The Legacy of Aubrey McClendon

Photo of OKC Riversports by Braden Jarvis, Unsplash

Every year, on July 14th, I get a reminder to wish Aubrey McClendon a happy birthday. Since his tragic passing in 2016 I have chosen to keep the alert on my calendar and honor this day in remembrance of what he meant to me, those around him, the energy industry, Oklahoma and Oklahoma City, the United States, and more.

Even for me, someone who knew him as a kid when he coached our soccer team and observed his meteoric rise, I have trouble putting into words his legacy in a way that I feel that I’m honoring it fully. For the few of us blessed with great fortune, even fewer leave a lasting impact upon those around us. Aubrey was one of those elite few. 

It took me years to articulate Aubrey's significance in short, elegant form and it finally came to me last year, during COVID. What made Aubrey so special was how he approached life – with a mindset of abundance. He, more than anyone else I've ever met, believed that tomorrow was going to be better than today. So engaging, with unbridled enthusiasm and optimism, the world became his oyster. He moved mountains for anyone who came to him with a good idea and passion, the same way he moved a major NBA franchise to an aspiring world-class city now filled with Olympic athletes, world-class art, and budding entrepreneurial and technology sectors.

While his cardinal sin might have been less than stellar money management, Aubrey nonetheless elevated those around him into believing what was possible. More importantly, he caused those around him to believe in themselves.

There is no shortage of people who spread fear, doubt, and uncertainty; being a critic is easy and lazy. We need more people like Aubrey McClendon. We need people who choose to do what's difficult, who choose to live with a mindset of abundance! Coupled with vision and determination, you can change the world too.

Happy birthday, Aub.

“Onward and upward.”

Featured in The Oklahoman.