Leadership roles are awarded based upon their achievements, position, ability, experience, and other factors. Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey are the three leaders whom I respect most. Oprah Winfrey, to me, is the pinnacle of Black female greatness. Oprah Winfrey is my role model and epitome in business and journalism. She was the first black woman journalist to succeed in the 80s when America was struggling with diversity. This was an achievement that cannot be understated. Oprah Winfrey became a spokesman for the people in 1980. Oprah Winfrey’s intelligence and ability to interview are exceptional. The power of consistency and devotion is evident in her desire to be a part of an industry dominated mostly by men and whites.
Barack Obama has been a great role model due to his exceptional oratory ability, charismatic ideals as well as intellectual potential and optimism. In 2008, I was privileged to witness a young Barack Obama give an inspiring speech at Denver’s Democratic National Convention. His ability to speak out on critical issues affecting the poor, such as affordable housing and global threats like terrorism, was remarkable.
Bill Gates is my business role-model since he transformed Microsoft into a global corporation that has a positive impact on the lives of people. He instilled enthusiasm and hard work in his staff, which led to Microsoft becoming a Fortune 500 company. It was clear to Gates that he was in an ever-changing business where agility and willingness to change were vital for a company’s survival. Gates has been a role model for me because of his dedication to charity via the Gates and Melinda Gates Foundation.