What can businesses do to not just survive, but thrive in today’s volatile market?

Today’s market is highly volatile, and the winning formula is having not just staying afloat but rather growing in uncertain times. Businesses can achieve this by adopting a proactive and adaptable mindset. Rather than seeking stability in an inherently unpredictable environment, companies must embrace change as a constant and prepare to be able to respond quickly to changing market conditions.

Rebecca Homkes, a high-growth strategy specialist, sheds light on some basic principles and actionable steps to help in navigating the unpredictable landscape of modern markets. Drawing from her extensive experience in strategy consulting, she emphasizes the importance of proactive adaptation for businesses not just to survive but to thrive. Through her newest book, Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times, advocates for a shift from rigid planning to dynamic preparation, where leaders focus on aligning beliefs, testing assumptions, and making strategic choices based on evolving circumstances.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Rebecca to delve into strategies for thriving in today’s volatile market, addressing common misconceptions about uncertainty and offering practical advice for businesses to identify their unique strengths and leverage them to capitalize on emerging opportunities while mitigating risks. 

Topics include:

What inspired Rebecca to start her strategy journey

The importance of having an alignment on performance and growth goals

Why it matters for a company to have a clear vision and direction 

Having a balance between setting aspirational targets and providing a realistic roadmap

Aligning agility with a clear strategic direction

Rebecca talks about her new book Survive, Reset, Thrive

What it takes for a business to survive through market shocks

The benefits of continuous learning and seeking to improve and adapt

And other topics…

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Connect with Rebecca:

Website: https://www.surviveresetthrive.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Survive-Reset-Thrive-Implementing-High-Growth/dp/1398607886 

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-homkes 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebeccahomkes/ 

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

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In this special solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh opens up about a powerful, soul-stirring experience during his sabbatical in Tanzania. Broadcasting from Arusha, he reflects on his family’s two-week volunteer mission in the remote village of Ipalamwa with Global Volunteers.

From building chicken coops and earth boxes to visiting schools and pregnant mothers in extreme poverty, Darius shares what it was like to witness a level of hardship that most in the Western world will never encounter. He speaks candidly about guilt, gratitude, and the dangerous trap of constantly comparing ourselves to the top 1%.

Website: https://globalvolunteers.org/ 

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Journey of Transformation: A Personal Experience

(02:43) Lessons from Poverty: A Wake-Up Call

(05:52) Volunteering in Tanzania: A Family Experience

(08:23) The Reality of Rural Education

(11:06) Comparative Reflection: Wealth and Poverty

(13:48) Call to Action: Making a Difference

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

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

Jerry: Save $1,300/year on car insurance with Jerry at Jerry.ai/greatness. 

[DISCLAIMER:

*Based on drivers who switched and saved with Jerry over the past twelve months.  Over 20% of drivers who switched with Jerry found a monthly premium of $87 or less. Not all drivers find savings.]

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

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What if the secret to success isn’t doing more, but focusing on less?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with legendary investor and entrepreneur Mohnish Pabrai to talk about building businesses, spotting hidden opportunities, and why focus is the ultimate superpower. From failed startups to scaling a $20M company, Mohnish shares how he discovered his edge, not by doing it all, but by doing what he does best. He unpacks the concept of “offering gaps,” the value of deep listening, and how modeling Warren Buffett’s early partnership strategy led him to launch Pabrai Investment Funds and never look back.

In this episode, Darius and Mohnish will discuss:

How to spot and capitalize on "offering gaps" in the market

Why your first (or second) idea may not work—and why that’s okay

The importance of focus and why you can't optimize for two variables

What it really means to build something that fits your strengths and interests

Why Mohnish left a thriving company to pursue value investing full-time

How he turned $1M into $13M in five years—by doing what he loves

Mohnish Pabrai is the Managing Partner of Pabrai Investment Funds, modeled after the original Buffett Partnerships. Since its inception in 1999, the fund has delivered a 13.5% annualized return—significantly outperforming the S&P 500. Before launching the fund, Pabrai founded and grew TransTech, Inc. into a $20 million IT firm before selling it in 2000. He is the author of two popular books on value investing—The Dhandho Investor and Mosaic—and has been featured in Forbes, Barron’s, and The Wall Street Journal. Pabrai is also the founder of The Dakshana Foundation, a nonprofit focused on poverty alleviation through education in India.

Sponsored by:

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Connect with Mohnish:

Website: http://www.chaiwithpabrai.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohnish-pabrai 

Twitter: https://x.com/mohnishpabrai/

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

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How do successful people navigate their careers, overcome barriers, and strategically position themselves for success?

It is often challenging to navigate the complexities of professional growth when embarking on a successful career path. From shifting industry landscapes to personal and social expectations, professionals face numerous challenges and success in careers is largely determined by how one strategically positions themselves.

