The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
Oprah said, “Meeting Maya on those pages was like meeting myself in full,” when she read Maya Angelou’s ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ for the first time. She continued, “My experience as a young black girl was finally acknowledged.” Art matters because it validates someone’s experience, makes them believe that they are not alone, and tells them that their life matters even if the smallest cell in their body says they are nothing.
The friendship between Oprah and Angelou was very touching at its heart. Maybe it’s because these two amazing ladies overcame incredible obstacles to lead free-spirited, extravagant lives.
“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.”
— Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s timeless wisdom has touched countless lives, but perhaps none more profoundly than that of Oprah Winfrey. These words by Maya encapsulate the essence of their unique mentorship journey, where knowledge, compassion, and inspiration flowed freely between two remarkable women.
To truly appreciate the depth of their connection and the impact of Maya’s mentorship on Oprah’s life, it is essential to understand the life histories of both these extraordinary individuals.
Oprah Gail Winfrey, who was born in rural Mississippi in 1954, had a turbulent upbringing marked by hardship and poverty. Oprah’s route to success was unconventional because she spent most of her early years being raised by her grandmother. She managed to demonstrate her natural curiosities, knowledge, and oratory abilities despite the difficult conditions.
At the age of 19, Oprah launched her media career when she became the youngest and first African-American woman to anchor the news at WLAC-TV in Nashville. She entered the world of television talk shows after higher-profile networks quickly saw her talent and charisma.
She met Maya Angelou in 1986, the same year she debuted “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Oprah had already established herself at that point as a talk show host with a gift for engaging her audience, however, meeting Maya would alter the course of her life in ways she could never have anticipated.
Maya’s life, like Oprah’s, was shaped by resilience and adversity. However, through her remarkable talent for words and her unwavering spirit, she transcended her early hardships. Maya’s journey led her to become not only a celebrated poet and author but also a renowned civil rights activist, dancer, and singer. Her autobiographical work, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” remains a literary masterpiece that resonated with countless readers, including Oprah.
The initial encounter between Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey in 1986 was not just a meeting of two talented women; it was a collision of shared experiences, determination, and profound mutual respect that would evolve into a mentorship to forever define Oprah’s life.
Let’s delve into the transformative mentorship journey of these two extraordinary women and the indelible impact it left on Oprha’s life and the world at large.
The Mentorship Blossoms
Maya Angelou became a steadfast guide for Oprah, offering her wisdom, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose. In Maya’s eyes, Oprah was not just a television personality but a force of nature, possessing a rare gift for connecting with people, a deep well of empathy, and an unshakable determination to leave a positive mark on the world.
Under Maya’s mentorship, Oprah embarked on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Maya’s teachings on intention, forgiveness, and self-reflection became the compass guiding Oprah through life’s tumultuous seas. Maya’s emphasis on authenticity and finding one’s own voice left an indelible mark on Oprah’s approach to both her work and her personal life.
Maya Angelou’s influence, much like a lighthouse in the storm, provided Oprah with a steady course. She navigated the waters of her existence with newfound clarity, guided by the principles instilled by Maya’s sage counsel. Maya’s mentorship was a beacon that not only illuminated Oprah’s path but also cast a profound light on the hearts and minds of countless others through Oprah’s enduring impact on the world.
Authenticity Matters
In the late 1980s, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” gained immense popularity, and Oprah became a household name. However, as the show’s success soared, so did the pressures and expectations placed upon her.
At that critical juncture, Oprah found herself torn between staying true to herself and conforming to the expectations of others. It was during this inner struggle that she turned to her mentor, Maya Angelou, seeking guidance. Maya’s response was a testament to her commitment to authenticity.
Maya reminded Oprah of the importance of being genuine, and of remaining faithful to her own voice and values. She told Oprah that the power of her influence lay in her authenticity, in her ability to connect with her audience by being herself. Maya encouraged Oprah not to succumb to external pressures or expectations but to continue speaking her truth, even if it meant making difficult decisions.
Oprah took this lesson to heart. She made the bold decision to shift the focus of her show from sensationalism to more meaningful and authentic content. She tackled important social and personal issues, sharing her own struggles and vulnerabilities with her audience. This authenticity resonated deeply with viewers and reinforced the trust they had in Oprah.
Seek Wisdom Beyond Your Field
When Oprah first approached Maya with the idea of starting a book club on her television show, Maya embraced the concept wholeheartedly. While Oprah was a media powerhouse, her knowledge of literature was not as extensive as Maya’s, who had already established herself as a celebrated author and poet. Maya’s background in writing and literature was worlds apart from Oprah’s broadcasting career.
Maya recognized the potential of Oprah’s book club to foster a love for reading and literature among a broad audience. She encouraged Oprah to not only promote books but also engage in meaningful discussions about the selected works, exploring their themes and insights with her audience.
Oprah, with Maya’s guidance, ventured into the world of literature with authenticity and enthusiasm. She selected a diverse range of books, from classic literature to contemporary fiction, ensuring that her book club appealed to a wide audience. Oprah’s genuine curiosity and willingness to learn from authors and literary experts added depth to her book club segments.
The impact was profound. Oprah’s Book Club became a cultural phenomenon, introducing millions of viewers to new authors, literary classics, and thought-provoking discussions. It not only boosted book sales but also ignited a passion for reading and critical thinking among her audience.
Empower Others
In 1985, Oprah starred in the film adaptation of the novel, “The Color Purple,” directed by Steven Spielberg. Reading the novel was life-altering, liberating, and self-affirming for her. She started buying copy after copy to give out. She said:
“I began looking at my job as an offering: What is the gift you bring? I asked myself. What can you offer others?”
