"How shallow was I" — Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec reflects on his journey from arrogance to fulfillment

Robert Herjavec, a well-known investor from Shark Tank, recently discussed his personal and professional growth during an interview on The School of Greatness podcast on February 5, 2025, with Lewis Howes. During the conversation, Howes asked how a person can recognize their value regardless of financial status.

In response, Herjavec reflected on his past mindset, stating,

"How arrogant was I to have all this stuff and feel so sorry for myself? Like why couldn't I on my own figure that out? Like why couldn't I have used some of my wealth to do good? Like how shallow was I to focus on my own misery?"

His statement addressed the contrast between material success and personal fulfillment. Despite having significant financial achievements, he highlighted the realization that wealth alone did not provide a sense of self-worth. His perspective shifted when he began focusing on factors beyond personal struggles, leading to a deeper understanding of value and purpose.

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Shark Tank Robert Herjavec reflects on personal growth and the meaning of success

The challenge of asking for help

During the interview, Herjavec acknowledged the difficulty of seeking support when feeling in control of one's destiny. The Shark Tank investor explained,

"I think it's really hard to ask for help when you feel you're in control of your own destiny. I think powerful people and strong people have a hard time asking for help, and I just needed help."

His statement emphasized the tendency of individuals in positions of power to resist seeking guidance. He noted that personal and professional success often creates an illusion of self-sufficiency, which can make it difficult to acknowledge the need for assistance. Herjavec further reflected on his past approach, stating,

"It took the misery of others for me to realize that."

He underscored that his perspective changed when he observed struggles beyond his own, leading to a shift in focus from personal dissatisfaction to external impact. When discussing his transformation, he recognized that wealth did not shield him from emotional struggles. He stated,

"I always think about that, like I think about how arrogant and shallow is that."

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Redefining success beyond wealth

Herjavec spoke about his priorities and how his definition of success has evolved. He noted that his primary focus is now on his family and their well-being, rather than solely on financial achievements. He stated,

"I pray for peace. I pray for joy. I just want my family to feel fulfilled."

The Shark Tank investor's statement highlighted the importance of non-material aspects of success, emphasizing emotional well-being over monetary gains. When asked about his legacy, he explained,

"Do you worry about your legacy? And I think, no, because once I'm gone, I'm gone. But what do I want my kids to remember about me? I want them to remember the joy and the love."

The Shark Tank investor acknowledged that financial security remains a practical necessity but emphasized that it is not the sole determinant of fulfillment. He explained,

"I think if you live in North America, you have to make a certain amount of money to take care of your family. I mean, that's just reality."

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Challenging perceptions of wealth and power

The conversation also addressed societal views on wealth and success. Howes asked why many people associate wealth with negative traits, such as greed or selfishness. In response, Herjavec compared wealth to sales, noting that public perception often differs from reality. He stated,

"If you ask most people about sales, they would say, 'Oh, I don’t want to be a sales rep' because they think 'used car salesman.' But the greatest salespeople you’ve met are probably super nice and super helpful."

He extended this analogy to financial success, explaining that misconceptions often arise from generalizations. The Shark Tank investor stated,

"Wealth is not the creation or the subjugation. What’s the quote I read a long time ago? 'Power is not the subjugation of the weak. Power is the ability to get the powerful to see your vision.' And I think it's true."

The Shark Tank investor suggested that the pursuit of financial success is often misunderstood. He explained that many individuals who have not accumulated wealth may look for simple explanations as to why they have not achieved financial success.

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Catch new episodes of Shark Tank every Friday at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT on ABC, where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors and stream full seasons and past episodes anytime on Hulu.