"Everyone as equals" Shark Tank's Daniel Lubetzky discusses his childhood experiences and morals

In the world of entrepreneurship, where cutthroat competition often dominates, Daniel Lubetzky stands out as a beacon of compassion. He shared on Instagram, capturing a philosophy that would define his life's journey:

"Remember that cafeteria scene in movies where the new kid has to pick a table to sit at? When I was that kid, I chose every table. I didn't want to belong to just one group or only show kindness to some— I saw everyone as equals,"

Known for his appearance on Shark Tank and as the founder of KIND Snacks, Lubetzky is more than just another business mogul—he's a storyteller, a bridge-builder, and a testament to the power of kindness.

Shark Tank, ABC's high-stakes entrepreneurial battleground, has been Daniel Lubetzky's platform for showcasing not just business acumen but a revolutionary approach to corporate success that puts humanity at its core.

Daniel Lubetzky shares his views about kindness and his father’s legacy

Lubetzky's story begins with a profound act of kindness that saved his father's life during the Holocaust. In a Nazi concentration camp, a prison guard's simple gesture of tossing a rotten potato became a lifeline—a moment that would shape Lubetzky's entire worldview.

Don't mistake Daniel Lubetzky for a soft businessman. As CEO of KIND Snacks, he's achieved what many executives only dream of. In just ten years, the company grew from zero to over 450 million units sold, with products in 150,000 retail stores and consumption up 89% in a single year.

Many believe success requires ruthlessness. Lubetzky proves otherwise. His book, "Do the KIND Thing: Think Boundlessly, Work Purposefully, Live Passionately," challenges traditional business thinking.

"Social mission is important, but we can't sacrifice making a quality product that people want to buy," he explains.

Lubetzky's father, a Holocaust survivor, became his greatest teacher. Born in Lithuania in 1930, he survived the Kovno ghetto and Dachau concentration camp, later rebuilding his life in Mexico with only a third-grade education.

"Kindness and empathy are the foundations on which humanity will stand or fall," Lubetzky reflects.

His father's most profound lesson? "When in doubt, give." Once, after giving money to a seemingly homeless man who was later seen driving a fancy car, his father's response was remarkable:

"I'd rather make the mistake of giving to someone who doesn't need it than run the risk of not giving to someone who does."

Daniel Lubetzky's approach defies traditional business logic. He replaces "or" with "and"—make a profit and make a difference, build a company, and build a community. He's a pioneer of double-bottom-line thinking, focusing on impact as much as net income.

Daniel Lubetzky’s road to success

In his 20s, Daniel Lubetzky left a comfortable legal career to pursue a bigger dream. He started PeaceWorks, a company aimed at fostering cooperative ventures in the Middle East. His father supported this unconventional path, respecting that Daniel understood his purpose more intimately than anyone else.

A pinnacle moment came when Lubetzky was appointed a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, standing in the Oval Office with President Barack Obama. Yet, his thoughts were with his father:

"I wondered if he could have imagined his son standing before the leader of the free world, embodying entrepreneurship's greatest promise."

Lubetzky writes:

"Let's start with simple acts today—because why not make every table you sit at a kind one,"

It's more than a motto—it's a life philosophy that has driven his remarkable success.

In a world that often celebrates aggressive competition, Daniel Lubetzky offers a radical alternative: kindness as a strategic advantage. And if his success is any indication, it's a strategy that works.

---

Catch new episodes of Shark Tank on Fridays at 8 PM ET, or stream anytime on Hulu!