Kevin O’Leary, the renowned investor and businessman, once had a photography lab in his basement. As a young teenager, he was passionate about capturing moments behind the lens and dreamed of pursuing a career in photography. However, there was a significant obstacle in his path – his father’s disapproval.
In a poignant video shared on X, O’Leary recalled his father’s discouraging words, “You’re not good enough, and you’ll starve to death.” Despite the criticism, he decided to follow his father’s advice and pursued a degree, eventually earning an MBA.
O’Leary firmly believes that his MBA education was a pivotal tool that paved the way for his success. The cost of an MBA program can be substantial, averaging $231,420 for a top 10 program in the U.S. However, O’Leary attests that the investment was worth it.
In a heartfelt Facebook post from 2021, O’Leary credited his MBA for providing him with a head start in life and instilling discipline. He emphasized how the degree transformed him from a young adult with poor study habits to a seasoned entrepreneur with a keen business acumen.
Following his graduation from the University of Western Ontario in 1980, where the annual cost for domestic students is $83,250, O’Leary ventured into the world of business. Despite pursuing a different path, photography still played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial journey.
His first venture, Special Event Television, focused on sports entertainment and allowed him to blend his passion for photography with business acumen. This integration of art and science was a defining moment in O’Leary’s career.
After the success of Special Event Television, O’Leary sold the company and ventured into software development, co-founding SoftKey in 1986. His entrepreneurial prowess led to the eventual sale of SoftKey to Mattel in 1999 for an astonishing $4.2 billion.
Reflecting on his journey, O’Leary expressed that every experience, whether good or bad, shaped him into the person he is today. He embraces the challenges and successes, stating, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Kevin O’Leary’s story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s passions. His journey from a budding photographer to a prominent entrepreneur is a source of inspiration for aspiring business leaders worldwide.