Sink or Swim...

From Shark Tank to Shaping the Next Generation

I've got some thrilling news to spill - I’m stepping into the high stakes world of Shark Tank as a guest shark this season! 🌟 I can't wait for you to join me on this exhilarating journey kicking off with the season premiere on September 29th on ABC. Oh, and for my binge-watchers, yes, it's available on Hulu too!

Diving a bit deeper into the Shark Tank universe, this week I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a panel discussion alongside the always charismatic shark, Robert Herjavec. This event, orchestrated by Northern Trust at the picturesque new resort of Southall in Franklin, Tennessee, allowed us to explore a topic very dear to my heart – nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the young minds of today.

In our conversation, we explored how establishing your family's core values can be a powerful guide for shaping your children’s character. In my family, we stick to a fairly straightforward philosophy: work hard, learn from failures, and take personal responsibility. I’m a big believer in the idea that getting a job early on, especially in retail or restaurants, is a great way to build these traits. Looking back at my own early employment, from busy shifts at a Greek diner in Chicago to working the counter at a fudge shop in Cape Cod, I realize they were more than just jobs. They molded me, taught me accountability and humility, and gave me a deep respect for those in the service sector - valuable life lessons that I hope to pass onto the next generation.

When it comes to nurturing the next generation, I've also observed that the right messenger can magnify the impact of the message itself. Sometimes, guidance from a revered mentor (see my previous post on Curious Cardinals), a Shark Tank icon, or even a nugget of wisdom encapsulated in a popular TikTok video can strike a chord with them, offering advice in a format they find engaging and easily digestible.

Speaking of the younger generation, my boys are fairly accustomed to the energy and excitement of TV sets, having visited me on the sets of both Cupcake Wars and Sugar Rush. Yet, the aura of the Shark Tank set had a different kind of magic that left them wide-eyed and awe-struck. You should have seen the look on my 16-year-old’s face while shaking hands with the legendary Mark Cuban! And my 12-year-old, who swiftly claimed Mr. Wonderful’s seat, assuming his iconic posture, hands clasped, ready to pass judgment on the next hopeful founder.

So, please mark your calendars for September 29th to join me in the Tank! I’m thrilled to share this new chapter with you and I'm all ears to hear your thoughts on nurturing a new generation that embodies entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and resilience.

xo,

Candace