The 32-year-old mechanical engineer started Northbridge live music bar The Bird, designed the Hip Flash app " a social networking gig guide " owns a software company and part-owns Perth's Toastface Grillah cafe.
He recently announced on Facebook his intention to run for City of Perth Lord Mayor in the October local government election.
"A lot of people have been like,"Mike, this isn't for you"," MrO'Hanlon said.
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READ NOW"But I have to live in a city I like, so I've either got to make this a place I love or I leave.
"I don't want to leave because I like it here but I am not going to stay if it continues to be backwards or reluctant to be a leader."
MrO'Hanlon's policies include creating more jobs and demand for retail and office real estate, as well as a focus on adding amenity to public places and encouraging co-|investment rather than grants.
"The City has got a really large cash reserve but it's got a bit of a pensioner's attitude as to how to manage that fund at the moment," MrO'Hanlon said.
"I want to see the fund get directed towards, or a least a portion of it go to some early stage risks to simultaneous lead investment rounds.
"That in turn is going to help guide WA's mining money and create jobs here in Perth."
MrO'Hanlon said he would continue the City's programs and was also interested in clean energy strategies, including free parking bays for electric cars and bringing a large scale electric motor sport event to the City.
Councillors Rob Butler and Reece Harley have indicated they would not be running for Lord Mayor. Current Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi would not comment on her intentions.