The Greatness Machine

YAP Media
YAP Media
  • 5.0 (131)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

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. 11h ago

    TGM Classic | Dr. Geoff Smart | Why Most Hiring Practices Fail–and What Actually Works

    How do you really know if someone is the right fit for your team—or your company’s future? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Dr. Geoff Smart, founder of GH Smart and author of the bestselling book Who, to break down what separates successful hiring from costly mistakes. Geoff reveals the power of evidence-based assessments, why psych tests often fall short, and how intense curiosity—not stress—is the key to unlocking a candidate's true potential. From helping Fortune 500 companies select CEOs to coaching emerging leaders, Geoff shares stories, strategies, and myths about the hiring process—plus, why the "sell me this pen" test is just bad business. In this episode, Darius and Geoff will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Geoff Smart and His Journey (02:55) The Importance of Hiring and Core Values (06:08) Geoff's Origin Story and Founding GH Smart (09:00) Cultural Fit and Hiring Process (11:55) The Role of Core Values in Business (14:52) Firing with Respect and Responsibility (18:05) A Players vs. B Players in Hiring (20:54) Adapting to Different Stages of Business Growth (30:05) Identifying A-Players for Growth (34:02) The Importance of Leadership in Organizations (40:25) Effective Interview Techniques (43:00) Assessing CEOs and Leadership Roles (48:44) Onboarding and Post-Hiring Strategies (55:20) Overcoming Fear of Failure Dr. Geoff Smart is the chairman and founder of ghSMART, a leadership advisory firm that helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and public-sector leaders build high-performing teams. Founded in 1995, ghSMART is recognized for its rigorous hiring methods, impactful leadership development, and a culture of excellence. The firm has topped Glassdoor and Vault rankings and published several bestselling books, including “Who: The A Method for Hiring”. Geoff holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and was mentored by management legend Peter Drucker. Beyond business, he’s committed to public service and leadership development through programs like the Colorado Governors Fellowship and his work with CiviCo. Connect with Geoff: Website: https://geoffsmart.com/  Website: https://ghsmart.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeoffsmart/  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 | Dr. Geoff Smart | Why Most Hiring Practices Fail–and What Actually Works

  2. 3d ago

    Darius Classic | How To Live A Life Without Constraints

    What’s holding you back? What’s stopping you from achieving the life you have always wanted? Unfortunately, many people experience regret for the things they never did. Perhaps they rejected a wonderful job offer, passed up an opportunity to expand their business, or missed the chance to travel the world.  While there are plenty of reasons for missed opportunities, choosing to live a life in a box is what stops most people from dreaming big dreams.  Today, I am flying solo to talk about how constraints and limitations affect our way of life, how we see ourselves, and how they hold us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. I will also talk about my personal journey of finding success after removing the constraints I previously put around myself.  In this episode, I will discuss the benefits of having a no-constraints mindset and how it taught me to raise the bar higher every time I reach a goal without beating myself up.  Topics include: Breaking free from constraints The one thing that stops people from reaching their full potential The effects of having a no-constraints mindset What I achieved when I started living without constraints The two things I put no constraints around 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 | How To Live A Life Without Constraints

  3. 5d ago

    449 | Mark Parrott | How Human Nature Predicts the Future of Business and the Economy

    In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Mark Parrott, a 28-year veteran of the financial services industry, five-time author, and researcher who has taught more than 27,000 CEOs across the United States and Canada. Drawing on evolutionary psychology, demographic data, and behavioral economics, Mark explores how human nature shapes economic trends, political polarization, and business decision-making. The conversation dives into population decline, the economic significance of the 50-year-old demographic, gender differences in the workplace, immigration policy, and the ways understanding human behavior can help leaders become more effective. Mark also shares insights into the human wiring behind our behaviors and how understanding it can lead to stronger leadership, better business decisions, and even stronger marriages. In this episode, Darius and Mark will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Mark Parrott and his expertise (04:01) Understanding human nature through evolutionary psychology (08:06) The impact of age, especially 50-year-olds, on economies (11:53) Fertility rates and their long-term economic implications (17:50) Predicting societal shifts through evolutionary instincts (21:46) Gender differences in risk, work, and mortality (24:00) The role of genetics and environment in behavior (25:50) How to analyze and predict future market trends (28:00) The importance of strategic planning and data analysis (32:02) Case study: Customizing products based on demographic insights (33:58) Pivot strategies for relevance in changing markets (36:06) The value of understanding cultural and demographic shifts (37:58) The importance of investigation mode in decision-making (39:58) Overcoming political biases with data and research (42:01) The differences between men and women in perception and behavior (44:53) Closing thoughts and how to connect with Mark Mark Parrott is a 28-year financial services veteran specializing in retirement planning, mergers and acquisitions, and coaching CEOs of privately held businesses. As a Certified Mergers and Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA), Mark brings extensive expertise in helping individuals and business leaders navigate complex financial decisions, improve business performance, and maximize their wealth. Connect with Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/businessownercoach/  Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B078S97WGD/allbooks  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.

