Abstract

The case examines the entrepreneurial skills of Oprah Winfrey, Chairman of the Harpo group of companies and the world’s most successful television talk show host. Oprah’s childhood, her interests, and her entry into the media world are explored in detail. The case discusses how Oprah, ‘with her skill of soothing souls,’ became one of the richest women and most influential personalities in the (US and many other parts of the world). The case also talks of the Harpo group’s entry into various businesses and comments on Oprah’s role in each of them. Oprah’s philanthropic ventures are also explored.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Importance of personal and interpersonal skills for building a business empire.

Keywords

Entrepreneurial skills, Oprah Winfrey, Chairman, Harpo, group of companies, world, most successful, television, show host, Oprah, childhood, interests, soothing souls, richest women, influential personalities, US, philanthropic