TECH WEEK GRAND RAPIDS KICK-OFF FT. DAYMOND JOHN AND ROBERT HERJAVEC

September 14, 2026 3:00 PM-6:00 PM 

Location

GLC LIVE AT 20 MONROE

11 Ottawa Ave NWGrand Rapids, MI 49503

Daymond John

Daymond John has spent decades helping people turn ambition into action, ideas into brands, and setbacks into opportunities. Best known as an original cast member of ABC's Shark Tank and the founder of the global fashion brand FUBU, Daymond has built a career around identifying opportunity, adapting through uncertainty, and empowering others to think bigger about what's possible in business and in life. Recognizing his influence as both a business leader and mentor, former President Barack Obama appointed Daymond as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) to help inspire and develop the next generation of entrepreneurs at home and abroad.

For nearly 18 seasons on Shark Tank, Daymond John has inspired millions with his sharp business acumen, practical advice, and relatable approach to entrepreneurship. Audiences connect with his ability to turn complex business challenges into actionable lessons rooted in hard work, resilience, and smart decision-making. Listed by Real Leaders Magazine as one of the Top 20 Keynote Speakers in the World, Daymond continues to equip audiences worldwide with insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, branding, leadership, biohacking, and longevity. Drawing from his journey as a cancer survivor, he encourages leaders to prioritize their health, believing that sustainable success begins with the ability to perform at your best and serve others at your highest level.

Whether speaking to Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, educators, sales organizations, or emerging leaders, Daymond delivers relatable lessons shaped by decades of real-world experience. From launching FUBU in Queens with limited resources to becoming one of the world's most recognized entrepreneurs, Daymond John's journey exemplifies vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial grit. Along the way, he has earned hundreds of honors, including Brandweek Marketer of the Year, Ernst & Young's New York Entrepreneur of the Year, and recognition as one of LinkedIn's Top Voices. Today, he shares the lessons that fueled his success, helping leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs navigate growth, change, and opportunity.

A three-time New York Times bestselling author, Daymond has written multiple books despite dyslexia, further reflecting the resilience and determination that have defined his career. He is also the founder of The Shark Group, a branding and consulting agency that helps organizations and leaders strengthen their visibility, influence, and market position. Through his CEO Access program, he works directly with executives and entrepreneurs to elevate their personal brands, improve communication, and lead with greater impact.

Daymond believes that lasting success is built on patience, meaningful relationships, and a relentless commitment to mastering the fundamentals — principles that continue to guide his work and inspire leaders around the world.

Robert Herjavec

Robert Herjavec is a globally recognized business leader and motivational speaker. He is the Emmy Award-winning executive producer and lead Shark on Shark Tank in the United States for the last 16 years. He has appeared on 5 seasons of Dragon's Den in Canada and is also currently on Shark Tank Australia. He is an accomplished author with three books and had two books on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time.

Mr. Herjavec was a poor immigrant who originally came to Canada when his parents left communist Yugoslavia for a better life with one suitcase, found their way onto a boat, and settled in Toronto. He now spends time at his homes in the United States, Canada, and Australia. He is married to Kym Johnson, a world-renowned Australian ballroom dancing champion who has appeared on Broadway and on Dancing with the Stars for 17 seasons.

Professionally, he is widely recognized as one of the top cybersecurity experts in the world. He has advised governments and large enterprises on cybersecurity over the last 35 years and was the most googled person in the world for cybersecurity. He has founded and built multiple companies in the space. He founded his last company over 20 years ago with two employees and built it into one of the largest global cybersecurity companies with almost 1,000 people. He sold that company to private equity and built over a billion dollars of value. He continues to invest, work, and provide guidance to startups and established companies in the cybersecurity space.

Robert is an avid runner, former high-level race car driver, and widely recognized for his collection of exotic and rare cars. His passion is his family, growing and building businesses, mentoring others, and showing people how to get the most out of their performance and out of their companies.

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