Kevin O’Leary: podcast appearances and interviews

Terrence Thomas Kevin O'Leary, born on July 9, 1954, is a Canadian businessman and television personality known for his appearances on various Canadian television programs including The Lang and O'Leary Exchange as well as the reality show Dragons' Den. He has also hosted the Discovery Channel's Project Earth and appeared on the American version of Dragons' Den, Shark Tank, since 2009. O'Leary is recognized for co-founding SoftKey Software Products, a technology company that specialized in educational and entertainment software for families. During the late 1980s and 1990s, SoftKey grew into a major consolidator in the global educational software market through hostile takeover bids, acquiring several rival companies including Compton's New Media, the Learning Company, and Broderbund. The company later rebranded as The Learning Company and was acquired by Mattel in 1999, a move that surprised many observers due to concerns over the company's financial stability. The sale resulted in a significant profit for O'Leary, netting him approximately six million dollars, but was followed by his dismissal from Mattel and several shareholder lawsuits related to perceived mismanagement. O'Leary also ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada in 2017 but withdrew before the election due to insufficient support in Quebec. He holds Canadian, Irish, and Emirati citizenship and resides in Miami, Florida.