Oprah opens up about hard-fought path to success in new book ‘They told me I was the wrong color, the wrong size’
If there’s a cookie-cutter path to success, Oprah Winfrey admits that she certainly didn’t fit the mold yet she went on to become the first Black female billionaire in 2003.
—What’s happening with the Harriet Tubman $20 bill?—
The media mogul reveals in her new book, The Path Made Clear, due out this week, there weren’t many people who believed in her on her journey to the top.
In fact, she was labeled a ‘terrible’ news anchor and reporter by her bosses and she was fired from an anchor job. Winfrey admits that she didn’t find her purpose and “true calling” until the age of 24, The Daily Mail reports.
Oprah, 65 recalled when she transitioned from being a news anchor after she was fired and offered a talk show host gig for a Baltimore TV show People Are Talking in August of 1978, she said.
“They told me I was the wrong color, the wrong size and that I showed too much emotion. I never felt comfortable in my own skin. Even now, when I look back on the tapes, I can still hear the pretend anchor voice I used on air.”
Even with all the negative chatter in her ear, Oprah said she found her calling in that moment.
“But after one day on this local talk show I was energized in a way that fueled every cell of my being. There was no doubt that the seeds of what was to give my life meaning and purpose had been planted.”
The beloved philanthropist said she learned along the way that “the true meaning of courage is to be afraid.”
And as for Oprah’s primary tips for success? Find your vision, find intention and execute the plan.
