Mark Cuban shares business insights and inspiring stories at Judson University
Entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban drew a crowd of more than 400 people to Judson University’s campus as the inaugural guest in a new World Leaders Forum speaker series on Thursday. In an interview with Judson alumnus Mark Vargas, Cuban discussed business and politics, his path to entrepreneurship and his role on ABC’s hit show, “Shark Tank.”
“I was fired from a software store, living with five other guys, and feeling stressed and stuck. I wanted to control my destiny, and starting my own company was the only way to do that,” said Cuban to the crowd gathered at Judson’s Herrick Chapel. “My advice to students entering the workforce is that you don’t need to find the perfect job right away. Take that first job, find joy in the moment, approach it as a learning opportunity and get smarter every day.”
Cuban also discussed topics such as gun control, a proposed new model for health care, the importance of diversity in business, how he was impacted by the September 11 attacks, how he met his wife, lessons his parents taught him, his ongoing struggle to achieve a work-life balance, what it’s like to work with his fellow “Shark Tank” panelists, and his potential 2020 presidential run.
Mark Cuban addresses Judson University in Elgin, May 16, 2019. Photo courtesy of Judson University
“Mark Cuban is an innovative thinker and savvy businessman. It’s valuable to hear about his successes and challenges on the road to success, especially during graduation season as our students forge new paths ahead,” said Judson University President Dr. Gene Crume. “It’s also important for the World Leaders Forum to create opportunities for our greater community to hear from inspiring leaders representing different viewpoints.”
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Vargas, a health care tech entrepreneur and trusted business adviser, invited Cuban to campus as the first guest in the new World Leaders Forum series, Conversations with Mark Vargas. This series is focused on lively, informal discussions covering a wide range of topics from current events to politics, business, life lessons, successes and failures, inspiring stories and more.
Proceeds from the event support entrepreneurship and diversity scholarships for students at Judson University.
The eighth World Leaders Forum will be held on October 8, 2019 in Schaumburg, Illinois with former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy as the keynote speaker. The discussion will be led by bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio host Eric Metaxas as part of Socrates in the City, his acclaimed series of conversations on “life, God and other small topics.” Tickets for the World Leaders Forum are available here.
About Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban is an entrepreneur, investor, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and one of the “sharks” on ABC’s hit show, “Shark Tank.” Since the age of 12, Cuban has been a natural businessman. Selling garbage bags door to door, the seed was planted early on for what would eventually become long-term success. He has started several successful companies including MicroSolutions, a computer consulting service, and Broadcast.com, a sports radio website later to sold to Yahoo for $5.6 billion.
Cuban acquired the Dallas Mavericks in 2000. The team is currently listed among Forbes’ most valuable franchises in sports. In addition to the team, Cuban is chairman and CEO of AXS tv and an investor in an ever-growing portfolio of businesses. He lives in Dallas with wife Tiffany, daughters Alexis and Alyssa, and son Jake.
About Mark Vargas
Mark Vargas is a trusted adviser and close confidante to some of the most high-profile political and business leaders in America. His work as a tech entrepreneur in health care and as a political opinion writer have been featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Huffington Post and Fox News.
From 2007 to 2010, Vargas served as a civilian within the Office of the Secretary of Defense on a special task force focused on rebuilding war-torn economies through foreign and private investment. In 2009, he was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Civilian Service medal. His civilian service at the Defense Department included 14 trips to Baghdad and expanded across two presidential administrations. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Judson University, where he served as student body president.
About Judson University
Located in Elgin, Illinois, since 1963, Judson University offers a Christian, liberal arts and sciences education through its Bachelor of Arts degrees for more than 60 majors, minors, graduate programs and online, as well as certification and accelerated adult degree programs. For more information, visitwww.JudsonU.edu.
Ray Hanania
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A critic of mainstream news media bias, Hanania advocates for peace & justice for Israel & Palestine, & the empowerment of Arabs in America.
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Hanania's columns are archived on his personal website at RayHanania.com. Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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