Rachael Ray is an Emmy-award winning television personality and author, who currently hosts 30 Minute Meals and Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels. Ray has also written a series of cookbooks and launched a magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray.

When I walked into our TV room the other night, my wife Karla was watching The Big Idea hosted by Donny Deutsch who was interviewing Rachael Ray.

Toward the end of the interview Donny began probing deeper as to the underlying principles and keys to Rachael's climb to success. I particularly noticed and heard the following:

1. Rachael employs powerful and intelligent people, such as her agent to generate publicity for her.

Undoubtedly to make it in television you need to be well connected and must create a buzz. Rachael mastered the media and conquered her fear of TV. Rachael told Donny that she felt like she was going to throw up the night before going on TV with Diane Sawyer. After being with Diane, Rachael says her fear was unfounded as Diane is a warm, caring, and fun person to be with.

Many of our fears are untrue and hinder us from maximizing our potential. Therefore boldly face your fears and live your dreams!

2. Rachael says "Do something you love."

Doing what you love sounds simplistic and nice, but in reality when most of us are trying to survive financially it isn't quite as easy. Nevertheless for those who dare to take risks and go for it, the rewards are worth it! If you don't take chances you won't make advances.

3. Rachael told Donny, "You've got to work hard. Many people say they work hard, but just complain a lot."

Surely this is true as I know some complainers in my own life. Work is a four letter word, but it should not be considered a curse word. People need to again value the importance of diligence, persistence, and hard work. To make it big you need to work hard and passionately invest yourself in something.

4. Be yourself and let your personality shine.

In a Slate article defending Ray, Jill Hunter Pellettieri summarized some of these criticisms by writing:

“ Ray's ditzy demeanor also makes her easy to dismiss. She giggles off-cue and constantly praises her own cooking. "Smells awesome already!" she says, making her Snapper in a Snap. "I am so psyched about that." She employs cute abbreviations—EVOO means "extra virgin olive oil", and gives her dishes nicknames, such as "You-Won't-Be-Single-for-Long Vodka Cream Pasta".

The bottom line however is Rachael is way more entertaining than Martha Stewart, who without guests in my opinion is not able to keep you awake unless you are a cooking enthusiast.

5. Passion trumps professional training and education.

Some have criticized Ray's "perky" demeanor as well as her lack of a formal chef's education and perceived lack of seriousness about cooking. Celebrity chef and Travel Channel personality Anthony Bourdain, who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, has referred to her as a "bobblehead".

Rachael appeals to all types of people and like President Bush who may not be the brightest guy on the planet, is nevertheless relatable and real. Passion is attractive and has a magnetic pull to it. Undoubtedly Ray has mastered impregnating people with her passion.

Put these powerful principles to practice and you too can succeed in whatever you put your heart and hand to.