TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– In celebration of its 10th Anniversary of the Power Forward Speaker Series, First Commerce Credit Union said it partnered with Florida State Univesity’s Office of Research to bring in Sharks from ABC’s “Shark Tank.”
“Real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran and cybersecurity tycoon Robert Herjavec shared personal insights about overcoming obstacles at a young age and lessons learned along their road to success,” the credit union said.
According to FCCU, people traveled from as far as Central Florida and South Georgia to see the Sharks.
“Long-time Power Forward fans may also remember Corcoran as the first speaker for the inaugural event in 2013, setting the stage for a decade of inspiring entrepreneurs who have presented at the event,” FCCU stated. “Corcoran’s return to Tallahassee, along with Herjavec, made the 10th Anniversary event the biggest and best yet.”
Opening Remarks
The credit union said that in her opening remarks, First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison noted the vison for Power Forward 10 years ago was to inspire local business leaders and give them tangible ideas for nurturing and growing their companies – along with budding entrepreneurs including students.
“She said over the past decade, audiences have witnessed unforgettable moments with Power Forward speakers—from Steve Wozniak's foreshadowing of AI to another Shark, Mr. Wonderful, Kevin O’Leary’s, insights on Wicked Good Cupcakes, and last year’s inspiring pitch to students by Zillow co-founder Spencer Roscoff.”
Comments Draw Laughs
FCCU said Corcoran had the audience laughing as she recounted the ups and downs of her business journey. She drew upon lessons from her mother and growing up as one of 10 children sharing a two-bedroom home. She encouraged audience members to be persistent and to use their imagination and further shared examples of how she put these practices to work in her own life.
Meanwhile, FCCU said Herjavec spoke briefly about his humble beginnings and transformative journey from Yugoslavia to Canada and then the United States. He recalled first learning that he was “poor” from childhood bullies.
Herjavec, an only child, said he believes it’s crucial not to complain, but to “find a way through obstacles.” He cited the importance of confidence and said, “You have to love what you do and have passion.”
Wow Factor
“As an added wow factor, audience members got to watch two business pitches to the Sharks live on stage,” FCCU reported. “Students from FSU’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Madysen Howard and Macy Maiocco, shared their one-stop website resource called Emmcee, which connects vendors with planners of Greek Life and campus events. Jessica Ridgway, associate professor and director of Graduate Studies at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship also pitched her patent-pending product ‘Clip to Care,’ a small attachment for nursing bras that allows mothers to raise and secure their shirts while nursing.”
According to FCCU, after each pitch, the Sharks did what they do best, asking tough questions and sharing valuable advice about the business pitch. Dr. Susan Fiorito, dean of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, facilitated the two business pitch presentations.
Shonda Knight, executive director of community and media relations for Leon County Sheriff’s Office and First Commerce volunteer board member, served as emcee for the event, and award-winning journalist and WCTV Eyewitness News anchor Julie Montanaro moderated an engaging discussion with Corcoran and Herjavec, as well as an audience Q&A.
The co-presenting sponsor for the 2024 Power Forward Speaker Series was FSU’s Office of Research.