Robert Herjavec is widely recognized as one of the notable 'sharks' on the popular TV show Shark Tank, where he has invested in numerous successful startups. In an Instagram post on December 8, 2024, he shared five lessions to become a billionaire. He mentioned in the caption:
"Purposeful success is the only true success."
Herjavec reflected on his belief that true achievement goes beyond wealth and is rooted in aligning one's career and life with personal values. As per the lessons shared by Herjavec, he has built a career based on quick decision-making, and strategic focus.
Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec's key lessons for becoming a billionaire
1) Beware the man in the T-shirt, not the man in the suit
According to Herjavec's Instagram post, he shared that one should not judge people by appearances, particularly in the business world. The founder of multiple successful technology firms described the first lesson as:
"True success isn’t about appearances—it’s about grit, hustle, and substance."
The Shark Tank investor stressed that entrepreneurs should not be deceived by the exterior; it is the behind-the-scenes worker who holds more value than the "man in the suit."
2) Expect to win always: Cultivating a winning mindset
Robert Herjavec asserted that a key element of his philosophy is maintaining a mindset that expects success. He wrote:
“A winning mindset isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of success. Confidence creates opportunities.”
Herjavec added that success is not a matter of luck but of self-confidence and action. The Shark Tank investor further mentioned that entrepreneurs should always approach an opportunity with the mindset that they will succeed because that will open doors and creates momentum.
He explained that "confidence" not only helps in making key decisions but also attracts potential partners and investors, ultimately contributing to business growth.
3) The bigger you get, the bigger the bullseye on your back
Herjavec acknowledged in his post that growth comes with challenges. He also pointed out that there are inherent risks involved with business success.
"The bigger you get, the bigger the bullseye on your back," he wrote.
Commenting on entrepreneurs facing intense competition, Herjavec advised staying "humble," focusing on the mission, and getting ready to defend the success built. Moreover, he added that his expansion policy is not only to grow but to do so in cognizance of the hurdles that he may face in the process.
4) Time kills all deals: Move fast and make decisions
According to Herjavec, hesitation can be detrimental in business as he called it the "enemy of progress." Implying that waiting too long to make decisions can result in missed opportunities, he stressed in his post:
“Time kills all deals."
The Shark Tank investor also commented on one of the hallmarks of successful entrepreneurs: the ability to act quickly and decisively. Herjavec added that one has to "seize the moment" when it comes to business negotiations and investment decisions. In this way, he emphasized that an entrepreneur can stay ahead of competitors and avoid losing momentum.
5) Two airplanes are better than one: Defining personal success
Herjavec’s final piece of advice is about the importance of defining success on your terms. He wrote:
“Success isn’t about outshining others—it’s about knowing your purpose.”
He emphasized that competing for someone else’s milestones can lead to dissatisfaction and make a person "empty." Instead, entrepreneurs should focus on building a life and career that aligns with their values and goals. According to the Shark Tank investor, this philosophy encourages individuals to avoid comparing themselves to others and to stay true to their vision of success.
Herjavec further defined "purposeful success" as the key to long-term happiness and achievement.
Don't miss out on the latest deals and insights from Robert Herjavec and the rest of the Shark Tank investors! New episodes air Fridays at 8/7c and are available to stream on Hulu.