The Greatness Machine

In this compelling episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Sterling Griffin, former pastor, entrepreneur, actor, writer, director, and producer, to discuss his remarkable journey from homelessness to millionaire, and his latest ambitious project: “Faith,” an original TV series he describes as "Ted Lasso and The Office having a baby inside a church." Sterling shares the deeply personal spiritual crisis that inspired the show, the entrepreneurial mindset he applied to break into Hollywood, and why he believes proximity and creativity are the ultimate shortcuts to success.

In this episode, Darius and Sterling will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(06:00) Sterling's Journey from Homelessness to Success

(20:00) The Birth of the TV Show 'Faith'

(26:55) Creating a TV Show: The Process and Lessons Learned

(35:07) The Art of Rewriting Scripts

(38:01) Building Creative Habits

(42:42) The Journey of Creating a Show

(52:27) The Economics of Content Creation

(58:38) Proximity is Power: Building Connections

Sterling Griffin is an entrepreneur, investor, actor, and producer who has built an unconventional career spanning ministry, business, and entertainment. After several years as a Christian evangelical pastor, Sterling transitioned into entrepreneurship, eventually building and exiting a multi-seven-figure business. He later founded Sterling Capital, where he focuses on alternative investments and commercial real estate. Today, he is also active in film as an actor and producer, with credits including “Mafia Wars” and “Devil’s Peak”.

Connect with Sterling:

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

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

Email: [email protected]

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. 

How do you really know if someone is the right fit for your team—or your company’s future? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Dr. Geoff Smart, founder of GH Smart and author of the bestselling book Who, to break down what separates successful hiring from costly mistakes. Geoff reveals the power of evidence-based assessments, why psych tests often fall short, and how intense curiosity—not stress—is the key to unlocking a candidate's true potential.

From helping Fortune 500 companies select CEOs to coaching emerging leaders, Geoff shares stories, strategies, and myths about the hiring process—plus, why the "sell me this pen" test is just bad business.

In this episode, Darius and Geoff will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Geoff Smart and His Journey

(02:55) The Importance of Hiring and Core Values

(06:08) Geoff's Origin Story and Founding GH Smart

(09:00) Cultural Fit and Hiring Process

(11:55) The Role of Core Values in Business

(14:52) Firing with Respect and Responsibility

(18:05) A Players vs. B Players in Hiring

(20:54) Adapting to Different Stages of Business Growth

(30:05) Identifying A-Players for Growth

(34:02) The Importance of Leadership in Organizations

(40:25) Effective Interview Techniques

(43:00) Assessing CEOs and Leadership Roles

(48:44) Onboarding and Post-Hiring Strategies

(55:20) Overcoming Fear of Failure

Dr. Geoff Smart is the chairman and founder of ghSMART, a leadership advisory firm that helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and public-sector leaders build high-performing teams. Founded in 1995, ghSMART is recognized for its rigorous hiring methods, impactful leadership development, and a culture of excellence. The firm has topped Glassdoor and Vault rankings and published several bestselling books, including “Who: The A Method for Hiring”. Geoff holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and was mentored by management legend Peter Drucker. Beyond business, he’s committed to public service and leadership development through programs like the Colorado Governors Fellowship and his work with CiviCo.

Connect with Geoff:

Website: https://geoffsmart.com/ 

Website: https://ghsmart.com/ 

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

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine 

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

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

What’s holding you back? What’s stopping you from achieving the life you have always wanted?

Unfortunately, many people experience regret for the things they never did. Perhaps they rejected a wonderful job offer, passed up an opportunity to expand their business, or missed the chance to travel the world. 

While there are plenty of reasons for missed opportunities, choosing to live a life in a box is what stops most people from dreaming big dreams. 

Today, I am flying solo to talk about how constraints and limitations affect our way of life, how we see ourselves, and how they hold us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. I will also talk about my personal journey of finding success after removing the constraints I previously put around myself. 

In this episode, I will discuss the benefits of having a no-constraints mindset and how it taught me to raise the bar higher every time I reach a goal without beating myself up. 

Topics include:

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. 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Mark Parrott, a 28-year veteran of the financial services industry, five-time author, and researcher who has taught more than 27,000 CEOs across the United States and Canada.

Drawing on evolutionary psychology, demographic data, and behavioral economics, Mark explores how human nature shapes economic trends, political polarization, and business decision-making. The conversation dives into population decline, the economic significance of the 50-year-old demographic, gender differences in the workplace, immigration policy, and the ways understanding human behavior can help leaders become more effective.

Mark also shares insights into the human wiring behind our behaviors and how understanding it can lead to stronger leadership, better business decisions, and even stronger marriages.