Grace Puma and Christiana Smith Shi, through their book Career Forward: Strategies from Women Who’ve Made It, provide strategic insights to define and achieve career aspirations. Aimed at millennials facing pivotal career decisions, this book highlights the importance of taking calculated risks early in a career to achieve outsized returns. 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Grace and Christiana to discuss strategies for crafting a successful career, embracing resilience, and strategically navigating the ever-changing landscape of professional life. They also talk about Grace and Christiana’s upcoming book, Career Forward, set to launch on February 20, 2024.

Topics include:

The importance of leveraging network in finding a writing partner

Christiana highlights the value of having a clear direction or “cardinal direction”

Building professional networks and how it can be beneficial

Path of least resistance vs. intentionality

The concept of building professional equity by consistently demonstrating excellence

The idea of having a “growth stock mentality”

The concept of “operating at the top of your license”

Grace and Christiana talk about the audience for their book Career Forward

The idea of taking asymmetric risks in one’s career

Understanding and advocating for one’s worth in the professional realm

And other topics…

Sponsored by:

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

Connect with Grace:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/39999441.Grace_Puma 

Connect with Christiana:

Website: https://www.lovejoyadvisors.com/ 

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

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

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Is your financial advisor helping you build wealth or just selling you products?

Today, I am flying solo to dive deep into the crucial process of selecting the right financial advisor, sharing valuable insights from my own experiences. Whether you are an entrepreneur preparing for a business exit or an individual with a growing nest egg, finding the right financial partner is key to securing your financial future. 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will break down the three main types of financial advisors–wire houses, independent RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors), and insurance companies–detailing the pros and cons of each. I will also explain why it is essential to interview multiple advisors, understand how fees work, and ask the right questions about the firm’s planning capabilities, alt investment opportunities, and who you will really be dealing with on a day-to-day basis. 

Topics include:

Interviewing multiple advisors to find the best fit for your unique needs

Working with advisors that offer comprehensive, in-house services

The advantages of working with a lead (G1) advisor compared to a junior (G2) advisor

Choosing a planning-centric firm over one focused solely on investments

The importance of patience and avoiding hasty decisions during market dips

And other topics…

Sponsored by:

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

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.

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What if the hustle isn’t the way forward, but the thing holding you back?

In this powerful episode of The Greatness Machine, Scott Donnell, founder of Fig & Eagle, shares his transformation from a high-achieving, hustle-driven entrepreneur to a fully surrendered husband, father, and leader. He and Darius unpack the deeper meaning of faith, family, and legacy, exploring what happens when you stop chasing success and start living with intention. Scott opens up about breaking free from the grip of “mammon”—money, status, and performance—and how that shift has changed everything. This conversation is a call to rethink what truly matters and how we lead the people who matter most.

In this episode, Darius and Scott will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Scott Donnell

(02:54) The Importance of Family Time

(05:41) Defining Legacy Beyond Wealth

(08:47) The Role of Heritage in Family Success

(11:26) Understanding the Concept of Legacy

(14:12) Building Strong Family Connections

(17:28) The Impact of Overachieving on Family Dynamics

(20:19) Healing Childhood Wounds and Their Effects

(23:13) Spiritual Insights on Wealth and Control

(30:44) The Power of Surrender

(33:09) Living as a Steward

(37:38) Transformative Experiences of Surrender

(43:22) Raising Families with Purpose

(48:56) Prioritizing Life and Work

(54:07) The Legacy We Leave Behind

Scott Donnell is a serial entrepreneur and passionate advocate for youth development. He’s the founder of Apex Leadership Co, Hapbee Technologies, and the GravyStack™ banking app, tools that have empowered over 6 million kids nationwide with leadership, fitness, and financial skills. Based in Phoenix with his wife Amy and their four “value creators,” Scott is also the co-author of “Value Creation Kid” and co-host of the Smart Money Parenting podcast.

Sponsored by:

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Connect with Scott:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnell-scott 

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

Twitter: https://x.com/imscottdonnell

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. 

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Ever wondered what it takes to shift from a life of constant striving and grinding to one filled with purpose, balance, and true abundance?

Choosing a life of purpose, balance, and true abundance over a life consumed by relentless striving and grinding is a profound journey of self-discovery. This shift challenges the conventional narrative that success is solely defined by external accomplishments and invites us to reflect on the deeper meaning of fulfillment.

Ron “Omani” Carson, Founder and CEO of Carson Group, talks about his transformative journey that has taken him from a life of relentless work to a place of profound fulfillment and balance. His pursuit for holistic success has opened doors for him to explore unconventional paths, from psychedelic therapy to biohacking, red light therapy, and the transformative power of intentional living.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Ron joins Darius to talk about his personal transformation, highlighting a realization that no financial achievement could bring sustained happiness. The conversation also delves into the importance of living with intention, debunking the myth that grinding through life is necessary sacrifice for success. The discussion extends to mindfulness and the significance of self-care. 

