Barbara Corcoran Says This Embarrassing Moment Changed Her Whole Career

What started as fright turned into one of her most valuable skills.

Shark Tank investor and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran is always willing to share her hard-learned career lessons with her followers, particularly when it comes to her past mistakes and how they've shaped her into a better businesswoman. 

Corcoran's latest thread of tweets is a reminder to us all that facing professional fears can make way for a whole new skill set. "I remember the day like it was yesterday," she began her story. "It was my first-ever invitation to speak in front of a large crowd, and I was nervous but excited. As soon as I stepped up to the microphone, my voice disappeared. I was mortified. I stumbled through my speech, feeling embarrassed."

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She went on to say that instead of letting fear of public speaking hold her back, she challenged herself to get better at it.

"I decided to face my fear and get better at public speaking," she said in the thread. "The next day, I hopped over to NYU and pitched a course on how to sell real estate, the only subject I knew."

After 10 weeks of teaching a three-hour course on selling real estate, teaching in front of a small class had an impact on more than just her public speaking skills. Corcoran also says that the class was hugely impactful for one of her students, who became one of Corcoran's most incredibly successful proteges.

"So, if you're feeling scared or embarrassed about something," she tells her readers, "remember that it's never too late to face your fears and turn your setbacks into opportunities for growth and success."

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