I don’t know why this article resonated so deeply with me. It brought tears to my eyes. It may have been because after recently quitting a job that I had hoped to love I am reminded that some workplaces aren’t toxic and people actually care about the work and each other. I also believe the tears are because I loved the O show and it’s good to know she created a work culture that people actually enjoyed! Thanks for sharing!🤎
oh crystal, thank u for this beautiful thought. i think what we all want deep down is to be a part of a work culture like this. it’s my hope for everyone.
oprah doesn’t get enough credit as a leader and ceo. she built one of the best work cultures in the world. i hope to tell the story one day 🤍
I resonate so deeply with leaving job you had hoped to love. i hope we both get to find or create more cultures that feel like what we wanted to experience.
I enjoyed reading this! So much so, tears are flowing. I think I have seen every episode of the show. I love reading that you all had a beautiful experience working there. This resonates because I have grown up in my current workplace. There have been years where I have really enjoyed it. I have even almost experienced that “rare alchemy” you mentioned. Now, with management and staff changes, the culture has completely changed. I have started to have that anxiety that creeps up on Sundays. I am trying to “run on, and see what the end will be.” Thank you for all of your great content.
it makes me so sad that people don’t get to experience that alchemy all the time. it’s how it’s supposed to be. i believe it’s possible for all of us and pray you find a place that honors all of who you are.
Such a wonderful story and great tribute to Ty. Sounds like it would top the best places to work list. I grew up in Gary, Indiana right across the lake. And felt special that we in the Chicago media market got to see the show in the morning before the rest of the world. I still remember the phone number to call in the early days for potential guests. 312-591-9111.
I promise y'all I don't come on here to be your hype man, but I GOT to give flowers where flowers are DUE! It was a joy to read this as it unfolded. When you introduced Mr. Ty at the top I frfr thought: "My Lord. God said to Oprah Imma use you, even to bless the man in the garage. Mm" And then I thought: "Self just read and be quiet." Until I saw through the story: "No, God really used Oprah to bless the man called Ty in the garage! And guess what? Ty got to bless her in so many ways!" One of the many gifts that came to me through that show was that it encouraged me to pray for my future workplaces. I wasn't smart enough to realize I was praying at the time--but the opportunities that came to me after praying? Those were the jobs that had that feeling of togetherness and sincerity that you describe. I hope you encourage people to pray/meditate/do smoke signals over their future job opportunities because it works, and while there may be no cameras around your workplace, it truly is possible to have that kind of encouraging work environment around you. I hope y'all continue to have reunions, even as they dwindle, don't matter!
this was intentionally “special”. cant think of a better word yet…. s/o to big “ty”! s/o out to all the main characters who make up a kingdom culture environment…. where we are all family and valued. s/o to yall too…. for showing up and letting holy spirit do his big 1,2…
may we all never settle for less than this at work again!
Maya, this was a total joy to read-so glad you all had such an amazing time. I pray Tyrone is doing well and is taking care of himself-this type of work-environment is so rare, and I can understand why he would want to re-create the ambience. I was at home in Chicago for a Family Reunion on August 1st, and still can't find a more beautiful city in the Summertime than MY CHICAGO!!!
I don’t know why this article resonated so deeply with me. It brought tears to my eyes. It may have been because after recently quitting a job that I had hoped to love I am reminded that some workplaces aren’t toxic and people actually care about the work and each other. I also believe the tears are because I loved the O show and it’s good to know she created a work culture that people actually enjoyed! Thanks for sharing!🤎
oh crystal, thank u for this beautiful thought. i think what we all want deep down is to be a part of a work culture like this. it’s my hope for everyone.
oprah doesn’t get enough credit as a leader and ceo. she built one of the best work cultures in the world. i hope to tell the story one day 🤍
thank u for being here with us.
I resonate so deeply with leaving job you had hoped to love. i hope we both get to find or create more cultures that feel like what we wanted to experience.
