Biography

Barbara Corcoran’s credentials include straight D’s in high school and college and twenty jobs by the time she turned twenty-three. It was her next job, however, that would make her one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country, when she borrowed $1,000 from her boyfriend and quit her job as a waitress to start a tiny real estate company in New York City. Over the next twenty-five years, she’d parlay that $1,000 loan into a five-billion-dollar real estate business.

Barbara is the author of If You Don’t Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons on Your Pigtails, an unlikely business book that has become a national best-seller. In it, Barbara credits her struggles in school and her mother’s kitchen-table wisdom for her imagination and her quick wittedness in the business world. The book is a fresh, frank look at how to succeed in life and business and is as heartwarming as it is smart and motivating. She’s also the author of the best seller Shark Tales: How I Turned $1,000 into a Billion Dollar Business! and host of top business podcast “Business Unusual with Barbara Corcoran.”

In 2005 Barbara’s entrepreneurial spirit prompted her to start a new venture, the television production and business consulting company Barbara Corcoran Inc. She is a regular contributor to the Fox News Network and ABC’s Good Morning America and The View. She is a frequent small business and real estate contributor on every major network, and she has been an investor/Shark for the past eleven seasons on ABC’s four-time Emmy award winning show, Shark Tank, investing in over 80 businesses to date.

As a speaker, Barbara brings her front-lines experience and infectious energy to every person she meets. Motivational, inspirational, and sometimes outrageous, Barbara Corcoran’s tell-it-like-it-is attitude is a refreshing approach to success.

Read More
Request Availability

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

BARBARA’S STORY

With straight D’s in high school and college plus 20 jobs by the time she turned 23, Barbara’s beginnings may have seemed lackluster but it was her next job that would catapult her to meteoric success. She borrowed $1,000, quit her job as a waitress and started a tiny real estate company in New York City. Over the next 25 years, Barbara built a $5 billion real estate business, The Corcoran Group.

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

Highly motivating and sensationally entertaining, Barbara shares her strategies to get your team pumped up and moving forward with new ideas and fresh solutions. Barbara’s unique and practical lessons help salespeople, managers and business owners lead their enterprises to the next level.

SURVIVE IN TROUBLED TIMES

Can you build a business through a crisis and still come out on top? Barbara survived three recessions while growing The Corcoran Group and knows the ins and outs of weathering the storm. Her expert tips will help your business adapt to change quickly and emerge even stronger on the other side.

MAKE RESILIENCE YOUR SUPERPOWER

Barbara has mastered the art of bouncing back from failure, and she knows there’s always an upside if you stay in the game. Resilience is key when coming out of tough times. Barbara will motivate the audience and share her tricks for making the most of a comeback.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Take a deep dive behind the scenes of Shark Tank and get your most riveting questions answered. Do the Sharks invest their own money? What are the traits of successful entrepreneurs? What makes a business flop? What is Kevin really like? Barbara spills all the secrets of the tank in this candid and captivating presentation and reveals never before scene photos of what it’s really like in the entrepreneurial waters.

ASK ME ANYTHING!

Turn the tables on Barbara in this suped-up Q&A session. Barbara puts herself in the hot seat by answering your questions on entrepreneurship, building a successful business, what it’s like to be on Shark Tank and more. Your very own company executive is invited to lead this engrossing discussion.

Testimonials

Barbara brings a priceless level of charm, humor, and intelligence. She has the ability to inspire and connect deeply with her audience. Everyone left the session with great excitement to put Barbara’s takeaways into practice.
– STACEY COHEN, PRESIDENT & CEO, CO-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Barbara was, of course, FABULOUS! She really set the bar high for our speaker series and we have no idea how we’re going to “top” her next year!
– KIMBERLY HOWES, BRAND MANAGER, FIRST COMMERCE CREDIT UNION
Barbara excites and inspires with her success stories. She is personable and energetic and our attendees thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to hear from her and meet her!
– DIANE MCCLENDON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DALLS HR AND THE HRSOUTHWEST CONFERENCE
With her wit, wisdom and wild sense of humor, Barbara wowed the professional women at our 2014 NAPW National Networking Conference! An absolute major force in the business world, she is a bold, courageous, and brilliant identifier of opportunity and talent. Her business counsel left our conference attendees in awe and completely inspired. I am proud and honored to call Barbara my friend and colleague.
– STAR JONES, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL WOMEN & PROFESSIONAL DIVERSITY NETWORK (NASDAQ:IPDN)
I've heard many speakers give tips for success, but Barbara’s stories are second to none. Thank you for affirming that fun at work really does work. A standing ovation well deserved!
– JONATHAN FLAKS, EXECUTIVE COACH AND SPEAKE
Commands market power!
– NEW YORK TIMES

Booksby Barbara Corcoran

Shark Tales: How I Turned $1,000 into a Billion Dollar Business

If You Don't Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons On Your Pigtails

Blog Posts

Embrace Radical Generosity This Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, we’re embracing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and spark waves of kindness.

Read More

Celebrating Thanksgiving: Grateful Hearts, Bold Milestones

This Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey—an adventure full of creativity, teamwork, and connection.

Read More

“Find a Way” Philosophy to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Motivational keynote speaker Merril Hoge shares his "Find a Way" philosophy to overcome life's challenges with accountability, resilience, and personal growth.

Read More

Transforming Events with Music to Create Unique Experiences

🎶 Listen and learn how SongDivision uses music to transform events, creating unforgettable moments of connection and creativity for businesses worldwide.

Read More

Five Life-Changing Lessons from Recording 100 Podcast Episodes

🎧 In this special podcast, we reflect on five life-changing lessons from recording 100 episodes, with insights from keynote speakers and event professionals.

Read More

Celebrating International Men’s Day: Fostering Positive Change and Health

On International Men's Day, we celebrate men’s contributions and tackle the challenges they face through the lens of six defining health pillars.

Read More

Related Speakers

Reviews & Ratings

Here's how toHit the mark with the perfect speaker!

1. Schedule a call

We’ll connect so we understand your needs to curate a selection of great speakers.

2. Book your speaker

We’ll manage all the details so you will be confident with your choice.

3. Wow your audience

Inform & educate your participants to ideas that transform their work & personal life.

Schedule a Call

Blog Posts

 

Embrace Radical Generosity This Giving Tuesday

As the season of gratitude unfolds, we're reminded of our shared humanity and the power...

Read More

Celebrating Thanksgiving: Grateful Hearts, Bold Milestones

🦃 This Thanksgiving, we at The Keynote Curators are reflecting on what truly matters—our community,...

Read More

“Find a Way” Philosophy to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Overcoming Challenges with Merril Hoge’s Find a Way Philosophy Challenges are a universal experience. Whether...

Read More

Transforming Events with Music to Create Unique Experiences

The Power of Music in Events Few things unite people as effortlessly as music. Whether...

Read More

Five Life-Changing Lessons from Recording 100 Podcast Episodes

How Creating a Podcast Can Transform Your Perspective in Life What if the simplest conversations...

Read More

Celebrating International Men’s Day: Fostering Positive Change and Health

On International Men's Day, we celebrate their contributions and tackle the challenges they face through...

Read More