About this episode

Oprah and Jim Collins discuss navigating life's big transitions and finding direction amidst uncertainty.

Oprah talks with the international bestselling author of Good to Great, Jim Collins, to discuss his groundbreaking new book What to Make of a Life. Drawing on ten years of research, Collins offers a data-driven answer to one of life’s most enduring questions: What do we do with this one precious life we’ve been given and how do you know what you’re truly meant to do? Collins explores how to navigate life’s “cliffs”—periods of great transition that leave us disoriented and how to find direction in the midst of mental fog. Oprah shares her own journey through 'the fog' and how she found her way out. Collins also offers practical guidance for anyone confronting a major career transition. This is a conversation for anyone, at any stage of life, seeking greater clarity, direction and meaning. BUY THE BOOK! What to Make of a Life, published by HarperCollins and written by Jim Collins, is available wherever books are sold. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/what-to-make-of-a-life-jim-collins?variant=44343300227106 00:00:00 - Welcome Jim Collins, author of ‘What to Make of a Life’ 00:03:19 - Why Jim started writing the book 00:06:50 - Every life has a cliff 00:10:25 - Cliffs can take…

People in this episode

Host: Oprah

Guest: Jim Collins

Topics covered

• life transitions
• career guidance
• self-discovery
• mental clarity
• personal growth

Keywords

• life transitions
• Jim Collins
• Oprah
• career change
• self-compassion
• mental fog
• personal clarity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HarperCollins

Books & works: Good to Great, What to Make of a Life

More episodes of The Oprah Podcast

• Start with Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life with Emma Grede and Oprah · April 21, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Maria Semple: “Go Gentle” | Oprah’s Book Club · April 14, 2026 · 50 min
• Oprah with Belle Burden on the Collapse of Her 20 Year Marriage & Her Bestselling Memoir · March 31, 2026 · 1h 7m
• Oprah & Tech Leaders on What AI Means for Your Job, Health, Family & Future · March 24, 2026 · 1h 15m
• Oprah and Kristin Cabot in an Exclusive Interview about the Coldplay Kiss Cam · March 17, 2026 · 1h 7m
• HAPPINESS PROFESSOR: How to Discover the Meaning of Your Life with Oprah and Arthur C. Brooks · March 10, 2026 · 59 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Oprah Podcast podcast page.