Real Estate Mogul Barbara Corcoran Reveals the ‘Crazy’ Work Perks She Gives Employees—From Free Bentleys to Elephant Rides and the ‘Wildest Parties in Town’
Barbara Corcoran, the legendary real estate mogul and star of Shark Tank, is known for her unfiltered advice and sharp business acumen. But in a recent eye-opening interview, Corcoran peeled back the curtain on her management style, revealing a series of wildly unconventional—and wildly generous—work perks she’s used to keep her employees not just motivated but thrilled to come to work.
Among the jaw-dropping benefits? A free Bentley. Yes, Corcoran once gifted a top-performing employee a luxury Bentley as a reward. “It wasn’t even for a holiday,” she said. “It was just because they crushed it and I wanted to say, ‘You’re special.’” This isn’t your average office bonus—it’s a gesture that defines how Corcoran values loyalty, hustle, and exceptional performance.
But the lavishness doesn’t end there. Corcoran also shared that she once arranged elephant rides for her staff at a corporate celebration. “I thought, ‘How can I top last year’s party?’ So I brought in elephants,” she laughed. “People thought I was crazy, but they never forgot it.”
This unorthodox approach to workplace culture is more than just spectacle. Corcoran insists these over-the-top incentives help her team perform at their best by creating a strong emotional connection to the company and a sense of genuine excitement around the workplace. “People want to feel like they belong somewhere incredible,” she explained. “They want to talk about work outside of work—not because they have to, but because it’s that fun.”
Indeed, her legendary office parties have become part of New York City real estate folklore. Corcoran is known for throwing what she confidently calls “the wildest parties in town,” complete with performers, costumes, elaborate themes, and entertainment that rivals A-list events. “We had a pirate party on a boat one year where the entire team came dressed in full character, and another time we had a burlesque show in the office. I love going overboard—it creates stories people carry with them for life.”
These wild perks may raise eyebrows, but for Corcoran, they’ve paid dividends. Her real estate empire has flourished, with high employee retention and a culture that champions risk-taking, creativity, and loyalty. “The truth is, you don’t build a winning team with spreadsheets and rules—you build it by making people feel seen, celebrated, and totally energized,” she emphasized.
Barbara Corcoran’s philosophy goes against the grain of conventional corporate culture, but it’s hard to argue with results. In a work world where burnout, quiet quitting, and disengagement are all too common, her high-octane, high-reward leadership style offers a reminder that sometimes, to keep your best people, you’ve got to think big—and a little crazy.