For over thirty years, Daymond has opened his doors to aspiring entrepreneurs and creative thinkers worldwide. In the process, he has crafted an impressive life for himself—boasting a staggering net worth of $350 million while uplifting countless others along the way. Therefore, when the chance arose to gain exclusive insight into his successful strategies, I eagerly seized the opportunity to sit down with the financial mogul.
Like Daymond, I earn my living by investing in the potential of others. As an experienced journalist, I engage with the sharpest and most strategic minds across business, personal growth, entertainment, and advocacy. My role is to disseminate vital messages aimed at building impactful brands and understanding that living a fulfilling life goes beyond mere financial wealth. The journeys of individuals illuminate the path to success.
Daymond champions the sharing of personal narratives. Specifically, he guides others in making sound decisions and promotes open discussions about one’s weaknesses as a means to progress. In today’s world, anyone can easily look up someone’s history and achievements; thus, the key to realizing your desires lies in remaining inquisitive and learning from those who have succeeded through adversity.
Living on the edge
Daymond John resides on the 37th level of a remarkable high-rise in Miami. His building is home to numerous celebrities, complete with breathtaking views, a swimming pool, a personal spa, a gym, and even an elevator that transports his vehicles directly to his elevated residence, where he shares life with his lovely wife Heather and their 8-year-old daughter Minka.
On the day of our photoshoot, our creative team received a warm welcome. After a brief tour of their gorgeous home, I had a quick chat with Heather, an advocate for healthy living and a wellness entrepreneur. It turns out that the apple truly does not fall far from the tree in this family. Heather spotted the potential in the global luxury fragrance brand Aroma360 as it started to flourish and believed so strongly in its success that she got involved to help bolster it. Now, it stands as the leading brand in its niche.
Overwhelmed with appreciation, it’s clear why Daymond consistently excels. His extensive range of transformative experiences has paved the way for a journey of self-awareness and perseverance. These flaws in both business and personal life have shaped him into who he is now—with health, family, and environmental concerns at the forefront of his priorities.
Known for his straightforward, innovative business wisdom, the multimillion-dollar mentor talked about the significance of second chances. As a devoted dad, husband, cancer survivor, activist, and art aficionado, Daymond is a wealth of knowledge. As I listened to his reflections on his career, I quickly took notes to document his captivating path.
The people’s shark
Throughout the years, Daymond has invested over $8 million of his own funds to help rising entrepreneurs accumulate wealth. He often considers not just the person’s pitch but listens to his instincts. “The other sharks may have their own approaches, but I trust my gut instinct to identify who is willing to put in the effort and who is eager to demonstrate they can achieve greatness. I am drawn to individuals who possess passion,” he says.
Daymond beams at the mention of his recent mentees. One such venture he helped propel to prominence is Bombas, a brand specializing in socks, underwear, T-shirts, and slippers—which also donates an item to those in need for every product sold. “I focus on long-term impact when I invest,” he explains. “I want to associate with businesses and entrepreneurs who possess the determination to work hard just as I did in the beginning—even when faced with challenges.” Up until now, Bombas has donated 120 million apparel items to communities that are homeless, at-risk, and in need. Life encompasses more than just finances.
Building empires
Recognized for his ability to assist entrepreneurs in constructing profitable brand empires, Daymond has an innate talent for identifying business pioneers from afar. From nascent startups to established executives, he relishes working with individuals of all backgrounds and expertise levels. His skill at initiating sincere conversations and uncovering a person’s true capabilities seems to come naturally. He attributes this to lessons learned during his early years as a means of survival.
“In my youth, the affluent and famous seemed untouchable. You heard tales of Henry Fords but knew meeting them was impossible,” he recalls. “It wasn’t until I advanced in my own entrepreneurial journey and began attending events with such icons that I recognized my misconceptions about entrepreneurship. I was captivated by these experts and eager to discover how they achieved their success. Hence, my exploration stems from curiosity.”
FUBU Daymond John
Initially, Daymond’s view of an entrepreneur was someone who hired and fired others. He developed the tough, no-nonsense persona you see on Shark Tank. However, the genuine FUBU founder is candid about his struggles, even acknowledging that a considerable part of his career was spent on trivial matters.
“I recall sitting among incredibly successful individuals, yet I lacked the vulnerability to admit, ‘I don’t know this; can you teach me?’ Just imagine if I had done that in my 20s? Think of where I’d be today. In that room were Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and various Hollywood stars,” he describes.
“At that time, I was immersed in the hip-hop industry and had just launched my apparel line FUBU, which revolutionized urban culture. I had security by my side due to the East Coast/West Coast rivalry. I was indifferent to that conflict—I just wanted to dress everyone and promote my brand. I never spoke to Gates or Buffett during that gathering, but I often ponder what could have transpired had I done so. Mark Cuban would probably be shining my shoes today,” he chuckles.
