Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Annelie Geissler
Categories
Self-help, personal development & practical advice

LEAD LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Laysha Ward

Lessons on Integrity and Purpose from the C-Suite

Walking the line between business and self-help, THE GREAT RECONNECTION: Cultivating the Power of Authentic Human Relationships shows us how to build and sustain authentic and fulfilling connections, both at work and in lifeby Laysha Ward, a highly accomplished Black female executive with 30 years of leadership experience at Fortune 50 company Target.

After two years of grin-and-bear-it Zoom calls, it's clearer than ever: human beings are designed to be connected with each other. When we confidently know how to make great connections, we reach our fullest potential in our careers, in our communities, and in our personal lives. But sometimes we don't know how to get there. No matter what type of person you are, there's extraordinary value in knowing how to build real, meaningful connections. Too often, this is dismissed as a "soft skill" abstract and trivial, especially in the business world. But overlooking the importance of intentional and strategic relationships is a mistake too many professionals make. Laysha Ward breaks this under-utilized skill down into concrete strategies, ready to be adapted to readers' individual needs. It's an inspiring book, showing readers how to foster a genuine community of connected people who become good at celebrating wins, comforting each other in defeat and challenging long-held assumptions. The book will help readers develop a culture of connection in every stage of life and work. Through fostering connections, understanding their unique strengths, and discovering their natural style, readers will learn how to connect authentically with head, heart, and soul. In a screen-based world, without the benefit of water cooler conversations, or accidentally running into an old friend on your commute, our connections need more intentional care in order to thrive. Laysha has been developing and honing these skills throughout her entire illustrious career many times as the sole Black voice in nearly all-White rooms and she's now ready to share what she's learned. Laysha Ward is the Executive Vice President, Chief External Engagement Officer at Target, a Fortune 50 company, overseeing their enterprise-wide approach to engage and deepen relationships with cross-sector stakeholders to drive positive business and community impact. Laysha is responsible for developing and nurturing relationships that advance business objectives, enhance reputation and mitigate risks in a company with 350,000+ employees, 1800+ locations and more than $1 billion in annual revenue. In 2008, the US President and Senate confirmed Ms. Ward to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service. She continued to serve on the board under President Obama. Laysha is one of LinkedIn's Top Voices of 2020, with more than 360,000 followers. Her work complements her personal purpose, which is to be of service to others, with a focus on women, people of color and other underrepresented communities.

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Book Published 2025-02-18 by The Open Field

Comments

Laysha Ward is a master at building meaningful, authentic relationships. From earning community support for Target's store openings to forging mutually beneficial partnerships at the highest levels of government, Laysha's work has empowered her to live her purpose of being in service to others. In Lead Like You Mean It, she draws on three decades of experience from the department store sales floor to the Fortune 50 C-suite to offer hard-won wisdom and practical advice.

Self-belief has been a critical factor in my success. In Lead Like You Mean It, Laysha Ward illustrates the importance of knowing yourself and betting on yourself through her own life stories. Along the way, she shines a light on men and women who have influenced and supported her on her journey, delivering a beautiful tribute to authentic human connections.

Laysha Ward's stories in Lead Like You Mean It convey the strength that comes from powerful human connections and the grace that is bestowed by gratitude. Instead of sharing a formula for success, Ward shares what she has learned and encourages readers to participate, thoughtfully designing their own life and leadership learning journeys.

I've learned from Laysha for many years and now she has provided everyone with a roadmap to leading with integrity and humanity in our lives and careers. Warm, resonant, and actionable, Lead Like You Mean It is an essential guide for anyone who wants to center themselves with purpose.

Insightful, timely, vital and practical...Laysha Ward has her fingers on the pulse of what makes a great leader in the modern workplace. Ward is smart, rational and savvy in her approach to meaning based leadership to solve some of the greatest challenges we face from isolation to burnout to disengagement.

Laysha Ward's trailblazing leadership example is an inspiration. But it's her humanity which teaches us the most. Laysha shows us what's possible while also living a life of purpose, intention, and fulfillment. Thank you, Laysha, for walking the talk!

In Lead Like You Mean It, Laysha provides an insightful guide on how to lead with integrity, humanity, and purpose, drawing on decades spent walking the walk. This candid, inspiring book is rich with leadership lessons that are both timeless and urgent. Highly recommended for anyone looking to build a meaningful career, drive business impact, and leave a lasting legacy.

If you want to lead with integrity in your business and life, then you have to start with intention. Laysha Ward shows you how.

The first principle of great leadership is to know what mattersto you. Laysha's Ward's Lead Like You Mean It is an important primer on how to discover meaning in your life, and then bring it to your work as a leader.