In this episode, Darius and Mark will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Mark Parrott and his expertise

(04:01) Understanding human nature through evolutionary psychology

(08:06) The impact of age, especially 50-year-olds, on economies

(11:53) Fertility rates and their long-term economic implications

(17:50) Predicting societal shifts through evolutionary instincts

(21:46) Gender differences in risk, work, and mortality

(24:00) The role of genetics and environment in behavior

(25:50) How to analyze and predict future market trends

(28:00) The importance of strategic planning and data analysis

(32:02) Case study: Customizing products based on demographic insights

(33:58) Pivot strategies for relevance in changing markets

(36:06) The value of understanding cultural and demographic shifts

(37:58) The importance of investigation mode in decision-making

(39:58) Overcoming political biases with data and research

(42:01) The differences between men and women in perception and behavior

(44:53) Closing thoughts and how to connect with Mark

Mark Parrott is a 28-year financial services veteran specializing in retirement planning, mergers and acquisitions, and coaching CEOs of privately held businesses. As a Certified Mergers and Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA), Mark brings extensive expertise in helping individuals and business leaders navigate complex financial decisions, improve business performance, and maximize their wealth.

Connect with Mark:

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

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B078S97WGD/allbooks 

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine 

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

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

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and disconnected from nature, this episode offers a much-needed perspective on the urgent need for spiritual awakening and holistic healing. 

In this enlightening episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with renowned holistic health expert and spiritual teacher Paul Chek to explore the deep intersection of technology, consciousness, and the human spirit. Paul opens up about the transformative role of artificial intelligence, plant medicine, and the forgotten wisdom of nature in today’s world.

In this episode, Darius and Paul will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Paul Chek and His Work

(02:10) Paul Chek's Origin Story

(18:18) The Four Doctors of Health

(27:39) Practical Health Principles for Everyone

(32:55) Aligning Exercise with Your Dreams

(36:01) The Four Doctors and Decision Making

(39:04) The Renaissance of Plant Medicine

(44:52) Plant Medicine vs. Artificial Intelligence

(57:12) Taking Ownership of Your Life

Paul Chek is a world-renowned expert in corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology, stress management, and holistic wellness. With over 40 years of experience, Paul has transformed countless lives through his integrated, root-cause approach to health and performance. He is the founder of the CHEK Institute, creator of Spirit Gym, and host of the Spirit Gym with Paul Chek podcast. A prolific author and educator, Paul continues to shape the future of integrative lifestyle management worldwide.

Connect with Paul:

Website: https://chekinstitute.com/ 

Website: https://paulchek.com/ 

Website: https://www.myspiritgym.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y7Tgj2RR6Z5zxZZYYWoKg 

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine 

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

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

Are you giving yourself the gift of dreaming? Or are you only grinding hard towards your goals?

Many people think that dreams will take you nowhere unless you embrace the grind and take action towards achieving them. However, they allow you to see the future with optimism and to see what’s impossible become possible. 

Today, I am flying solo to talk about dreams and goals and their big differences, how they affect our disposition towards success, and what it means to allow ourselves to just dream and stop beating ourselves up when things don’t turn out right.

In this episode, I will discuss what Ed Mylett’s book The Power of One More made me realize about my dreams and goals. I will also talk about my motivation for starting my podcast, The Greatness Machine, and what I aspire to achieve for the show. 

Topics include:

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. 

In the newest episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Lauren Handel Zander, founder and CEO of the Handel Group®, to explore her groundbreaking approach to life coaching. Lauren shares how she developed her signature methodology, breaking life into 12 distinct areas and teaching people to engineer their dreams through intentional inner dialogue. From her origins as an environmentalist who realized "it's the humans, not the trees," to rebuilding her entire life after a devastating professional betrayal, Lauren delivers a candid, practical, and deeply spiritual conversation about what it truly takes to create a life you love.

In this episode, Darius and Lauren will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and guest background

(02:06) Lauren's journey from environmental studies to coaching

(05:00) The 12 areas of life for holistic growth

(07:53) Reframing dreams as gifts, not goals

(11:58) The inner dialogue and its influence

(14:57) Promising yourself and building confidence

(20:03) The role of energy and manifestation

(25:01) Overcoming inner barriers and lies

(29:58) Practical tools: daily design and night planning

(34:57) The Hawkins scale and levels of consciousness

(40:05) Spiritual bypassing and authentic alignment

(44:58) The importance of accountability and promises

(47:57) Lauren's advice for creating greatness

Lauren Handel Zander is the Founder and CEO of Handel Group® and creator of The Handel Method®, an internationally recognized coaching methodology taught at institutions including MIT, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and NYU. For more than 20 years, she has coached thousands of individuals and executives from organizations including Vogue, Live Nation, and Google. She is the author of “Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life” and was named by GQ in 2025 as one of 10 life coaches redefining what it means to lead and live.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: https://www.handelgroup.com/ 

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

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

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine 

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

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

What if building wealth wasn’t just about numbers, but about knowing yourself, trusting your gut, and playing the long game with intention?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Tamar Hermes—wealth coach, real estate maven, and founder of Wealth Building Concierge—for a masterclass in intuitive investing. With a blend of grounded wisdom and sharp strategy, Tamar unpacks how she measures risk not by rigid formulas, but by asking one bold question: “How much can I lose without being destitute?” From there, she takes us on a journey through her investing mindset, why she breaks free from the traditional “net worth percentage” playbook, and how real estate became her favorite tool for building lasting, generational wealth.

