"We are the mirror"— Shark Tank mentor Robert Herjavec on helping people fulfill their dreams

In a recent Instagram reel shared on January 8, 2025, by Shark Tank mentor Robert Herjavec, he shared his perspective on what makes the show so successful. When asked why he thinks Shark Tank is so successful, Herjavec stated,

“We are the mirror to America, I think anything is possible.”

Reflecting on his 14 years of filming the show, Herjavec emphasized the transformative opportunities it offers to entrepreneurs. He explained that when someone appears on the show, it becomes their chance to transform their life.

Acknowledging that it might sound melodramatic, he noted that America represents possibility and highlighted how the impact of the experience is often evident in the participants’ expressions.

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Robert Herjavec's perspective on Shark Tank's success

In the Instagram reel, Herjavec shared insights about why Shark Tank resonates with viewers. He described the show as a platform where entrepreneurs present their ideas and seek investments that could change their lives.

“When people come out on our show, it’s their moment. It’s their opportunity to change their life,” he said.

Over the years, he remarked that the show has become a space where viewers and entrepreneurs connect over shared aspirations. Herjavec also discussed the responsibility the Sharks have when evaluating pitches. He explained that their role goes beyond assessing business ideas, as they also reflect the hopes and goals of the participants.

Speaking about the show’s longevity, he noted,

“We’ve been filming for 14 years, and when somebody comes out, you can see it in their eyes—it completely changes their life."

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Robert Herjavec’s journey as an entrepreneur

In an interview with The CEO Magazine on March 26, 2024, Robert Herjavec shared how his early life experiences shaped his approach to business and his role as a mentor. He spoke about his childhood as an immigrant, arriving in Canada with his parents in 1970. They had only $20 and a single suitcase.

Reflecting on those early years, he said,

“I didn’t know I was poor until I went to school in Canada and other kids said to me, ‘You’re poor.’”

Robert Herjavec noted that for many immigrants, this sense of determination comes with the challenge of feeling like they have not achieved enough, even when they have succeeded.

“There’s a certain fear and uncertainty I still harbor to this day that I think is hard to let go of when you’re displaced in that way,” he shared.

Starting with humble beginnings, Herjavec worked hard to overcome financial barriers. He recalled calculating that his salary alone would never allow him to save enough for a house, which motivated him to take bigger risks.

“At the time, I had nothing, so I figured if I’m ever going to do it, do it when you have nothing. There’s less to lose,” he explained.

This mindset led him to create and sell successful businesses, beginning with the sale of his first company, BRAK Systems, for $30 million in 2000. He credited his success to human capital and hard work, saying,

“If you really want to be an entrepreneur and you have no money, then you have to get into a field that values human capital greater than money.”

Robert Herjavec highlighted the importance of consistent effort, noting that his parents' dedication to hard work significantly shaped his perspective on life and business.

He explained that not having the option to avoid hard work was a reality for both his parents and him. He also stated that successful entrepreneurs are those who are willing to work relentlessly and make sacrifices to achieve their goals.

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