When we think of powerful business leaders who have carved their own path, Barbara Corcoran stands out as an inspiring example of someone who didn’t wait for the “perfect time” to start building her future. Today, she’s a real estate mogul, best-selling author, and a beloved Shark Tank investor. But what truly makes her story remarkable is that she began laying the foundation for her success early on, starting her first business at just 23 years old.
So, who is Barbara Corcoran, and how did she become one of the most successful women in business? Born in 1949 in Edgewater, New Jersey, Barbara grew up in a modest, working-class family with nine siblings. School was challenging for her—she was diagnosed with dyslexia—but she refused to let that hold her back. Corcoran’s determination, grit, and resilience would later become the secret ingredients behind her success. “I had 22 jobs by the time I was 23 years old,” Corcoran once said. But rather than seeing that as a failure, she used each experience as a stepping stone toward something bigger.
In her early 20s, Barbara Corcoran knew she didn’t want to settle for an average life. Fresh out of college, she worked as a waitress but dreamed of something more. The turning point came when her boyfriend at the time, Ray Simone, lent her $1,000. She used that money to start a small real estate business in New York City, which she named The Corcoran Group. At 23, with no real estate experience, no safety net, and just a phone book to find clients, Corcoran dove headfirst into the industry.
The real estate market in New York City was tough, especially for a young woman without connections. But Corcoran was relentless. She knocked on doors, cold-called prospective clients, and took every opportunity to learn the business inside and out. “I had no plan, but I knew one thing: I was never going to let anybody outwork me,” she later reflected. Her tenacity paid off. Over the next 25 years, she grew The Corcoran Group from a tiny startup into one of the largest and most successful real estate companies in New York, which she eventually sold for a whopping $66 million in 2001.
Barbara Corcoran’s journey wasn’t without challenges. In fact, she’s very open about the setbacks she faced along the way. “The difference between successful people and others is how long they spend feeling sorry for themselves,” Corcoran said. Early in her career, she faced sexism, skepticism, and rejection, but she refused to let those barriers stop her. One of her defining moments came when her boyfriend and business partner left her for another woman, telling her she’d “never succeed without him.”
Instead of letting that setback break her, Corcoran used it as fuel to prove him wrong. She poured all her energy into growing her company, working long hours and investing in marketing strategies that would set her business apart. One of her most famous innovations was the Corcoran Report, a real estate newsletter that offered valuable insights into market trends. This strategic move not only made her a trusted name in the industry but also established her as a thought leader in New York’s competitive real estate market.
Barbara Corcoran’s story is a powerful example of how starting early can create compounding success over time. By taking that initial leap into the unknown at age 23, she gave herself a head start to learn, grow, and build something extraordinary. Her early start allowed her to leverage every opportunity that came her way, turning each challenge into a stepping stone.
What’s truly inspiring about Corcoran’s journey is how she embraced the power of compounding—not just in financial terms, but in skills, experiences, and confidence. By starting early, she was able to accumulate years of knowledge and expertise, which positioned her to seize even bigger opportunities later in life. “Don’t you dare underestimate the power of your own instinct,” she advises. “You might be scared, but you have to jump in and learn to swim.”
- Embrace Resilience: Corcoran’s journey was filled with setbacks, but her ability to bounce back was what made her unstoppable. She never let rejection define her. Instead, she viewed every “no” as just another step toward a “yes.”
- Focus on Your Strengths: Corcoran’s success didn’t come from being the smartest person in the It came from her ability to work harder, be more creative, and stay true to her instincts. As she puts it, “The best part of failure is that it teaches you so much.”
- Be Willing to Take Risks: At 23, Corcoran didn’t have a lot of money, connections, or experience. But she had the courage to take risks, which opened doors that others were too afraid to walk through. “I don’t need an invitation to get into the party; I just walk in,” she once said.
- Never Stop Learning: Even after selling her company, Corcoran continued to Today, she’s not only a successful investor on Shark Tank but also a motivational speaker, author, and podcast host. She believes in constantly pushing herself to grow.
The biggest lesson from Barbara Corcoran’s story is that it’s never too early—or too late—to start planning for the life you want. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or thinking about making a change, taking that first step is often the hardest part. But as Corcoran shows us, the rewards are worth it. “Don’t wait until you have everything figured out,” she advises. “Just get started. You can learn along the way.”
Corcoran’s journey proves that starting early isn’t just about getting a head start; it’s about building a foundation that can support your dreams, no matter how big they are. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the willingness to take risks.
Barbara Corcoran’s story is a true inspiration for anyone looking to break free from the ordinary and create a life filled with purpose and success. But what about you? Do you know someone who started early and turned their dreams into reality? Or maybe you have your own story of taking that first leap toward your goals?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your story or someone who inspires you in the Age Brilliantly forum here. Let’s inspire each other to take that leap of faith and build the life we’ve always dreamed of!