming that understanding is the most important rebellion of our time. In this episode, Darius and Dr. Marc will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Dr. Marc Gafni (12:14) Exploring First Values and Their Importance (23:57) The Role of Ego in Human Experience (47:58) Vision for a Humane Future (01:02:04) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action Dr. Marc Gafni is a visionary philosopher, social activist, and author whose work explores consciousness, human development, and evolutionary thought. He is the creator of influential frameworks such as Unique Self theory, the Five Selves, and CosmoErotic Humanism, and the author of more than 25 books, including the award-winning Your Unique Self: The Radical Path to Personal Enlightenment. His recent work includes Whole Mate, Evolution of Love from Quarks to Culture, and the First Principles and First Values series, co-authored under the pseudonym David J. Temple with Zak Stein and Ken Wilber, advancing a new philosophy for addressing the global meta-crisis and the future of humanity. Connect with Dr. Marc Global community: www.whowemustbecome.com    Download Chapter 1-5 of First Principles & First Values: https://worldphilosophyandreligion.org/free-download-chapter-1-5-of-first-principles-and-first-values  First Principles and First Values (book): https://www.amazon.com/First-Principles-Values-Propositions-CosmoErotic/dp/B0DZP633BB  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.

    443 | Dr. Marc Gafni | First Principles and First Values: Forty-Two Propositions on CosmoErotic Humanism, the Meta-Crisis, and the World to Come

About

The Greatness Machine is on a Quest to Maximize the Human Experience! Join Award Winning CEO and Author, Darius Mirshahzadeh (pron. Mer-shaw-za-day), as he interviews some of the greatest minds in the world―turning their wisdom and experience into learnings and advice you can use in your life so that you can level up and create greatness. Join Darius as he goes deep with guests like: Moby, Seth Godin, Gabby Reece, Amanda Knox, UFC Ring Announcer Bruce Buffer, Former FBI Negotiator Chris Voss, BJ Fogg, Former Spy and CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante, 1-800-Got-Junk CEO Brian Scudamore, NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, and so many more! Our subject matter ranges from entrepreneurial and pro athlete underdog stories, world-class leadership development, and performance development, to wealth creation and more! If you are a learner who wants to level up in your life and learn from experts who have been there and done that, hit the subscribe button. The Greatness Machine is your ticket to create Greatness in your life! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+TGM@yapmedia.com

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