The lesson here is clear: Don’t miss chances to forge connections with influential individuals—especially when they are right in front of you. Be daring.
Your health is your wealth
Daymond grew up in a financially challenged household and learned the significance of a dollar through necessity. He takes great pride in having overcome adversity through hard work and determination. “It was either hustle and figure it out, or I wouldn’t make it,” he shares. However, with every choice comes consequence, and Daymond soon recognized that wealth could lead to self-destructive tendencies. “Instead of seeking help from my family, I turned to alcohol to alleviate my anxiety—something I deeply regret.”
Fortunately, his wife Heather opened his eyes to the importance of self-care and embracing a healthy lifestyle. With considerable persuasion and a wealth of affection from his spouse, he decided to step back from the pressures of success and incorporate wellness practices into his daily life. “It may sound ironic, but this shift has redefined my understanding of wealth. After a few close calls, I realized wealth is merely a reflection of your health. In simpler terms, the better you take care of yourself, the more abundance you’ll attract in your life,” Daymond notes. And he is right: To enjoy a fulfilling and rich life while being present for your family, tough choices must be made, and connections should be nurtured with individuals sharing similar values.
Keeping a positive mental attitude
While Daymond credits much of his journey from hardship to wealth to traditional hard work and making strategic decisions, he has embraced the understanding that a positive outlook is crucial for achieving and sustaining significant success. Following a health scare related to cancer, he acknowledges that health serves as the first pillar of success. In essence, if your mind, body, and spirit are not in harmony, you will struggle to maintain productivity.
“My wife champions healthy living. If she hadn’t pushed me to see the doctor a few years back, I might not be alive today. She stood by me during some of the hardest days of my life, and I am grateful for this second chance. To me, that is prosperity,” he expresses. “She encourages me to be mindful of what I eat and how I treat my body. I’m immensely fortunate to have her by my side because that’s the essence of partnership. When you value and respect each other’s perspectives, you know they are genuinely looking out for your best interests—and that’s the most you could ask for.”
Today, Daymond recognizes that health represents wealth—especially when raising a young child who deserves his fullest attention. He is also grateful for shedding the weight that held him back both physically and metaphorically. “It may sound cliché, but my mindset has evolved as I have grown in my career. This is the precious developmental time for my youngest daughter, and I wish to be present to walk all my daughters down the aisle one day.”
Learning to let go
Embracing a healthier lifestyle has not only altered Daymond’s perspective, but it has also positively impacted his overall achievements. Eight years ago, he began integrating a rigorous physical and mental health regimen into his daily routine. He also initiated an annual emotional purification, aimed at removing toxic elements from his life.
“Every New Year’s Eve, I reflect on who to remove from my life. I write down names on a piece of paper if they are toxic or cause chaos and sever ties,” he explains. “For example, if we aren’t true friends or they aren’t beneficial for my business, there’s no rationale for maintaining contact. This doesn’t imply I’m heartless—I’ve just learned through experience that people who judge you, overlook your efforts, or abandon you in times of need aren’t worth your time.”
Walking away from toxic work environments
Daymond advises his mentees that cutting negative influences from their lives can be challenging but often essential. “Engaging in tough conversations within the workplace is crucial for personal and professional growth. Many fail to recognize that harm can be inflicted by paper—and paper cuts—frequently,” he states. “When you break away from toxic workplaces, partners, or social groups, you open doors for positive energy to enter your life. By removing low-energy individuals, you create space for those who truly deserve your attention and affection. This transformation has greatly enhanced my life.”
Unsurprisingly, self-love has played a pivotal role in Daymond’s decision to step away from alcohol and manage stress in a healthier manner. “Upon recognizing the negative ramifications that toxicity brought into my life, I understood that the only one who could change was me. I began to genuinely listen and discern how to advance in a more positive direction, leading to a sense of tranquility in my life.”
Connecting winners
Another essential facet of entrepreneurship is the principle of service. Daymond’s knack for mentoring those ascending the ranks, paired with his ability to inspire executives, is visible wherever he goes. Over the years, he has guided countless emerging entrepreneurs toward success. Today, he also collaborates with executives seeking direction for their next steps.
Daymond’s thrilling new initiative is CEO Access. A few times a year, he gathers leading business figures, experts, and entertainers to foster quality connections. “It’s akin to getting a glimpse into my network,” he shares. “There’s no agenda involved; it’s merely about mingling with other intelligent, like-minded individuals—and you have the freedom to leave whenever you wish. It’s a fresh experience I’m trying out because I believe success is about accessing the people you aspire to collaborate with. I’m essentially gathering influential figures in one room and allowing magic to unfold. It’s organic, and it’s effective!”
