"Never really happy" — Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran reflects on people playing the victim

Shark Tank judge Barbara Corcoran opened up about her life, perspectives, and experiences during a candid appearance on the Sprouht podcast with host Will Rossy on December 15, 2024. Among the topics discussed, Corcoran highlighted the dangers of victim mentality, emphasizing its impact on personal growth and happiness. She remarked,

“People who are victims are never happy because they feel like something got in the way... they blame other people.”

Corcoran also shared valuable lessons on accountability, resilience, and embracing life’s challenges. The conversation extended to her thoughts on aging, her successes and failures, and how she maintains her energetic lifestyle.

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Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran's reflections on victimhood

A major highlight of the podcast was Corcoran’s perspective on victimhood and its impact on happiness. She explained that regrets and dwelling on past mistakes can push people into a dangerous victim mindset. Adding that this mindset prevents accountability and leads to a lack of personal growth, she explained,

“When you dwell in regret, you’re apt to become a victim.”

Corcoran described victimhood as an “easy way out,” allowing individuals to avoid responsibility by blaming others or external circumstances. Citing examples of successful individuals like fellow Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban, she pointed out that excuses, such as wealth, are unfounded.

“I could’ve been successful if only my father was rich.”

For Corcoran, the antidote to victimhood is taking ownership of one’s life and decisions, which she credits as a core principle behind her success.

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A conversation on aging, failures, and success

The podcast also delved into Corcoran’s personal life and experiences. When asked what it feels like to be 75, she candidly responded,

“Aging sucks. Don’t let anybody tell you differently.”

However, she added that her active lifestyle, including skiing, helps her stay energized. She explained that while some days she feels 100, most days, she feels closer to 50.

Corcoran revealed that surrounding herself with younger people in her professional and personal life helps her maintain a youthful perspective. She also shared a lighthearted moment, joking about undergoing three facelifts to look and feel younger.

The conversation then shifted to one of Corcoran’s biggest life lessons: turning failure into opportunity. She recalled how her boyfriend, who had initially lent her $1,000 to start her business, later left her for her secretary.

While this was a devastating experience at the time, Corcoran noted that it became the catalyst for her founding the Corcoran Group, which eventually became a $5 billion business. She reflected,

“Bad stuff happens that break your heart, but you can get up and get going again.”

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Who is Barbara Corcoran?

Barbara Corcoran is one of the most prominent entrepreneurs featured on Shark Tank, known for her sharp business acumen and motivational approach.

Born into a working-class family, she struggled academically, earning straight D’s in high school and college. By the age of 23, she had cycled through 20 different jobs before borrowing $1,000 from her boyfriend to start a real estate company in New York City.

Over the next 25 years, Corcoran grew that small investment into the Corcoran Group, a multi-billion-dollar enterprise and one of the most recognizable real estate brands in the U.S. Beyond her business success, Corcoran is an author, speaker, and investor who has supported more than 80 businesses on Shark Tank.

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Shark Tank airs every Friday at 8/7c on ABC.