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A single moment with fellow Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban at a high school event transformed Robert Herjavec's approach to business and success. In an October 2024 YouTube video on his channel, Herjavec shared how Cuban's response "Which one?" to his joke about wanting a bigger private jet than Cuban made him question his motivations.
Herjavec stated that before meeting Cuban, Herjavec measured success through modest milestones. Canadian-Croatian entrepreneur’s initial business aim centered on covering his mortgage payments and potentially purchasing a Corvette. However, over time he lost his “compass”.
This incident with Cuban made him rise above comparison and find his real motivation to work which was to have a “purpose” rather than doing competition.
"There is no greatness without great purpose"- Shark Tank investor Herjavec shares Cuban's impact
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Recently, Robert Herjavec has started creating educational content sharing insights gained in his career, including a YouTube series focused on lessons learned from billionaire entrepreneurs. As he shared in a video titled 10 lessons I learned from Mark Cuban to become a billionaire, a pivotal moment occurred when 5 Shark Tank investors gathered to speak with high school students.
Among the gathered students, one asked Herjavec about his continued motivation to work. Herjavec tried to lighten the mood with a quip about acquiring a larger jet than Cuban's. Cuban's immediate “Which one?” response made Herjavec pause and reflect.
Robert expressed that it hit him like a “ton of bricks”. He found himself competing to have a single jet bigger than his friend Mark's. And what he realized was that Mark actually had three. It really humbled him. He had lost his compass as to why he was working so hard, and he'd become a bit of a jerk. Herjavec expressed:
“Life is not about competing with someone else, life is about finding your own purpose. There is no greatness without great purpose. That one statement alone from Mark ‘which one?’ made me retool, made me, repivot and went back to the core of why I'm in business and why I want to do”
Through his friendship with Mark Cuban, Herjavec expanded his vision of potential business achievements. In another interview with The Sun on December 21, Robert stated:
“I think I was a little bit jealous, but then I really respected him because he’s a great guy and I admired him. I have to give him full credit, I'm worth way more money after meeting Mark than I was before”
Robert Herjavec’s journey
The Shark Tank investor's path to success started when his family arrived in Canada with a single suitcase. His father worked in a Mississauga factory earning roughly $76 a week. Herjavec began his career trajectory as a newspaper delivery boy and waiter, gaining experience in various roles.
His entry into technology came through an unexpected opportunity. Herjavec secured a position at a computer software company by offering to work without pay for 6 months. This decision launched his technology career and led to multiple successful ventures. The sale of his first major venture, BRAK Systems, to AT&T for $30.2 million in 2000 marked his entry into larger business dealings.
This success led Herjavec to establish his next venture, the Herjavec Group. Under his leadership, the company became a prominent IT security provider in Canada. The firm's growth attracted significant attention, culminating in a 2021 acquisition deal with private equity firm Apax Partners.
While maintaining substantial ownership and his role as CEO, Herjavec guided the company through this transition phase.
Current status
In September 2024, Herjavec made a significant career move by stepping down as CEO of Cyderes, formerly known as the Herjavec Group. He announced his decision to focus more of his time with family while maintaining his business interests.
His relationship with Cuban continues and both are currently part of Shark Tank season 16 where Cuban is serving his last season as a regular shark. Herjavec remains active in both business and television, including his roles on Shark Tank and Dragon's Den Australia.
Shark Tank’s new episodes are airing on the ABC network.
