“My father never kissed me, hugged me or told me that he loved me. As my only living parent, he became the filter through which I saw myself, the possibilities for my life, the world and all men. He was a conflicted and dark filter.”

Iyanla Vanzant is an American inspirational speaker, lawyer, New Thought spiritual teacher, author, life coach, and television personality. She is best known for her books, her talk show Iyanla, and her appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show. From 2012 to 2021, she hosted OWN's Iyanla: Fix My Life. Her work is closely tied to personal growth, spirituality, and practical guidance for people trying to change their lives.