GaryVee x Guy Kawasaki: Lessons on Business, Tech and Culture
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this engaging conversation, Gary Vaynerchuk breaks his New Year's resolution to host Silicon Valley legend Guy Kawasaki virtually for the launch of his sixteenth book, "Think Remarkable." Kawasaki shares insights distilled from 250 interviews with remarkable people on his podcast, organizing their wisdom into three life stages: growth, grit, and grace (07:07). The discussion explores how true success comes from making a difference rather than chasing instant gratification, with both entrepreneurs reflecting on their immigrant backgrounds and the importance of accountability in an era of unlimited options. Kawasaki emphasizes that remarkable people consistently demonstrate growth mindsets and intellectual curiosity (17:23), never resting on their laurels while focusing on impact over income.
Speakers
Guy Kawasaki
Former Apple Chief Evangelist and 16-time bestselling author, currently Chief Evangelist at Canva. Silicon Valley veteran with four decades of front-line experience, host of Remarkable People podcast featuring 250+ interviews with industry leaders including Jane Goodall and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Gary Vaynerchuk (Host)
CEO of $350M marketing agency VaynerMedia, 6-time bestselling author, and early social media pioneer. Built his father's wine business through pioneering digital marketing strategies starting in 1997, became prominent angel investor, and created the GaryVee Audio Experience podcast for ambitious professionals.
Key Takeaways
Choose the Hard Path Early
Seek out demanding teachers, tough bosses, and challenging experiences rather than the easy route. The hardest educators become your greatest catalysts for growth decades later. (03:53) As Guy notes from his high school English teacher who "pounded" writing skills into his head, these difficult relationships forge the foundation for mastery.
Prioritize Grit Over Talent Every Time
Remarkable people consistently choose persistence over natural ability when building teams or developing themselves. (07:44) Guy emphasizes he'd "take somebody with grit over talent anytime" - the daily grind of showing up, like Gary's 5-year commitment to Wine Library TV, creates sustainable success over instant viral moments.
Make Kindness Your Competitive Advantage
Leading with grace and empathy actually requires less energy than being difficult, while creating stronger business outcomes. (12:02) As Guy points out, "it takes a lot of energy to be an asshole" - successful leaders understand that sustainable success comes from lifting others, not crushing them.
Build Difference First, Recognition Second
Focus on making an impact rather than positioning yourself as remarkable - the recognition follows naturally. (10:50) Guy's framework is clear: "if you make a difference, if you make the world a better place, people will start considering you remarkable." Don't hire PR firms to manufacture reputation; create value that speaks for itself.
Maintain Growth Mindset Despite Success
Every remarkable person interviewed demonstrated continuous learning and intellectual curiosity, never resting on past achievements. (17:23) They maintained a growth mindset, always believing they could improve and learn new skills, regardless of their current level of success or recognition.
Statistics & Facts
No specific statistics were provided in this episode.
