Mark Cuban
The famous entrepreneur sits with our Dallas Editor, Deve Sanford to discuss his passion, failures and his greatest achievements
One of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time, Mark Cuban undoubtedly has been gifted with the Midas touch, but don't think for a minute any of his successes have gone to his head. Mr. Cuban is as humble, as he is accomplished, and among the lists of his many impressive achievements, what he holds most dear is his family. This endearing quality speak volumes to why he is so successful. Mark Cuban never assumes he knows everything, he follows his instincts but doesn't let it get in the way of reality. Recently celebrating his 60th birthday, what could possibly be the next venture for the American businessman, investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks? Well, whatever it may be, one thing is for certain, it's going to be good!
In an exclusive interview, Upscale Living Magazine explores what Mark's vision is for the future and what it takes to turn dreams into reality.
PRETTY EARLY ON IN YOUR LIFE YOU BECAME AN ENTREPRENEUR, WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS TO?
I’m going to bet it was because my dad was always clear that if I wanted something, I had to work to earn it and I wasn’t old enough to get a job. So, once I got started, I just always enjoyed starting businesses, even as a kid.
EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE REMARKABLY SUCCESSFUL, DO YOU STILL FIND YOURSELF SEEKING MENTORSHIP FROM OTHERS?
No. Not really. Not now. Not earlier. I always challenged myself to learn things on my own.
HOW WE BOUNCE BACK FROM OUR SET-BACKS AND FAILURES IS OFTEN THOUGHT AS CRITICAL TO SUCCESS. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS STARTING OUT AND DO YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE THAT HAS COME FROM FAILURES?
I learned from all my failures but never let them stop me. I realized it didn’t matter how many times I failed. When I was living in an apt with 6 guys and sleeping on the floor, how much worse could it get? So failure never got in my way.
IF YOU WERE A START-UP NOW, WITH NO MONEY,
HOW MIGHT YOU APPROACH LAUNCHING A BUSINESS, AND DO YOU THINK THE INTERNET HAS LEVELED OR HINDERED THE PLAYING FIELD FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?
I would find new tech areas I could create value in. I would be the best Alexa programmer and integrator I could be. Same with Google home. Same with Alexa and Google for cars. Then I would ask anyone I talked to if they wanted to buy Alexa from me and have me integrate their house or business to make it more efficient and simpler. There are always new opportunities!
WHEN YOU COME UP WITH A BUSINESS IDEA, DO YOU GENERALLY KNOW IF IT’S GOING TO BE A WINNER? WHAT DO YOU LISTEN TO FIRST: YOUR GUT, YOUR HEART, YOUR BRAIN?
Start with my gut then do the work. It’s a process. The hardest part is not to let excitement get the best of me. I have to be brutally honest with myself and understand how someone could beat me. If I still think I can crush it, I go for it.
DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR PROCESS FOR SETTING AND ACHIEVING PERSONAL GOALS?
I try to learn everything I can. I don’t want someone to know more than me about the process or product.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE FROM THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS AND HOW CAN YOU HELP THEM?
I don’t have a plan there yet…….. I’m working on it!
OUT OF ALL THE IDEAS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES YOU HAVE CREATED, IF YOU COULD ONLY CHOOSE ONE TO WORK ON, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I would do voice activation integration and development or AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven projects.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INNOVATION TODAY?
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
SINCE MOVING TO DALLAS COULD YOU HAVE EVER IMAGINED THE GROWTH THAT THIS CITY HAS UNDERGONE?
Yes. Dallas has an incredible energy and it’s an amazing place to live!
WHAT’S THE MOST POSITIVE CHANGE DALLAS HAS UNDERGONE?
Every day it becomes increasingly diverse and that makes us a stronger community.
PRIOR TO YOUR PURCHASE OF THE DALLAS MAVERICKS YOU WERE A CO-FOUNDER OF BROADCAST.COM, WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU NEVER FORECASTED FROM THE WORLD OF MULTIMEDIA AND STREAMING ON THE INTERNET?
I thought what we see today would have happened ten years ago.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM MARK CUBAN IN THE FUTURE?
To be as good a dad as I possibly can be and to try to win more championships with the Mavs!