There are thousands of investors
around the world, each with diverse agendas, different views, and a plethora of
funds to support their ideals. Oprah Winfrey being one of the most powerful names
and brands in media today has gained an empire worth over $2.4 billion dollars
(Pilon,
2010). As a young adult Oprah
emerged into the entertainment field acting and winning awards for such
performances in “The Color Purple”, “Native Son”, and “The Women of Brewster
Place” ("Oprah
Winfrey's Official Biography", n.d.). Along with her acting career
Oprah created both Harpo, Inc. and Oprah’s Angel Network, both of which aired
the Oprah Winfrey talk show. Over her career Oprah has gained millions of fans,
countless awards and has dedicated her life to giving back to those in need.
Her work has made her one of the richest African-Americans of the 20th
century (Pilon,
2010), and has crowned her one of the most influential females in the
world.
As a
leading lady in business Oprah stands for one main recipe for success which is
“follow your instincts, that’s where true wisdom manifests itself” ("Oprah Winfrey",
n.d.). Having invested her time, money and life’s work in her fans,
friends, and family, Oprah has taken her business and given it back to the
people who have supported her. Although she has reached an end with the Oprah
Winfrey talk show, she has began her next business move to the Oprah Winfrey
Network, a television station which strictly focuses on investing in herself
along with thousands of individuals and organizations that make a difference.
With Oprah’s new dynasty she has
hired a manager that will invest her money wisely. This investor himself has
quite a reputation for innovative investing. Peter Adamson, a graduate of
Sanford University with a degree in Business, has had a successful career as an
advisor, consulter, and investor for Eli Broad, McKinsey & Company along
with billionaire Lee Bass to name a few (Memmott,
2010). Adamson in an interview had stated he was drawn to business because
he wanted to do something that was practical (Bonar, 1990). Adamson’s colleagues and
mentors have often described him as the most hard working, dedicated young
individual they had ever been in contact with. He has a way of focusing on
what’s important instead of total figures or amounts. Adamson’s success can be
recognized for his personal technique to “tailor his investment strategies to
individual clients based on their goals and tolerance for risk” (Bonar, 1990). This is why Adamson and
Winfrey will make a great partnership.
Taking a look at these
professionals and their strategies for success, I think it is important as a
young entrepreneur to incorporate your personal interests and passion into your
life’s work. Knowing that others have succeeded before you with this equation
for success, it is always a great reminder to know what you stand for as a
business owner, to know what your brand stands for and to invest in your
passions. Sometimes the smartest move is the road that has never been taken,
and maybe along the way you can discover a new path that will change the way
you and the rest of the world walks.
