Robert Herjavec Speaker Biography

Star Investor on ABC’s Shark Tank, Cybersecurity Pioneer, and Bestselling Author

Robert Herjavec is one of the world’s most recognizable entrepreneurs, a leading investor and executive producer on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning Shark Tank, a cybersecurity pioneer, and a bestselling author whose remarkable journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary business success has inspired audiences around the world. With more than four decades of experience building technology companies, investing in emerging businesses, and navigating disruptive change, Herjavec brings exceptional credibility to discussions about entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, cybersecurity, and the future of business.

Born in Croatia and raised in Canada after his family fled communist Yugoslavia, Robert Herjavec learned early that success requires determination, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. From delivering newspapers and waiting tables to founding multimillion-dollar technology companies, he built his career through persistence, calculated risk-taking, and an unwavering belief in the power of opportunity. Today, he combines the business expertise of a successful technology entrepreneur with the celebrity appeal of Shark Tank, delivering engaging insights into what it takes to build successful organizations, embrace innovation, and achieve lasting results in an increasingly competitive world.

Keynote Speaker Robert Herjavec at a Glance

Star Investor on ABC’s Shark Tank: Leading Shark and executive producer on the Emmy Award-winning television series, with more than 80 investments and international recognition as an entrepreneur and business leader.
Cybersecurity Pioneer and Technology Entrepreneur: Founder of Herjavec Group, now Cyderes, a global cybersecurity company, and former CEO who remains involved as a board member, advisor, and significant investor.
Self-Made Entrepreneur and Inspirational Success Story: Croatian-born immigrant who built and sold multimillion-dollar technology businesses, including BRAK Systems, acquired by AT&T Canada.
Bestselling Author and International Keynote Speaker: Author of Driven: How to Succeed in Business and in Life, The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding, and You Don’t Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success.

Building a Multimillion-Dollar Technology Empire

Robert Herjavec’s entrepreneurial career is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and recognizing opportunities before others do. After beginning his career in the emerging technology industry, he founded BRAK Systems, an internet security software integrator that grew into a successful Canadian technology company before being acquired by AT&T Canada for $30.2 million. He subsequently participated in another major technology business transaction involving Nokia before founding Herjavec Group in 2003. Under his leadership, the company evolved from a small startup into a globally recognized cybersecurity business serving organizations seeking to protect their digital assets and strengthen their defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats.

Herjavec Group eventually became Cyderes, a global provider of managed cybersecurity, identity, and cyber defense services. Although Herjavec stepped down as CEO in 2024, he continues to contribute as a board member, advisor, and significant investor, bringing decades of entrepreneurial and cybersecurity expertise to the organization’s strategic direction. His success demonstrates an uncommon ability to anticipate technological trends, build high-performing teams, and transform innovative ideas into commercially successful enterprises. Through Herjavec Ventures, he also continues to support entrepreneurs and emerging businesses, applying the lessons learned throughout his own remarkable career.

Inside Shark Tank: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and the Will to Win

As a leading investor and executive producer on ABC’s Shark Tank, Robert Herjavec has become a familiar face to millions of viewers and an influential voice in entrepreneurship and business innovation. His appearances on the Emmy Award-winning series, along with his earlier involvement in Canada’s Dragons’ Den, have given him a unique perspective on the qualities that distinguish successful entrepreneurs from those who struggle to turn promising ideas into sustainable businesses.

Having evaluated thousands of business concepts and invested in more than 80 companies, Herjavec understands that entrepreneurial success requires far more than an innovative product or compelling sales pitch. He emphasizes the importance of execution, persistence, customer relationships, financial discipline, and the ability to adapt when circumstances change.

His experience as both an entrepreneur and investor provides valuable lessons for established organizations as well as emerging businesses. He understands the challenges of managing growth, recognizing market opportunities, developing competitive advantages, and making difficult decisions when resources are limited and expectations are high.

Combining entertaining behind-the-scenes stories from Shark Tank with firsthand lessons from building and selling technology companies, Herjavec offers a compelling perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the competitive mindset required to succeed.

