Lessons From Oprah Winfrey – Find Your Voice As An Entrepreneur

When you think about your journey as an entrepreneur, where do you imagine it all began? Was it in a classroom, a garage, a kitchen, or perhaps in the quiet solitude of your childhood bedroom? For Oprah Winfrey, that foundational moment happened in a small, white church by a red dirt road in her hometown of Kosciusko, Mississippi. That is what we are going to be exploring in this article with the hope that you too can be inspired to find your own voice and own your story as an entrepreneur.  

Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.

This church, the Buffalo United Methodist Church, was where she delivered her first Easter speech at just three years old. Reflecting on this, Oprah shared, “When I look back, it’s truly the place where I sowed the first seeds of what would become my broadcasting career.”

Oprah’s story is a powerful reminder that each of us has a unique space—an “Ellington Room”—where our passions and purpose first took root. Named after the piano room in Alicia Keys’ teenage story from the Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen, the “Ellington Room” is more than just a physical space; it’s a metaphor for that pivotal place in your life where you first discovered your voice and passions.

For Alicia, it was a literal room where she found her musical talent. For Oprah, it was a church podium. For you, it might be something entirely different, yet equally profound.

What is The Power of Origin Stories?

Origin stories are not just nostalgic recollections of our past; they are the foundation upon which our identities are built. As an entrepreneur, understanding and embracing your origin story is crucial for building an authentic brand and fostering meaningful connections with your audience.

People are naturally drawn to stories—stories that reflect struggles, triumphs, and moments of clarity. Oprah’s narrative, from the church speeches of her youth to becoming a global media icon, is proof of the power of owning one’s story and using it as a guiding star.

See also Oprah Winfrey, American Talk Show Host, Television Producer

Your origin story is the collection of experiences, influences, and challenges that have shaped you into who you are today. Research shows that storytelling, especially in business, creates a deeper emotional connection with customers and can significantly impact brand loyalty and trust.

According to a 2022 study by Deloitte, companies that leverage their founders’ stories are more likely to foster a loyal customer base, as these narratives often embody the values and mission of the brand itself.

Discovering Your Own “Ellington Room”

Finding your “Ellington Room” as an entrepreneur requires reflection and a willingness to look inward. It’s about identifying those moments in your life that sparked a fire within you—those moments when you felt a sense of purpose, passion, and potential.

Ready for the action? Take our quick self-assessment survey to uncover your own “Ellington Room” and learn how it can shape your business and professional career.

Maybe it was a science fair project in middle school that first ignited your love for innovation. Perhaps it was a summer job where you discovered your knack for leadership and problem-solving.

Or maybe it was a mentor, much like Miss Liza Jane in Hell’s Kitchen, who saw something in you that you hadn’t yet seen in yourself. To start this journey of self-discovery, consider these questions:

• Where did you first feel a sense of passion or excitement about something?
• Who were the people who believed in you, challenged you, or gave you your first break?
• What are the experiences that have left a lasting impression on your career path?

Reflecting on these questions can help you uncover your own “Ellington Room” and recognize its significance in your entrepreneurial journey.

Take the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Blakely’s “Ellington Room” moment came from a place of frustration and necessity. After struggling to find the right undergarment for a pair of white pants, she took matters into her own hands and cut the feet off a pair of pantyhose.

This seemingly small act was the beginning of Spanx, now a billion-dollar company. Blakely didn’t just create a product; she solved a problem she personally experienced and used her story to connect with millions of women around the world facing the same issue.

Owning Your Story as a Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur

Owning your story means embracing every part of it—the highs, the lows, the setbacks, and the breakthroughs. As an entrepreneur, your story is one of your most valuable assets.

It’s what sets you apart in a crowded market and gives your business a soul. Oprah’s journey from a little girl in a small town to becoming one of the most influential women in the world wasn’t just about luck or timing; it was about resilience, vision, and a deep understanding of her purpose.

See also Know Your Life Mission and Future Aspiration: Owning Your Story for a Deeper Purpose, Pt. 4

The same can be true for you. By embracing your story, you can create a powerful narrative that resonates with others and drives your business forward. A strong story can help you articulate your mission, connect with your audience on a personal level, and inspire others to believe in your vision.