    449 | Mark Parrott | How Human Nature Predicts the Future of Business and the Economy

  4. Sep 28

    TGM Classic | Paul Chek | Reimagining the Future of Healing and Consciousness

    In a world increasingly dominated by technology and disconnected from nature, this episode offers a much-needed perspective on the urgent need for spiritual awakening and holistic healing.  In this enlightening episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with renowned holistic health expert and spiritual teacher Paul Chek to explore the deep intersection of technology, consciousness, and the human spirit. Paul opens up about the transformative role of artificial intelligence, plant medicine, and the forgotten wisdom of nature in today’s world. In this episode, Darius and Paul will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Paul Chek and His Work (02:10) Paul Chek's Origin Story (18:18) The Four Doctors of Health (27:39) Practical Health Principles for Everyone (32:55) Aligning Exercise with Your Dreams (36:01) The Four Doctors and Decision Making (39:04) The Renaissance of Plant Medicine (44:52) Plant Medicine vs. Artificial Intelligence (57:12) Taking Ownership of Your Life Paul Chek is a world-renowned expert in corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology, stress management, and holistic wellness. With over 40 years of experience, Paul has transformed countless lives through his integrated, root-cause approach to health and performance. He is the founder of the CHEK Institute, creator of Spirit Gym, and host of the Spirit Gym with Paul Chek podcast. A prolific author and educator, Paul continues to shape the future of integrative lifestyle management worldwide. Connect with Paul: Website: https://chekinstitute.com/  Website: https://paulchek.com/  Website: https://www.myspiritgym.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y7Tgj2RR6Z5zxZZYYWoKg  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 | Paul Chek | Reimagining the Future of Healing and Consciousness

  5. Sep 25

    Darius Classic | Do You Give Yourself The Gift Of Dreams vs. Goals?

    Are you giving yourself the gift of dreaming? Or are you only grinding hard towards your goals? Many people think that dreams will take you nowhere unless you embrace the grind and take action towards achieving them. However, they allow you to see the future with optimism and to see what’s impossible become possible.  Today, I am flying solo to talk about dreams and goals and their big differences, how they affect our disposition towards success, and what it means to allow ourselves to just dream and stop beating ourselves up when things don’t turn out right. In this episode, I will discuss what Ed Mylett’s book The Power of One More made me realize about my dreams and goals. I will also talk about my motivation for starting my podcast, The Greatness Machine, and what I aspire to achieve for the show.  Topics include: The key difference between dreams and goals The realizations I got after reading The Power of One More by Ed Mylett Why I decided to start The Greatness Machine podcast Why you need to give yourself the gift of dreaming 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 | Do You Give Yourself The Gift Of Dreams vs. Goals?

  6. Sep 23

    448 | Lauren Handel Zander | How Your Inner Dialogue Shapes Your Life, Your Dreams, and Your Success

    In the newest episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Lauren Handel Zander, founder and CEO of the Handel Group®, to explore her groundbreaking approach to life coaching. Lauren shares how she developed her signature methodology, breaking life into 12 distinct areas and teaching people to engineer their dreams through intentional inner dialogue. From her origins as an environmentalist who realized "it's the humans, not the trees," to rebuilding her entire life after a devastating professional betrayal, Lauren delivers a candid, practical, and deeply spiritual conversation about what it truly takes to create a life you love. In this episode, Darius and Lauren will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and guest background (02:06) Lauren's journey from environmental studies to coaching (05:00) The 12 areas of life for holistic growth (07:53) Reframing dreams as gifts, not goals (11:58) The inner dialogue and its influence (14:57) Promising yourself and building confidence (20:03) The role of energy and manifestation (25:01) Overcoming inner barriers and lies (29:58) Practical tools: daily design and night planning (34:57) The Hawkins scale and levels of consciousness (40:05) Spiritual bypassing and authentic alignment (44:58) The importance of accountability and promises (47:57) Lauren's advice for creating greatness Lauren Handel Zander is the Founder and CEO of Handel Group® and creator of The Handel Method®, an internationally recognized coaching methodology taught at institutions including MIT, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and NYU. For more than 20 years, she has coached thousands of individuals and executives from organizations including Vogue, Live Nation, and Google. She is the author of “Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life” and was named by GQ in 2025 as one of 10 life coaches redefining what it means to lead and live. Connect with Lauren: Website: https://www.handelgroup.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenzander/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenzander_coach/  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.

