Gary Vee & Goku Discuss Resilience, Health & Adapting to Change

Welcome, everyone, to an extraordinary and thought-provoking conversation that brings together two icons from vastly different worlds. On one side, we have the unstoppable entrepreneur, Gary Vaynerchuk, a man known for his no-nonsense approach to business and his passion for resilience and growth. What’s fascinating is that Gary has often expressed admiration for the themes of perseverance and determination in his favorite manga, Dragon Ball Z. He has mentioned how the story of Goku, with his relentless pursuit of strength and self-improvement, aligns so closely with his own entrepreneurial mindset.

Today, in this imaginary conversation, Gary will be sitting down with none other than the legendary warrior Goku himself. Together, they’ll explore the themes that inspire them both—perseverance, health, and adapting to change—sharing insights on how to stay resilient, face life’s toughest challenges, and continuously grow stronger, whether in business or in battle. So, get ready for a unique and inspiring dialogue between two figures who represent the power of grit, determination, and endless self-improvement. Let’s begin!

Perseverance Through Challenges

Gary Vaynerchuk: Goku, one thing I’ve always admired about you is your relentless attitude. You’ve been knocked down so many times, but you never give up. In business, I talk a lot about the importance of resilience, of grinding through the tough moments, because that’s where the real growth happens. How do you keep going even when the odds are stacked against you?

Goku: Well, Gary, it’s simple. I love fighting, but more than that, I love the challenge of getting better. No matter how tough the opponent is, I know there’s something to learn, something to push me beyond my limits. I think it’s about having a goal bigger than yourself. For me, it’s protecting my friends, my family, and my planet. When the stakes are that high, giving up just isn’t an option.

Gary Vaynerchuk: That’s huge. It’s funny because in the business world, people often see success as this linear path—no setbacks, no failures. But the reality is, you’ve got to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s about falling in love with the process, not just the end goal. For me, the hustle and grind are exciting because I know that every failure is a stepping stone toward something greater. And when you have that big “why,” like you do—whether it’s saving the world or building a legacy—it keeps you grounded through the struggle.

Goku: Exactly! And every time I’m beaten down, I’m actually excited because I know that means I’m going to get stronger. Look at how many times I’ve faced impossible situations, from Frieza to Cell to Majin Buu. Every time, I’ve come out the other side more powerful. I feel like business must be the same—each obstacle makes you better, right?

Gary Vaynerchuk: Absolutely. I always say adversity is the foundation of success. I get pumped when things go wrong because it’s a chance to learn. People fear failure, but they don’t realize that’s where the gold is. You just have to embrace the discomfort, knowing it’s sharpening your skills. In fact, I believe that failure is the greatest advantage an entrepreneur can have. It humbles you, teaches you, and prepares you for the next big opportunity.

Goku: Right! And once you get that mindset, it’s like no matter what happens, you can’t be stopped. You just keep moving forward, getting stronger. I think that’s the key to both fighting and business—never stop learning, never stop pushing your limits.

Goku: Gary, I’ve been fighting to protect the Earth for a long time now. But I don’t just want to win battles—I want to leave something behind, a sense of peace, so the next generation can live without fear. I feel like you talk about legacy a lot in your world. How do you build something that lasts, beyond just your own life?

Gary Vaynerchuk: Legacy is everything, Goku. It’s not about how much money you make or how many companies you build, but the impact you leave on the world. I always tell people, “Your legacy is your kindness and the way you made people feel.” For me, it’s about making sure the people who come after me, whether it’s my kids, employees, or community, are empowered to create their own success. I want to be remembered as someone who gave more than he took, you know? And that’s how you build something that lasts beyond yourself.

Goku: I totally get that. I want my sons, Gohan and Goten, to carry on the values I’ve taught them—strength, courage, and the willingness to protect others. But I also want them to go further than I ever could, you know? It’s not just about my power; it’s about what they can achieve after I’m gone.

Gary Vaynerchuk: That’s the key, man—empowering the next generation. You want to give them the tools, but not hold them back with your own limitations. In business, that’s why I’m so passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs. I’m not just building businesses for myself; I’m teaching people how to create their own paths. It’s about making sure that the lessons you’ve learned, the values you hold, live on through others. That’s the real legacy.

