The Greatness Machine

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Nik Bhatia, financial researcher, CFA charterholder, and Adjunct Professor of Finance and Business Economics at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business where he teaches Applied Finance in Fixed Income Securities.  Previously, Nik worked the US Treasuries trading desk for a large institutional asset manager and...

In business, failure on some level is inevitable. Whether it be a small stumble or a huge mistake, often the greatest business lessons can be found in those dark moments. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius shares the story of one of his biggest triumphs, which ultimately led to his biggest failure and the lessons he learned along the way.  You'll discover the story of Darius' firs...

What if the key to unlocking humanity’s full potential lies in embracing the unique perspectives and contributions of those who have been overlooked or undervalued throughout history? Stacy Spikes’ journey as an outsider in the tech industry is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Recognizing that he did not fit the conventional image of a successful tech entrepreneur, he fear...

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with David Siegel, CEO of Meetup.com, where he oversees its global business. Meetup currently has 52 million members, hosts 15,000 events daily, and has events in 193 countries. David also hosts the “Keep Connected” podcast, devoted to the power of community. He is a business leader and expert in building personal and professional communiti...

"If you build it, they will come." Most of us know that line from the film, 'Field of Dreams.' It's inspirational, but not a great strategy when building a business - especially when it applies to the core values of your business. In June of 2008, Darius attended an event in which he experienced a "gut punch" that completely changed the trajectory of his life and forced him to rethink the way he r...

Are you tired of simply letting life happen to you, or are you ready to take charge and design a life that truly reflects your aspirations and desires? In a world where routines and obligations often dictate our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of our own dreams and ambitions. We find ourselves going through the motions, yearning for something more but unsure of how to break free from the mono...

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, host of the Build for Tomorrow and Problem Solvers podcasts, and the author of Mr. Nice Guy and Build for Tomorrow. He's also worked as Editor of Men's Health, Fast Company, Maxim, and Boston Magazine, and has written about business technology for The Washington Post, Slate, and o...

Are you feeling bogged down by the monotony of your daily life? On today’s show, Darius talks about enjoying the journey rather than incessantly worrying about the end results.  Like many of us, Darius loves his cup of morning coffee. And he obsesses about getting the right beans, the temperature, and adding the correct amount of milk.  Recently, a friend of Darius’s bought an expensive coffee mac...

Have you ever wondered how some artists achieve extraordinary success in the music industry against all odds? Embarking on a creative journey in the music industry can be an unpredictable and daunting endeavor, much like the path followed by the renowned artist, Moby. His journey stands out as a shining example of unwavering dedication and ingenuity in the ever-evolving landscape of the music indu...

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Cat Hoke, founder of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program and Defy Ventures, entrepreneur, author, and speaker. As a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter, Cat mastered the art of “breakfall”: how to prevent injury when you get taken down. Cat works with gang leaders in the most notorious prisons, leading gang intervention programs. Her Hustle 2....

Have you ever found yourself wandering amidst the chaos, yearning for a guiding light of clarity? Life often presents us with moments of uncertainty and chaos, leaving us feeling adrift and in need of direction. Like travelers in a dense fog, we stumble forward, desperately seeking clarity and a sense of purpose. It is during these times that having confidence becomes paramount, for it is the beac...

Have you ever wondered what it takes for someone to seamlessly transition from the electrifying realm of sports announcing to the cutthroat world of business, conquering both with remarkable finesse? Bruce Buffer, an iconic figure in the world of sports announcing and business, joins us on The Greatness Machine to share his story of venturing into the world of business while captivating sports fan...

On today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Sam Penny, who with his wife operates Artisans Bend (Cheese Therapy), Australia's largest artisan cheese retailer. Sam is passionate about strategy, marketing, and the pursuit of the perfect cheese.  In the sports world, Sam made the first attempt to swim the English Channel in Winter, has run 87km in 13 hours, and swam an Ice Mile in...

How can you foster an ownership mindset within your organization that catapults you miles ahead of the competition? In today’s show, Darius shares how the Core Equation Value Equation Process can help you cultivate this much-prized mindset which will have your employees treating your business as if it was theirs. When you do so, you can extract that extra 20% - that extra bit that separates the wi...

What steps can you take to turn your aspirations into reality and move from where you are right now to where you truly want to be? Reaching your desired destination from your current position is an exciting and transformative endeavor. It requires a combination of vision, determination, effective decision-making, and actionable techniques. Katy Milkman, through her book How to Change: The Science...

Imagine working in a business with no managers and, seemingly, no structure or hierarchy. A business run on that model would be an exercise in chaos ...or would it?  That's just one of the many misconceptions people have about holacracy, a new form of business management promoted and developed by today's guest. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Brian Robertson, seasone...

Many of you must have made ambitious New Year resolutions. The past year (2020) was a disaster and understandably you are keen to make up for the lost time. Before you start working towards your audacious goals, do take a moment to stop and think – will you be in a state of permanent bliss once you scale your mountaintop?  Will the air be better?   Will life be funnier?  And will people be nicer?...

How can individuals transform their expertise into a powerful force for positive change, shaping industries and leaving a lasting impact on the world? Henk Rogers, a video game icon turned climate change activist, is dedicated to creating positive change through technology and renewable energy. As the founder of the Blue Planet Foundation, he actively promotes the advancement of clean energy polic...

If asked, most entrepreneurs would describe themselves as mavericks, rebels, or even ‘unemployable.’ They possess a unique combination of drive, ambition, and intelligence that makes working for someone else difficult if not impossible. This burning desire to go their own way means that entrepreneurs tend to take an unusual approach to education. Such is the case with today's guest. In today's epi...

What do you hold onto tightly? What are the things you find yourself most attached to? We often find ourselves clinging to certain things, ideas, or identities, developing attachments that shape our perceptions and influence our actions. But have you ever paused to reflect on what exactly you’re attached to? What are the things that hold immense significance in your life? Today, I am flying solo t...

Have you ever wondered how you can unlock your full potential and create a life of purpose and fulfillment? In a world filled with endless possibilities, many of us find ourselves longing for a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. We yearn to unlock our full potential and live a life that truly aligns with our passions and values. But how do we bridge the gap between where we are now and where...

What does your "ideal" life look like? It's different for each person, but what you're imagining is your version of uncommon success. In today's episode of "The Greatness Machine," Darius talks with John Lee Dumas, founder and host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, an award winning podcast that has featured over 2700 guests, a million monthly listens and 18 million in revenue since 2012. Through EoF, JLD...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to revolutionize the snack food industry and create a lasting impact with boldness and innovation? Stacy Madison, a trailblazer in the food industry, has carved a remarkable path to success with her unwavering determination and innovative approach. From humble beginnings, she took the risk and had her breakthrough with the creation of Stacey’s Pita Chips, a pro...

How do your working relationships influence both your happiness and success? When we think about the amount of time we spend at work and the significant role our colleagues play in our daily lives, it becomes clear that fostering positive and supportive relationships is crucial. Building strong working relationships, however, can sometimes be challenging. Conflicts, differing perspectives, and per...

The world of martial arts and of business may seem to have no points of connection.  However, there are powerful lessons there to be found, particularly around the ideas of conscious leadership and effective team building. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Nathanael Chawkin, founder and CEO of Palaestra Leadership, and a mindfulness and martial arts instructor about hi...