Episode #73
Daymond John: "Nobody Likes the Get Rich Slow Scheme"
Daymond John has spent decades building companies, investing in entrepreneurs, and becoming one of the most recognizable faces in business. But beneath the public success is a much quieter philosophy: move slowly with people, know what you don’t know, and stop taking yourself so seriously. Daymond traces that perspective back to the lessons he learned after FUBU. Once he had money, he discovered that success could actually make him more vulnerable to mistakes if he stopped doing the work himself. A $6 million loss reinforced a lesson he still carries: understand what you’re getting into, pay attention to people over time, and don’t confuse access with wisdom. That same thinking now shapes how he approaches relationships, mentorship, health, and legacy. He talks about learning to own his dyslexia instead of hiding it, becoming comfortable with what he isn’t, cutting unnecessary drama from his life, and using his relationships to create opportunities for other people without expecting something in return. Ultimately, this is a conversation about enough. Enough money. Enough status. Enough proving. Daymond’s version of success today has less to do with appearing extraordinary and more to do with knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place. What You’ll Learn • Why Daymond “slow dates” people before building meaningful business relationships • How losing $6 million changed the way he approaches new opportunities • Why admitting what you’re bad at can become a source of confidence • How becoming a connector shaped Daymond’s career • Why service without expectation can compound over decades • The goal-setting ritual Daymond practices every morning and night • Why he intentionally removes draining relationships from his life • How his definition of fun and success has changed over time • Why understanding your real “why” matters more than looking successful • The case for the “get rich slow scheme” About Daymond John Daymond John is an entrepreneur, investor, author, and longtime Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank . He founded FUBU and has spent decades investing in founders, advising business leaders, and building relationships across entrepreneurship, entertainment, media, and culture. About Extraordinary Stories Extraordinary Stories explores the ideas, people, and experiences that shape extraordinary lives. Hosts Forbes Shannon, Christine Butler, and Aaron Bare sit down with entrepreneurs, thinkers, creators, and leaders to uncover the moments that changed how they see the world.
