🎙️ “Help Everyone. Expect Nothing.” — Guy Kawasaki on Giving, Grit, and Greatness
In a world where everyone’s trying to get ahead, Guy Kawasaki reminds us that the real game-changer is generosity without expectation.
On the latest episode of The Kollective Institute of Ideas podcast, we had the enormous privilege of speaking with Guy—legendary evangelist of Apple, current chief evangelist at Canva, bestselling author, and host of Remarkable People. Our conversation was filled with insight, humility, and bold truths.
🚀 From Honolulu to Silicon Valley
Guy’s story isn’t your typical Silicon Valley fairytale. Born in a poor part of Honolulu, a teacher’s encouragement and a deep love for cars shaped his unconventional path. He humorously recalls, “I just wanted a better car,” when asked about his motivation—not exactly the Silicon Valley startup origin story, but all the more real.
He didn’t plan to evangelize some of the world’s most iconic tech—he just kept saying yes to helping others and honing his skills, especially learning how to sell. That “just help” mentality became his superpower.
“There’s a karmic scoreboard in the sky,” Guy says. “Help everyone. Don’t expect anything back. It’ll come.”
✨ On Evangelism and Empathy
Guy redefines evangelism—not as sales, but as a mission to bring the good news. At Apple, it was about how the Macintosh could unlock creativity. At Canva, it’s about empowering the world to design. His passion is rooted in purpose—and a deep empathy for people.
“The evangelist has the other person’s best interest at heart.”
It’s that empathy—and sense of duty—that guides his advice to young people today. Forget finding your passion, he says. Instead:
“Scratch your interests. Collect data. Then double down.”
🤖 On AI: From Existential Risk to Ultimate Guru
Guy’s take on artificial intelligence might surprise you. While many fear AI as a threat, he sees it as one of humanity’s best chances for growth—if we use it well.
One of the most striking moments in our conversation was when Guy recounted his recent interview with Deepak Chopra. He expected the spiritual leader to be skeptical of AI. Instead, Chopra stunned him.
“Deepak said AI might be the ultimate guru,” Guy told me. “It’s available 24/7, never gets tired, and has absorbed the wisdom of the human race.”
That insight flipped the narrative. Rather than viewing AI as a dehumanizing force, Chopra—and Guy—see it as a deeply empowering one.
“I now think AI might be the only thing that saves us,” Guy said. “It’s smarter than people and has better judgment.”
📚 Book Recommendation: If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland
Guy’s top book pick isn’t a Silicon Valley bestseller—it’s If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland. This slim classic urges creators to stop waiting for permission and just start.
“You don’t need a degree or a certificate to be a writer—or a creator of any kind,” Guy said. “Just freaking do it.”
This no-excuses attitude runs through everything he shared: don’t wait for approval, give generously, and keep pushing forward.
🔥 His Tough Love for the Next Generation
Guy doesn’t romanticize work-life balance or shortcuts to success. His message is refreshingly honest:
“Your job is to make your boss look good.”
“Do the shit work nobody else wants to do.”
“Show up early. Stay late. Add value.”
🏄♂️ And Then—Go Surf
At 60, Guy learned to surf. It changed his life. Now 71, he says, “If I’d learned earlier, I might’ve never worked for Apple.” It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to find joy—and that success, by his definition, isn’t about money. It’s about meaning.
“When I die, I want people to say I empowered them to make the world a better place.”
