Eight Timeless Leadership Lessons From A Life Well-Lived

Forbes

30-06-2025

Natasha Cox is the CEO and Owner of Avani Services.
On Tuesday, February 25, I was standing in Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City when my grandmother, whom we affectionately called 'MeMe,' told me over the phone that she'd like to be interviewed. She'd been reading the Forbes articles I wrote and wanted me to capture the key lessons on life and leadership she'd accumulated over her 96 years.
This was our last conversation before she fell ill in early March and passed peacefully in her home in April. As she received hospice care, I sat by her bedside, knowing it was too late for the interview she had asked for. So, in honor of her final wish, I'd like to share the MeMe-isms she imparted.
MeMe never led a company or managed a team, but she led a life that made people feel safe, seen and supported, as the best leaders do. Her wisdom came from nearly a century of life deeply and intentionally lived. It came from showing up for others with consistency and grace and believing that everyone has something to teach and something to learn.
In honor of her life and legacy, here are eight of MeMe's greatest lessons that continue to shape the way I lead and the work we do—and how I believe other leaders can translate these lessons into their own workplaces.
1. Say 'yes' and 'no' clearly.
In leadership and in life, being wishy-washy helps no one. MeMe didn't believe in 'maybe.' 'Yes' or 'no' are full sentences, and she loved to remind us, ''No' is a fine answer.' In business, clarity is kindness. Leaders who hesitate or hedge create confusion, while those who communicate decisively set the tone for purposeful action.
2. Organize your space to organize your mind.
A stickler for organization, MeMe's motto was 'a place for everything and everything in its place.' A grounded space supports clear thinking and thoughtful decision-making. For leaders, this isn't just about having a clean workspace. Teams gain clarity through structure, which can come in the form of simplified workflows, streamlined communications and clear project plans.
3. Dress for the way you want to be addressed.
MeMe believed personal presentation to be a form of self-respect, signaling that you value yourself and take others seriously. She always kept a hairbrush in her purse, and she was not afraid to use it on any unsuspecting grandchild who dared to wander by with tangled hair.
She taught me that how you present yourself sends a message long before you speak. As a leader, you set the tone, and showing care in how you show up tells your team, 'This matters to me, and so do you.'
4. Remember that kindness is a culture.
MeMe spent decades in the classroom, which gave her a deep commitment to making people feel welcome. She liked to remind us that the world is full of too many unkind people, and the best way to change that is to open your heart.
Leaders create the culture, and teams do their best work when they feel safe and seen. A simple practice that works in any setting is gratitude. Invite colleagues to name who helped them accomplish their task or to call out what they're proud of today. These small, consistent moments create psychological safety and a culture of care.
5. Recognize that your presence is a present.
If you sat down for tea with MeMe, she would leave you feeling like you were the most interesting person in the world. Over a warm drink and something sweet, she would spend hours asking you questions about every inch of your life. She taught those around her that there is no better gift than your presence and undivided attention.
As a leader, presence means listening with your whole self. Put the phone down in meetings. Pause before responding. Show your team they matter more than your inbox. Doing so helps build a culture of trust, loyalty and connection.
6. Be bold.
'I'm scared' wasn't a reason to quit in MeMe's world. If you wanted something, you found a way. She didn't define courage as the absence of fear but as the choice to keep going in the face of it. She celebrated those who pushed their limits and lovingly cajoled those who needed to 'get on with it, kid!' Living her values, MeMe traveled to more than 70 countries across every continent, finally crossing Antarctica off the list in her mid-80s.
This showed me that the best leaders step outside their comfort zone and bring others with them. Always push yourself and your team toward growth.
7. Expand your range.
Always prepared, in MeMe's world, every skill was worth learning. Whether it was changing a tire, baking from scratch or sailing a boat, everything was worth an attempt. She even learned how to fly a plane in her 60s.
Great leaders are curious, so don't wait to be told what you need to know. Explore, experiment and build capabilities across contexts, and encourage your colleagues to do the same.
8. Have dessert with dinner.
Life is too short to delay your joy. Ever the sweet tooth, MeMe believed that if you made it to dinner, you earned dessert.
Leadership can be demanding, but it should also be fulfilling. Celebrating wins and savoring small joys keep teams energized and inspired. Celebration is an underrated leadership skill that should be prioritized.
Legacy
When she turned 90, I asked MeMe what the secret to living a long life is. Without taking a breath, she said, 'I'm addicted to two things: water and bubble baths.' We laughed, but I took it to heart, like it might actually be the answer to everything.
So here's to her memory, her grit, her grace and her boundless curiosity. Although I never had the chance to record the interview she asked for, I hope these reflections honor her legacy and serve as a reminder that some of the best leadership lessons are found in how we live, the way we show up for others and the grace we extend along the way.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?