"Better than one" — Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec shares a key lesson from Mark Cuban

Robert Herjavec, an investor on the business reality show Shark Tank, recently shared a lesson he learned from fellow investor Mark Cuban. In an Instagram video posted on January 22, 2025, Herjavec discussed an experience that changed his view on success and material wealth. The video opens with Herjavec quoting Cuban:

"One thing I learned from our Cuban, two jets are better than one."

This statement led Robert Herjavec to reflect on the role of purpose in business, emphasizing that success should be about more than just acquiring possessions. His message highlights the importance of purpose over material wealth in the pursuit of success.

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Insights on purpose and priorities from Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec's reflection

A surprising question

Herjavec recounted an event where Shark Tank investors visited a high school. He explained that their presence had a strong impact on the students, making business feel accessible and exciting. He said,

“All these kids, I mean, we’re rock stars to kids. It’s one of the great things about the show. We make business cool and fun.”

During the visit, a student asked Herjavec why he worked so hard, noting that he seemed to dedicate much of his time to work. Herjavec responded with humor, stating that his goal was to buy a bigger jet than Cuban’s, as Cuban’s jet was larger at the time.

The Shark Tank investor described how Cuban’s response surprised him. Without hesitation, Cuban asked,

“Which one?”

Herjavec underscored that this question forced him to pause and reconsider his motivations. He explained that Cuban had more than one jet, which shifted the focus away from the comparison and toward a broader question of purpose. Herjavec highlighted that this interaction revealed to him the need to evaluate why he was driven to compete in terms of possessions.

“It really took me for a loop. And I realized Mark doesn't have one better jet. He had three," Herjavec stated.

He explained that this moment served as a turning point, prompting him to reflect on what truly mattered in his life and business. He emphasized that his work was not about acquiring more things but about creating something significant. The Shark Tank investor added,

"And then I realized, who cares? Why do I care about what Mark has? And why am I doing it?"

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Focusing on purpose

Herjavec shared that his initial motivation for starting a business was not material wealth. He underscored that while he enjoys the benefits of success, his primary goal has always been to build something impactful. He stated,

“I didn’t start my business to get more stuff. I love stuff. I love to play. But I did it to build something great.”

Herjavec highlighted the importance of having a purpose as the driving force behind entrepreneurial efforts. He explained that losing sight of purpose can lead to a focus on possessions, which he described as unfulfilling. He said,

“You gotta have a purpose. And go back to your purpose.”

The Shark Tank investor encouraged his audience to return to their purpose and maintain clarity about their motivations.

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Watch entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to experienced investors on Shark Tank, airing every Friday at 8/7c on ABC. Episodes are also available to stream on Hulu.