Robert Herjavec’s Advice: Communication Over Tech for Gen Z Success

NEW YORK, NY — Robert Herjavec, the multimillionaire star of Shark Tank, shared insights on career success that resonate with Generation Z, a demographic grappling with unprecedented job market challenges. His primary lesson? Excel in communication rather than relying solely on technical skills.

Graduating with an English degree in 1984, Herjavec struggled to find his footing in the workforce. He took on various odd jobs, including waiting tables and film production, before recognizing that mastering communication would distinguish him in a crowded job market.

“Be great at one thing. The world does not reward general talent,” Herjavec told Fortune. His focus on this skill was pivotal in launching his cybersecurity career, enabling him to become a millionaire by age 26.

Despite initial perceptions that an English degree could hinder his tech pursuits, it turned out to be an asset. “I had to develop the ability to communicate, and I had to develop the ability to spot talent,” he added. “I was good at understanding people who understood the technology.”

Herjavec’s motivation is deeply rooted in his past; he immigrated to Canada from Yugoslavia with his family, arriving with just $50. “We lived in someone’s basement for 18 months,” he recalled. This experience instilled in him a drive to succeed, as he felt a need to honor his parents’ sacrifices.

Having paid off his parents’ home and building his fortune, he now reflects on achievement’s broader meaning. “For me, it’s about reaching a potential that I’ll probably never get to,” he explained. “My whole goal is on my deathbed, the last words I want to say are ‘I’m tired.’”

As a Shark Tank investor for 17 years, Herjavec emphasizes that success often hinges more on the people behind the ideas than the ideas themselves. He recalled being impressed by the passion of Tipsy Elves‘ founders, leading him to invest $100,000 in the holiday-themed apparel company, which has seen remarkable growth since.

“The great thing about being an entrepreneur is you can write your own story of greatness,” he concluded. The latest season of Shark Tank premieres on Wednesday, September 24.