Tag Archives: Shark Tank

Ask Ellen Anmuth, Psychotherapist – ABC TV’s “Shark Tank” as a Metaphor for Faith and Control

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In What Way is the ABC TV show “Shark Tank” a Metaphor for Faith and Control in Business Marketing and Development?

This series, “Ask Ellen Anmuth, Psychotherapist”, is devoted to addressing emails from readers.

SANDRA FROM INDIANA WRITES: I work in the field of spiritual coaching, and I find myself watching “Shark Tank” from a perspective of spirituality. In other words, I feel that people who come to the show have a dream that they wish to manifest. They seem to have some degree of control, but when they get into the “Shark Tank”, they do not know how the panel of “Sharks” will respond to their idea. Can you comment on the issue of control and spirituality related to business development?

ELLEN ANMUTH, PSYCHOTHERAPIST: I appreciate this very insightful question, Sandra. I think that the TV show, “Shark Tank” has become very popular because it taps into some of the core issues for individuals with a dream of building and promoting their own product or business. What does it tap into?

Perhaps the core issue is “Control”. The notion of “control” is a fascinating one to ponder, on many levels…practical business, spiritual and psychological.

On the TV show, “Shark Tank”, we have seen some people present their ideas with great confidence, only to find out that they are unprepared to answer questions about the nuts and bolts of the finances related to their product. Others come in very prepared financially, and yet seem to present with an air of arrogance that offends the “Sharks”.  When people have business dreams, what causes some deals to click, and other deals to fail?

An aspect of success in business promotion may be that subjective element of “right place, right time”,  and an aspect of the blending of personalities of the business owner and the business investor. What other elements are operating on both conscious and unconscious levels between people negotiating a business deal? What aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication contribute to outcomes? 

To what extent to we have control over a business situation, despite the best intentions to plan and prepare? To what extent do we have control over any interpersonal interaction?

Some Aspects to consider:

1) Did you ever feel totally prepared and confident, and find out that a presentation did not go your way? Did the opposite ever occur, in that when you are hardly trying at all, things click and unexpectedly positive things happen?

2) Do you believe in a spiritual component to business?

3) Do you believe in fate, in that if one door closes, it is because something better is around the corner?  I appreciate any comments on the topic of spirituality, control and business outcomes.

Ellen Anmuth Commentary– ABC’s “Shark Tank”: Dreams, Compassion and Power

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How is the ABC TV Show “Shark Tank” and interesting study of the human condition, relative to hopes/dreams, kindness, compassion, mentoring, helplessness, and power/control issues?

As a Licensed Psychotherapist, I find myself watching the ABC TV show, “Shark Tank” from many different perspectives: (1) From the point of view of an inventor and business person, as I have had my own business, (2) From the perspective of the creative process of business owners, and their anxiety/hopes to have investment support from the Sharks to manifest their dreams, and (3) From the perspective of the Sharks themselves…their business persona and their humanity.

This article will touch upon with the dynamics of power and control — the interpersonal dance between the “inventor/small business person” and the “Shark”, the self made millionaire or billionaire — relative to kindness, compassion, mentoring and the love of helping others.

I am fascinated to observe the behavior and personalities of the “Sharks”, relative to their empathy and compassion. While one “Shark” has the persona of cruelty (I suspect a staged character for the show), the others tend to differ in their “empathy meter”, metaphorically speaking, from moment to moment.

I surmise that a “Shark’s” empathy level is partly dependent on a business strategy related to simply making money and getting the best deal, and partly related to their personal identification with the business inventor seeking a deal. At times, you see their hearts open, and their tenderness emerge.

I am fascinated during those moments where the “Shark” seems to release their persona as the tough business person, and seems to morph into a kindly philanthropic mentor.

During these moments, the hard edge of the Shark seems to shift into more of a loving persona, as if the “Shark” becomes more of a kind mentor/helper. I grew up with a TV show called “The Millionaire“, where money was given to deserving people with a charitable motivation. During those moments of connection, I feel the Shark’s intention to help may be greater than their own desire to make money. When someone is a mentor, they gain pleasure in guiding the student.

I so enjoy those moments of kindness, love and compassion, where a “Shark” reveals his or her humanity, and morphs from a Shark to a philanthropic persona. Sure, they will make money, but the intention to support and nurture seems to take a more primary role. You see, these “Sharks” get so much more than money…they get the joy of helping another person to manifest their dreams. I bet that is more important to them, on the deepest level.

ACTION SUGGESTION:

Think of your own life….when have you been the philanthropic support of someone else, to nurture and support another person to attain his/her dreams?Think about what you can give…You have a talent or gift to share with another!

Ellen Anmuth Commentary