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. 435 | John Berkowitz | Harness the Fear: Building Empires in Real Estate and Beyond

    19h ago

    435 | John Berkowitz | Harness the Fear: Building Empires in Real Estate and Beyond

    In this episode of The Greatest Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh interviews John Berkowitz, a serial entrepreneur who built multiple successful companies in the real estate and technology sectors. John shares his journey from failed pharmaceutical sales interviews to co-founding Yodle (a company that grew to 1,000 employees and hundreds of millions in revenue), creating OJO Labs, and eventually merging with Lower. The conversation explores the evolution of entrepreneurship, lessons learned from building and selling companies, and the future of AI in real estate and mortgage industries. In this episode, Darius and John will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:04) John Berkowitz's Entrepreneurial Journey (08:37) Lessons from Yodel's Success and Challenges (16:58) Starting OJO and Its Evolution (23:22) OJO's Impact on Real Estate and Technology (24:25) The Journey to Acquiring Movoto (27:36) Integrating Real Estate and Mortgage (30:48) The Merger with Lower (35:29) Understanding the Real Estate Market (39:59) The Impact of AI on Real Estate (48:00) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness John Berkowitz is the President of Real Estate at Lower and General Manager of Movoto, where he leads efforts to integrate real estate search, agent support, and financing into a seamless homeownership experience. A seasoned entrepreneur and real estate technology leader, Berkowitz founded OJO Labs to help consumers make smarter homebuying decisions through personalized technology. He is also an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Central Texas Award winner, recognized for his impact and innovation in the real estate industry. Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnberkowitz  OJO Labs: https://ojo.com/ Lower: https://www.lower.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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m
  2. TGM Classic | Eric Jorgenson | What We Can Learn From Naval Ravikant

    2d ago

    TGM Classic | Eric Jorgenson | What We Can Learn From Naval Ravikant

    After dedicating his career to understanding and sharing the power of transformative ideas, entrepreneur and author Eric Jorgenson has seen how the right book can inspire action and drive personal growth. Best known for “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant,” Eric shares how reading sharpens decision-making and unlocks new opportunities. In this episode, he discusses his latest work, “The Anthology of Balaji: A Guide to Technology, Truth, and Building the Future,” featuring insights from visionary entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan, and offers a sneak peek into an exciting project on Elon Musk’s groundbreaking innovations. In this episode, Darius and Eric will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction (03:08) The Impact of Books on Personal Growth (05:49) Eric's Journey to Writing “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant” (08:54) The Process of Writing and Publishing (12:00) The Influence of Naval Ravikant (14:53) Exploring Wealth and Its Definitions (17:53) The Role of Leverage in Success (21:01) The Importance of Knowledge and Skills (24:11) Elon Musk: A New Book Project (27:01) The Future of Network States (29:59) Final Thoughts and Greatness Question Eric Jorgenson is an author, investor, and creator known for distilling complex ideas into accessible wisdom. His bestselling book, “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant,” guides readers to wealth and happiness through Naval’s most impactful insights. Following its success, Eric published “The Anthology of Balaji,” showcasing the visionary ideas of engineer and futurist Balaji Srinivasan. As the founder of Rolling Fun, Eric invests in early-stage tech startups, writes at ejorgenson.com, and hosts the Smart Friends podcast. His blog has engaged over a million readers since 2014. When not working, he’s on a mission to craft the perfect sandwich. Connect with Eric: Website: https://www.ejorgenson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erjorgenson  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erjorgenson/  Books: https://www.ejorgenson.com/books-1  Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricJorgenson  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

    1h 5m
  3. Darius Classic | Elon Musk the Serial Killer Eyes

    5d ago

    Darius Classic | Elon Musk the Serial Killer Eyes

    On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is flying solo, sharing a unique story he experienced about the time a chance get-together with a friend lead to an encounter with Elon Musk... a meeting that still leaves him with deep questions. You'll discover a little of Darius' background growing up in Fullerton, California around the time that serial killer Richard Ramirez was active. You'll learn why we need to really think about how we speak to people we don't know, because a chance meeting with an influential person could happen at any time. You'll also discover why relying on easy small talk could lead to missed opportunities.  Join Darius as he shares his fascinating and eye-opening story. Enjoy! What You'll Learn in this Show: A little of Darius' background growing up in Fullerton, California around the time that serial killer Richard Ramirez was active. Why we need to rethink how we speak to people we don't know, because a chance meeting with an influential person could happen at any time. Why relying on easy small talk could lead to missed opportunities. And so much more... 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

    32 min
  4. 434 | Steven Pressfield | The Warrior of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

    Jun 10

    434 | Steven Pressfield | The Warrior of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

