From Vision to Reality: My Seat at the Shark Tank Table

Inside My Journey to Becoming a Deal-Maker on Season 15

I am on Zoom in my home office, gazing at a mosaic of faces in tiny squares on my laptop. These aren't ordinary faces; they are the masterminds behind ABC's Shark Tank – award-winning producers, studio moguls, and network execs. Shark Tank is a prime-time network show with a 15-year run, a veritable TV unicorn, and today, I find myself sweating under an unforgiving ring light, vying for a seat among titans as a Guest Shark on Season 15.

As one Zoom turns into two, turns into three, the weight of what is at stake begins to sink in. This isn't just another TV appearance. It's Shark Tank – an institution in its own right, a show that has become a household name and transcends the realm of entertainment to inspire entrepreneurs across the nation. Nerve-wracking? Sure. But, in spite of being in the literal and figurative hot seat, I feel oddly at ease.

No one's journey is a direct path to success, and mine is no exception. Life is filled with intervals that seem aimless, and periods of time when you doubt your direction. But then, sometimes, there's a magical moment, when every twist and turn in your path crystallizes into clarity. In this flash, I recognize that I'm not just another contender; Shark Tank is in my DNA. My career as baking show judge, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and author hasn't been merely a medley of experiences, it has been rigorous preparation for this very role.

And though I’ve never mentioned it to anyone, and barely admitted it to myself, I've always wanted to be part of this iconic franchise. With over 100 episodes of Cupcake Wars, 3 seasons of Sugar Rush, and countless guest judging roles on my IMDB, I am no stranger to the spotlight. Yet, Shark Tank hits differently; it's the ultimate TV stage and represents the American Dream for millions of aspiring entrepreneurs, including today, for one aspiring guest Shark.

But after the interviews come the waiting. Days turn into weeks, and silence lingers. In the quiet, I find peace in a familiar ally – patience. It's a trait often overlooked by entrepreneurs, yet ironically, it's the very thing they find themselves needing while building enduring businesses. Patience has always been an anchor throughout my entrepreneurial journey, a steady companion in a world where big dreams are unpredictable and take lots of time to realize.

The producers' decision hung in my mind like a persistent question mark, gradually receding into the background as time passed. As a founder, my work doesn't halt for anything - even Shark Tank- so I plunged back into my ventures, allowing fate to chart its own course

Then, out of the blue, the defining email arrived – I would be a guest Shark on Season 15 of Shark Tank!

Dreams have a way of becoming reality; it's all about having faith in yourself and embracing your unique path. Wherever you find yourself on your journey today, whether you're navigating a challenging detour or marching forward with unwavering resolve, remember this: the true value of each step you take often reveals itself much later. So, trust the journey you're on.

And a word to the wise: read every email – yes, even the ones you suspect are spam. As go-getters, we're not ones to sit around idly waiting for opportunities to come knocking. But on the rare occasion that one does, you don’t want it to end up in your Junk folder! Be ready to seize it and sprint towards your next big break!

XO,

candace