Business
Oprah Winfrey recently disclosed that she made a career move she knew was wrong, driven by a desire to please others rather than follow her own instincts. On The Mel Robbins Podcast, Winfrey discussed the challenging early days of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, which she launched in January 2011, just months before her iconic talk show ended its 25-year run. The network initially faced low ratings and significant layoffs, including 30 staff cuts in March 2012. Winfrey described 2012 as “one of the worst years” of her life, with headlines constantly highlighting the network’s struggles. “It was hurtful and painful because it was the truth. I was struggling,” she said. Winfrey admitted she was “so angry” for not trusting her inner voice, which was so strong that she would wake up at night unable to breathe. Despite her doubts, she felt bound by the agreement she had signed and pushed forward. Later, she realized she wasn’t pursuing the venture because she truly wanted to, but because she feared disappointing others. “I was keeping my word because I was trying to please the people on the other side. I was thinking, ‘What are they going to think of me for changing my mind?'” she explained.
She compared the situation to realizing a marriage isn’t right before walking down the aisle. Even if invitations are sent and guests are waiting, she said, it’s still okay to walk away. The lesson, which she knew but failed to follow: “You always have the right to change your mind.” In a 2024 interview with Al Roker, Winfrey reflected on her decision to start a major new venture while ending her talk show. “I would not have taken on the responsibility of trying to build a network while still ending the show,” she said. “That is my one regret. That is my, ‘I should’ve handled all of that differently.'” OWN was initially a joint venture between Winfrey’s Harpo and Discovery. In 2017, Discovery acquired an additional 24.5% stake for $70 million, boosting its ownership to over 70%. By 2020, Winfrey exchanged most of Harpo’s remaining stake for Discovery shares worth more than $35 million, raising Discovery’s ownership to 95% while Harpo kept 5%.