エピソード

  • 383 | Robert Glazer | The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us
    2025/10/08
    What does it take to scale not just a business, but yourself as a leader? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, bestselling author and founder of Acceleration Partners, Robert Glazer, shares hard-won lessons from building a high-performance culture and living with integrity. From balancing ambition with personal fulfillment to redefining success beyond external metrics, Robert dives deep into leadership, values, and the importance of building a life you don’t need a vacation from. He also gives us a glimpse into his upcoming book, “The Compass Within: A Little Story About the Values That Guide Us,” launching on October 14, 2025 — a powerful reflection on how values shape not just our businesses, but our lives. In this episode, Darius and Robert will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background of Robert Glazer (02:51) The Importance of Core Values (05:46) The Process of Discovering Core Values (08:30) The Role of Core Values in Decision Making (11:22) Community and Core Values (14:17) Personal Experiences with Core Values (19:48) The Value of Consistency vs. Volatility (20:51) Aligning Personal Values with Relationships (22:26) Understanding Value Conflicts in Relationships (24:05) Navigating Value Conflicts in Work and Life (26:12) The Importance of Independence as a Core Value (28:54) Promoting the Book and Its Impact (30:16) The Vision of Helping a Million People (31:59) Catalysts for Discovering Core Values (33:28) Future Endeavors and Leadership Insights Robert Glazer is the founder and Chairman of Acceleration Partners, a global partner marketing agency recognized with over 30 culture awards. He is the #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of "Elevate," "Friday Forward," and "How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace," as well as the creator of the Friday Forward newsletter, read by more than 200,000 people each week. A sought-after keynote speaker and host of the Elevate Podcast, Robert’s insights have been featured on the Today Show and in leading outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. He is passionate about helping people and organizations reach their highest potential. Connect with Robert: Website: https://robertglazer.com/ Book: https://robertglazer.com/compass/ The Six Core Values Questions page: https://robertglazer.com/six/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glazer 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
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    46 分
  • TGM Classic | Annie Sarnblad | The Power of Facial Expressions: Understanding the Language of Emotion
    2025/10/06
    Ever found yourself puzzled by subtle smiles, raised eyebrows, or furrowed brows? What if you could decipher the hidden language of facial expressions and gain a deeper understanding of human interaction? Understanding facial expressions is like unlocking a secret code to human communication. It is the silent language that often speaks louder than words, offering valuable insights into people's thoughts, emotions, and intentions. Annie Sarnblad, a renowned expert in the field of facial expression analysis, sheds light on the hidden language embedded within these seemingly mundane gestures. She also shares valuable insights gleaned from her extensive experience in decoding facial cues, offering practical applications for navigating various social situations. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Annie joins Darius to delve into the intricate world of facial expressions and nonverbal communication. Drawing from her extensive expertise, Annie shares practical tips and strategies for enhancing interpersonal communication skills from decoding micro-expressions to navigating negotiations and social dynamics. Topics include: What inspired Annie’s interest in teaching facial expressions Annie talks about her involvement with Young Presidents Organization (YPO) The importance of understanding nonverbal cues such as micro-expressions Annie emphasizes the universal nature of facial expressions Developing the skill of being comfortable with uncomfortable conversations And other topics… Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. Connect with Annie: Website: https://anniesarnblad.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-sarnblad Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annie.sarnblad/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_F6qDv7H3_oLdoz8fZ4pw 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
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    1 時間 10 分
  • Darius Classic | The Currency of Vulnerability
    2025/10/03
    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: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. 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
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    26 分
  • 382 | Kymber and Alexis McClay (The Naven Twins) | How Two Sisters Built a Fashion Empire and Found Wellness on the Other Side
    2025/10/01
    What happens when twin sisters transform their bond into a powerhouse partnership that builds businesses and changes lives? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Alexis and Kymber McClay, founders of NAVEN and other ventures, to dive into their journey as sisters, entrepreneurs, and seekers of personal growth. From navigating family dynamics to building a global fashion brand, their story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of aligned vision. You’ll hear how they turned challenges, like years of not speaking, into a deeper bond, and how personal development, spirituality, and even plant medicine played a role in shaping the way they live, work, and lead today. In this episode, Darius, Kymber, and Alexis will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to the Naven Twins (05:49) Origins of the Naven Twins (09:43) The Journey into Fashion (19:21) Navigating the Fashion Industry (24:08) Transitioning to Wellness and Longevity (29:02) The Dynamics of Twin Entrepreneurship (29:28) Navigating Business Roles and Boundaries (32:03) Healing Through Shared Experiences (34:18) Exploring Spiritual Practices and Plant Medicine (40:15) Transitioning to Health and Wellness (50:17) The Importance of Holistic Health Approaches (58:53) Overcoming Burnout and Finding Balance Kymber and Alexis McClay are seasoned entrepreneurs with over 16 years of experience building and scaling lifestyle and fashion brands. Their ventures have generated over $20 million in sales, with designs worn by global celebrities and sold in top retailers worldwide. Featured in Forbes, Elle, and more, they’ve also built a powerful digital presence and championed women’s causes as award-winning philanthropists. Today, through their wellness brand KOA LIFE, they bring their personal skincare journey full circle, offering products that connect authentically with consumers. Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. Connect with Kymber: Website: https://www.navenmethod.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kymberleymcclay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepingitkymber/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kymberley.mcclay/ Connect with Alexis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexismcclay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexismcclay/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexis.mcclay/ 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
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    1 時間 10 分
  • TGM Classic | Bill Perkins | Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
    2025/09/29