A Cybersecurity Pioneer Protecting Businesses in the Digital Age

Long before cybersecurity became a critical concern for corporate executives and boards of directors, Robert Herjavec recognized the importance of protecting information, technology infrastructure, and business operations from emerging digital threats. His experience founding and leading cybersecurity companies has positioned him as a respected authority on the rapidly evolving challenges of digital security.

Through his work with Herjavec Group and Cyderes, Herjavec has witnessed the transformation of cybersecurity from a specialized IT function into a fundamental business responsibility. He understands how ransomware, data breaches, identity-based attacks, cyber espionage, and increasingly sophisticated criminal operations can threaten financial stability, customer confidence, and organizational continuity.

Herjavec emphasizes that cybersecurity is no longer exclusively the responsibility of technology departments. Effective protection requires leadership commitment, organizational awareness, strategic investment, and a culture in which employees understand their role in safeguarding sensitive information. His perspective is particularly relevant for executives navigating digital transformation, expanding technology infrastructure, and the growing complexity of interconnected business systems. Drawing on decades of firsthand experience, he helps organizations understand why cybersecurity must be integrated into broader business strategy rather than treated as an isolated technical concern.

Artificial Intelligence, Cybercrime, and the Future of Technology

As artificial intelligence accelerates technological change, Robert Herjavec brings an experienced entrepreneur’s perspective to both the opportunities and risks emerging across the global economy. His background in cybersecurity and technology investment provides valuable insight into how AI is transforming business operations, competitive strategy, and the digital threat landscape.

Herjavec recognizes that artificial intelligence can improve productivity, strengthen cybersecurity defenses, accelerate innovation, and create entirely new business opportunities. At the same time, cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated technologies to automate attacks, exploit vulnerabilities, and develop more convincing forms of fraud and deception.

He examines how AI-powered threats are changing the responsibilities of business leaders and why organizations must remain adaptable as technology evolves. His perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding emerging risks while recognizing the tremendous potential of intelligent technologies to improve business performance.

Rather than approaching technological disruption with fear, Herjavec encourages leaders to embrace innovation, invest in the right capabilities, and develop strategies that balance growth opportunities with responsible risk management. His insights help executives understand how to remain competitive while protecting the digital assets and customer relationships essential to long-term success.

Leadership, Resilience, and the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Robert Herjavec’s success story is rooted in the belief that determination, adaptability, and personal responsibility are essential to achieving extraordinary results. His journey from a young immigrant with limited resources to a celebrated entrepreneur and investor provides a powerful example of overcoming adversity and creating opportunities through hard work and persistence. Throughout his career, Herjavec has navigated competitive markets, economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and the challenges of building and leading successful companies. These experiences have shaped his practical approach to leadership, emphasizing clear goals, disciplined execution, strong relationships, and the willingness to make difficult decisions.

His bestselling books, Driven: How to Succeed in Business and in Life, The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding, and You Don’t Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success, explore the principles that have guided his personal and professional achievements. Through candid stories and practical advice, Herjavec encourages readers to develop confidence, overcome setbacks, embrace calculated risks, and pursue ambitious goals.

An accomplished competitive race-car driver, he also understands the importance of preparation, focus, and split-second decision-making under pressure. He draws meaningful connections between the discipline required in competitive racing and the qualities that enable entrepreneurs and business leaders to perform at their best. For organizations seeking to inspire employees, strengthen leadership, or encourage an entrepreneurial culture, Herjavec offers a compelling message about resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

An Engaging Celebrity Keynote Speaker with Real-World Business Expertise

Robert Herjavec combines the recognition of a television personality with the credibility of a self-made entrepreneur, cybersecurity pioneer, and experienced business investor. His presentations bring together memorable stories from Shark Tank, lessons from building successful technology companies, and insights into the challenges facing modern organizations.

Known for his engaging personality, humor, and direct approach to business, Herjavec makes complex subjects accessible while inspiring audiences to think differently about leadership, innovation, and personal achievement. His presentations appeal to corporate executives, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, technology leaders, and association audiences seeking both practical business insights and genuine inspiration.

