The GaryVee Audio Experience: "The Future Won’t Wait: How to Build When Everything’s Changing | GaryVee Samsung Keynote"

Release Date: April 29, 2025

In this compelling keynote addressed to Samsung executives and industry leaders, Gary Vaynerchuk delves deep into his personal journey, leadership philosophies, investment strategies, and perspectives on the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and marketing. Drawing from his immigrant roots and diverse entrepreneurial experiences, Gary offers timeless advice and actionable strategies for navigating an ever-changing business environment.

**1. Immigrant Roots Shaping Business Acumen [00:36]

Gary begins by sharing his early life story, highlighting how his immigrant background profoundly influenced his approach to business. Born in the Soviet Union and immigrating to America at a young age, he recounts his father's relentless pursuit of the American dream through hard work and determination.

"I was born an entrepreneur, so by the time I was six, I was three, four lemonade stands running at the same time." [00:36]

This entrepreneurial spirit was instilled in Gary from a young age, transitioning from profitable ventures like selling baseball cards at twelve to working in his father’s liquor store at fourteen. This experience taught him the value of hard work and resilience, fundamental traits that would later propel his numerous successful business ventures.

**2. Leadership: Kindness Over Fear [04:36]

A significant portion of the keynote focuses on Gary's contrasting views on leadership, drawing from his observations of his father’s fear-based management style.

"The single statement that I hate most in society is, nice guys finish last. I think it's a very poisonous concept. And I believe that kindness is the foundation of my financial success." [07:12]

Gary emphasizes that while fear can be an effective short-term motivator, it is detrimental in the long run. He advocates for a leadership style anchored in positivity, accountability, and empathy, arguing that such an approach fosters loyalty and long-term success.

**3. The Power of Intuition in Business [03:36]

Gary underscores the importance of intuition in his career decisions, asserting that it is often underestimated in today's rational-focused society.

"I would argue that intuition is disproportionately the most underestimated and misunderstood attribute in society today." [03:36]

He credits his intuitive sense for recognizing the potential of the internet early on, leading to the launch of one of America’s first e-commerce wine businesses in 1997. This venture grew exponentially, illustrating how following one’s gut, complemented by hard work, can lead to monumental success.

**4. Investment Philosophy: Betting on the Jockey and the Horse [12:56]

Gary shares his investment strategy, emphasizing the dual focus on both the entrepreneur ("the jockey") and the business idea ("the horse").

"When I'm an angel investor to bet on the jockey and the horse, meaning at my best, I will like both the entrepreneur, her or him and her or his idea." [12:56]

This approach has led to significant successes, including early investments in Facebook, Twitter, Snap, and Coinbase. Gary candidly discusses a missed opportunity with Uber, reflecting on the lessons learned from passing on its early investment stages.

**5. Content Creation and Social Media Strategies [17:20]

Gary provides actionable insights into modern content creation and social media marketing, advocating for substantial investment in organic content.

"I believe every company on earth as we sit here today in late March 2025 should be spending 20% of its entire marketing budget on just organic social, creative." [17:44]

He argues that with the evolution of algorithms, content now reaches audiences organically without the necessity of follower counts. By committing resources to high-quality, relevant content across multiple platforms, businesses can significantly enhance their marketing effectiveness.

**6. The Future of Technology and AI [27:26]

Addressing the future trajectory of technology, Gary discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on society and business.

"I believe that AI is about to be here as we can feel it. I think it's going to be dramatically more advanced, even as a group like this feels it today." [27:38]

He remains optimistic about AI’s potential to free up human resources for more creative and advanced endeavors, despite acknowledging the inevitable disruptions it may cause in various industries.

**7. Building Adaptable and Scalable Teams [11:53]

In response to creating resilient teams amidst global changes like tariffs and economic shifts, Gary emphasizes the importance of focusing on controllable factors and fostering a collective effort.

"When your competitors have to deal with the same thing. Obviously, there's issues where a domestic competitor, like, I understand those variables, but for me, like, for example, my biggest financial booms of my career have been during recessions, mainly. Cause I go into double offense in those moments, and most people go into defense." [11:53]

Gary encourages leaders to adopt an offensive mindset during economic downturns, leveraging challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.

**8. Personal Branding and Diverse Roles [34:14]

Gary reflects on his multifaceted career, balancing roles as a serial entrepreneur, investor, marketer, influencer, and philanthropist. He stresses the importance of living a fulfilling life by embracing diverse interests and passions rather than focusing solely on financial gain.

"I try not to maximize for money. I try to maximize for the enjoyment of my day to day. That has led me to being a lot of things." [34:14]

He highlights his project Veefriends as a legacy endeavor, aiming to create meaningful content that promotes self-esteem and accountability among children.

**9. Accountability and Self-Esteem in Parenting [22:26]

Gary passionately discusses the critical role of accountability in modern parenting, arguing against the overemphasis on achievements like straight A’s and popularity.

"Instead of over focusing on straight A's in school... how about we actually build actual self esteem which is the only way they will combat all the things that scares the crap out of every parent in this room." [22:26]

He advocates for nurturing genuine self-worth in children to prepare them for the challenges of the world.

**10. Final Reflections: Kindness and Self-Compassion [38:01]

Concluding his keynote, Gary urges the audience to practice kindness and self-compassion both personally and professionally. He emphasizes that self-grace is essential for maintaining balance and effectiveness in all aspects of life.

"If you do not deploy grace to yourself, who's gonna do it for you. Everyone here is trying, and I wish you loved yourself more." [38:06]

He also caution against judging others and fostering a culture of understanding and empathy.

Conclusion

Gary Vaynerchuk's keynote at Samsung is a masterclass in blending personal narrative with strategic business insights. From his immigrant upbringing to his forward-thinking approach to technology and marketing, Gary offers a holistic view of what it takes to thrive in a rapidly changing world. His emphasis on kindness, accountability, and intuition provides a refreshing perspective on leadership and success, making this episode an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone striving to stay ahead in today’s dynamic environment.