OPRAH WINFREY

Talk show host, American media proprietor, actress, producer, businesswoman and
philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey has several titles attached to her name, all of which comes with
great responsibilities which she breezes through impressively. Oprah Winfrey is an iconic
American television talk show host, and a mogul in the entertainment industry. From 1986 to
2011, she hosted The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was the highest rated talk show of in history.
She is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Harpo Productions, and Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Oprah Winfrey Network (an
American television channel).

She is also known for her philanthropy, and is passionate about causes related to
education and African-Americans in the United States. So it is no surprise that she is also one of
the most powerful and influential women in the world, someone who affect change in a positive
way and inspire others at the same time.

Oprah Winfrey is a transformational leader who rules by inspiring others. She has the
charisma and confidence to influence other people. Transformational leadership is covered in
four components:

1. Inspirational motivation –In correlation to the law of influence, she has the ability to inspire
followers through motivation and by clearly expressing high expectations to them.

2. Individualized consideration – Ability to listen carefully and consider individual concerns of

each follower.

3. Idealized influence – Attracts attention and admiration while inspiring and influencing others
at the same time.

4. Intellectual stimulation – Encourages followers to be creative and innovative

Besides all the mentioned characteristics, the one that defines her and makes people
appreciate her is the fact that she cares for her community. Her dedication to her charitable
works and foundation is a testament to Oprah’s social conscience which is an example of
the law of magnetism. It also made her one of those people who is lauded for her positivity,
self-improvement and charity. Such traits allow her to gain and sustain loyalty from her
followers and from the community.

Oprah Winfrey is a public person who has expressed through her public actions the fact
that she loves leading by example and being around people.

A Short Biography

Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29th, 1964 in Mississippi to a teenaged unwed
mother. She had a difficult childhood; she grew up in poverty and suffered sexual abuse. She had
a troubled relationship with her strict mother and was a rebellious teenager. With her mother at
her wit’s end, Winfrey moved to Nashville, Tennessee to live with Vernon Winfrey, her
biological father.

Her father encouraged her to do well in school and as a result, Winfrey became an honors
student and secured a full scholarship to Tennessee State University by winning a speech contest.
She graduated with a degree in communications.

Winfrey started working in the media as a news anchor in Nashville. Her big break came
in 1983 when she moved to Chicago to host AM Chicago, a morning talk show. With her as host,
the show became the highest-rated talk show in Chicago within months. This success led to the
creation of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Leadership acknowledgment

of 2015, Winfrey’s estimated net worth is $3.1 billion. Her charitable contributions
include over $400 million to educational causes, 400 scholarships to Morehouse College in
Atlanta, Georgia, $12 million to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American
History and Culture and $10 million to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Winfrey is acknowledged as one of the most influential women of her time. She was awarded the
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 by President Obama.

These are a few lessons Oprah has taught us throughout her public time:
1. Dream big- despite the harsh life she had as a child, she managed to get over them and
turn the difficult times into strength. She wouldn’t be able to be the woman she is today if
she would had left those things define her. The lesson is that you are able to dream big
and work for your career and the life that you want to pursue.
2. Value people- As a show host, she knew that it was important to value her public as well
as her team. She knew it was important to surround herself with trusting people and she
tried to help as much as they helped her. One example is that she once helped the
employees from the television show with an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii to thank
them for their services. And there are many more examples like this one. Another
example well known is from the period of her talk show when she used to award her
audience with different gifts. She was also appreciated for her ability to listen to her
audience and even include them in her talk show and help them with their problems.
3. Hard work is the key- Winfrey is a true believer that hard work pays off as she has
worked tirelessly throughout the years to build her television empire. She also believer in
giving back that’s why her charitable work is a testament to her desire to make a
difference in the lives of those less privileged.