Kevin O’Leary’s father warned him he would “starve to death” if he followed his passion. Getting an MBA ended up changing his life

Kevin O’Leary, the outspoken investor known as “Mr. Awesome” from Shark Tank, didn’t always plan to be a business mogul. His first love was something else entirely: photography.

Fresh out of high school, Kevin dreamed of turning his passion into a career. He even set up a laboratory in the basement and did whatever he liked. But his father had a harsh dose of reality for him.

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“You’re not good enough and you’ll starve,” his father told him bluntly. His father pushed him to go to college and get a degree, telling him not to follow his heart. This tough love turned out to be some of the best advice Kevin could have received, even though he may have felt his aspirations dashed.

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Kevin followed his father’s advice and went to college, eventually earning an MBA. Although not part of his original plan, this degree would later change the game. He soon found a way to combine his passion for photography and production with his business skills, launching his first company, Special Event Television, which produced programs for East Coast hockey games.

That first fling set the stage for a very successful career. Kevin and his co-founders eventually sold the company, and Kevin used the money to start his next venture, a software business called Softkey, which he later sold for $4.2 billion.

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Still in his mid-30s, Kevin decided to retire and live the kind of financially independent life that most of us can only imagine. He traveled the world visiting the most beautiful beaches and other amazing locations. However, something unexpected happened – he found himself bored despite the luxury and endless travel. “I’ve been to every beach on Earth,” he says, but after three years, “It was very boring.”

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The excitement of creating something, taking risks and participating in the business world was something he lacked. Retirement proved unsatisfactory, although it seemed to be the ultimate goal.

In addition to his father giving him tough advice, Kevin also credits his mother for giving him some of the best financial advice he’s ever received. She taught him and his brother a simple but effective lesson: “Boys, never spend the principal, only the interest.” Although he didn’t fully understand it at the time, this lesson has guided him throughout his life and career.

Kevin O’Leary’s life story shows that success doesn’t usually follow a straight line, but often involves following hard-to-hear advice.

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This article Kevin O’Leary’s father warned him he would ‘starve to death’ if he pursued his passion. Getting an MBA ended up changing his life originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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