"Wish I knew sooner": Shark Tank Australia investor Maxine Horne shares the "Hardest Lessons" she learned in business

Shark Tank Australia's investor Maxine Horne shared an Instagram carousel post on February 17, 2025. She revealed the hardest lessons she had learned in business and the things she wished she had known sooner.

The Vita Group founder, Maxine Horne, admitted that more things have gone wrong than she could count. She referred to hiring "wrong" people, losing money, making "dumb" decisions, and more.

The said post featured the first slide stating:

"The Hardest Lessons I Learned in Business: "I've stuffed up, lost money, and learned the hard way here's what I wish I knew sooner."

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Shark Tank Australia's Maxine Horne shares lessons she had learned in business that she hoped she had known "sooner"

Among the lessons that Maxine Horne shared, the first one was:

"Don't Hire Based on Potential Alone."

She recalled how she thought the people she had hired would "grow into the role." However, she noted that hiring the wrong candidates had cost her more than waiting for the right candidate.

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The second rule was:

"If You Don't Set the Culture, It Will Set Itself."

It stated that culture wasn't always what individuals "stick on a website." But it was what happens when you are not present in the room, and things that are said about you make an impression. Maxine talked about leading by "example."

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The third rule stated:

"Growth Kills Businesses That Aren't Ready."

For that, the Shark Tank Australia mentor noted that scaling too fast without the "right" system might not be a good idea. She referred to it as "building a house on sand." She meant that doing so would result in falling apart during tough situations.

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The fourth rule, according to Maxine Horne:

"Not Everyone Has Your Work Ethic."

The female entrepreneur talked about how individuals have different mindsets and different work ethics. She stated that while you might be willing to put in hard work, your team might not feel the same. She advised entrepreneurs to hire for "values" and not only based on "skills."

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The fifth rule stated:

"Contracts Exist for a Reason - Use Them."

The Shark Tank Australia mentor strongly suggested having contracts for any type of dealings, no matter how small or huge. Sharing her experience, she mentioned how a "handshake deal" cost her "nearly everything." Hence, getting everything in writing "every bloody time" was her preference.

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Sixth rule:

"Saying No is a Superpower."

Even though most people talk about grabbing opportunities as they come, Maxine stated that every opportunity is not "worth" your time. Hence, she suggested not spreading yourself "too thin," which might result in the"quickest" way to get burned.

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The seventh rule:

"Business is a Game of Resilience."

It was about doubting yourself. The reason behind getting "knocked down" was to fall, get back up, try again, and win.

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The last and eighth rule that Shark Tank Australia's Maxine Horne shared was:

"The Biggest Lesson? Adapt or Die."

It referred to the market and how fast it changes. The female entrepreneur talked about having the ability and skills to "pivot" to stay ahead of the situation. It was about deciding at the right time, which would ultimately be the reason behind sinking or swimming.

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Fans can enjoy Shark Tank Australia episodes on Channel 10 and 10 Play.