What if the secret to a fulfilled life was as simple as following a set of care instructions — not for a product, but for yourself? In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh shares powerful reflections on what it means to care for yourself and live wholeheartedly. Inspired by a simple yet profound list of "care instructions for humans," Darius dives into the importance of self-love, growth, and surrounding yourself with people who bring joy and inspiration. From embracing vulnerability and trusting yourself to dancing like no one's watching, this episode is a heartfelt reminder to nurture your well-being.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Reflections

(02:49) Care Instructions for Self-Care

(06:01) The Importance of Love and Connection

(08:53) Growth Through Environment and Relationships

(11:48) Emotional Expression and Self-Trust

Care Instructions:

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when AI eliminates the need for apprenticeships and reshapes entire industries? In this thought-provoking episode of The Greatness Machine, Taylor Welch dives deep into the evolving landscape of work, the role of AI in eliminating experience gaps, and why creators hold the key to the future. He explores the shift from consulting to education, the rising value of data and attention, and how time wealth is becoming the ultimate currency. If you’re looking to stay ahead in a world where automation is rapidly changing the game, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode, Darius and Taylor will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Taylor Welch

(01:45) Taylor's Origin Story and Early Career

(05:58) Overcoming Overwhelm and Life Lessons

(10:30) Bringing in a CEO: The Process and Lessons Learned

(15:46) Scaling Consulting Businesses: Strategies and Models

(20:25) The Role of AI in Business Scaling

(24:40) Optimizing Team Performance and Talent Acquisition

(30:25) The Importance of KPI and Performance Management

(36:45) The Future of AI in Sales and Consulting

(44:01) Understanding Time Wealth and Personal Fulfillment

Taylor Welch is an entrepreneur, business consultant, and coach known for his impact in the online training and education industry. As the founder of Welch Equities, he leads a portfolio of businesses focused on driving economic growth through value-driven initiatives. His ventures span sales, marketing, finance, and operations, while also investing in small training and education brands. Committed to making people smarter, happier, and healthier, Taylor combines business success with a strong emphasis on family and personal fulfillment.

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.

Connect with Taylor:

Website: https://taylorawelch.com/ 

Website: https://wealthyconsultant.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorawelch/

Twitter: https://x.com/taylorawelch/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/taylorawelch 

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. 

This episode is a paid partnership with The Wealthy Consultant. Sponsored content helps support our podcast and continue bringing valuable insights to our audience.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if there was a proven scientific approach to unleashing timeless strength and graceful aging?

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, through her latest book, Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well, introduces an accessible program that teaches the connection between nutrition, exercise, and self-care. 

She unveils an easy-to-follow food, fitness, and self-care program for lasting strength and vitality, sharing helpful tips on how to overcome health challenges, stay lean, and protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

With a background in nutritional science, Dr. Gabrielle is a leader in the field of health optimization, aiming to empower individuals to achieve peak physical and mental well-being. Her pioneering research and practical strategies have made her a sought-after authority in the areas of muscle health, longevity, and disease prevention.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius and Dr. Gabrielle dive deep into the significance of nutrition, the challenges of navigating dietary information, the interconnected nature of physical and mental health, dispelling dietary misinformation, and the importance of understanding essential health principles.

Topics include:

Connect with Dr. Gabrielle:

Website: https://drgabriellelyon.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-lyon-00175a1a8 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-gabrielle-lyon-show/id1622316426 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Strong-Science-Based-Strategy-Aging/dp/1668007878/ref=sr_1_1 

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever been in a situation where you were second-guessing yourself because you believed that the right moment to act was yet to come? But what if imperfection was the key to unlocking your full potential?

Today, I am flying solo to share a personal journey and reflect on my post-exit from my company The Money Source (TMS). I will also talk about my collaboration with renowned coach Dr. Jeff Spencer, where I learned a valuable lesson: action is not just about doing something; it’s about how it organizes our thoughts and leads to valuable insights. 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will reveal the importance of embracing imperfect action, rather than waiting for the perfect moment, as a catalyst for growth. This discussion will also highlight the importance of adaptability, clarifying goals, balancing priorities, and viewing failures as learning opportunities. 

Topics include:

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

Episodes with Dr. Jeff Spencer:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/201-jeff-spencer-learning-from-the-coach-of-the/id1555334180?i=1000613647234

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-jeff-spencer-pursuit-excellence-towards-winning/id1555334180?i=1000524616706 

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building wealth isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about strategy. Adam Coffey, bestselling author, private equity expert, and CEO, shares his proven strategy for buying and scaling companies the right way. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Adam returns to break down why paying fair market value leads to bigger wins, the power of roll-ups, and why buying strong companies beats chasing distressed assets. With over 58 acquisitions under his belt, Adam’s insights are a must-listen for business owners, investors, and anyone looking to scale with integrity.

In this episode, Darius and Adam will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background of Adam Coffey

(05:03) Transitioning from CEO to Consultant

(09:59) Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

(15:03) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(19:53) The Impact of Technology and AI on Business

(29:51) Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

(34:36) The Future of Autonomous Driving and Insurance

(37:19) Navigating Private Equity: The Sparkle Process

(39:06) Ethics in Private Equity Transactions

(46:47) The Importance of Fair Market Value

(51:01) Eliminating Risk for Entrepreneurs

(56:18) Believing in Yourself: The Key to Greatness

Adam Coffey is a visionary empire builder, CEO coach, and top 1% speaker with three #1 bestselling books. As a founding partner of CEO Advisory Guru, he provides expert consulting to PE portfolio companies, founders, family offices, and elite executives. With over two decades as a CEO, he led three national private equity-backed service companies, generating billions in value and averaging 5X MOIC at exit. A Forbes Business Council member since 2021, Coffey specializes in growth strategy, M&A, and exits. A proud U.S. Army veteran and pilot, he and his family reside in Texas.