In this episode, Darius and Tamar will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction

(02:28) Tamar's Origin Story and Early Experiences with Money

(06:29) The Impact of Family Background on Money Mindset

(09:33) Fear and Trust in Money Management

(13:03) Transitioning from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset

(15:50) The Skills of Making and Keeping Money

(20:29) Learning from Investment Mistakes

(23:40) Money as Energy and Its Flow

(28:46) Upcoming Mentorship Program for Women

(29:13) Empowering Women in Wealth Management

(31:06) Personal Investment Journeys and Risk Tolerance

(33:45) Understanding Investment Personalities

(37:43) Investment Strategies and Risk Management

(41:01) Capital Allocation: The Single, Double, Triple Approach

(46:18) Navigating Current Economic Challenges

(52:51) Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur

(57:06) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Tamar Hermes is the founder of Women Growing Wealth, a dynamic platform empowering high-achieving women to invest with confidence, grow real wealth, and build thriving portfolios—strategically and in community. With over 25 years of experience and an 8-figure personal portfolio, Tamar specializes in passive investing, real estate scaling, and smart tax strategies that yield long-term security and 10%+ annual returns. She's the bestselling author of “The Millionaire’s Mentality” and the driving force behind the Investor Mastermind, where hundreds of women have transformed their financial lives. Tamar’s mission? To help women stop playing small and start building wealth with clarity, courage, and community.

Book a 30-minute call with Tamar: https://calendly.com/tamar-hermes/30min

Connect with Tamar:

Website: https://womengrowingwealth.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamar-hermes-53b9114a

Email: [email protected]

Book: https://tamarbook.com/

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine 

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

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

A lot can change in just a couple short years….your dreams may be just around the corner!

These changes, whether they are good or bad, can happen in a blink of an eye. It may seem like every day is the same, but when you look back, everything is different from how it used to be, and you are different from who you used to be. 

Change offers new opportunities and experiences. It keeps life exciting and ensures that bad situations don’t last. It helps you move on, stay focused, and helps shape you.  After all, progress is impossible without change.

Today, I am flying solo to share my realization after reading a book called “The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music” by Dave Grohl, where he shared behind-the-scene stories of his musical life as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, drummer, and record producer.

In this episode, I will discuss why it matters to seek and embrace change. I will also reveal what motivated me to step down from my position as a CEO after building a company from zero to a nine-figure organization and what has changed since then. 

Topics include:

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. 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with award-winning documentary filmmaker, five-time author, and entrepreneur coach Philip McKernan for a raw, unscripted conversation about the difference between talents and gifts, the hidden cost of entrepreneurial ambition, and what it truly means to make an impact. In a standout moment, Philip turns the tables and conducts a live, unrehearsed coaching session with Darius, uncovering a deeply personal story about his late father that points toward Darius's most meaningful, yet unwritten, work. The episode is part masterclass in deep listening, part honest self-examination, and a powerful reminder that our greatest gifts often live right next to our deepest wounds.

In this episode, Darius and Philip will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Philip McKernan

(01:14) The Journey of Personal Growth

(04:55) Navigating Life Beyond Traditional Education

(09:55) The Accidental Coach

(11:31) Discovering Unique Gifts

(20:41) Creating Lasting Impact

(23:22) The Power of Personal Stories

(26:04) Transforming Pain into Purpose

(29:28) The Journey of Entrepreneurs

(30:43) From Personal Success to Global Impact

(32:37) Navigating the Balance of Business and Impact

(35:05) The Role of Money in Creating Change

(39:12) Leveraging Resources for Greater Good

(42:27) Mindfulness and Emotional Mastery

(49:11) The Importance of Sharing Your Message

Philip McKernan is an entrepreneur, author, documentary filmmaker, and mentor who works with entrepreneurs around the world to help them connect with the work they were truly meant to do. He has traveled to 85 countries, written five books, built an orphanage in Peru, and founded BraveCastle, a 500-year-old castle in Ireland that hosts soul-searching entrepreneurs and EO retreats. His pioneering SoulSet™ philosophy helps entrepreneurs uncover their unique gifts and use them to create meaningful impact.

Connect with Philip:

Website: https://philipmckernan.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-mckernan/ 

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.