    When time and money seem like limited resources, the idea of maximizing both can seem impossible. But what if it were possible to achieve true abundance in both? How would it be if our desire for personal fulfillment and financial abundance could be harmonized? Bill Perkins, a hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, author, and professional poker player, has discovered invaluable insights into the intersection of money and meaning. Through his book, Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life, he challenges the traditional notion of hoarding wealth for the future. He advocates for living life to the fullest now, making meaningful experiences a priority over accumulating wealth that may never be fully enjoyed. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Bill Perkins to explore practical strategies for maximizing both your life and your finances. Drawing from his remarkable journey and the principles outlined in his book, Bill shares what it takes to create a life that is truly worth living. Topics include: The importance of living life to the fullest and maximizing experiences Bill explains Die with Zero and emphasizes the value of spending wealth strategically Being off autopilot and deeply understanding one’s authentic desires and values The benefits of optimizing one’s life in terms of money and time Enjoying the journey of life rather than solely focusing on achieving financial success Why it matters to balance entrepreneurship and relationships Bill warns against falling into the trap of pursuing wealth or status for ego gratification Aligning actions with long-term fulfillment rather than societal expectations And other topics… Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. Connect with Bill: Twitter: https://twitter.com/bp22 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billperkins/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358099765 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
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Darius Classic | Success and Failure Aren’t Loyal
    2025/09/26
    Do you define yourself by your successes or your failures? Many of us tie our self-worth to our accomplishments or setbacks, but what happens when success fades or failure strikes? The truth is, neither defines who we are. Today, I am flying solo to talk about why you should not be attached to success or failure. Through personal stories from my entrepreneurial journey, I will share the struggles of losing friendships during tough times, the painful lessons about ego and loyalty, and how I came to understand that our worth is not tied to what we achieve–or fail to achieve. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will unpack the importance of detaching yourself from the outcomes of success and failure, how to protect your emotional well-being when dynamics shift, and why loyalty should always be seen as a gift, not an expectation. I will also explore how failure, when embraced with the right mindset, can be a powerful catalyst for exponential growth, and why success is simply a result of the right actions rather than a measure of your worth. Topics include: Success and failure as integral parts of the journey How rapid growth can obscure vulnerabilities The influence of personal emotions on business leadership The effects of economic shifts on businesses The importance of setting personal and professional boundaries The pain of exclusion and loss Separating identity from success and failure And other topics… Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. 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
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    26 分
  • 381 | Sam Goodner | Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision
    2025/09/24
    What separates companies that stall from those that scale? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Sam Goodner, entrepreneur, author of “Like Clockwork: Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision,” and former CEO of Catapult Systems, one of the fastest growing tech consulting firms in the U.S. Sam shares decades of wisdom from building and scaling businesses, breaking down the systems and disciplines that drive sustainable growth. From creating clarity across your organization to codifying best practices and delegating decision-making, Sam explains how leaders can step out of the weeds and empower their teams to thrive. He also reveals the number one barrier he has overcome on his own path to greatness and how mastering the use of time is key to building the life you want. In this episode, Darius and Sam will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:51) Sam Goodner's Entrepreneurial Journey (05:47) The Importance of Military Service (11:33) The Swiss Army Experience and Its Impact (17:20) Transitioning to Entrepreneurship (22:59) Building Successful Partnerships (28:44) Acquisition Strategies and Insights (34:40) Writing the Book: “Like Clockwork” (40:24) Execution and Business Growth (46:13) Creating a Culture of Accountability (51:41) Final Thoughts and Greatness Question Sam Goodner is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and mentor recognized for turning bold ideas into thriving businesses. A dual citizen of Switzerland and the U.S., his career spans from serving as a Swiss Army mountain infantry officer to being named an Inc. 500 CEO and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He founded Catapult Systems in 1993, growing it into the world’s top Microsoft Systems Integrator before its 2013 acquisition, and later built and sold multiple tech ventures. As president and chief strategy officer of FlashParking, he helped scale the startup into a billion-dollar global leader. Today, Sam devotes his time to advising and mentoring entrepreneurs while pursuing his passion for lifelong learning and global exploration. Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. Connect with Sam: Website: https://samgoodner.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samgoodner/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Like-Clockwork-Business-Swiss-Precision/dp/B0FLQK1Y8S 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
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    1 時間 6 分
  • TGM Classic | Michael Easter | The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self
    2025/09/22
    What if discomfort was the key to unlocking your full potential? This thought-provoking question challenges conventional wisdom and invites us to reconsider our relationship with discomfort. While discomfort is often seen as something to avoid, discomfort can be the catalyst for achieving new heights of personal growth and achievement. Michael Easter, the New York Times bestselling author of Scarcity Brain and The Comfort Crisis, challenges us to consider discomfort as a powerful catalyst for unlocking our true potential. Through his exploration of nutrition, behavior change, and the transformative impact of extreme experiences, he prompts us to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and self-discovery. By delving into the nuances of discomfort, Michael shares how facing challenges head-on can lead to profound personal development and resilience. Whether it is enduring the relentless cold in the Arctic or adopting new dietary habits, his insights underscore the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones to realize our fullest capabilities. This episode of The Greatness Machine will serve as a poignant reminder that greatness is often forged in the crucible of discomfort. Topics include: The importance of embracing short-term discomfort for long-term benefits Michael explains the concept of the “2% mindset” The concept of awareness and choice Michael discusses the idea of Misogi by Marcus Elliot The benefits of pushing boundaries and taking on challenges Why it matters to incorporate movement into daily routines Removing bad habits as a precursor to adopting good ones And other topics… Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. Connect with Michael: Website: https://eastermichael.com/ Website: https://www.twopct.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Michael_Easter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_easter/ 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
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    1 時間 9 分