    448 | Lauren Handel Zander | How Your Inner Dialogue Shapes Your Life, Your Dreams, and Your Success

  7. Sep 21

    TGM Classic | Tamar Hermes | The Millionaire’s Mentality: A Professional Woman’s Guide to Building Wealth Through Real Estate

    What if building wealth wasn’t just about numbers, but about knowing yourself, trusting your gut, and playing the long game with intention? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Tamar Hermes—wealth coach, real estate maven, and founder of Wealth Building Concierge—for a masterclass in intuitive investing. With a blend of grounded wisdom and sharp strategy, Tamar unpacks how she measures risk not by rigid formulas, but by asking one bold question: “How much can I lose without being destitute?” From there, she takes us on a journey through her investing mindset, why she breaks free from the traditional “net worth percentage” playbook, and how real estate became her favorite tool for building lasting, generational wealth. In this episode, Darius and Tamar will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction (02:28) Tamar's Origin Story and Early Experiences with Money (06:29) The Impact of Family Background on Money Mindset (09:33) Fear and Trust in Money Management (13:03) Transitioning from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset (15:50) The Skills of Making and Keeping Money (20:29) Learning from Investment Mistakes (23:40) Money as Energy and Its Flow (28:46) Upcoming Mentorship Program for Women (29:13) Empowering Women in Wealth Management (31:06) Personal Investment Journeys and Risk Tolerance (33:45) Understanding Investment Personalities (37:43) Investment Strategies and Risk Management (41:01) Capital Allocation: The Single, Double, Triple Approach (46:18) Navigating Current Economic Challenges (52:51) Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur (57:06) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness Tamar Hermes is the founder of Women Growing Wealth, a dynamic platform empowering high-achieving women to invest with confidence, grow real wealth, and build thriving portfolios—strategically and in community. With over 25 years of experience and an 8-figure personal portfolio, Tamar specializes in passive investing, real estate scaling, and smart tax strategies that yield long-term security and 10%+ annual returns. She's the bestselling author of “The Millionaire’s Mentality” and the driving force behind the Investor Mastermind, where hundreds of women have transformed their financial lives. Tamar’s mission? To help women stop playing small and start building wealth with clarity, courage, and community. Book a 30-minute call with Tamar: https://calendly.com/tamar-hermes/30min Connect with Tamar: Website: https://womengrowingwealth.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamar-hermes-53b9114a Email: tamar@womengrowingwealth.com Book: https://tamarbook.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 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    TGM Classic | Tamar Hermes | The Millionaire’s Mentality: A Professional Woman’s Guide to Building Wealth Through Real Estate

  8. Sep 18

    Darius Classic | Where Will You Be In 3 Years?

    A lot can change in just a couple short years….your dreams may be just around the corner! These changes, whether they are good or bad, can happen in a blink of an eye. It may seem like every day is the same, but when you look back, everything is different from how it used to be, and you are different from who you used to be.  Change offers new opportunities and experiences. It keeps life exciting and ensures that bad situations don’t last. It helps you move on, stay focused, and helps shape you.  After all, progress is impossible without change. Today, I am flying solo to share my realization after reading a book called “The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music” by Dave Grohl, where he shared behind-the-scene stories of his musical life as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, drummer, and record producer. In this episode, I will discuss why it matters to seek and embrace change. I will also reveal what motivated me to step down from my position as a CEO after building a company from zero to a nine-figure organization and what has changed since then.  Topics include: Dave Grohl’s book The Storyteller and the realization I got from it I look back at where I was three, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, eighteen, and even twenty-one years ago and how different each three-year period was from the next. Why I decided to quit my nine-figure company The inevitability of change How to thrive when dealing with change The importance of reflecting on your life and career 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 | Where Will You Be In 3 Years?
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5
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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

Information

  • Channel
    YAP Media
  • Creator
    Darius Mirshahzadeh | YAP Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    753
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 134043
  • Show Website
    The Greatness Machine

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