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. 4h ago

    Darius Classic | The Only 5 Questions That Matter In Your Business

    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://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.

    Darius Classic | The Only 5 Questions That Matter In Your Business
  2. 2d ago

    455 | Jeff Spencer | The Five Pillars of Sustainable High Performance

    Darius Mirshahzadeh welcomes back three-time guest Dr. Jeff Spencer, an Olympic cyclist, elite performance coach, renowned chiropractor, and trusted advisor to world-class athletes and business leaders, including Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, Richard Branson, and Bono. In this insightful conversation on The Greatness Machine, Darius and Dr. Jeff explore the evolution from ego-driven achievement to purpose-driven creation, the universal patterns of human development across different decades of life, and the principles that allow elite performers to maintain momentum without sacrificing their well-being. Dr. Jeff also breaks down his five-pillar model for high performance and explains how powerful "execution phrases" can help prevent mental breakdowns and keep us focused when it matters most. In this episode, Darius and Jeff will discuss: (00:00) Reconnecting with coach and three-time guest Jeff Spencer (04:47) From Olympic cycling to coaching people as whole humans (08:54) How sports coaching grew into business and life advising (14:07) Why achievement can stop feeling fulfilling (18:18) Trading the acquisition scorecard for alignment (22:21) Answering callings instead of chasing declared goals (27:24) What high achievers do after reaching the promised land (31:13) Recalibrating ambition without abandoning meaningful work (34:42) How to test a change in pace responsibly (37:11) Five pillars for sustainable performance (44:09) Use the instruments, not emotion, under pressure (48:06) Execution phrases that keep performance on track (52:20) How mentors awaken potential Dr. Jeff Spencer is a former Olympic cyclist, eight-time Tour de France team member, elite performance coach, author, and international speaker. Known as "The Cornerman," he has dedicated over 400,000 hours to the study of high performance, helping world-class athletes, entrepreneurs, and business leaders achieve their full potential. He has worked with renowned figures and organizations, including Tiger Woods, Richard Branson, U2, and Nike. Through his proprietary Champion's Blueprint methodology, Jeff equips high achievers with the mindset, clarity, and strategies to achieve extraordinary results and lasting success. Connect with Jeff: Website: https://www.drjeffspencer.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeffspencer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jeffspencer/  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.

    455 | Jeff Spencer | The Five Pillars of Sustainable High Performance
  3. 4d ago

    TGM Classic | Robert Edward Grant | How to Break Free from What’s Holding You Back

    What if everything we believed was limiting us… is actually the key to unlocking our full potential? In this fascinating episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by polymath and visionary thinker Robert Edward Grant for a deep dive into consciousness, human potential, and the illusions that keep us stuck. From the telepathic abilities of children with autism to the duality of light and darkness within us all, Robert challenges conventional thinking and invites us into a conversation about radical authenticity, spiritual awakening, and the physics of the soul. In this episode, Darius and Robert will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Sir Robert Edward Grant (02:50) Robert's Journey from 3D World to Consciousness (05:00) Understanding Life's Lessons Through Opposites (10:10) The Impact of Self-Perception on Relationships (15:03) Resonance and Energy in Personal Growth (19:55) Awareness and Choice in Breaking Patterns (21:52) The Nature of Consciousness and Energy (26:04) Shifting Perspectives: From 3D to Real Life (27:58) The Value of Difficult Experiences (30:22) Transformative Power of Suffering (33:32) Awakening to Self-Perception (36:10) The Illusion of Limitations (39:01) The Collective Awakening (42:24) Living Authentically (45:08) Embracing Our Duality (48:01) The Journey of Self-Acceptance (51:44) Foundational Learning and Growth Sir Robert Edward Grant is a serial entrepreneur, polymath, and prolific inventor with over 80 patents spanning medical technology, cryptography, and sound-based healing. A recognized thought leader, he bridges science, spirituality, and innovation through his groundbreaking work in sacred geometry, mathematics, and music theory. As the founder of multiple successful ventures, Grant is a passionate advocate for human potential and consciousness expansion, pioneering solutions across industries from healthcare to blockchain encryption. Connect with Robert: Website: https://robertedwardgrant.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgrant888/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertedwardgrant/  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 | Robert Edward Grant | How to Break Free from What’s Holding You Back
  4. Nov 6

