As a father, I want my children to grow up in a world where leaders challenge broken systems, question the status quo, and take bold action to create positive change. I want them to see that success isn’t just about making money—it’s about using influence to solve real problems and improve lives.
That’s why I deeply admire Mark Cuban.
Most people know him as a billionaire entrepreneur, Shark Tank investor, and owner of the Dallas Mavericks. But to me, he is something more—a visionary leader who asks tough questions, refuses to accept things as they are, and uses his resources to disrupt industries that take advantage of everyday people.
He doesn’t just accept the way things work—he asks:
- Why is this system broken?
- How can we fix it?
- What if there’s a better way?
And then, he takes action.
Fixing a Broken System: Taking on Big Pharma
Curiosity: Why do life-saving drugs cost so much? Can we make them affordable?
For decades, the prescription drug industry has been controlled by pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and middlemen who inflate prices, making critical medications unaffordable for millions of Americans.
Mark Cuban looked at this system and saw a massive, unethical problem. Instead of saying, "That's just how the healthcare system works," he asked:
- What if we cut out the middlemen?
- What if we sold medications at cost—without hidden markups?
- What if we created complete transparency in drug pricing?
And then he did it.
His Courageous Action: Cost Plus Drugs
- Founded the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC)—a direct-to-consumer pharmacy selling medications at wholesale prices with a simple 15% markup and transparent pricing.
- Bypassed Insurance & Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)—the hidden middlemen who artificially inflate drug prices.
- Offers life-saving medications at a fraction of the price—for example, a leukemia drug that normally costs $9,657 per month is available on Cost Plus Drugs for just $47 per month.
- Building an affordable insulin solution—one of the most overpriced and essential medications in the U.S., which has been marked up hundreds of times its actual cost.
- Expanding into hospitals and employer benefits to provide affordable medications to even more people.
Impact: He has already saved thousands of people hundreds of millions of dollars—and he’s just getting started.
Lesson for my children: If a system is unfair, don’t just complain about it—do something to fix it.
Revolutionizing Business: Ethics Over Profits
Curiosity: What if businesses prioritized fairness and transparency over profit maximization?
Mark Cuban is not your typical billionaire. Unlike many in the corporate world who focus only on maximizing profits, Cuban is proving that business can be ethical and wildly successful at the same time.
- Cost Plus Drugs is a public-benefit corporation—designed to help people, not just make money.
- No secret deals, no hidden markups—Cuban built a business model based on honesty, showing the world that fair pricing can still be profitable.
- A business that actually helps people—instead of preying on the sick, Cost Plus Drugs empowers patients by making medications affordable.
- Challenging other industries to step up—Cuban’s model is forcing other pharmaceutical companies to rethink their pricing strategies and look for ways to become more transparent.
Lesson for my children: Doing the right thing is always a good business strategy.
Championing Innovation & Education
Curiosity: What if we invested more in education and entrepreneurship?
Mark Cuban knows that curiosity leads to innovation, and innovation requires education and access to opportunities. That’s why he invests heavily in young entrepreneurs and future leaders.
- Supporting Free & Affordable Education: He has spoken out about the student loan crisis and promotes alternative ways to gain skills without crippling debt.
- Mentoring the Next Generation: Through Shark Tank, he invests in entrepreneurs who are solving real-world problems, often favoring small businesses that serve underrepresented communities.
- Betting on the Future: Cuban is a strong advocate for AI, blockchain, and future technologies, encouraging young people to learn coding and business skills to stay ahead.
Lesson for my children: Always be learning. Curiosity is the key to growth and opportunity.
Redefining Leadership: No-Nonsense, No Excuses, All Action
Mark Cuban leads with straight talk, fearless action, and a commitment to doing what’s right—even when it’s hard.
Unlike many billionaires who hoard wealth and avoid controversy, Cuban isn’t afraid to speak his mind and stand up for what he believes in.
- He calls out unethical business practices—whether it’s price gouging in healthcare, shady Wall Street tactics, or corporate greed.
- He demands accountability—both from leaders in business and politics, often challenging policymakers on healthcare, education, and technology ethics.
- He invests in solutions, not just problems—instead of just talking about the issues, he builds businesses that solve them.
Lesson for my children: Real leaders take action, even when it’s unpopular.
Mark Cuban’s Leadership Through Courageous Curiosity
As a father, I want my children to understand that real success isn’t just about making money—it’s about using what you have to make a difference.
Mark Cuban embodies what I hope my children learn about leadership:
Question everything. If something seems unfair or broken, don’t accept it—ask how it can change.
Put ethics before profits. Success is about impact, not just income.
Stay ahead by staying curious. The future belongs to those who keep learning, experimenting, and innovating.
Be bold. Speak the truth, challenge bad ideas, and take action.
Mark Cuban isn’t waiting for someone else to fix things—he’s leading the way.
The question I now ask my children and all future leaders is this - What bold question will you ask today that could change everything?