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Forbes
30-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Eight Timeless Leadership Lessons From A Life Well-Lived
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?
New York Times
03-06-2025
- Climate
- New York Times
Pacers' flight to OKC diverted to Tulsa due to tornado warning
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Indiana Pacers' first trip to the NBA Finals in 25 years took a short detour Tuesday when the team's chartered airplane was diverted to Tulsa due to a tornado warning in the vicinity of Oklahoma City's Will Rogers International Airport, a team source told The Athletic. The Pacers, who will play the Thunder in Game 1 on Thursday, landed safely in Tulsa, about 110 miles from Oklahoma City, after a tornado tore through the area at about 5 p.m. local time. Advertisement It was only a short delay — the Pacers were taxiing to leave Tulsa at 5:45 p.m. Severe thunderstorms are forecast for Oklahoma City for the rest of Tuesday evening, complicating travel for hundreds of media and vendors heading here for the finals. Planes approaching Will Rogers just before the storm hit had to fly around towering cumulus clouds and strong winds, with predictable turbulence felt by passengers as the aircraft dipped and ducked to find safer air. The airport briefly lost power as the storm approached and outbound flights were grounded for about an hour. The Associated Press reported that at least one tornado was spotted near the University of Oklahoma, about 23 miles south of Oklahoma City, on Tuesday afternoon. But it was not known if the tornado touched down or caused damage. On Saturday, the Pacers beat the New York Knicks in Game 6 to win their first Eastern Conference championship since 2000. Wednesday is NBA Finals media day, in which both teams practice on the game court and take questions from reporters.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Police searching for suspect after Oklahoma City weekend homicide
Oklahoma authorities are searching for a suspect in a murder who they believe was last seen trying to flee the state. At 4:40 p.m. on Friday, May 23, the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a reported stabbing near 1700 S Robinson Ave. There, officers found Richard Curnett, 56, stabbed to death, according to police reports. After conducting investigations, the OKCPD identified River Curnett, 26, as a suspect. Police interviewed his mother, Deborah Curnett, who said Richard Curnett was her first cousin, and the two "stayed together for about 16 years," according to an affidavit. The three of them lived in several tents at the same homeless encampment, court documents say. According to an affidavit, Deborah informed officers that River suffers from "severe mental health problems like multiple personalities and is a violent person." She also said that River believed Deborah and Richard "were in a romantic relationship, and River did not like that." Deborah told police River had prior violent incidents with family members, "never liked" Richard, and had stabbed him in the neck in the past, according to the affidavit. When the incident occurred, Deborah told police that she screamed and attempted to stop River, which resulted in a laceration to her hand, court documents state. Documents state that Deborah and another witness claim River "had been planning to do this." Police say River Curnett fled the scene on foot and was last seen near Will Rogers Airport attempting to leave the state. He has yet to be charged. According to court documents, River Curnett has been accused of the following: Murder, 1st Degree Domestic Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Police ask the public to call 911 if they see River Curnett, and do not approach him as he may or may not be armed. The public may also submit tips to local authorities online or by calling (405) 235-7300 or the Homicide Tip Line at (405) 297-1200. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC police searching for suspect after alleged homicide over weekend
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police searching for suspect in fatal SE Oklahoma City stabbing
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma City Police have released a photo of a man wanted in connection to a deadly stabbing at a southeast Oklahoma City homeless encampment on Friday. Police say an arrest warrant has been issued for River Curnett on charges of first degree murder and domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly stabbed a person to death near S Robinson Avenue and SE 17th Street. Curnett reportedly ran away from the scene of the deadly stabbing and was last seen near Will Rogers Airport attempting to leave the state. Investigators are asking anyone who sees Curnett not to approach him and call 911 immediately. If you have any information that may help police locate Curnett, contact Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300 or the Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