    Darius Classic | How To Get On The TED Stage

    Ever wondered how to land a TED talk and make your message matter? Today, I am flying solo to walk you through the process of how I hosted a TEDx event back in 2012. With a theme of The Pursuit of Passion, the one-day event focused on the fire that drives people to pursue their passions. It was about how one finds the strength to follow their heart and intuition despite rejection, lack of support, challenges, or even outright failure. In this episode, I will talk about the process of applying to get a TED Talk, the challenges I had to deal with as a head curator of a TEDx event, and the story behind how I got Scott Dinsmore as one of the speakers for my event.  Resources mentioned: TED website: https://www.ted.com/  Scott Dinsmore TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpe-LKn-4gM  Topics include: Two different ways to get on the main TED stage What is TED and what they do What is a TEDx event and what is the application process for a license How to become a TEDx speaker  How I handled and prepared for no-shows during a TEDx event How Scott Dinsmore’s TEDx talk went viral on YouTube 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 Get On The TED Stage
  5. Nov 4

    454 | George Barrios (Part 2) | Behind WWE's Billion-Dollar Success

    Host Darius Mirshahzadeh welcomes back George Barrios for Part 2 of their conversation on The Greatness Machine. George, former Co-President of WWE who helped transform it from a $1 billion North American business into a $10 billion global powerhouse, picks up where the last episode left off. He details the messy but pivotal exit from WWE, the founding of Isos Capital with longtime business partner Michelle Wilson, and the string of high-profile deals that followed,  including taking Bowlero public via SPAC, orchestrating the landmark $20 billion WWE-UFC merger to form TKO, and most recently co-founding Global Sport Group, the world's largest private sports investment holding company. Throughout, George unpacks his core frameworks: understanding businesses as machines, the power of deep due diligence, and the rare combination of management and leadership that drives transformational results. Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/451-george-barrios-part-1-sometimes-wrong-but-never/id1555334180?i=1000796265172 In this episode, Darius and George will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:19) George's Journey to WWE (05:34) The End of an Era at WWE (08:20) Transitioning to New Ventures (12:33) Building ISO's Capital (14:29) Maximizing IP Value (15:49) Understanding the Machine (20:51) Navigating New Challenges (24:46) The SPAC Journey and Business Selection (28:50) Deep Dive into Business Analysis (32:43) Understanding Management vs. Leadership (35:14) The Return to WWE and Strategic Decisions (40:44) The Merger with UFC and Valuation Insights (42:08) Creating a Holding Company for Sports Investments (45:43) The Future of Sports in a Streaming World George Barrios is a business leader, investor, and operator at the intersection of sports, media, and technology. He is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital and an investor and director with Global Sport Group. He previously served as Co-President and Board Member of WWE, helping expand the company’s digital, global, and direct-to-consumer businesses and leading its merger with UFC to form TKO Group. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at The New York Times Company, Time Warner, HBO, and Praxair. A first-generation Cuban American raised in Queens, George holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and is the author of “Sometimes Wrong But Never in Doubt”. Connect with George: Website: https://georgebarrios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebarrios/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510786554  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.

    454 | George Barrios (Part 2) | Behind WWE's Billion-Dollar Success
  6. Nov 2

    TGM Classic | Ryan Begelman (Part 2) | What It Really Takes to Step Away from Your Company Without Regret

