What Happens When a CEO Meets a Shark
ACI Founder and CEO Dr. Ann D. Clark is a frequent writer on LinkedIn. See Dr. Clark’s recent article below, originally published on LinkedIn.
As a top-ranked CEO for over 35 years, I have seen and heard it all—over-the-top pitches, wildly enthusiastic evangelists and powerhouse motivational speakers. But on a quiet Thursday evening at an intimate book signing event for Shark Tank star Daymond John, I was moved in a way that shook me to my core.
Everyone had gathered at a fundraising event for Reality Changers, a nonprofit organization that transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, featuring Daymond John as the special guest speaker. Soon-to-be high school graduates were anxiously awaiting his arrival along with a room full of fans, executives and staff. As soon as Daymond walked in wearing a black PUMA x FUBU hoodie and sneakers, the room fell silent.
He began to share the story and life lessons that inspired his latest book release, Rise and Grind, and the audience was immediately captivated. Everyone knows Daymond as a master shark, ruthless negotiator, and hugely successful founder of FUBU. But that evening, he was all those things and so much more. He was an inspiration for a roomful of wide-eyed, hard-working kids who face incredible odds in life. Because of his roots, he was one of them.
I watched in awe as he shared his story of growing up in Hollis, Queens, where most of his friends would either end up dying or in jail by the time he was 19 years old. The only people making it out of his neighborhood were rising hip hop artists—Run DMC, A Tribe Called Quest, NWA and other trailblazers. Daymond wasn’t a musician, but he knew there would be an industry around this music. Working at Red Lobster by day and selling hats by night, Daymond hustled with pure grit and determination to build his FUBU brand. And after many years and many failures, he finally made it big.
Daymond looked straight into these kids’ eyes, and shared, “You were brought up and baptized by fire, you understand what hard work is, and it’s up to you break the chain.” He listened to their harrowing stories, and he delivered powerful advice with authenticity and true connection. More than just a shark, I saw Daymond John as a leader, a mentor, a man with purpose.
As a longtime CEO and serial entrepreneur who has also overcome incredible odds, I know one thing for sure: the work is never done. Whatever the challenges and circumstances life brings, humans are built to persevere, grow through hardship, and transform at any age. Daymond John epitomizes that strength of character in his life and work, and inspired this CEO to continue to learn, push harder, and give more—each and every day.