Latest news with #lifeLessons
Forbes
2 days ago
- 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?
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
In his own words: Dalai Lama on hope, compassion, politics and China's rule over Tibet
DHARAMSHALA (India), June 30 — Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, ostracised by Beijing while feted by leaders across the world, has over decades penned a plethora of life lessons. He is the author of dozens of books, on topics ranging from Buddhist philosophy and mediation, to environmental politics and the importance of love and kindness. Here, drawn from his writings, is the Dalai Lama in his own words. On hope 'We must never lose hope and must always maintain it if we are to meet with success in the challenges we face. With hope, we have the courage to care and the courage to act.' 'As our saying goes, 'If you fall nine times, you get up nine times.' Always remember that a bright sun awaits behind the cloud.' 'If a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.' On life 'What matters most is what we do with our short life. If we live our life divorced from our shared humanity, embroiled in discord and division, and causing harm, what a waste of our precious life!' 'I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear.' 'As social beings, we seek connection with others and find joy through them. There is no such thing as my own independent interest separate from others', because our well-being is interconnected with the well-being of others.' 'Compassion and concern for others are the keys to human survival. They are relevant to anyone, whether believer or non-believer, who wishes to live a happy life.' On politics 'If we recognise our shared humanity, recalling that the welfare of one depends on the welfare of all, I truly believe we can find a peaceful resolution to even the most intractable conflicts.' 'One clear lesson we know from history is this: if you keep people permanently unhappy, you cannot have a stable society.' 'Nations and countries belong to their peoples, not to their governments. No matter how enduring or powerful they might seem at any given time, governments will come and go, but the peoples will always remain.' 'We must stand up against injustice. Nonviolence does not preclude taking a firm stand and expressing our opposition in a forceful way.' On China 'The Tibetan people do not accept the present status of Tibet under the People's Republic of China. At the same time, they do not seek independence for Tibet.' 'Insofar as the Tibetans on the ground are concerned, the Communist Chinese rule in Tibet remains that of a foreign, unwanted, and oppressive occupying power.' 'The problem of Tibet should be and can only be solved by the Tibetan people and the Chinese people themselves sitting down and talking.' 'Today's dark period of Communist Chinese occupation may seem endless, but in our long history, it is but a brief nightmare. As our Buddhist faith teaches us, nothing is immune to the law of impermanence.' On his successor 'It is totally inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who explicitly reject religion, including the idea of past and future lives, to meddle in the system of reincarnation.' 'Whether the Dalai Lama institution should continue or not is a matter for the Tibetan people. So if the Tibetan people feel that the institution has served its purpose and there is now no longer any need for a Dalai Lama, then the institution will cease.' 'The new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama—that is, to be the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet embodying the aspirations of the Tibetan people—will continue.' — AFP
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Michelle Obama shares powerful life lesson her dying mother taught her
Michelle Obama reveals what her dying mother told her which changed her outlook on life. The former first lady appeared on NPR 's 'Wild Card' podcast with Rachel Martin on Thursday (26 June) where she shared her mother's comments about the fleeting nature of time. 'She leaned over to me and said, 'Wow, this went fast'', Ms Obama recalled, saying that she was shocked as her mother 'was the woman that prepared me for death'. "And what that told me is even when you tell yourself you're ready, if you're living a good life, you're never really ready for it to end,' she said. 'So I hope I feel that way. Even though I've been ready for it, because it's been good and purposeful. That I'll feel like, 'I wish I had more time.' So I'm trying to live my life like that." Ms Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, died at age 86 in May 2024.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Actor, 61, Reflects On Life's 'Mistakes' Ahead of Film Release
Legendary Actor, 61, Reflects On Life's 'Mistakes' Ahead of Film Release originally appeared on Parade. has been keeping busy promoting his new racing flick F1 ahead of its theatrical release on June 27. The legendary actor has been popping up on red carpets and at photo calls lately, looking as handsome as ever with a fresh new haircut that has his fans in awe. But there's more to Pitt than his looks, and it's clear that he's been doing some soul searching lately. While talking to Entertainment Tonight about his new movie, Pitt got reflective, telling them, "No matter the mistake, you know, you just learn from it and move on. It'll lead to the next success." 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Pitt went on to say, "Really, I think you get to my age and see how important it is to surround yourself with the people you know, the people you love, the people that love you back. Friends, family, and that's it. From there, we get to go make things. It's a pretty simple, I think, equation." This conversation followed a recent GQ interview, where Pitt opened up about the constant media scrutiny, especially of his relationships. "My personal life is always in the news," Pitt said during the interview. "It's been in the news for 30 years, bro. Or some version of my personal life, let's put it that way." "It's been an annoyance I've had to always deal with in different degrees, large and small, as I do the things I really want to do," Pitt said of the constant public attention on his personal life. The F1 star continued, "So, it's always been this kind of nagging time suck or waste of time, if you let it be that, I don't know. I don't know. Mostly I feel pretty…. My life is fairly contained. It feels pretty warm and secure with my friends, with my loves, with my fam, with my knowledge of who I am, that, you know, it's like this fly buzzing around a little bit.'It sounds like the Fight Clubstar is not letting his lengthy legal battle, which led to a December 2024 divorce from, get him down. Pitt and Jolie's marriage drama dominated headlines for years, and there are still ongoing rumbles about his fractured relationships with his children. Just a few weeks after Pitt drove his last race as Sonny Hayes for F1, his divorce from Jolie was finalized. Legendary Actor, 61, Reflects On Life's 'Mistakes' Ahead of Film Release first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
The National
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Sheikh Mohammed pays tribute to father with excerpt from new book Life Taught Me
, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has paid tribute to his father by publishing an excerpt from his new book Life Taught Me, which is to be released in the coming months. Sheikh Mohammed posted the message on X on Father's Day, which is celebrated in the UAE on June 21. The post included part of the ninth chapter of the book and reflects on the enduring lessons passed down by his late father, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, former ruler of Dubai. The book will offer reflections on leadership, character and life values. Sheikh Mohammed has said he learnt many of the lessons from his father. 'Every time I think about my father's shrewdness and wisdom … his life and his biography … I realise how much I learnt from him … and how I was influenced by his personality,' Sheikh Mohammed said on X. The tribute paints a vivid portrait of Sheikh Rashid as a calm, composed and principled leader who shaped Dubai's development and inspired his son. 'I learnt from my father the simplicity of life, self-control, not to be preoccupied with trivialities and not to believe weak-minded and frivolous people,' Sheikh Mohammed wrote. 'I learnt from him how to listen … and when to be tough and when to be gentle.' Describing his father as dignified and compassionate to all, Sheikh Mohammed said: 'His mere presence commanded reverence from everyone. My father was rarely angry or upset. He was kind and good-natured. He did not like deception. He did not get alarmed or panicked by anything. Rather, he was steadfast, confident and serious.' The post offers a rare insight into how Sheikh Rashid's legacy has shaped Sheikh Mohammed's approach to governance. 'I learnt from my father to love my family, relatives, brothers and to be close to my sisters … and I still do,' he said. 'I learnt from him to love honesty and justice.' Sheikh Mohammed said his father's strong character left a lasting impression. 'My father did not like a lot of food, or a lot of talking or a lot of buildings and palaces. Rather, he tended towards simplicity, lightness and self-control.'
