Product details

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. After reading the case, students should be able to: (1) understand the various aspects of Oprah Winfrey''s leadership qualities; (2) examine Oprah''s entrepreneurial abilities and management style; (3) examine the factors underlying the success of the Harpo Group''s various ventures; (4) study the importance of personal and interpersonal skills for building a business empire; and (5) explore the ''balancing'' of business and philanthropy (that is the essence of all Harpo ventures) as dimensions of leadership. The case is targeted at MBA/PGDBA students and is intended to be part of the entrepreneurship curriculum. The teaching note does not contain an analysis of the case.