Having addressed audiences ranging from intimate executive gatherings to major conferences with thousands of attendees, Herjavec understands how to connect with diverse groups and deliver messages that resonate beyond the event itself. His experience across entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and business leadership allows him to connect his insights to the specific priorities of each audience.

Whether discussing the qualities of successful entrepreneurs, the future of cybersecurity, the impact of artificial intelligence, or the importance of perseverance, Robert Herjavec delivers a memorable combination of entertainment, expertise, and actionable business lessons.

Book Robert Herjavec for Your Next Corporate Event or Conference

Bring the insights of one of the world’s most recognizable entrepreneurs, a celebrated Shark Tank investor, and an accomplished cybersecurity pioneer to your next event. Robert Herjavec delivers dynamic keynote presentations that inspire audiences to embrace innovation, strengthen leadership, navigate technological change, and pursue extraordinary business success. With more than four decades of entrepreneurial experience, a remarkable personal success story, and an engaging presentation style, Herjavec offers meeting planners a compelling combination of celebrity recognition, business credibility, and motivational impact.

Contact Speakers.com today to inquire about Robert Herjavec’s speaking fee, availability, and keynote presentations for your upcoming corporate conference, leadership summit, cybersecurity event, technology convention, sales meeting, or professional association gathering.

PLEASE NOTE: Speakers.com is a booking agency for paid speaking engagements and events only. We do not handle media interviews, podcast appearances, book tours, pro bono requests, or provide celebrity contact information.

Robert Herjavec Speaking Topics

The Will to Win – Leading, Competing & Succeeding

What separates extraordinary achievers from those who settle for ordinary results? Robert Herjavec shares the principles that transformed him from a young immigrant with limited resources into a globally recognized entrepreneur, bestselling author, and star investor on Shark Tank. Drawing on the lessons from his bestselling book The Will to Win, he challenges audiences to reject mediocrity, take ownership of their futures, and develop the determination necessary to pursue ambitious goals. Through compelling personal stories, candid business insights, and memorable examples from his entrepreneurial career, Herjavec explains why success requires more than talent or opportunity. It demands resilience, disciplined execution, adaptability, and the willingness to take intelligent risks. He explores how individuals and organizations can overcome setbacks, maintain focus amid uncertainty, and develop the competitive mindset needed to achieve lasting results. Whether addressing corporate executives, sales professionals, entrepreneurs, or association audiences, Herjavec demonstrates how personal responsibility, confidence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence can transform professional performance and individual achievement. His message inspires audiences to think bigger, embrace challenges, and recognize that the pursuit of success begins with the decision to compete at a higher level.

Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life

Robert Herjavec knows that building a successful business requires more than a great idea. It takes courage, persistence, focus, and the willingness to learn from both success and failure. In this inspiring presentation based on his bestselling book Driven: How to Succeed in Business and in Life, Herjavec shares the practical principles that guided his journey from waiting tables to building and selling multimillion-dollar technology companies and becoming one of television's most recognizable investors. Through entertaining stories and hard-earned business lessons, he explains how entrepreneurs and professionals can recognize opportunities, overcome obstacles, take calculated risks, and remain committed to their goals even when circumstances become difficult. Herjavec explores the importance of building strong relationships, developing effective sales skills, surrounding yourself with talented people, and maintaining the flexibility to adapt when markets and technologies change. He also emphasizes that success is not defined exclusively by financial achievement, but by the ability to pursue meaningful goals while remaining true to personal values. Audiences leave with practical insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, motivation, and the habits that support sustained achievement in both professional and personal life.

Fast Forward and Focused

Technology is transforming business faster than ever, creating extraordinary opportunities for innovation while introducing new competitive pressures and security threats. Drawing on more than four decades in the technology industry and his experience founding and leading the global cybersecurity company now known as Cyderes, Robert Herjavec examines how organizations can remain focused, adaptable, and competitive in an increasingly digital world. He explores the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, and rapidly changing customer expectations, explaining why business leaders must continuously reassess their strategies and capabilities. Herjavec shares insights from building successful technology companies, evaluating emerging businesses on Shark Tank, and navigating multiple generations of technological disruption. He also examines how cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods, including AI-enabled attacks, to exploit organizational vulnerabilities and why protecting digital assets has become a critical leadership responsibility. Combining practical business advice with engaging stories and an optimistic perspective on innovation, Herjavec helps audiences understand how to recognize emerging opportunities, manage risks, and make confident decisions in uncertain environments. His presentation challenges leaders and professionals to embrace change, maintain strategic focus, and develop the agility required to succeed in a fast-moving business landscape.

