As president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, founder of LeadHERboard – an initiative dedicated to advancing women in the workplace – and a leader of the Second Century Board – which engages young professionals with the Hall of Fame’s mission – Shannon L. Rich continues to champion bold ideas and meaningful connections. With a “Do It Scared” philosophy, the fifth-generation Oklahoman has made her mark by building stronger organizations and opening doors for the next generation of leaders. We caught up with Shannon and got her thoughts on …
… what it meant to open the Gaylord-Pickens Museum.
We had a bold vision, a historic building and a huge fundraising goal. Oklahomans said yes. Our board, donors, Hall of Fame Members and staff believed Oklahoma’s story deserved a home that allowed visitors to learn more about our mission and our people. The moment I remember most came after 11 months of working alongside exhibit designers and our education team. We held our breath as the first group of students walked through the museum and discovered the stories of Oklahomans who had dreamed big, overcome obstacles and changed the world. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. In that moment, all the fundraising, construction meetings and long days became worth it. We hadn’t just opened a museum; we had created a place where young Oklahomans could see what was possible for their own lives.
… proudest accomplishments.
I’m incredibly proud our impact reaches far beyond the museum’s field trip programs. Some of our most meaningful work happens statewide through scholarships, publishing and educational outreach. We’ve strengthened the organization financially while making our mission more accessible to everyone. That takes an exceptional staff, committed board, generous donors and inspiring Hall of Fame Members.
… the Second Century Board.
While co-chairing Leadership Oklahoma City’s inaugural LOYAL Class, we recognized young professionals were a missing demographic at the Hall of Fame. During Oklahoma’s Centennial, they became our focus group creating the plan and intentionally named themselves the Second Century Board. Nearly 20 years later, many are CEOs, civic leaders, philanthropists and OHOF board members – proving that if we want the next generation to lead tomorrow, we must give them opportunities to lead today.
… her early job experiences and how they’ve taught her about leadership.
Every job since I was 14 has taught me something, especially about kindness, patience and never underestimating anyone. Remember, the hourly desk clerk can upgrade your room or put you next to the noisy, broken ice machine! Hospitality taught me to listen, solve problems and pitch in. Leadership isn’t your title; it’s how you show up in real time, and whether you leave an organization better than you found it.
… what changes when more women have a seat at the table.
Opportunity and the conversation. Representation matters. Women in leadership inspire young women with what’s possible and show young men that women belong in every room where decisions are made. Different experiences create better questions and stronger decisions. Expanding the table isn’t about replacing anyone; it’s about ensuring talented women are seen, heard and included. Everyone benefits.
… LeadHERboard.
Too often I heard, “I’d hire a woman, but I don’t know one in that field.” LeadHERboard was created as a solution but the magic came from our community where women champion one another. Ultimately, I want my daughter to have the same opportunities for education, leadership, career advancement and compensation as her male counterparts. Until that’s expected rather than exceptional, we have work to do.
… her leadership style.
High expectations, high accountability and a lot of heart. Hire smart people, give them ownership and make sure they know why their work matters. I’ll work beside you, celebrate the wins and own the mistakes. We can do serious work and create meaningful opportunities without taking ourselves too seriously.
… where the phrase “Do it scared” came from.
“Do It Scared” comes from experience. Opening hotels before 30, accepting a nonprofit CEO role, renovating a historic museum, raising tens of millions and stepping onto large stages all required moving forward before I felt ready. Growing up in a single-parent home with limited resources taught me early that hard work creates opportunity. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; sometimes it’s simply deciding fear doesn’t get the final vote.
… a surprising fact about her.
Most people know I grew up playing sports, but my mom also encouraged music. From third through seventh grade, I played violin, viola and cello but the cello became my favorite. Even though I was often in first chair, I haven’t picked one up in years. I’m fairly certain no one wants to hear me play now! Forever grateful my mom pushed me to explore arts as well as athletics.
… what her numerous recognitions mean to her.
I’m always grateful and still a little surprised. No career is built alone. Every recognition reflects my family, discipline taught by coaches, encouragement from mentors, colleagues, boards and teams who invested in me, trusted me and were willing to do the hard work. Mostly, it reminds me to keep opening doors for others.
