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Biography

Kevin O’Leary is a top entrepreneur speaker, bestselling author, venture capitalist, and guest judge on Shark Tank. O’Leary co-founded SoftKey Software Products, which later became the Learning Company, and was acquired by Mattel for 3.7 billion. As a venture capitalist, O’Leary is a self-proclaimed “eco-preneur” focusing on investments that make money and are environmentally friendly. He has appeared on the reality TV shows Shark Tank and the Dragon Den and published two books focusing on business, finance, and financial literacy.

Kevin O’Leary’s impressive reputation has been built upon his entrepreneurial vision, investment smarts, and drive to succeed. In addition to being one of the Dragons, O’Leary is the co-host of BNN’s SqueezePlay, the host of BNN’s O’Leary Live, and a ‘Shark’ on the ABC show, Shark Tank. He is also hosting the CBC News world’s business show, Lang & O’Leary Exchange, Chairman of O’Leary Funds, and the chairman of the investment committee of Boston’s 107-year-old Hamilton Trust.

Born in Montreal, O’Leary is the son of a United Nations ILO official, who contributed greatly to his diverse cultural and educational experiences. He was educated in countries around the world, and he received an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Psychology from the University of Waterloo. In 1980, O’Leary earned his MBA from the University of Western Ontario.

In 1986, O’Leary co-founded SoftKey Software Products, and by the late 1990s, SoftKey had acquired numerous competitor companies, including Compton’s New Media, The Learning Company, Mindscape, and Broderbund. In 1999, the company was sold to the Mattel Toy Company for $3.7 billion, which is one of the largest deals ever done in the consumer software industry.

O’Leary became co-investor and director in Storage Now, and in 2007, he joined the advisory board of Genstar Capital LLC. As a self-proclaimed “Eco-preneur,” O’Leary’s focus is on investments that make money and are environmentally friendly. He is the founding investor and director of Stream Global, and is currently working as the entrepreneur/investor co-host for the Discovery Channel’s Discovery Project Earth, a new program that explores innovative ways man could reverse global warming.

O’Leary has developed a cult following among financial professionals and smart investors with his pull-no-punches look at the good, the bad, and the ugly with respect to the markets and investment opportunities. Within his various television roles, his opinionated nature has won over millions, and he continues to impress his audiences with professional tips and personal anecdotes.

In addition to serving on the executive board of The Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, O’Leary is a member of the investment committee of Boston’s Hamilton Trust and an investor and director of EnGlobe.

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Cold Hard Truth

Kevin O’Leary, one of North America’s most successful entrepreneurs, reveals the secrets that made him rich and shares his personal advice for those from every walk of life. Kevin describes his incredible journey, from his sometimes difficult childhood to the way he built his first company, managed personal pressures, and ultimately achieved remarkable success. His advice is engaging and practical – and will help audience members become the best entrepreneurs and business people that they can be. Topics cover business, money, and life, including how to find your calling and turn your talents into a profitable venture; building a dream team; transforming adversity into opportunity, and making and growing your business–and your money.

Lessons From a Shark

Kevin O’Leary will take you on a behind-the-scenes look at his hit show Shark Tank. He’ll share entertaining and insightful outtakes from his TV shows – videos you can’t see anywhere else, along with a current economic overview and how it relates to your industry, and finally, he’ll be a ‘secret agent’ for your industry with insights into how your industry is performing, where the innovation is coming from and more. All based on a content review of your industry prior to the event.

Fireside Chat with Kevin O'Leary: Understanding and Thriving in an Uncertain World

We are all facing a new and potentially challenging era at home and in our businesses: unusual presidential campaigns and high-pressure elections, high-interest rates, stock markets declining, and growing geopolitical tensions.

An industry titan and champion of small businesses who frequently appears on major networks including CNBC and Fox, Kevin O’Leary has an ear to the ground on all things business and economics. In this moderated fireside chat, he brings the host and audience up to speed on the economy, rising interest rates, elections, and how to better understand the intersections between politics and economics and how they influence our world. Questions can be custom-tailored to your company and audience.

Recommended topics include:

Where is the US and international economy headed in 2024 and beyond?
What is the outlook for US interest rates, consumer and business spending, inflation, and energy prices?
What changes can we expect in supply chains, labor markets, and real estate?
How do small business owners protect themselves in an increasingly chaotic market?
How US – Chinese tensions are being managed and what are the implications?
What is the likely end game in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?
Which geopolitical threats are likely to erupt next — and what can you do to protect your business from catastrophe?

American Business 2.0

When the great Covid Pandemic of 2020 hit the world, it altered the American business landscape. While many businesses like restaurants, airlines, and shared workplaces (think WeWork) went out of business or were reduced drastically, online businesses like Zoom, Adobe, and Shopify flourished. Meanwhile, changes that were happening slowly in the workplace, such as remote work, flexible schedules, and online retailing, accelerated rapidly and became the norm. In this talk on the future of business, Kevin O’Leary will share other changes that are happening so you and your company can be prepared for American Business 2.0.

Testimonials

I’ve had the fortune of attending two of Kevin O’Leary’s speaking events! Both times were so inspiring. I learned a ton and had a great time!
– Adam, Chicago
Kevin O’Leary is candid, motivating and speaks with passion. He leaves the audience feeling ready to take on anything.
– Marie, Boston
If you have the opportunity to see Kevin O’Leary in your city, I urge you to take advantage of it! You’ll walk out feeling smarter and ready to change your relationship with money!
– Jake, Buffalo
Request Availability

Booksby Kevin O’Leary

Cold Hard Truth: On Business, Money & Life

Cold Hard Truth: On Business, Money & Life

Cold Hard Truth on Family, Kids & Money

Cold Hard Truth on Family, Kids & Money

Cold Hard Truth On Men, Women, & Money: 50 Common Money Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Cold Hard Truth On Men, Women, & Money: 50 Common Money Mistakes and How to Fix Them

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