Gary Vee: "i was an all-time atrocious firer"

Here’s something that might surprise you — Gary Vee admits he was an all-time atrocious firer. For years, he thought his superpower was making his team fearless, but in reality, he was just creating confusion and fear. According to My First Million, Gary reflects on how he’d be warm and friendly one day, then fire someone after sitting on the problem for 18 months, leaving everyone blindsided. It wasn’t just a bad habit — it cost him trust and clarity. But here’s where it gets interesting: he’s built a new framework around what he calls ‘kind candor.’ Instead of playing mind games, he now fosters open, honest conversations that set real expectations. As Gary explains, it’s about being direct but compassionate, so teams know where they stand — no surprises. Now, the big takeaway? The secret to real leadership isn’t just about being fearless — it’s about being clear and kind at the same time. That’s how you build trust and grow faster.