"I couldn't believe it" Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec recounts his first betrayal

Shark Tank investor, Robert Herjavec, talked candidly about his path from software entrepreneur to business magnate in an interview with Toronto Waterfront Magazine. He also shared a hard early lesson he learned about trust.

Before becoming a household name on ABC's popular show, Shark Tank, where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of successful investors, Herjavec made his fortune in cybersecurity ventures. He shared a vulnerable moment from his past that influenced his approach to life and business.

Herjavec revealed in the September 13, 2023 interview, demonstrating how even the most successful business minds aren't immune to betrayal:

"I remember the first time somebody did something bad to me. I couldn't believe it. I thought the world was going to end. I felt my soul leave my body. I think I cried. Today I don't remember what they did."

For those unfamiliar with Shark Tank, the show has been a launching pad for countless entrepreneurs since 2009, with Herjavec serving as one of its most astute investors. Known for his sharp business acumen and empathetic approach to mentoring, Herjavec's path to success wasn't always smooth sailing.

---

Shark Tank's Robert Herjavac’s journey to success paved with difficulties

The Croatian-born entrepreneur drew an interesting parallel between high achievers and those who struggle to reach their goals. The key difference, he noted, isn't in avoiding setbacks but in how long people let themselves dwell on them. His own evolution in handling disappointments became evident as he described his changed response to adversity:

"Today I have sh*tty things that happen to me and I feel really bad about it for a couple minutes then I realize I've just got to move on. Back then, I would wallow in misery for days. That's the difference," he explained.

The interview took an even more personal turn when Herjavec discussed a particularly challenging period in his marriage. During what he called his "dark days," he found himself questioning everything:

"It was one of those dark days that so many people have when you actually don't think there's going to be a tomorrow. You're in that depth of despair," he shared.

In his moment of crisis, Herjavec turned to his friend, priest John McAuley, who suggested an unexpected solution: volunteering at a Seattle homeless shelter.

"[McAuley] said to go to this place in Seattle and it will lift your soul. I was devoid of hope, and without hope, there is no life. I think he just wanted to show me how grateful I should be for what I have," Herjavec recalled.

---

Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec Talks About A lesson in hope

The experience proved transformative. At the shelter, Herjavec encountered people who, despite having far less materially, possessed something he had temporarily lost: hope.

"Even though they had less and their lives were worse, they had more hope, more positivity and their souls were fuller than mine. And I'm thinking, 'How can that be? They have nothing!' I realized it all comes down to you," he reflected.

This journey from a young entrepreneur devastated by his first betrayal to a resilient business leader offers a glimpse into the personal growth that shaped Herjavec's success. His story suggests that while betrayal and setbacks are universal experiences, it is our response to them that defines our path forward.

Today, Herjavec continues to share his wisdom on Shark Tank, helping new entrepreneurs navigate their own business challenges while remembering the lessons from his past. His experience shows that sometimes the best business lessons come from personal struggles, and the ability to bounce back quickly might be the most valuable skill of all.

---

New episodes of Shark Tank Season 16 premiere every Friday on ABC.