    What if selling your company didn’t mean letting go—but leveling up, on your terms? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Ryan Begelman returns for part two to share the behind-the-scenes story of how he scaled, sold, and systematized a company—without losing his sense of joy. From building a business with friends to generating millions in additional value by taking the exit process into his own hands, Ryan unpacks how thoughtful planning, operational excellence, and self-education made all the difference. He shares why most founders leave money on the table during a sale, how he trained his COO to take over, and the surprising reason he almost didn’t want to sell. Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/339-ryan-begelman-part-1-the-mayor-effect-how-to/id1555334180?i=1000697821147  In this episode, Darius and Ryan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode (03:00) The Journey of Bisnow Media (06:09) Acquisition Entrepreneurship and Bootstrapping (09:00) The Role of AI in Business (12:12) Navigating Multiple Ventures (15:09) The Summit and Powder Mountain Experience (18:07) Challenges of Managing Multiple Businesses (21:10) The Future of Powder Mountain and Lessons Learned (31:20) The Journey of Acquiring Powder Mountain (32:38) Lessons Learned from Past Experiences (35:46) Building Bisnow: Growth and Strategy (39:13) The Exit Strategy: Selling Bisnow (48:10) The Joy of Entrepreneurship and Life Design Ryan Begelman is an executive coach, entrepreneur, and investor. As CEO of Bisnow Media, he grew the company from $1 million to $20 million in revenue before its sale in 2016. He co-founded Summit, described by Forbes as “The Davos of Generation Y,” and has invested in startups like Uber, Warby Parker, and Coinbase. A mindfulness practitioner based in NYC, Ryan is passionate about cycling, cooking, and lifelong learning. Connect with Ryan: Website: https://www.ryanbegelman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanbegelman  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbegelman/  Email: ryan.begelman@gmail.com 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.

    TGM Classic | Ryan Begelman (Part 2) | What It Really Takes to Step Away from Your Company Without Regret
  7. Oct 30

    Darius Classic | Part 1: How I Overcame My Lifelong Anxiety

    Do you often find yourself thinking about the “what ifs” of life? Are you someone who worries about the worst things that could happen? If you are, then you are probably wondering if there are ways to stop these negative thoughts from filling your mind. The good news is that there are tools, habits, and strategies that can help you avoid anxiety spirals.  Today, I am flying solo to share something very personal to me; my journey of dealing with and overcoming chronic worrying and anxiety.  Growing up in a complicated environment, I had to strive to achieve things and become a good example constantly. The unrealistic expectations later resulted in me becoming an anxious perfectionist.  In the first part of this mini-series, I will talk about how I dealt with anxiety as a kid until I reached adulthood. I will also walk you through the strategies and tools that helped me avoid having thinking errors and anxious thoughts.  Topics include: Experiencing anxiety disorder at such a young age How I coped with anxiety as a teen and young adult Defense mechanisms I used for anxiety as an adult What my therapist asked me to do to track my anxiety What I learned after writing a list of 100 things I was worried about How awareness helped me overcome my anxiety 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 | Part 1: How I Overcame My Lifelong Anxiety
  8. Oct 28

    453 | Elise Hu | Finding Your Voice in a World Full of Noise

    In the newest episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily and award-winning international journalist, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving media landscape, beauty standards in South Korea, the power of following your passions, and what it truly means to pursue greatness. Elise shares her journey from a childhood dream of journalism to becoming one of NPR's international correspondents, an independent creator, a published author, and the voice of one of the world's most popular idea-driven podcasts. Along the way, Darius shares a personal and touching story about the late TEDx speaker Scott Dinsmore, illustrating how following your soul, even when it makes no financial sense, can ripple outward in extraordinary ways. In this episode, Darius and Elise will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Elise Hu (02:08) Elise's Journey into Journalism (05:59) The Evolution of Journalism and Media Integrity (11:46) Navigating the Changing Landscape of News Consumption (18:03) Elise's Career Path and Transition to Independence (22:57) Exploring Beauty Standards and Cultural Expectations (30:09) Exploring Personal Experiences and Research (31:10) The Journey to TEDx and Passion Projects (33:21) The Impact of TED Talks on Personal Growth (35:27) Transitioning to TED Talks Daily (37:43) Format and Purpose of TED Talks Daily (40:24) Favorite TED Talks and Their Influence (44:34) The Story of Scott Dinsmore and Living Your Legend (49:46) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness Elise Hu is a Los Angeles-based journalist, podcast host, and media entrepreneur who hosts TED Talks Daily. A former NPR international correspondent and VICE News Tonight correspondent, she has reported from more than a dozen countries and helped launch The Texas Tribune. She is the author of “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital,” a Porchlight Business Book Award winner. Elise is also the co-founder of Reasonable Volume, an award-winning podcast production company, and a mother of three. Connect with Elise: Website: https://elisehu.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisewho/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-hu/  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.

    453 | Elise Hu | Finding Your Voice in a World Full of Noise
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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

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