Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Style

Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Style In her words, Oprah Winfrey's philosophy of philanthropy demonstrates her commitment to giving: "Think about what you have to give, not in terms of dollars because I believe that your life is about service. It's about what you came to give the world, to your children, to your family" (Harpo Productions). Oprah Gail Winfrey was born January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her father, Vernon Winfrey, was a twenty-one-year-old enlisted man. Her mother, eighteen-year-old Vernita Lee, remained unmarried after Oprah's birth and tried to adjust to single parenthood. Oprah was sent to live with her grandmother and was under her care for the first six years of Oprah's life. Nurtured by love, it was here that she received the foundation that carried Oprah into adulthood. She developed a passion for reading that brought to light her oratory talent and ability to shine on stage. Unfortunately for Oprah, Vernita desired to make a change in her life and circumstances. She relocated to Baltimore, taking Oprah with her. No longer in the safety of her grandmother ' s home and presence, Oprah was exposed to a different lifestyle, which proved to be adverse. Traumatized by sexual abuse at the hands of several relatives and an acquaintance of her mother, Oprah turned to the streets. Pregnant by the age of fourteen, she miscarried and was left feeling distraught and in despair.
In an act of desperation, Vernita sent Oprah to Nashville, Tennessee, to live with her father. It was here that her life took a major turn. Vernon put rules in place and insisted that young Oprah adhere to them. He encouraged her to refocus her life and begin to concentrate on her education. Vernon required her to complete a weekly book report, which rekindled her love for reading. Working for the school radio station, she soon found her voice in broadcasting. This became the forum to propel her to stardom.
As an entrepreneur, actress, educator, producer,

References: 1. Harpo Productions. Oprah.com. http://www.oprah.com/ . 2. Academy of Achievement. "Oprah Winfrey Biography." The Hall of Business. http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1 3. Oprah.com. "Oprah 's Angel Network." Harpo Productions. http://www.oprah.com/angelnetwork/The-History-of-Oprahs-Angel-Network 4. OWLA.co. Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls South Africa http://www.owla.co.za/