Oprah Winfrey - The Story of an Entrepreneur

Oprah's 'Rags to Riches' Journey

The 'Talk Show' queen, Oprah, was born out of wedlock to Vernon Winfrey and Vernita Lee on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko (Mississippi, US). Named Orpah Gail Winfrey, she became Oprah after Orpah was misspelt in her school records. Her parents separated when she was very young. Following this, she was sent to live with her grandmother, Hattie Mae Lee (Hattie), on a small farm. Hattie laid the foundation of Oprah's career when she taught her to read the Bible. At the age of three, Oprah spent hours reading Bible stories to the animals on the farm. Hattie also taught her many lessons about God and faith. These lessons inspired her (at that tender age itself) to become strong and help people in need. She believed that she had a higher calling and she was sent to 'do good' to others. Public speaking skills were evident in Oprah right from her childhood.

In 1957, at less than four years of age, Oprah recited sermons from the Bible at her local church. Oprah loved the attention and applause she received after her recitals. Oprah was an intelligent child who reportedly asked her teachers to advance her to higher grades. At the age of six, Oprah was sent to live with her father at Nashville, Tennessee.

Her father and her stepmother, Zelma, noticed her interest in reading and encouraged her by buying more books. Her voracious reading helped her always stay ahead of her classmates. Later that year, she was sent to her mother in Milwaukee. Oprah led a few painful years of her childhood at her mother's. She was sexually abused by her male relatives and acquaintances.

These experiences had a profound effect on her and she turned into a promiscuous and problematic teenager. Her mother tried to admit her in a home for troubled teens, but as the home was full, Oprah was sent to live with her father again. The shift to her father's place was a 'turning point' for Oprah. It reportedly put her life back on track. Oprah referred to the reunion with her father as 'my saving grace.' Oprah said that her father was a tough taskmaster, insisting on hard work and discipline.

This attitude helped her improve herself in all aspects. In Oprah's words, 'As strict as he was, he had some concerns about me making the best of my life, and would not accept anything less than what he thought was my best.' Oprah's father encouraged her to participate in various competitions. Participation in such activities helped her develop her self-confidence and improved her communication skills.

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Case Details

Case Code : LDEN006
Themes: Corporate Social Responsibility/Woman Entrepreneurs
Case Length : 14 Pages
Period : 1957-2000
Organization : Infosys
Pub Date : 2002
Teaching Note : Not Available
Countries : Japan
Industry : Media and Entertainment

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