MESSAGE 10: ROBERT HERJAVEC

Robert Herjavec

Founder & CEO, Herjavec Group; Leading ‘Shark’ on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’

Question:  As a leader, what is your message to Americans who are frightened about the future due to the Coronavirus?

Message: My advice to all Americans right now is to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It may be long, and uncertain but there is light and we will get there.

While we are living in this time of uncertainty, I’m finding a lot of comfort in 3 key words – (1) honesty, (2) resilience and (3) trigger.

First - Be honest with your employees, your landlords, your bank and each other. People want bad news sooner than later and would rather you be transparent about the economic impacts of uncertainty or about your ability to pay certain things like rent. Communicate, be upfront and be honest.

Second - We are incredibility resilient as human beings. Any small business owner knows this time is about survival and you have to do what it takes right now to bounce back. It will take time but have confidence in your ability to rebound.

Lastly, recognize the trigger points in your business when it’s time to pull back, or when it’s time to invest further.

I truly feel a sense of optimism about our ability to rebound from this. Just focus on that light at the end of the tunnel.

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Robert Herjavec is one of North America’s most recognizable business leaders. A dynamic entrepreneur, Robert has built and sold several IT companies including his current enterprise cybersecurity firm – Herjavec Group. Robert’s motivational business advice has received millions of impressions through TV, print, radio and digital media. He shares his expertise with other entrepreneurs each week as a leading Shark on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning hit show, Shark Tank.

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Photo: Lesley Bryce