Years later, in 2003, Oprah had the idea to reunite the cast and crew of “The Color Purple” for a special episode of her show. However, it wasn’t merely about reliving a film; it was about honoring the people who had played pivotal roles in her life and giving them a platform to share their experiences.
Maya Angelou’s wisdom and encouragement played a significant role in shaping Oprah’s decision to create this reunion. Maya recognized that Oprah’s show was not just a television program; it was a powerful platform to amplify voices and stories that often went unheard.
During the reunion episode, Oprah sat down with the cast and crew of “The Color Purple” and allowed them to share their personal journeys and the impact of the film on their lives. This episode wasn’t about Oprah; it was about creating a space for others to shine, to tell their stories, and to be celebrated.
The result was a deeply moving and empowering episode that not only paid homage to Maya’s work but also gave a voice to the individuals who had contributed to the film. It was a testament to Oprah’s commitment to using her platform to empower and uplift others.
Inspire and Connect
In 2005, Oprah Winfrey hosted a three-day celebration she dubbed the “Legends Ball.” The event was a tribute to extraordinary African-American women who had paved the way for future generations through their accomplishments and contributions to various fields. It was a grand gathering that brought together an array of women from different backgrounds, including civil rights activists, artists, writers, and business leaders.
The “Legends Ball” was a manifestation of Oprah’s commitment to honoring the achievements of African-American women and celebrating their unique stories. But it was also an embodiment of the lessons she had imbibed from her mentor, Maya Angelou.
One of the most memorable moments from the “Legends Ball” was the “Passing of the Torch” ceremony. During this moving event, the elder legends passed their wisdom and legacy to the younger generation, symbolizing the continuity of their impact on society. It was a deeply emotional and inspiring moment that brought tears to the eyes of both participants and spectators.
Pay it Forward
In 2007, Oprah fulfilled a lifelong dream when she inaugurated the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in Henley-on-Klip, South Africa. The school was founded with a vision to provide quality education and mentorship to academically gifted girls from underprivileged backgrounds, empowering them to become leaders in their communities and beyond.
This initiative was a testament to Oprah’s belief in the transformative power of education and her commitment to paying forward the opportunities she had received in her own life. It was also deeply influenced by the teachings of her mentor, Maya Angelou, who had instilled in Oprah the importance of giving back and supporting the growth of others.
When she first opened the school, she said to Maya, “This is going to be my legacy.” Maya said, “You have no idea what your legacy is going to be, the truth is your legacy is every life you have ever touched.”
Oprah’s mentorship journey with Maya had engraved upon her the idea that success should not be hoarded but shared. She recognized that her own success was a result of the support and mentorship she had received throughout her life, and she felt a deep responsibility to provide similar opportunities for others.
Food for Thought for the Leaders
Maya’s writing touched a chord within Oprah, as she saw parallels between her own life experiences and those of the author. Despite coming from different backgrounds, both women had faced adversity, racial discrimination, and challenges in their personal lives. Oprah was inspired by Maya’s ability to rise above her circumstances and find her voice through writing.
- Maya’s mentorship, with its emphasis on authenticity, not only helped Oprah Winfrey navigate the complexities of fame and success but also served as a powerful reminder to leaders everywhere. Authenticity is not a weakness but a strength. When leaders embrace their true selves and encourage their team members to do the same, they create an environment of trust, connection, and genuine engagement. Just as Maya and Oprah demonstrated, authenticity can be the catalyst for positive change and a lasting legacy.
- Leaders can draw a valuable lesson by being open to learning from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences can lead to innovation, growth, and a broader perspective. While expertise in one’s field is valuable, the ability to seek wisdom and inspiration beyond those boundaries can lead to unexpected opportunities and positive transformations.
- True leadership is not solely about personal success but about lifting others up and empowering them to reach their full potential. Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey’s mentorship journey showcases the transformative power of empowerment and the ripple effect it can have on the lives of many.
- By creating opportunities for genuine connections and inspiration, leaders can foster collaboration and innovation within their teams and organizations. Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey’s mentorship journey exemplifies the transformative power of inspiration and connection in leadership, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
- The importance of giving back and creating a culture of mentorship within their organizations. Just as Maya Angelou’s wisdom inspired Oprah to establish the Leadership Academy, leaders can be catalysts for change by sharing their knowledge, supporting the growth of others, and fostering a culture of mentorship that empowers the next generation.
As Maya Angelou once shared, “In order to be a mentor, and an effective one, one must care. You must care. You don’t have to know how many square miles are in Idaho; you don’t need to know what is the chemical makeup of chemistry, or of blood, or water. Know what you know and care about the person, care about what you know and care about the person you’re sharing with.” These words encapsulate the essence of mentorship, emphasizing the deep caring and connection that underpin it.
Oprah Winfrey, the mentee turned luminary, echoed this sentiment when she mused, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” Maya Angelou was not just a mentor to Oprah; she was the beacon of hope, the compass that guided her through uncharted waters, and the mirror that reflected her boundless potential.
Maya Angelou’s enduring legacy lives on in Oprah’s work, and Oprah, in turn, continues to inspire countless others to reach for the stars. Their mentorship serves as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, the beauty of authentic leadership, and the boundless potential that lies within each of us.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-authenticity-lessons-from-oprah-winfreys-lee-nallalingham
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/02/oprah-winfrey-the-color-purple-cast-musical
https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/g37350306/oprahs-book-club-25-year-anniversary/
https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a32085094/oprah-favorite-books/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/oprah-school-for-girls_b_1959271
https://static.oprah.com/omagazine/200012/images/omag_200012_maya_109.jpg
https://static.oprah.com/2015/04/201305-omag-otalks-angelou-949×534.jpg
Written By: Jimmy Jain
Edited By: Afreen Fatima
Society of Design Thinking Professionals