Daymond John, from Shark Tank to CEO Access
In a time when many deals occur digitally, these contemporary gatherings are revolutionizing interpersonal interactions. Here’s how it functions: Every 15 to 20 minutes, Daymond addresses the audience and poses a question to one participant. Then, he invites someone to ask him a question. “It’s a mutual benefit for all as it isn’t scripted, and the energy flows naturally. This relaxed atmosphere allows entrepreneurs to let their ideas align with possibilities without the pressure of incorporating someone into their network who may not fit,” he adds.
The shark excels at making connections and stresses that entrepreneurs often don’t exhibit enough vulnerability. “The aim of CEO Access is to foster authentic relationships that can lead to business partnerships or personal growth opportunities. Even TMZ reported on the one held in Los Angeles,” he notes. “This represents a fresh perspective on business relationships in our competitive industry. CEO Access has been so successful thus far that I’m continually receiving inquiries asking about the next gathering.”
Entrepreneurship and vulnerability
When discussing misconceptions in entrepreneurship, Daymond asserts that success should not solely equate to financial wealth. He believes that the hurdles individuals confront in business stem from a lack of curiosity and an unwillingness to start anew.
Consequently, Daymond views vulnerability as an essential aspect of his existence. “I would openly communicate my weaknesses to my team and acknowledge when I lacked answers. By fostering genuine conversations, people began to genuinely engage with me. This led to me deriving immense value from interactions with entrepreneurs and founders, and I became smarter through their perspectives. That’s how I ended up on Shark Tank eager to hear more stories.”
“The most prosperous entrepreneurs I know are those who have faced numerous reboots. They are inquisitive, take calculated risks, invest time studying, and prioritize personal relationships,” he explains. “Moreover, you have to be aware that even though entrepreneurship can offer flexibility and financial rewards, people must not be misled into thinking that entrepreneurs are not the ones rising early and staying up late. It’s a demanding lifestyle.”
Turning over a new leaf
In business, Daymond reiterates that embracing your failures is fundamental. Never surrender. During his 20s, he grappled with making ends meet, just as any parent living paycheck to paycheck would. Daymond did everything necessary to ensure his young family was fed. However, the mounting stress began to take a toll on his mental well-being. “In my first marriage, I believed that rapid income was the sole means to protect my two daughters. I had good intentions, but the choices I made were not always wise. Now, I realize that it’s not merely one’s financial status that leaves a lasting impression; it’s how you treat and show affection to your family.”
With a heartfelt commitment to supporting startups, middle-tier entrepreneurs, and executives, Daymond aims to share his experiences to empower others in realizing their visions. If he can achieve this, so can anyone else. “People often tell me that they see a bit of themselves in me, regardless of background or identity,” he notes. “My narrative parallels the American dream, where perseverance and determination are fundamental to longevity and survival.”
Daymond is the first to acknowledge that he isn’t the most educated or sophisticated person out there (though he did mention that he only repeated seventh grade because he found it enjoyable). “Everyone possesses a story worth telling and a lesson to impart. Just stay your course, and if you need to take a step back, that’s perfectly fine. Trust me, your surroundings can (and will) influence your entrepreneurial spirit if you’re not vigilant. Negative influences can be severely harmful to your progress, so be sure to make wise choices and surround yourself with individuals who share your core principles.”
Daymond John bestselling author
With five bestselling titles to his name, Daymond is also an advocate for the arts community. “I want to keep spotlighting gifted artists as they enrich our lives. It’s also crucial to educate children about managing finances and being financially self-sufficient so they won’t have to rely on anyone as they mature. Our youth will drive innovation and creativity forward, hence we must equip them with the right skills from an early age.”
Finally, Daymond ardently supports female entrepreneurs. (As previously noted, his wife Heather played a vital role in transforming his life.) He expresses admiration for stay-at-home moms and the challenges they encounter, highlighting their frequent undervaluation and the absence of a roadmap for guiding their children. “Women are at the forefront of the most crucial spheres of life,” he remarks. “Having grown up in a single-parent household, I quickly came to appreciate that the incoming generation will be stepping into our roles, and our mothers deserve acknowledgment for their contributions.”
Alignment in business and in life
It’s safe to say that Daymond continues to thrive by breaking barriers and motivating people to adapt to the dynamic business environment. From identifying intelligent market opportunities to betting on individuals who are fully committed, his perspectives serve as a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike.
Believe me, there’s much more to the people’s shark than what meets the eye on television. To put it simply, I will always treasure the insights he shared regarding entrepreneurship—and be inspired by his commitment to fostering meaningful relationships.
Perhaps that’s because his success story resonates with his deeper purpose in life. His personal values revolve around financial stability for his family and empowering others, but most importantly, he champions positive energy and a healthy lifestyle to ensure he is present for his youngest as she grows up. His passion for raising awareness about environmental issues through innovative art projects also enriches his life.
“You can amass all the wealth you desire and work tirelessly, but you won’t be able to take any of it with you. That’s why creating a world we can be proud of—where our children can thrive, be joyful, and experience good health—is the true essence of wealth.”
