Kevin O'Leary isn't exactly known for his Oscar-worthy performances, but his brief stint in the 2019 thriller 'Uncut Gems' apparently taught him something about growth that translates well beyond Hollywood.

In a Friday post on X, the veteran investor wrote, "I've always believed that if you want to keep life interesting, you have to step outside your comfort zone." He was reflecting on what sounds like a pretty entertaining casting process.

When Being Called an A-Hole Is Actually a Compliment

Here's the thing about O'Leary's casting story: the filmmakers straight-up told him they were "looking for a real a-hole" and thought he was "perfect for it." Most people might take that poorly. The Shark Tank star? He took it as a compliment and ran with it.

The filming process itself was a departure from O'Leary's usual controlled business environment. He described having to repeat identical lines 25 to 30 times per scene, with roughly half the film relying on improvisation where spontaneous moments got woven into scripted dialogue.

Watching how films actually get made changed his perspective. "It made me respect the craft even more," O'Leary said, adding, "Different world, different rules, same lesson."

The Democracy of Shark Tank Versus Film Sets

O'Leary pointed out a key difference between his usual Shark Tank gig and film production. On set, "this is not Shark Tank, it's not a democracy," he noted, acknowledging he typically operates with far more control in his business dealings.

The broader point? Growth happens when you push past familiar boundaries, whether that means learning new skills, taking calculated risks, or saying yes to opportunities that seem wildly outside your wheelhouse.

Real estate investor Grant Cardone shares a similar philosophy, emphasizing that genuine growth lives outside comfort zones. Cardone argues that complacency traps people, and setting ambitious goals is essential for achieving real success in life and finances. He's also blunt about personal responsibility: if you're living below your potential, that's on you.

Codie Sanchez, founder and CEO of Contrarian Thinking, a financial advice enterprise, pushes this idea even further. She emphasizes that achieving success often requires physically leaving familiar surroundings like your hometown to access new networks, opportunities, and experiences.

The overall message from O'Leary's reflection? He's willing to venture beyond his established business reputation and take creative risks. Even if that means getting typecast as, well, exactly what the filmmakers were looking for.