Goku: Yeah! And it’s not always about being the strongest. I’ve learned that power comes in many forms. Sometimes the greatest strength is knowing when to step aside and let others take the lead. Like with Gohan—he had to defeat Cell, not me. I think that’s part of legacy too—trusting in the people you’ve helped grow.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Exactly. In business, you’ve got to recognize when it’s time to let your team, your people, step up. You can’t control everything forever, nor should you want to. Legacy is about building systems, relationships, and values that can operate without you. If everything falls apart when you’re not around, you haven’t really built a legacy—you’ve just built an ego project. The goal is to empower others to thrive, with or without you.

Goku: That makes a lot of sense. It’s not about holding onto power; it’s about passing it on. And if the people you’ve helped are even stronger than you, that’s when you know you’ve done your job right.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Exactly, Goku. That’s how you build something that lasts for generations—by making sure the ones who come after you are ready to take the torch and run even further with it.

The Power of Mentorship and Teamwork

Gary Vaynerchuk: Goku, you’ve had so many people help you along the way, from Master Roshi to King Kai. In business, I always stress the importance of mentorship. No one gets to the top alone. How has mentorship shaped your journey as a warrior?

Goku: Oh, it’s been everything, Gary. From day one, I’ve had amazing mentors who pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. Master Roshi taught me the basics of martial arts, but more than that, he showed me how to stay humble. Then, King Kai gave me the Kaio-ken and Spirit Bomb, techniques I’d never be able to learn on my own. Even Vegeta, who’s more of a rival than a mentor, pushes me to be better. I couldn’t have gotten this strong without all of them.

Gary Vaynerchuk: That’s huge, man. Mentorship isn’t just about learning new skills; it’s about gaining perspective. In business, I’ve had my own mentors who’ve guided me through tough decisions and taught me things I couldn’t learn in books. But what really resonates with me is how you’ve mentioned Vegeta. Sometimes your best mentors are your rivals—the people who challenge you, who push you to your limits. I think that’s a key part of growth. It’s about finding those people who will tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear.

Goku: Right! Vegeta’s always been that way—he’ll never sugarcoat things, but that’s why I respect him. He’s constantly trying to surpass me, and that pushes me to get better too. But it’s not just mentors that make a difference. My friends—Krillin, Piccolo, even Bulma—have been there for me every step of the way. They may not be as strong as me, but I couldn’t do what I do without them. They make me stronger just by being there, fighting alongside me.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Teamwork is underrated in both life and business. You can be the most talented person in the world, but if you don’t have a solid team, you’re going to hit a ceiling. I always say, “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.” In my companies, I rely on my team for their expertise, their energy, and their support. They’re not just employees; they’re partners in everything we build. You can’t go far if you’re trying to do everything alone.

Goku: That’s exactly it. I’ve seen the same thing in battle. Whether it’s fighting alongside Vegeta, Piccolo, or even the younger fighters like Gohan and Trunks, we’re stronger together. Every battle I’ve won wasn’t just because of my strength—it was because of the support and teamwork of my friends. When we combine our strengths, we’re unstoppable. That’s why I trust my team so much, because even when I’m not at my best, they’ve got my back.

Gary Vaynerchuk: And that’s the key. You have to trust the people around you. You need a circle that you can lean on, not just for their skills, but for their honesty and their belief in the vision. And you’ve got to reciprocate that trust too. It’s not just about leading the team—it’s about learning from them. I think a lot of people overlook how much they can learn from the people working with them.

Goku: Yeah, and the best part is, it’s not just about getting stronger yourself—it’s about lifting others up too. That’s what teamwork is all about. We help each other get better, and in the end, everyone wins.

The Importance of Mental and Physical Health

Gary Vaynerchuk: Goku, one of the things I admire about you is how you’ve mastered both your physical and mental toughness. In today’s world, people often forget how interconnected those two are. We’ve got a lot of folks pushing their bodies to the limit but not taking care of their minds, or vice versa. I always tell people that if you want to be successful, you have to prioritize both mental and physical health. What’s your take on that?

Goku: You’re right, Gary. For me, it’s all about balance. Training my body is important, but if my mind isn’t clear, I can’t push myself to new levels. Back when I was training with King Kai or even before that, I had to learn how to calm my mind, focus, and block out distractions. That focus is what helps me in battles. I’m not just relying on my strength, but also my mental clarity. And that’s something everyone can practice, even if they’re not a fighter.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Exactly. People underestimate how powerful their mind is in determining their success. If you’re constantly in a negative mental space or stressed out, it’s impossible to perform at your best—whether that’s in business, sports, or just everyday life. I practice self-awareness and mindfulness daily to stay grounded, and I tell people it’s about knowing what works for your mental state, then making sure you’re staying on top of it, just like you’d take care of your body.