    In this inspiring episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with legendary author Steven Pressfield to discuss his newest novel "The Arcadian" and dive deep into the creative process. Pressfield, author of over 20 books including "The War of Art," "The Legend of Bagger Vance," and "Gates of Fire," shares his journey from a 30-year struggle to published success at age 52. The conversation explores the spiritual and practical aspects of creativity, the concept of resistance, and the warrior mindset needed for artistic achievement. In this episode, Darius and Steven will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Steven Pressfield (01:05) Steven's Origin Story and Journey to Writing (04:02) Reflections on Past Struggles and Regrets (06:57) The Creative Process and the Role of the Muse (10:02) Uncovering Ideas: The Artist's Journey (12:08) The Impact of 'The War of Art' and Resistance (15:01) Understanding Self-Sabotage and Resistance (18:00) The Spirituality of Creativity vs. Blue Collar Work (21:06) The Importance of Grit and Hard Work (23:54) Expectations vs. Reality in Creative Work (27:05) The Process of Writing and Overcoming Perfectionism (29:54) The Long View: Building a Body of Work (33:02) Channeling Creativity and Letting Go of Outcomes (34:21) The Power of Surrender and Channeling Creativity (37:34) Warrior vs. Mother: The Duality of Creative Virtues (41:58) The Arcadian: A Journey Through Time and Identity (46:31) Striving for Agency: The Artist's Quest (49:41) Making the Unconscious Conscious: The Role of Art (53:10) Reincarnation and Relationships: A Storytelling Device (55:05) Mortality and Legacy: Reflections on the Creative Journey (57:50) AI and Authenticity: The Future of Creativity (59:26) The Grind: Overcoming Barriers to Greatness Steven Pressfield is the bestselling author of The War of Art, with over a million copies sold worldwide. His historical novel Gates of Fire is required reading at West Point and on the recommended reading list of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The author of more than 18 books, Pressfield lives and writes in California. Connect with Steven: Website: https://stevenpressfield.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_pressfield/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevePressfield/  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

    1h 8m
  5. TGM Classic | William Green | Unlocking the Secrets to a Richer, Wiser, and Happier Life

    Jun 8

    TGM Classic | William Green | Unlocking the Secrets to a Richer, Wiser, and Happier Life

    Building wealth is just one piece of the puzzle to living a fulfilling life, but aligning purpose with financial success creates a powerful blueprint for long-term happiness. In this episode, William Green shares strategies and mindset shifts that can help you achieve not just financial freedom, but a meaningful, balanced life. He dives into how to create wealth while staying true to your values, navigating challenges, and ultimately building a life that reflects your true passions. Tune in to hear about the importance of living intentionally, making decisions with purpose, and using wealth as a tool to fuel your bigger vision for the future. In this episode, Darius and William will discuss: (00:00) The Power of Connection and Enlightenment (02:52) Impermanence and the Pursuit of Happiness (05:59) Balancing Complexity and Simplicity in Life (08:52) Creating Impact and Building Relationships (11:51) Navigating Life's Buckets and Non-Negotiables (15:04) Destination Analysis: Long-Term Thinking for a Beautiful Life (31:21) Investing in Peace of Mind (34:20) Navigating Life's Complexities with Kindness (37:05) A Memorable Encounter with Charlie Munger (46:55) Lessons from Charlie Munger on Ethics and Success (52:35) The Journey of Redefining Success and Wealth William Green is the author of “Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life,” a bestselling book translated into 26 languages and ranked #1 on Goodreads’ “Top 100 Most Popular Investing Books.” Drawing on decades of interviews with legendary investors like Charlie Munger and Peter Lynch, the book offers deep insights into their strategies and successes. William also hosts the Richer, Wiser, Happier podcast, featuring top investors and thinkers, with episodes on the popular We Study Billionaires network. Connect with William:  Website: https://williamgreenwrites.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-green-richerwiserhappier  Twitter: https://x.com/williamgreen72  Podcast: https://www.theinvestorspodcast.com/richer-wiser-happier/  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

    1h 9m
  6. 433 | Why No-Code Automation Beats Traditional Software in 2026

    Jun 5

    433 | Why No-Code Automation Beats Traditional Software in 2026

    This episode explores the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on the job market, particularly for 20-somethings entering the workforce. AI experts Darius Mirshahzadeh of AIifyIt and Jerome Stewart of White Feather Group discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming knowledge work, creating new opportunities for those who adapt quickly while threatening traditional career paths. The conversation covers practical AI tools, automation platforms, and strategic advice for navigating the AI-driven economy. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) The AI Revolution: A New Era for Knowledge Workers (02:34) Chronological Evolution of AI: Past, Present, and Future (05:41) The Impact of AI on Knowledge Work and Job Security (08:52) Skills for the Future: Preparing for an AI-Driven Economy (11:27) Navigating the Job Market: Opportunities and Challenges for Young Professionals (14:44) The Role of Human Connection in an AI World (17:49) Becoming the Solution: Embracing AI Skills for Career Success (26:24) The Role of AI in Manual Tasks (28:27) The Future of Robotics and AI Integration (30:24) Reassessing Your Tech Stack (34:27) Getting Started with AI for Young Professionals (42:49 The Urgency of Adopting AI in Business 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

