Shark Tank, Dragons’ Den, and "Imperiul Leilor" — Are Entrepreneurs Really Predators? (Let’s Rethink the Metaphor!)

For as long as I can remember, the mass media has always depicted the world of entrepreneurship through animalistic metaphors of wildness, ferocity, and domination—where the harsh law of the strongest prevails.

From popular TV shows like Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den in the USA, to Japan’s Money Tigers, the UK’s Dragon’s Den, and Romania’s Imperiul Leilor (The Empire of the Lions), these programs showcase entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of wealthy investors.

These investors, often portrayed as aggressive and uncompromising “predators,” evaluate their "preys" pitching with sharp scrutiny, determining whether to invest or walk away.

But does this portrayal reflect the reality of entrepreneurship and leadership today?

Is the business world truly made up of sharks?!

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The Realm of Entrepreneurship: A Jungle or A Collaborative Ecosystem?

Shows like Shark Tank feature entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to investors, aptly dubbed “sharks”—a symbol of the ocean's most ferocious predators, drawn to the scent of blood and reigning supreme through relentless pursuit of their prey.

The message is evident: the business world is a high-stakes battleground where the strong dominate and the weak perish.

Other similar shows across the globe, such as The Empire of the Lions in Romania follows a similar format, portraying business leaders as lions, the carnivore kings of the jungle.

These metaphors imply that to thrive in business, you must necessarily embody the traits of these powerful animals—ruthlessness, aggression, and dominance.

But I disagree with this distorted vision of the business world!

These representations not only fail to clarify the essence of entrepreneurship—they fundamentally misrepresent its true nature.

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Why I Reject the “Predator” Mentality

As an entrepreneur, I’ve always struggled with this notion of being a killer.

Every day, as I navigate my ventures, I never feel like a shark, a dragon, a tiger—or a lion.

I don’t wake up ready to “hunt” or “dominate” others!

And frankly, most of the entrepreneurs and leaders I know don’t see themselves that way either.

Instead, I see business as a complex ecosystem—one where positive relationships, collaboration, trust and mutual growth matter just as much as competition.

The idea of “survival of the fittest” might have made sense in the past, but in today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving world, success is all about adaptability, trust, reputation, loyalty, and mutual growth.

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The Negative Role of Mass Media in Perpetuating the Predator Myth?

It’s sad that mass media continues to reinforce this damaging perception of the business world as a brutal jungle.

It’s not just shows like Shark Tank. Movies such as The Wolf of Wall Street, or Wall Street (with its infamous “Greed is good” mantra), give audiences the impression that to succeed in business, you must be manipulative, and downright predatory.

While these portrayals may make for great entertainment, they paint a wrong picture of the reality of leadership and entrepreneurship.

This narrative negatively influences how the masses perceive the world of business. It creates the belief that the business world is cutthroat, fostering mistrust and fear.

This may not only discourage aspiring entrepreneurs but also perpetuate stereotypes that harm the reputation of ethical, collaborative entrepreneurs.

This must change!

We need more positive representations of business in the media—stories that highlight collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.

Entrepreneurs who prioritize empathy and sustainability should be celebrated, not ignored.

It’s time for mass media to stop portraying the business world as a jungle and start showcasing it as the dynamic, collaborative ecosystem it truly is.

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Despite the Unfortunate Predator Metaphors, These TV Shows Have One Merit

While shows like Shark Tank perpetuate the image of entrepreneurs as predators, they do have one undeniable merit: they bring entrepreneurship to the mainstream.

These programs may inspire millions of viewers to consider starting their own businesses, turning abstract business concepts into relatable stories.

By showcasing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, these shows promote a culture of innovation and ambition. They exaggerate the cutthroat nature of business, for sure, but they also plant the seed of possibility in aspiring entrepreneurs who might never have considered launching a venture of their own.

It’s a double-edged sword—but one that opens doors to entrepreneurship for a wider audience.

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Rethinking Business Leadership Through Different Animal Metaphors?

Let’s step away from the narrative of predators for a moment.

If I had to choose an animal to represent my approach to business, it wouldn’t be a shark or a lion.

Let’s have fun!

Here’s what I’d choose:

?? ? A Dog. The man's best friend is loyal, collaborative, and work best in packs. They thrive on relationships and are driven by trust and connection. This resonates with my philosophy: success isn’t about taking, it’s about trust, loyalty, as well as giving and building bonds that stand the test of time.

?? ? A Panda. Calm, resilient, and harmonious. Pandas may not seem powerful, but they embody balance and sustainability. In today’s world, where businesses are expected to prioritize long-term value over short-term gains and care about the environment (pandas are vegetarian), the panda is an ideal metaphor.

These animals may not fit the traditional image of “power,” but they represent qualities that are increasingly important in modern business: empathy, cooperation, and sustainability.

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What Kind of Animal Are You, in Business?

Let’s flip the script, fellow entrepreneurs!

Instead of asking how we can be more predatory, let’s ask:

What animal best represents the approach to entrepreneurship?

As we saw, for me, it’s the dog or the panda.

Now it’s your turn:

What animal best represents you as a businessperson?

Share your thoughts below!

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