It was no coincidence that Kevin O’Leary, known as “Mr. Wonderful” on Shark Tank, rose to fame for his bluntness. In actuality, his direct, no-nonsense approach landed him the role on the popular program.
In an interview, O’Leary described how the Shark Tank opportunity came about and how his reputation for being brutally honest became his calling card, even though it made him one of the most polarizing characters on television.
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The Call That Changed Everything
It all started when O’Leary was fresh off selling his company, The Learning Company, for billions. With some free time on his hands, he was helping a private equity firm vet potential business deals. At this point, O’Leary had done some television work and had developed a reputation for being unapologetically blunt.
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One day, he got a call from Mark Burnett, the creator of Shark Tank. Burnett invited O’Leary to join the show, telling him they were looking for someone who was “a real a**hole.” Burnett had seen O’Leary's appearances on other business shows and wanted him to bring that same tough, no-filter energy to Shark Tank.
O’Leary didn’t need any convincing. He said, “That's who I am. I just tell the truth.” And just like that, he was in.
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O’Leary wasn’t always a TV star. Prior to Shark Tank, his greatest reputation was that of a successful businessman. However, television gave him a new platform and avenue for brand expansion. Viewers were drawn to his cutting wit and unflinching honesty; soon enough, he became well-known to the general public.
One of O’Leary’s first encounters with a fan was far from typical. While at the airport, a man recognized him and called him out for taking a huge share of an entrepreneur’s business on Shark Tank. O’Leary didn't miss a beat, responding, “It's my money. I'll do whatever I want.”
Why Brutal Honesty Works
O’Leary's entire TV persona is built on telling the truth, no matter how harsh it may be. In his view, sugarcoating things doesn’t help entrepreneurs. He often disagrees with his fellow sharks, who sometimes give struggling businesses false hope.
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He shared that he'd rather tell someone their business is failing and that they should stop wasting time and money than encourage them to keep going if it’s clear they won't succeed. "Somebody’s got to tell you the truth," O’Leary explained, and he's more than willing to be that person, even if it makes people dislike him.
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