    54 min
  7. 432 | Casey Berman | The Hidden Cost of Choosing Safety Over Fulfillment and What to Do About It

    Jun 3

    432 | Casey Berman | The Hidden Cost of Choosing Safety Over Fulfillment and What to Do About It

    Host Darius Mirshahzadeh interviews Casey Berman, founder of Leave Law Behind and creator of the Unique Genius Framework. Casey shares his journey from unhappy lawyer to career transition expert, helping hundreds of attorneys find fulfilling careers outside the legal profession. The conversation explores career reinvention, the high rates of unhappiness in the legal profession, the impact of AI on law, and the philosophical concept of stepping out of "the matrix" to find authentic purpose and happiness. In this episode, Darius and Casey will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Welcome (02:55) The Journey of Reinvention (06:02) Casey's Origin Story (08:42) The Legal Profession and AI (11:45) Mental Health in Law (14:23) Finding Happiness and Purpose (17:25) Navigating Career Transitions (24:09) Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Fear in Career Transitions (28:02) The Leap: From Law to New Opportunities (30:12) The Role of Former Lawyers in Business (34:00) The Matrix of Work and Life: Finding Balance (44:41) Emotional Intelligence in Career Transitions Casey Berman is a strategic advisor, writer, and career transition expert helping professionals align their work with who they truly are. As the founder of Leave Law Behind, a nationally recognized program for attorneys ready to exit the legal field, Casey has helped hundreds of lawyers discover what he calls their Unique Genius — the natural mix of strengths, interests, and talents they carry into every room, whether or not they appear on a resume. His message is simple: you don't have to stay stuck, and everything you've built so far is more valuable than you think. Whether you're a burned-out lawyer or simply someone at a crossroads, Casey's mission is to help you remember your worth and build a career that actually fits. Connect with Casey: Website: https://caseyberman.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseybermansf  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

    58 min
  8. TGM Classic | Matthew Fleissig | Adapting to Change: Leading Teams and Clients in the Evolving Financial World

    Jun 1

    TGM Classic | Matthew Fleissig | Adapting to Change: Leading Teams and Clients in the Evolving Financial World

    After an extensive career in the financial industry, Matthew now serves as a key figure at Pathstone, where he leads with a commitment to integrity, strategy, and client-first solutions. In this episode, Matthew shares insights from his journey at Pathstone, diving into the firm’s unique approach to wealth management and how they’re reshaping the financial landscape. He discusses the lessons he has learned about building trust with clients, leading teams with purpose, and adapting to the ever-evolving financial world. Matthew also reflects on how Pathstone's client-centric model continues to drive long-term success and create lasting impact for families and institutions alike. In this episode, Darius and Matthew will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Pathstone and Matt Fleissig (02:02) Matt's Journey: From Computer Nerd to Wealth Management (05:55) The Birth of Pathstone: Vision and Early Days (09:57) Understanding Family Offices and Pathstone's Unique Model (14:05) Client Profiles: Ultra High Net Worth and Family Offices (18:01) Innovative Services: Unbundling Wealth Management (21:47) Scaling the Business: Technology and Automation (26:00) Entrepreneurial Growth: Pathstone's Rapid Expansion (30:12) Maintaining Vision: M&A and Future Directions (30:42) Understanding Wealth Management Scale (34:06) The Evolution of Leadership in Growing Firms (35:15) Reinventing Leadership for Growth (38:32) The Role of Private Equity in Growth (40:28) Creating a Culture of Ownership (48:22) Integrating Diverse Talents and Cultures (54:34) Future Trends in Wealth Management Matthew Fleissig is the CEO and co-founder of Pathstone, The Family Office, serving families, family offices, and foundations. He leads the firm’s strategic vision and innovation and serves on the Investment Oversight Committee and Executive Leadership Team. Previously, Matt was President of Pathstone and held roles at Harris myCFO and The Ayco Company, advising high-net-worth clients on investments and financial planning. Connect with Matthew: Website: https://www.pathstone.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleissig/  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

    1h 9m
5
out of 5
131 Ratings

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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