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  • April 2009 (Revised May 2009)
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Oprah Winfrey

By: Nancy F. Koehn, Erica Helms, Katherine Miller and Rachel Wilcox
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:49
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Abstract

The case explores the entrepreneurial journey of Oprah Winfrey, examining how she built an audience for one of the most successful television shows in history; how she created the company, Harpo Productions, that produces that show as well as other media offerings; how she leads and manages her organization; and how she has chosen to use the authority and other fruits of success to make a significant social as well as business contribution. The case uses interviews with Winfrey and her team to analyze how the business model and strategy of the company has changed-in the context of a dynamic marketplace, rapid technological innovation, and Winfrey's own evolving conception of her purpose and path.

Keywords

Business Model; Entrepreneurship; Leadership; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Mission and Purpose; Personal Development and Career; Strategy; Media and Broadcasting Industry; United States

Citation

Koehn, Nancy F., Erica Helms, Katherine Miller, and Rachel Wilcox. "Oprah Winfrey." Harvard Business School Case 809-068, April 2009. (Revised May 2009.)
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About The Author

Nancy F. Koehn

General Management
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Related Work

    • August 2007 (Revised February 2013)
    • Faculty Research

    Oprah Winfrey (TN)

    By: Nancy F. Koehn, Marya Besharov, Katherine Miller and Nora Khan
Related Work
  • Oprah Winfrey (TN) By: Nancy F. Koehn, Marya Besharov, Katherine Miller and Nora Khan
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