Cybersecurity: Protecting the Currency of the 21st Century

In today's interconnected economy, information has become one of the most valuable assets an organization possesses, and protecting it is an essential responsibility for business leaders. Robert Herjavec draws on his extensive experience building cybersecurity companies and advising global enterprises to explain why cyber threats have evolved from isolated technology problems into major strategic risks affecting financial performance, customer trust, business continuity, and national infrastructure. He examines the growing sophistication of ransomware, data breaches, identity attacks, and AI-enabled cybercrime, highlighting how attackers exploit both technological weaknesses and human behavior. Herjavec explains why no organization is immune to cyber threats and why effective cybersecurity requires active engagement from CEOs, boards of directors, and employees throughout the enterprise. Through real-world examples and lessons from decades in the cybersecurity industry, he discusses the importance of proactive risk management, organizational preparedness, leadership accountability, and building a security-conscious culture. Audiences gain a clearer understanding of how cybersecurity intersects with innovation, digital transformation, and long-term business resilience. This presentation equips executives and professionals with the perspective necessary to make more informed security decisions, communicate cyber risks effectively, and protect the information and systems on which their organizations depend.

Interview / Fireside Chat: Inside the Shark Tank with Robert Herjavec

What does one of the world's most recognizable entrepreneurs look for when evaluating a business opportunity, investing in a company, or making a difficult leadership decision? In this engaging interview or moderated fireside chat, Robert Herjavec takes audiences behind the scenes of ABC's Shark Tank while sharing candid insights from more than four decades as a technology entrepreneur, investor, and business leader. Through a customized conversation, he discusses the qualities that distinguish successful entrepreneurs, the importance of sales and execution, the lessons learned from building and selling companies, and the challenges of navigating rapidly changing markets. Herjavec also shares memorable stories from his personal journey, including his family's immigration to Canada, his early business struggles, and the experiences that shaped his competitive mindset. Depending on the audience, the discussion can explore leadership, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, innovation, investment strategy, and the future of business. This interactive format provides meeting planners with an opportunity to tailor the conversation to their organization's priorities while giving attendees an entertaining and revealing look at the business philosophy of a celebrated Shark Tank investor.

From Cybersecurity to Shark Tank: Insights from Robert Herjavec

What does it take to build a multimillion-dollar technology company, navigate the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity, and become one of television's most recognizable investors? Robert Herjavec, star of ABC's Emmy Award-winning Shark Tank, bestselling author, and founder of the global cybersecurity company now known as Cyderes, shares the lessons learned throughout his remarkable journey from immigrant entrepreneur to internationally recognized business leader. Drawing on more than four decades of experience in technology, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity, Herjavec takes audiences behind the scenes of building successful businesses, evaluating investment opportunities, and navigating the disruptive forces transforming today's economy. Through entertaining stories from Shark Tank and firsthand experiences founding, growing, and selling technology companies, he reveals what separates promising ideas from successful enterprises, why adaptability and resilience are essential to sustained growth, and how leaders can recognize opportunities in uncertain markets. Herjavec also explores the growing intersection of business strategy, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, explaining how emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities while introducing sophisticated new threats, including ransomware, cyber espionage, and AI-powered fraud. He demonstrates why protecting customer trust, intellectual property, and sensitive information has become a fundamental responsibility of executive leadership. Combining the celebrity appeal of Shark Tank with the credibility of a self-made technology entrepreneur and cybersecurity pioneer, Robert Herjavec delivers an engaging and inspiring presentation that challenges audiences to embrace innovation, take calculated risks, strengthen their competitive advantage, and develop the determination necessary to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.