- Jeff Boodie, commonly referred to as Boodie, began working with Oprah Winfrey in 2007.
- He runs a media agency that manages systemic impact, business strategy, events, and partnerships.
From my very first day stepping into O, Magazine, it was clear that the space and environment were special. We operated the business in the Hearst Tower, and something about the energy and office felt welcoming toward everyone — regardless of status or income within the company.
When I worked at the company from 2007 to 2010, people seemed excited to be part of what Oprah created. My colleagues were also the best in the business at what they did. Everywhere I turned, I had the brightest people working on a piece to make the whole machine move forward.
During my time with Oprah, I learned to be focused, believe in what you're selling, show your team appreciation, let experts be experts, and trust my gut.
Don't be a fan, be focused
Oprah can attract the best on her team. Having worked in the business department, I was exposed to almost everything Oprah touched in our office, including editorial, marketing, advertising, sales, and, of course, my team of two coordinating business deals with advertisers and brand partners.
I knew right away that there was intentionality on who was being hired. We were excited to be part of Oprah's team, but we weren't fans.
To work for Oprah, you had to work. Be aware that you were a part of the team inspiring the world with life-changing messaging, but it wasn't your position to get so swept up in working for an influential person that you couldn't do your job. I learned from Oprah that to work for someone like her, be great, but don't be a fan.
Surround yourself with the best and believe in what you're selling
Oprah was and still is about her business. She surrounds herself with people who protect it. I saw firsthand how anyone more concerned about how often she was in the office or when they'd get to meet her would not make it to the final rounds of hiring.
Looking back, it's crazy that people would ask this in an interview. Oprah taught me that you must believe in what you're selling, but not to the detriment of letting star power hinder your judgment and skill set.
Many who worked for Oprah made sacrifices, and in her way, she made us aware that she knew that. Once, I sacrificed Mother's Day, my day off, to do a fundraiser walk for the magazine. I brought my mom along, and her positive reaction to my job made me realize my work was worth the sacrifice.
Show appreciation to your team with thoughtful gestures
Oprah valued each of our talents throughout the year with thoughtful gestures and gifts for the team. I remember walking into the office and seeing an iPod on my desk. To think of it, every Apple product I owned then was a gift from O.
In the case of the iPod, everyone had gotten one because of a great quarter that year.
Oprah often left a token of appreciation on our workstation without making a big announcement. Even though I had access to a lot, I was still shocked when gifts were left on my desk. These thoughtful gestures motivated me and made me realize that one day when I have my own company, I will do the same.
At the end of each year, we'd have a holiday party. We'd get a bonus each year while I was there. It was one week's worth of pay from her money. None of the other Hearst publications ever received such a broad gesture, and I knew that because we were the envy of the media business for having such a giving and top-notch boss.
O, The Oprah Magazine was my first job in the business. Oprah set the tone for giving, and I learned to keep doing the same no matter what. I now live my life in service.
Let experts be experts
After three years of working for Oprah, one of the biggest things I learned about running a business and bringing people together is let people who you trust to be experts be experts.
I was honored to travel with Oprah around the country each year. Our experts, who you'd see on her show and read about in the magazine, would come to our events to inspire, connect, and pour into our loyal fans. Dr. Oz, Suze Orman, Dr. Phil, Nate Berkus, Marianne Williamson, Gayle King, and many more made the dreams of so many fans come to life.
In this selfish me culture of the entertainment industry, and I'd say America in general, it's rare when you're a celebrity and brand to uplift others. Oprah did this flawlessly.
She pushed experts up front and celebrated their findings on various topics for her and the audience. To me, that was genius. Let experts be experts. No one knows everything, and witnessing her curiosity and ability to let others shine made me realize how special it was to work for her.
Trust your gut
Oprah had and still can uplift experts and allow them to be stand-alone stars. She trusts her gut, which she's publicly open about. I carry this lesson with me still: lifting others up and not worrying about their stardom.
I learned a lot working in the Oprah Empire. I've been fortunate enough to check in on folks still in Oprah's orbit. Relationships are everything to me and my media agency. I smile, realizing I can credit Oprah for much of how I run my business. Because of her, I've been able to live some of my wildest dreams.
Boodie leads ConnectUp Media Agency, advising and managing influencers, royals, wealthy families, nonprofits, and brands on systemic impact, business strategy, events, and partnerships.