Level up your friends like billionaires do. Here's how to do it.

We've all heard the saying. "you are an average of your closest 5 friends". I think for the most part, this is true. But there's more to it than that. Find out what in this video.

0:00 Why Scott Galloway is wrong!
1:05 You ARE who you hang out with
2:50 Marc Andreesen on why the fringe creators build the future
3:13 Don't let it go to your head
4:42 Rob Machado & Kelly Slater on success
5:34 How to level up your career
6:23 Dealing with sociopaths as a creator
9:06 How to break into tech

I’m Garry Tan, venture capitalist and founder at Initialized Capital. We were earliest investors in billion dollar startups like Coinbase and Instacart, and I’m a Forbes Midas List Top 100 venture capitalist in the world. We want these videos to be about helping people build world-class teams and startups that touch a billion people. Our startups have gone on to create more than $100 billion in market value so far, and Initialized has over $1B in assets under management.

Please like this video and subscribe to my channel if you want to see more videos like this!

Find me on Instagram where I can answer your startup advice questions by DM -

[patrickalegria]

"Geeks beats sociopaths." A title of a good research/essay to make.

[cookies]

Gary Tan is such a real one.
Literally teaching us how to spot the fake and snakes.

Big thanks!!

[hippocratech]

Not at that level, but remember going to parties during med school with people asking other people what they do. If it was not medicine-related, they just neglected the person and moved on. Hated every minute of it. The good thing is that you could spot these people right away and decide whether to continue hanging out with them.

[seanji]

i think scott’s advice borders on sociopathic behavior. if you follow it to a tee, it will definitely put you in the wrong direction of only valuing people based on selfish reasons. but i think if you take it with a grain of salt, it leads you to meet new people who you may look up to and want to learn from. just my opinion on it, don’t take anyone’s advice to an extreme.

[TheFangGirl]

LOL 7:11 is my favorite part - "don't do that - that's gross!" This is why I don't like going to networking events in the bay area and attend meetups or learning nights instead. Thanks Garry for another great video.

[gigaxxiv]

Soooo fricking good to hear this message…

There was always just something that ‘seemed’ so wrong about the sociopathic approach to getting ahead despite how popular it’s become as of late.

Thanks for sharing Gary and for leading from the front.

❤

[jakosko]

GARRY! You've literally hit a nail on its head for me! I used to be such a "sociopath" during parties and gatherings but could not figure out what was wrong all the time! I've realised I want to listed to my true self and seek out the people I REALLY want o the around. Not just those that seem or sound successful. The next step is to unlearn to ask the "what do you do?" question at the start of my conversations. THANK YOU!

[ThisIsTechToday]

So good, Garry. I always appreciate all the wisdom you share and finding the nuance in things in a way that isn't about using and abusing people but benefitting others, the world, and seeking to be a level-headed, and good person.

[MrBradleydoering]

I’ve been trying to find the words to describe this! There are so many “business people” who just seem to be hustling to make the quickest buck instead of building something valuable. I believe these are the people that you’re calling sociopaths.

[KevinYang]

"There's always something someone can teach you" This is so true! Everyone has a unique perspective and being able to have all these opinions just allows everyone to grow together

[Raykdang]

Justin Kan and Garry are two of the most authentic people I follow. No agenda, no sales, but truly beautiful and unbiased wisdom. This is what we need. Keep it up and looking forward to the next video!

[jakeoverflow]

I LOVE this. Not only is it helpful career advice, but it’s morally admirable. It’s culturally important to honor your roots and to be loyal toward the people who love and care about you, no matter what their career or financial status, and you’ll be happier for it :)

[gabrielvieira]

Thank you so much for this video Gary! I've always worried about this sort of advice whenever I failed at something, because if you don't know anyone who's successful you might actually believe they are all sociopaths of some kind.

[oonaofsauceland]

Most helpful video ever, I've always had a problem with nit-picking ur friends according to wealth and success ur gonna surround urself with arrogant assholes instead of true friends who truly make u happy.

[TinaLeder]

Growing up in *LA, * I *FELT* this "gross" behavior everywhere.😥

I always thought it was interesting how *"main stream successful people"* (now looking back were the creatives) had "normal" friends and would be the ones *WILLING* to talk to me lol

You articulated this so well.

[arnavbathla]

Firstly, I absolutely love how you’re testing the video editing and intros. Literally shows how content creation is done from a product mindset.🛠

And ofc love the overall content as well🚀

[powerfreeliving]

This advice answered a question I had for a while! It’s about surrounding yourself with the right tribe. Thanks for sharing your insight, Garry! Very helpful ☺️

[donkeykongsdad]

I think leveling up your peers can be what you said too.. the most benevolent people. That’s what I consider a level up not who makes more money. It’s true though you will either rise or fall to their level. You can’t carry them nor them carry you. It’s like when you play instruments.. you don’t want to play with people your level. You need to get around people with more experience so that you can learn. At any given time, we all need Peers, Mentors, and Students. We have to be learning, teaching, and have people who we can reflect and bounce ideas off of with. Great video, you are appreciated! Thank you~

[Skylla]

0:52
"A community of soziopath will never outperform a community of Creators"
Uff, I had to pause to sink this sentence in. Thats a quote that i will remember. On point!

[fitforfreelance]

That gratitude and appreciation for the people in your circle helps so much!