What I Learned from Oprah

Attending work conferences is an annual ritual for many in the corporate world. No matter your industry or discipline we are bombarded with hundreds of emails trying to entice us to attend a gathering of “like-minded” individuals. I typically only budget for and attend one to two events each year as justifying time from the office is hard.

My conference time is precious, an opportunity to connect with and learn from my peers. This year was no exception; however this year I had been asking myself everyday “What is your next act?” I am a planner and like many as we age our priorities shift and we start to truly focus on our purpose.

I did not expect a keynote address to ask me the same question I have been asking myself all year.

I also never expected to be in the same room as the media phenomenon known as Oprah. Anticipation had been building since we learned she was going to speak to us. Being in the same room with her, experiencing her energy as it reached across the rows to inspire me that was shocking. I never expected that. As she shared stories about being your best self, my question keep repeating in my head. What is my next act?

She was authentic and genuine and funny. For 45 minutes she walked across the stage talking about intention, focus, authenticity, service. During her time with us she was interrupted with a sand storm alert as all of our phones started beeping. She took it in stride and had us laughing at her response. Should we be worried she said.

To say our time with her was awe-inspiring would minimize her full impact. She spoke about listening to that inner voice that guides you. You know the one we ignore because of all the noise around us.

As a lifelong learner, I see every moment as an opportunity to improve myself. You learn from failures as much as successes. We learn from our teachers, our parents, our children, our spouses, friends, and partners. We learn from peers, co-workers, and strangers.

What I learned from Oprah maybe different from what others in the room of 3,000 plus attendees learned. But we all took away something.

I learned:

• Be a positive force for good

• Do not ignore that inner spirit that guides us

• We are all here for a purpose

• You have to be your authentic self to be an authentic leader

• Listen, when someone speaks to you they want to be heard

• Be present

• Be still

• Move past what you think someone wants you to do or be

• Accept your whole self

I believe moments like these happen for a reason. So I share this with you, to pass on a little of the energy she shared with us. And the question I ask myself now is “What is my Intention?”