Listen: 228 | Adam Coffey | Empire Builder: Strategies for Thriving in the World of Private Equity

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.

Connect with Adam:

Website: https://adamecoffey.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/

Twitter: https://x.com/AdamECoffey1 

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07NLL55ZC 

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you redesign your second adulthood for greater fulfillment and purpose?

Drawing inspiration from the wisdom shared by Christine Sperber, this transformation begins with a deep understanding of your values, desires, and the unique contributions you can make. Her remarkable journey from the world of professional snowboarding to her pivotal role at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) is a testament to the power of reinvention and lifelong learning.

Having spent her early years as an elite athlete, Christine realized the importance of embracing change and continuous personal growth. Her transition from the slopes to the world of personal development reflects her deep commitment to helping others navigate life's transitions with grace and intentionality.

Joining us on The Greatness Machine, Christine shares her inspiring story of how one can harness their diverse life experiences to create positive change, both for themselves and those they touch through their work.

In this episode, Darius and Christine delve into her remarkable journey, transitioning from a career in professional snowboarding to her pivotal role at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA). They discuss MEA's mission to redefine second adulthood, emphasizing the importance of community and shared wisdom in personal growth. Christine's authentic passion and transformative experiences come to light, illustrating her role in guiding others toward greater fulfillment and purpose.

Topics include:

Connect with Christine:

Website: https://www.modernelderacademy.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://mx.linkedin.com/in/sperberc

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like your life is overflowing—with tasks, possessions, or even relationships? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh unpacks a game-changing lesson from Dandapani, a Hindu priest and former monk, on attention management and the true cost of clutter. From cleaning out his closet to evaluating friendships and business ventures, Darius shares how simplifying life leads to greater focus, less stress, and smarter decisions. If you’re feeling stretched too thin, this episode is your wake-up call!

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) The Power of Attention Management

(05:24) Simplicity and Minimalism in Life

(10:43) Energy as Your Most Valuable Asset

(19:16) Rethinking Possessions and Projects

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Optimizing business operations isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating a culture where teams thrive and businesses scale sustainably. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Jhana Li shares powerful insights on transforming company dynamics through team swaps, radical honesty, and operational intelligence. She breaks down how leaders can uncover hidden inefficiencies, foster a feedback-driven environment, and build organizations that don’t just grow, but evolve. From navigating tough conversations to designing systems that support long-term success, Jhana offers a roadmap for turning operations into a competitive advantage.

In this episode, Darius and Jhana will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Background

(02:02) Jhana's Journey into Operations

(04:59) The Role of Visionaries and Integrators

(08:00) Defining Success in Business

(09:55) The Importance of Sustainable Growth

(12:52) Learning Through Pain in Entrepreneurship

(17:11) Navigating Remote Work and Team Culture

(19:56) Mentorship in a Remote Environment

(23:09) Operational Strategies for Business Success

(24:25) The Bucket Analogy: Understanding Operations

(26:27) Finding the Right Operator

(28:19) The Role of Subject Matter Expertise

(31:50) Removing Friction for Sustainable Growth

(33:25) Building a Remote Culture

(36:33) Essential Technologies for Virtual Operations

(46:49) Creating a Culture of Radical Honesty

(48:57) Starting with Low-Hanging Fruit in Culture Change

Jhana Li is the founder of Spyglass Ops, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs scale past 7- and 8-figures through expert Operations consulting, recruitment, and training. Before launching Spyglass Ops, Jhana served as COO for multiple startups, all while traveling full-time in a converted van across North and South America. After witnessing countless founders struggle without the right operational foundations, she set out to change that. Over the past three years, she has helped 100+ businesses streamline their operations, enabling them to grow while reclaiming their personal freedom.

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures.

Connect with Jhana:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhana-li 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejhanali/

Twitter: https://x.com/thejhanali 

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could build an empire from scratch, navigate the world of private equity, and exit your business for millions? How would you make it happen?

Imagine if you had the opportunity to earn the strategies and secrets of entrepreneurs who have successfully built empires, thrived in the competitive landscape of private equity, and eventually exited their businesses for significant wealth. These individuals have blazed a trail, overcoming obstacles, and achieving remarkable success.

One such entrepreneur, Adam Coffey, founding partner of CEO Advisory Guru LLC, a best-selling author, and an acclaimed international speaker, has a story work exploring. His journey from startup struggles to navigating the intricacies of private equity and ultimately achieving his exit strategy serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with determination, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius and Adam explore the world of entrepreneurship, private equity, and business success. Adam shares his journey from youthful exuberance to seasoned expertise, emphasizing the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges. They discuss building and exiting businesses, the power of embracing risk, and Adam's mission to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs. This episode is filled with valuable insights for aspiring business leaders, regardless of their stage in the entrepreneurial journey.

Topics include:

Connect with Adam:

Website: https://adamecoffey.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adam_coffey 

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

ShipStation: Go to shipstation.com and use code GREATNESS to sign up for your FREE trial.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures. 

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could take your business or idea to the next level and achieve extraordinary success in a short amount of time?

Today, I am flying solo to dive deep into the transformative power of partnerships and how they can help you 10x your cause, business, or idea. Drawing from my personal experience of raising $250 million for Rise Growth Partners, I will share invaluable insights and actionable strategies to unlock success through collaboration.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will talk about partnering for success, providing value to potential partners, and the benefits of seeking external perspectives. This episode will also explain why persistence and building relationships are crucial in enrolling others in your cause and achieving extraordinary results.

Topics include:

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

NPR Tech Unheard Podcast: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts.

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Stash: Don’t let your savings sit around - make it work harder for you. Go to get.stash.com/GREATNESS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures. 

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices