Oprah Winfrey Harvard Commencement speech | Harvard Commencement 2013

Summary

Oprah Winfrey delivers an inspiring commencement address to the Harvard Class of 2013, sharing her personal journey from a young girl in rural Mississippi to a media mogul. She discusses overcoming setbacks, the importance of self-discovery, and the value of empathy. Oprah emphasizes the power of failure as a stepping stone to growth, encouraging graduates to embrace their true calling and make a positive impact on the world. With personal anecdotes and reflections on purpose, she challenges the class to break barriers and use their platforms for meaningful change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oprah acknowledges the honor of receiving an honorary doctorate from Harvard, reflecting on her humble beginnings in rural Mississippi.
• 😀 Oprah expresses her gratitude to be part of the Harvard Class of 2013's commencement, emphasizing how this milestone is significant to her journey.
• 😀 Oprah encourages those who have ever felt inferior or disadvantaged, offering a message of resilience and determination to overcome life's challenges.
• 😀 Oprah shares her unexpected journey into television, beginning at age 16 and eventually leading her to create The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was number one for 21 years.
• 😀 Oprah discusses the pressure she felt when launching OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), admitting that the first year was a failure according to media reports, but she turned it around.
• 😀 Oprah reflects on the idea that there is no such thing as failure—only life trying to move us in another direction.
• 😀 Oprah emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and developing an internal moral and emotional GPS to guide life decisions.
• 😀 Oprah encourages the graduates to focus on building a resume that tells the story of who they want to be, not just what they want to achieve.
• 😀 Oprah stresses the importance of discovering one's true calling or purpose, sharing how her purpose became clearer through her work with The Angel Network.
• 😀 Oprah reminds the graduates that success and happiness come from fulfilling the highest expression of oneself, and encourages them to find what makes them come alive and pursue it.
• 😀 Oprah shares the story of Michael Stemberg, a young quadruple amputee who became an inspiration by helping other amputees, reinforcing the message that purpose and resilience lead to real impact.

Q & A

What is the main message Oprah Winfrey conveys in her speech to the Harvard Class of 2013?

Oprah emphasizes the importance of following one's true calling and purpose, regardless of setbacks or challenges. She highlights that success is not just about titles or accomplishments but about fulfilling the highest and most truthful expression of oneself.

How does Oprah relate to the Harvard graduates despite not having graduated from there herself?

Oprah acknowledges that although she didn't graduate from Harvard, she shares similar traits with the graduates, like a driven, obsessive, type-A personality. She connects with them through her personal journey of success and reinvention.

What personal challenge did Oprah face when launching the OWN network?

When Oprah launched the OWN network, it was initially deemed a 'flop' by the media. She faced significant professional stress, frustration, and embarrassment during this time, but she turned things around and found success with the network.

What advice does Oprah give about failure and setbacks?

Oprah advises that failure is not the end but rather life trying to guide us in a new direction. She encourages learning from mistakes, giving oneself permission to feel bad temporarily, and then moving forward by making the next right move.

What is the significance of the 'Angel Network' in Oprah's life?

The Angel Network helped Oprah focus her internal moral compass. It was through this initiative that she realized her true purpose: to use her platform to connect people, promote kindness, and support causes that uplift others.

How does Oprah suggest the Harvard graduates can make a difference in the world?

Oprah encourages the graduates to use their education and privileges to help others, by taking on meaningful causes and focusing on kindness, empathy, and authentic change. She suggests that each of them can create their own 'Angel Network' to make a positive impact.

What key lesson does Oprah share from her extensive career in television?

Oprah shares that the most important lesson she learned from her career is that people ultimately want to be validated and understood. This common human desire transcends various backgrounds and professions.

How does Oprah view the current state of the political and media landscape in America?

Oprah acknowledges the division and pessimism in the political and media landscape but believes in the power of authentic communication, empathy, and common purpose to overcome these challenges.

What example does Oprah give to illustrate the power of individual action in the face of adversity?

Oprah highlights the story of Michael Stenberg, a young boy who became a quadruple amputee but went on to create a fundraising initiative for other amputees. This example shows how personal struggles can lead to powerful actions that benefit others.

What does Oprah suggest as the ultimate goal for the graduates in their personal and professional lives?

Oprah urges the graduates to focus on fulfilling the highest, truest expression of themselves. She advises them to seek what makes them come alive, as that is what the world truly needs.