How Did Kevin O'Leary Combine Photography and Business?

TL;DR

Kevin O'Leary's journey illustrates the blend of photography and business. Initially advised to pursue a business degree, he documented his MBA experience, which ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. Today, he sells his photographic prints to support young entrepreneurs, showcasing the importance of merging creativity with business acumen.

Transcript

I get asked so often about my interest in photography where did it come from why do I do it well let me explain when I was graduating high school I told my stepfather I really want to become a photographer because I just learned how to develop film and I was getting into image making and he said that's great but how are you gonna make a living I sa... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍💼 Kevin's stepfather's advice to get a business degree before pursuing photography was a valuable suggestion that shaped his success as an entrepreneur.
• 👻 Documenting his MBA experience as a filmmaker allowed Kevin to showcase the intensity and workload of the program, which contributed to his success.
• 🎥 Kevin's passion for photography never waned, and he continued to capture images during his business travels, using both film and digital cameras.
• 🥰 Blending business and art is crucial for success, as it allows individuals to tap into their creative side while building a successful venture.
• 🗺️ Kevin's exhibition showcases his 40-year journey in photography, featuring images from various places he has traveled to throughout his career.
• 🎥 The exhibition includes images captured with a range of cameras, with some of his best work coming from his earliest, lower-cost cameras.
• 👣 Kevin's exhibit aims to support teenage entrepreneurs by donating the proceeds from print sales to the initiative.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Kevin's stepfather's advice influence his career path?

Kevin's stepfather advised him to get a business degree before pursuing a career in photography, which eventually led to his success as an entrepreneur.

Q: Why did Kevin document his MBA experience as a filmmaker?

Kevin saw an opportunity to create an archival piece and convinced his professors to let him document his two years in the MBA program. This allowed him to showcase the intensity and workload of the program.

Q: How did Kevin's film project contribute to his success?

Kevin's film was well-received and led to opportunities in corporate documentary work. This eventually led to the formation of his production platform for sports television, which became a success.

Q: Why did Kevin continue to pursue photography after his business ventures?

Despite his success in business, Kevin never forgot his love for photography. He continued to travel and capture images, using both film and digital cameras, and now sells his prints to support young entrepreneurs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kevin initially wanted to pursue a career in photography but was advised to go to college and get a business degree first.

• He got an MBA and documented his experience as a filmmaker, which led to the success of his film and production company.

• Despite his focus on business, Kevin continued to pursue his love for photography and now sells his prints to support young entrepreneurs.