Yes, there is more, it even provides a framework for making decisions that align with your core values and purpose, ensuring that your business remains true to its roots.

Take the example of Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes. Mycoskie’s story began on a trip to Argentina, where he saw children without shoes and was inspired to help. This experience became the foundation of TOMS’ “One for One” model, where every purchase provides a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Mycoskie’s story is not just about selling shoes; it’s about a purpose-driven mission that has resonated with millions of customers and has had a tangible impact on communities around the world.

Integrating Authenticity and Intention into Your Business

One of the key lessons from Oprah’s reflections is the importance of living with intention and authenticity. In her weekly reflections for Oprah Daily Insiders, she often speaks about themes like letting go, forgiveness, and coming into your own—all of which are crucial for entrepreneurs.

As you build your business, staying true to who you are and what you believe in can help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come with entrepreneurship.

Authenticity is about being genuine and transparent, both with yourself and with others. It means acknowledging your mistakes, learning from them, and using them as stepping stones toward growth.

See also Who Are You and Where You Are Now? OWNING YOUR STORY Pt. 2

As an entrepreneur, authenticity can be a powerful tool for building trust with your audience and creating a loyal customer base. A 2023 survey by Accenture found that 62% of consumers are drawn to brands that are transparent about their values and practices, underscoring the importance of authenticity in today’s market.

Intention, on the other hand, is about clarity of purpose. It’s about knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing and making sure that every decision you make aligns with your overarching goals and values.

Oprah’s career has been guided by a strong sense of intention—whether it was her decision to start her own network, OWN, or her commitment to using her platform to inspire and uplift others.

For you, living with intention means constantly asking yourself if your actions and business practices are in line with your core mission and the impact you want to have. This is a fundamental point in our signature program, “Own Your Story”, an intensive training that offers a structured path to success in less than 90 days.

Practical Steps to Embrace Your “Ellington Room” Story

So, how can you start integrating your “Ellington Room” story into your entrepreneurial journey? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Reflect on Your Journey: Take some time to reflect on your life and identify those key moments, places, or people that have significantly influenced your path. Write down your thoughts and consider how these experiences have shaped your values, beliefs, and ambitions.
2. Share Your Story: Don’t be afraid to share your story with others. Whether it’s through your website, social media, or in conversations with customers, let people know who you are, where you come from, and what drives you. Your story is a unique asset that can differentiate you from your competitors.
3. Align Your Business with Your Values: Ensure that your business practices reflect your personal values and the story you’re telling. This could mean adopting sustainable practices, supporting a cause you care about, or simply being transparent and honest in your communications.
4. Stay True to Your Purpose: As you grow your business, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of profits and growth. However, staying true to your purpose and the reasons why you started in the first place will help you build a brand that is authentic, meaningful, and sustainable.
5. Continuously Revisit and Evolve Your Story: Your story is not static; it evolves as you grow and change. Continuously revisit your “Ellington Room” story and consider how it might be evolving. Are there new experiences or insights that have added depth to your journey? Don’t be afraid to adapt your story to reflect your current reality.

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Conclusion: A Call To Reflect And Share Your Story With The World

Your “Ellington Room” is a powerful reminder of where you began and why you embarked on this entrepreneurial journey. By finding and embracing your own unique space of discovery, you can build a business that is not only successful but also deeply rooted in purpose and authenticity.

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Just as Oprah found her voice in a small church in Mississippi, you too have a story worth telling—one that can inspire, connect, and drive meaningful impact.

Take a moment today to reflect on your own journey. What is your “Ellington Room”? Who was the Miss Liza Janes in your life who opened doors and encouraged you to explore your potential? How can you integrate these stories into your business to create a brand that is authentically you?

As you ponder these questions, remember that your story is your strength. It is the foundation upon which you can build a purpose-driven enterprise that reflects who you are and what you stand for.

So, go ahead—find your voice, own your story, and let your “Ellington Room” guide you to new heights.

Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.