WFU Face to Face will host star of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ Daymond John

Founder & CEO of FUBU, Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, Star of ABC’s “Shark Tank” and CEO of The Shark Group Daymond John will join Wake Forest’s Face to Face Speaker Forum for an evening of conversation with Emmy Award-winning talk show host Mario Armstrong on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Wait Chapel. 

John is a pioneer in the fashion industry. He is also a Shark on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” a New York Times bestselling author, a branding guru and a highly sought-after motivational speaker. 

John created his brand consulting company, The Shark Group, to reveal the secrets that made FUBU a $6 billion global brand and reinvigorated the once-defunct Coogi brand into the biggest fashion line in its space. Throughout his eight seasons on the “Shark Tank” show, John has given countless aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to work alongside him and his team, showing them the ins and outs of what they need to take their business to the next level. 

He is the author of three bestselling books, including “Display of Power,” “The Brand Within” and, most recently, “The Power of Broke.” He has received numerous awards including Brandweek Marketer of the Year, NAACP Entrepreneur of the Year, and Ernst & Young’s Master Entrepreneur of the Year.

In 2015, President Obama appointed John a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, a position focused on promoting the power and importance of entrepreneurship on a global scale. He was also tapped to work with President Obama on his My Brother’s Keeper program, helping create access and opportunity for underserved men of color via mentorship and education.

Armstrong is the host of the Emmy-winning Never Settle Show, a web television series that teaches creators how to monetize and market their passions while hustling mindfully.

He focuses on positivity, motivation and tactical advice to inspire people to pursue their personal and professional goals, dreams and passions. He is an entrepreneur, brand influencer, and public speaker with Daymond John’s Shark Group Speaking Division. 

In addition to the Face to Face keynote event, students from Wake Forest University and all institutions of higher learning in Winston-Salem are invited to participate in a student-led conversation at Wait Chapel at 5 p.m. The event is moderated by students from the Wake Forest University School of Business Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character.

Media are welcome to the student-led conversation at 5 p.m. and the keynote event at 7:30 p.m. Photography and video are limited to three minutes. Reservations are required. Contact media@wfu.edu if you plan to attend either event.

The community-facing Face to Face Speaker Forum brings world-renowned, influential voices to Winston-Salem to discuss topics in a variety of areas including politics, arts and culture, business and social justice. 

This Face to Face Speaker Forum is presented by the Wake Forest University School of Business Allegacy Center for Leadership and Character. A complete list of Face to Face Speaker Forum sponsors is available here.