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On January 24, 2025, Robert Herjavec, a prominent investor on Shark Tank, shared a clip from an ABC News interview originally conducted on June 2, 2016, with Rebecca Jarvis. In the clip, he reflected on what he learned during his early life, emphasizing that while growing up poor presented challenges, it also taught him valuable lessons.
"It's not fun being poor, but I also learned poor is a state of mind," he stated.
The Shark Tank investor offered an insight into how his experiences shaped his outlook on financial success and personal growth.
Lessons learned from overcoming poverty: Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec's journey
Early life and immigrating to Canada
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Herjavec started from a small village where his family was living in humble conditions. He explained that in his village, everyone had the same kind of living conditions, so he never felt deprived until they arrived in North America. In his conversation with Rebecca Jarvis, he recalled how his family emigrated from communist Yugoslavia and arrived in Canada with only $20.
"We came to Canada because America wouldn’t let us in," Herjavec shared in the interview.
According to Herjavec, after their arrival, they had to make their way to Toronto using the little money they had. His family spent two years living in a basement before they could establish themselves further.
"We had enough money to take the train to Toronto and we lived in their basement for two years," he recounted.
The importance of financial stability
During the interview, Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec also reflected on the significance of financial stability, particularly in the context of North America. He explained that, in the Canadian and American landscapes, a certain level of financial success is necessary to provide for loved ones.
"You have to make a certain amount of money in North America to take care of the people that you love," he stated.
Herjavec’s experience in Canada revealed that financial hardship can be a driving force behind the pursuit of success. In his case, it became a lesson in the need to work hard to thrive in a competitive environment. He also highlighted the role that opportunity plays in this process, stating,
"You've got to go out in the real world and you've got to make a certain amount of money."
The power of hard work and determination
The most profound lesson Herjavec shared was the belief that anyone can overcome their circumstances. He made it clear that success is not confined to those born with privilege or financial advantage.
"Anybody can do it if you're willing to work hard and you find opportunity," he said.
The Shark Tank investor reflects his belief in the possibility of achieving success regardless of one’s background. Herjavec emphasized that with dedication and the right mindset, individuals can rise above their circumstances, a principle that he believes is especially true in the United States.
"You can get ahead in America for sure," he noted.
Catch Shark Tank Fridays at 8 PM ET on ABC, or stream full episodes anytime on Hulu.