I enjoyed reading this! So much so, tears are flowing. I think I have seen every episode of the show. I love reading that you all had a beautiful experience working there. This resonates because I have grown up in my current workplace. There have been years where I have really enjoyed it. I have even almost experienced that “rare alchemy” you mentioned. Now, with management and staff changes, the culture has completely changed. I have started to have that anxiety that creeps up on Sundays. I am trying to “run on, and see what the end will be.” Thank you for all of your great content.
it makes me so sad that people don’t get to experience that alchemy all the time. it’s how it’s supposed to be. i believe it’s possible for all of us and pray you find a place that honors all of who you are.
what a beautiful love letter to wake up to. 🥰
it is a love letter to our sweet Ty. he is the best and he says thank you to everyone who’s read his story.
Such a wonderful story and great tribute to Ty. Sounds like it would top the best places to work list. I grew up in Gary, Indiana right across the lake. And felt special that we in the Chicago media market got to see the show in the morning before the rest of the world. I still remember the phone number to call in the early days for potential guests. 312-591-9111.
it would be a dream to curate the best places to work list, Johanna!
Go for it because Im not so sure the previous lists have meant much.
yes for sure best place to work. i think it may be one of the great workplaces of all time.
omg the phone number. throwback. thanks for being here Johanna! it’s always beautiful to see you here 🤍
Your joy and the power of this story was so visceral, for a second I felt like a former Harpo employee! Wow - how special.
Ty’s reunion made it to People! https://people.com/oprah-winfrey-makes-rare-appearance-with-partner-stedman-graham-12056884
i love that you said Ty’s reunion. it was his!
let’s all move like former harpo employees 🖤
yes come along with us!
IKR?!
Who is cutting them onions in here?🥲🥲🥲
ty is the best! isn’t this the best story?
I promise y'all I don't come on here to be your hype man, but I GOT to give flowers where flowers are DUE! It was a joy to read this as it unfolded. When you introduced Mr. Ty at the top I frfr thought: "My Lord. God said to Oprah Imma use you, even to bless the man in the garage. Mm" And then I thought: "Self just read and be quiet." Until I saw through the story: "No, God really used Oprah to bless the man called Ty in the garage! And guess what? Ty got to bless her in so many ways!" One of the many gifts that came to me through that show was that it encouraged me to pray for my future workplaces. I wasn't smart enough to realize I was praying at the time--but the opportunities that came to me after praying? Those were the jobs that had that feeling of togetherness and sincerity that you describe. I hope you encourage people to pray/meditate/do smoke signals over their future job opportunities because it works, and while there may be no cameras around your workplace, it truly is possible to have that kind of encouraging work environment around you. I hope y'all continue to have reunions, even as they dwindle, don't matter!
praying for future workplaces is key! I love that. this type of culture is our portion.
they were a blessing for each other. it one of the great stories of harpo!
*starts praying now…*
Literally couldn’t think of a more inspiring beautiful and very human post to start the work day! Amazing storytelling too xoxo
so glad it inspired you too!
that was our hope and intention … that it leaves people feeling inspired and hopeful. thank u for being here with us and taking the time to read 🎈
this was intentionally “special”. cant think of a better word yet…. s/o to big “ty”! s/o out to all the main characters who make up a kingdom culture environment…. where we are all family and valued. s/o to yall too…. for showing up and letting holy spirit do his big 1,2…
may we all never settle for less than this at work again!
fruits of the spirit were there heavy. love u joey. it was so special.
you can tell da root by da fruit! love u more queen!
So grateful I got to experience this team when I was 17.
Love love love! still deeply wish I got that job at Harpo I was up for back in ‘09
you know you are always a part of our family 🤍
In rapture and tears🥲can feel the energy
Maya, this was a total joy to read-so glad you all had such an amazing time. I pray Tyrone is doing well and is taking care of himself-this type of work-environment is so rare, and I can understand why he would want to re-create the ambience. I was at home in Chicago for a Family Reunion on August 1st, and still can't find a more beautiful city in the Summertime than MY CHICAGO!!!