During the Megacampus Summit Dubai, Talal Al Hammad, Editor-in-Chief of entArabi, conducted an interview with Gary Vaynerchuk, the serial entrepreneur and marketing expert. Vaynerchuk shared his unique perspectives on intuition, speed, virtual influencers, and overcoming fear. Here are the highlights from the discussion:
Talal Al Hammad: Gary, your definition of ‘I’ is not for ‘information’ but ‘intuitive.’ You’ve talked about focusing on the gut over the brain. Could you elaborate?
- Gary Vaynerchuk: It’s interesting how the marketing industry has shifted. We’ve become overly focused on math and analytics, often underestimating the importance of art and intuition. You can have the best data, but if your story isn’t compelling, it won’t resonate. As we age, we gain wisdom and learn to trust our intuition. Historically, intuition was highly regarded, but over time, rational thinking took precedence. I believe we’re returning to a period where intuition matters. Personally, I’ve underestimated my intuition at times and learned its value through experience.
Talal Al Hammad: How can entrepreneurs leverage speed and authenticity to succeed?
- Gary Vaynerchuk: Speed is an unparalleled advantage, especially for early-stage companies. The biggest edge entrepreneurs have is their tenacity and ability to move quickly. Many established companies fail to stop emerging competitors because they’re simply too slow. For startups, speed is like oxygen—a critical framework for success. Authenticity is equally important. It builds trust and creates genuine connections with audiences. Big organizations could benefit greatly by embracing speed as a key variable in their strategies.
Talal Al Hammad: You’ve spoken about virtual influencers. How do you see them shaping the future?
- Gary Vaynerchuk: Virtual influencers are already here, and their impact is growing rapidly. People are engaging with content from digital entities they can’t distinguish from real humans. The technology is so advanced that even the human eye struggles to identify what’s real. Intellectual property in human form is becoming a massive business. Just as Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney built franchises, virtual influencers will become a pillar of digital society. They represent a fascinating evolution in content creation and brand interaction.
Talal Al Hammad: Fear is a major challenge for many entrepreneurs. How can they overcome it?
- Gary Vaynerchuk: Fear is a powerful energy that often holds people back. To overcome it, you need to audit your environment—who you spend time with, what media you consume, and the narratives you allow into your life. For instance, mainstream news amplifies fear, while social media offers both fear and hope. Focus on the hopeful side. Meditation, exercise, and therapy are also effective tools. Most importantly, evaluate the six people you spend the most time with. If they’re negative or cynical, you may need to adjust those relationships. I’m not suggesting cutting people out entirely, but creating healthy boundaries can make a big difference.
Talal Al Hammad: Is fear a gift or a weapon?
- Gary Vaynerchuk: Fear is both. It’s often used as a weapon—parents use it to protect their kids, and leaders use it to control. But for those who learn to break free from fear, it becomes a powerful motivator. Living a fear-free life is transformative, but it’s a path few people take. My hope is to inspire more people to join that group.
Gary Vaynerchuk’s insights challenge conventional thinking. By emphasizing intuition, speed, and the importance of overcoming fear, he offers entrepreneurs a fresh perspective on navigating today’s complex world. His words serve as a reminder that success often lies in trusting your instincts, moving quickly, and creating a positive, empowering environment.