Topics include:

What motivated Ron to pursue a career in financial planning

The secret behind the success of Carson Group

The importance of aligning the interests of consumers, employees, and shareholders in a conscious capitalism model

The concept of abundance versus scarcity

Finding and doing what one loves to avoid the myth of paying unnecessary dues

The value of intentional living and aligning actions with a deeper purpose

Overcoming the scarcity mindset by surrounding oneself with the best people

And other topics…

Sponsored by:

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IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. 

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

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

Connect with Ron:

Website: https://www.carsonwealth.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarson1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roncarson6/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rchusker 

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. 

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Do you compare your current decisions with an ideal outcome that did not happen?

Today, I am flying solo to dive deep into the concept of comparison and its impact on our happiness and decision-making. I will explore how we often measure ourselves against idealized outcomes or imagined scenarios rather than focusing on our unique journeys. I will also introduce the “rewind button” exercise, encouraging you to reflect on your past decisions and consider whether you would make the same choice again, armed with the knowledge you have now. 

This episode of The Greatness Machine will emphasize the importance of owning our choices, even when the outcomes aren’t what we expected. This will also highlight how cultivating gratitude for the lessons learned along the way can transform our perspective and foster personal growth. 

Topics include:

The downside of comparing yourself to idealized or imagined outcomes

The rewind button exercise for gaining clarity on past decisions

Owning your choices, regardless of the final outcome

Cultivating gratitude in hindsight for both the challenges and successes

Practicing conscious leadership by being aware of your decisions and their impact

Focusing on the present moment and maximizing its potential

And other topics…

Sponsored by:

Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com.

IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. 

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

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

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

What if AI is more than a tool? What if it’s a toddler learning from us?

In this mind-expanding episode of The Greatness Machine, futurist Elatia Abate joins Darius to explore the ethical and emotional dimensions of artificial intelligence. From the power of diverse voices shaping AI to how kindness in prompts can actually improve results, Elatia shares a bold vision of co-creating the future with technology. She also reflects on her personal journey—how pretending to be anything less than her full self held her back, and how authenticity unlocked her greatness.

In this episode, Darius and Elatia will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Background

(03:05) Cultural Heritage and Identity

(05:57) Career Journey and Transition to Futurism

(09:04) The Impact of Technology on Work

(11:55) Education and Influences

(15:14) The Role of Humanity in Leadership

(18:08) Exploring the Future of Work

(20:59) Navigating the Age of AI

(25:32) The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Employment

(30:37) Navigating the Future of Work

(34:55) The Velocity of Change and Workforce Displacement

(38:40) Societal Implications of AI and Automation

(41:57) Reimagining Value Creation in the Age of AI

(48:04) Consciousness and AI: A New Frontier

(53:57) The Importance of Diverse Voices in AI Development

Elatia Abate is a globally recognized entrepreneur and futurist on a mission to revolutionize leadership in the Age of AI. Named a Forbes leading female futurist, she serves as Futurist in Residence at Paylocity and is the creator of Future-Led Leadership™️, a framework used by organizations such as Verizon, Deloitte, and GMAC. A sought-after keynote speaker and TEDx presenter, Elatia has shared insights on the future of work, leadership, and resilience with audiences from Citi to SHRM. Formerly an HR executive at Anheuser-Busch InBev and Dow Jones, she is also the author of Build a Career You Love and a featured expert in work with Tony Robbins and Trevor Noah. Elatia teaches at Stanford, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and LinkedIn Learning.

Sponsored by:

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IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. 

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

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

Connect with Elatia:

Website: https://elatiaabate.com/

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

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

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

Is more money the key to happiness? Or is there more to life than what meets the wallet?

People often seek financial success in the pursuit of happiness, believing that a substantial income and material wealth is equivalent to a more fulfilling life. While money certainly plays a crucial role in meeting basic needs and providing a sense of security, the relationship between money and happiness is complex and multifaceted.

Garrett Gunderson, through his book Money Unmasked: Unlearn, Unlock, and Take Back Control of Your Finances and Life, delves into the intricacies of financial well-being and challenges conventional wisdom about money. Beyond the punchlines and laughter, Garrett is a vocal advocate for financial education and literacy. In fact, he founded Wealth Factory, a company focused on providing education and coaching to help individuals and businesses optimize their financial strategies.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Garrett joins Darius to reflect on his venture into comedy and to talk about the motivation behind his book Money Unmasked, explaining the concept of money personas and shadow personas, and exploring the intricate relationship between money and happiness. The discussion will also touch upon the struggle to break free from busyness and confronting insecurities, along with various other compelling topics.

Topics include:

Garrett takes a look back into his spontaneous journey into comedy

The inspiration behind Garrett’s book Money Unmasked

The concept of money personas and shadow personas

Relationship between money and happiness

Garrett introduces the “Cycle of Creation” from Money Unmasked

The challenges of recording audio books

Escaping busyness and facing insecurities

And other topics…

Sponsored by:

Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com.

IDEO U: Enroll today and get 15% off sitewide at ideou.com/greatness. 

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

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

Connect with Garrett:

Website: https://garrettgunderson.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-gunderson-651359b3

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gbgunderson/ 

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