Additional Coverage:
- I’m ‘Shark Tank’ investor Kevin O’Leary. I wake up at 5 a.m. with no alarm and refuse to answer emails. (businessinsider.com)
Mr. Wonderful’s Masterclass: A Peek Inside Kevin O’Leary’s Power-Packed Daily Grind
Ever wonder how “Mr. Wonderful” himself, the straight-talking investor Kevin O’Leary, navigates his day? Known for his sharp wit and even sharper business acumen on the hit show “Shark Tank,” O’Leary recently pulled back the curtain on his daily routine, revealing a disciplined approach to health, wealth, and even a surprising foray into Hollywood.
O’Leary, 71, boasts a storied career that includes building and selling the software company SoftKey to Mattel for a cool $4.2 billion. His journey to “Shark Tank” began on the Canadian version, “Dragon’s Den,” before Mark Burnett, the show’s producer, famously told him, “I’m looking for a real asshole, and you’re it.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Beyond his investment empire, O’Leary is now making his acting debut as business tycoon Milton Rockwell in the Timothée Chalamet movie “Marty Supreme,” hitting theaters this Christmas Day. But how does this busy entrepreneur, investor, and now actor structure his 24 hours? Let’s take a look.
The Early Bird Gets the Global News
O’Leary is an early riser, waking naturally around 5 a.m. – no alarm clock needed. His first order of business?
Catching up on global news feeds from Asia and Europe. “Generally, in business, there are five stories that start in Asia and then come sweeping across the globe,” he explains, highlighting the importance of staying informed.
By 6:45 a.m., as the sun begins to rise, he hits the road for a 12-mile bike ride.
Fueling the Machine: Fasting and Frugality
When it comes to breakfast, O’Leary skips it entirely, opting for a 16-hour fasting window and just two meals a day. He does enjoy his coffee but draws the line at paying premium prices.
“That’s stupid. Why would I pay five bucks when I can just make a coffee?
I don’t get it,” he quips, showcasing his signature no-nonsense approach to spending. His daily workout, lasting about an hour and a half, is non-negotiable for “longevity and mental acuity.”
The Steve Jobs “Signal and Noise” Strategy
A key to O’Leary’s productivity is a technique he learned from Steve Jobs: the “signal and noise” goal method. He focuses on three crucial tasks each day, ensuring they comprise at least 70% “signal” (productive work) with the remaining 30% dedicated to “noise” (unavoidable distractions).
“In entrepreneurship, and certainly in what I do today as an investor, there is no holiday, there’s no workday – that doesn’t exist. It’s what you want to do with your time,” he states.
Ditching Emails and Embracing Messaging
In a move that many can only dream of, O’Leary has abandoned email. Facing an onslaught of 2,000 to 4,000 emails daily, he found it to be a “constant stream of noise and garbage.” Now, those who need to reach him do so through messaging, including a vital family chat for coordinating daily activities.
Mindful Meals and the Power of Naps
Lunch around 1:30 p.m. typically consists of fish and salad, with a focus on hitting 130 grams of protein daily. He strictly avoids “shit food,” snacking, and fast food, emphasizing the impact of diet on productivity and energy.
While he once scoffed at sleep, O’Leary credits a CEO friend with convincing him to prioritize seven hours and twenty minutes of rest. The result?
A 30% boost in energy. He even incorporates “power naps” into his routine, falling asleep in limos during commutes.
Dinner, usually around 7 p.m., is a relaxed affair with “a light Steely Dan vibe.” He enjoys protein, a glass or two of wine (Montrachet followed by Burgundy or Bordeaux), but is careful to stop drinking three hours before bed to ensure quality sleep.
The Unexpected Challenge of Hollywood
Taking on the role in “Marty Supreme” was a deliberate step outside his comfort zone. Despite his agent’s warnings about potentially damaging his brand, O’Leary embraced the challenge.
However, the experience drastically disrupted his meticulously crafted routine. Filming in New York and Tokyo for eight months, with some scenes shot as late as 3:30 a.m. and countless takes demanded by director Josh Safdie, pushed O’Leary to his limits.
“In the beginning, because I’m not used to working in a totalitarian environment, I finally said to Josh, ‘Listen, this is my 25th take, I nailed it six times.’ And he looked at me and said, ‘You haven’t nailed it until I’ve said you’ve nailed it, do it again!'” O’Leary recounts.
Despite the grueling schedule, he managed to squeeze in his beloved naps, particularly during the hours-long makeup sessions required for his character’s hair. O’Leary’s foray into acting is a testament to his philosophy of embracing new, challenging opportunities, even if they momentarily throw his well-oiled machine off balance.
“Marty Supreme” promises to showcase a new side of Mr. Wonderful, arriving in theaters on Christmas Day.