As we step into a new year, many of us are filled with hope, energy, and determination to make this one our best yet. There’s something about a fresh start that ignites our inner drive, and few people embody this spirit better than Coach V, also known as Viliami Tuivai. From his humble beginnings in Tonga to his influential role as a coach, speaker, and mentor in the United States, Coach V’s journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion.
Born in Tonga in 1975, Coach V immigrated to the United States in 1979, settling first in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., before his family made their way to Pomona, California, in 1985. Growing up, he was a student-athlete, excelling in basketball, track, and football. However, his path was anything but linear. At 23, he walked onto the UC Davis football team as a sophomore, determined to set his life on track. This turning point became a defining chapter in his story.
“UC Davis changed my life,” he reflects. Not only did he start for two years, but he also graduated in 2002, setting the stage for a career that would take him to Boise State and beyond. It was there, while engaging with local corporations and speaking opportunities, that he discovered his calling.
By 2007, he had transitioned into professional speaking— a journey that began organically and has since transformed into a life of global impact. Today, Coach V lives in Elk Grove, California, with his wife and two children, continuing to inspire individuals and organizations around the world.
Unlocking the Secrets to Success
What sets successful people apart from those who struggle to achieve their goals? According to Coach V, the answer lies in empowerment and strategy.
“Many people fail to grant themselves the permission and authority to pursue what they want in life,” he explains. Success, he emphasizes, requires more than ambition; it demands a plan. “The successful don’t shoot from the hip. They have objectives, goals, and a calendar that aligns with their vision.”
Coach V also highlights the importance of relationships. “There is money in the transaction, but wealth in the relationships,” he shares. High achievers understand the value of connection and community, operating at their peak in mindset, emotional intelligence, daily routines, and communication. These qualities, he notes, are universal across industries and essential for achieving both financial success and life fulfillment.
“New beginnings require an end to something,”
– Coach V
he says. He often speaks of “addition by subtraction,” encouraging individuals to let go of what no longer serves them to make room for what truly matters.
However, he acknowledges the challenges of staying disciplined. Studies show that many people abandon their resolutions within days. “The key is to translate that New Year energy into actionable objectives,” he advises. Success, he explains, is built on habits and strategies that are reflected in your calendar and executed consistently.