Goku: Yeah, it’s not always about fighting or training hard. Sometimes, it’s about taking a step back, meditating, or even just spending time with family. I know that if I’m mentally drained, it doesn’t matter how much I’ve trained—my body won’t be able to perform. And taking care of my health doesn’t stop in the training room. Eating right, sleeping well, and keeping my energy in check are all part of it. Everyone, even those who aren’t fighting like me, can benefit from keeping their body and mind balanced.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Absolutely. And I think that’s the message people need to hear today—success isn’t just about the grind. It’s about taking care of yourself holistically. I see a lot of people pushing themselves so hard that they burn out, and then wonder why they can’t perform. You need to listen to your body and your mind. Taking care of yourself is an investment in your long-term success.

Goku: Totally. And it’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing your best to stay balanced. Even when I’m in intense battles, I remind myself that taking care of my mind and body is what will keep me going in the long run. So no matter what, people should focus on building their strength physically and mentally every day.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Couldn’t agree more, Goku. Whether you’re a Saiyan warrior or an entrepreneur, that balance is what makes all the difference. You’re only as good as how well you take care of yourself. Physical and mental health are foundational for anyone looking to live a full, successful life.

Adapting to Change in a Fast-Moving World

Gary Vaynerchuk: One thing I’ve noticed, Goku, is that you’re always adapting. Every time you face a new challenge—whether it’s a stronger opponent or a tougher situation—you rise to the occasion. In today’s world, people struggle with change. They resist it, even though it’s happening faster than ever with technology, work, and just life in general. How do you manage to stay adaptable and open to growth, no matter the circumstances?

Goku: Well, for me, change is just part of life. I’ve had to adapt to so many new enemies and challenges over the years. From fighting in the World Martial Arts Tournament to battling gods of destruction, each time I’ve had to level up, not just physically but mentally too. I see every challenge as an opportunity to grow stronger. I think people can learn a lot from that. Instead of resisting change, they should look at it as a way to improve.

Gary Vaynerchuk: That’s spot on. One of the biggest things I tell people is that you can’t be romantic about the past. We’re living in a time when technology is evolving at an insane pace—social media, AI, the gig economy—you name it. If you don’t adapt, you get left behind. The biggest mistake I see is people getting stuck in their old ways, hoping things will stay the same, but the reality is, you’ve got to evolve with the times.

Goku: Exactly! I mean, look at how many times I’ve had to learn new techniques or strategies. If I stuck with just what I knew, I would have lost so many battles. It’s about being open to learning new things, even if it feels uncomfortable. People shouldn’t be afraid of change—it’s what makes life exciting! And the stronger your mindset is, the easier it becomes to handle those changes.

Gary Vaynerchuk: That’s the key—having the right mindset. People often fear change because they’re worried about the unknown. But I see it as an opportunity. Just like you push your limits in battle, people need to push themselves in life. Try new things, fail, and get back up again. That’s how you stay ahead. And the more you do it, the less scary change becomes.

Goku: Yeah! I always say, the more you face challenges head-on, the stronger you get, not just physically but mentally. It’s all about growth, and change is a part of that. People should stop seeing it as something negative. Whether it’s technology or personal growth, change is just a way to get better, to learn new skills, and to evolve into the best version of yourself.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Couldn’t have said it better myself, Goku. The world is moving fast, and if you embrace that, you’ll find more opportunities than you can imagine. Whether it’s in business, personal life, or your health, adapting to change is the only way to thrive in the long run. You’ve got to be flexible, keep learning, and most of all, stay open to whatever comes your way.

Goku: That’s right, Gary! Change is inevitable, but how we react to it is what makes the difference. The best way to face the future is by staying ready, staying adaptable, and always pushing ourselves to grow stronger.

Short Bios:

Gary Vaynerchuk: A serial entrepreneur, marketing expert, and motivational speaker, Gary Vaynerchuk is the CEO of VaynerMedia and a bestselling author. Known for his relentless work ethic and no-nonsense approach to business, Gary is passionate about helping people unlock their full potential in life and entrepreneurship.

Goku: A legendary martial artist from the Dragon Ball universe, Goku is known for his boundless energy, determination, and desire to protect his friends and the world. His relentless pursuit of self-improvement and strength, along with his never-give-up attitude, has made him a symbol of perseverance and growth across countless battles.