Lead Like You Mean It: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose from the C-Suite

by Laysha Ward

A groundbreaking, inspiring, and holistic new approach to leadership from one of the top, black woman C-suite executives in the nation

AN OPEN FIELD PUBLICATION FROM MARIA SHRIVER

We all want a healthy and happy personal life, financial security, and to do meaningful work. We don’t want to lose sight of our values and, in pursuit of financial security and career success, get sucked into a dead-end job. We want a life filled with purpose and to leave behind a meaningful legacy. But how do we do all these things, especially in today’s divisive times?

In Lead Like You Mean It, Laysha Ward draws on her storied career as one of the nation’s top black female C-suite executives to show readers the answer: leading with meaning.

Leading with meaning entails viewing your life and career as part of the same puzzle, acting from your purpose, making intentional choices, nurturing relationships, and championing and sustaining yourself and others. When you lead with meaning, you are taking a holistic approach that blends your life and career. You are part of something that’s bigger than yourself, staying aligned with your purpose no matter what life throws at you or how your purpose evolves. You are stepping into, rather than shying away from, new relationships, even with people from completely different backgrounds. And you are committing to bettering yourself and others.

As you learn to focus on self-care and total well-being, navigate the highs and lows of life and career, and shape a legacy that leaves people and things better off than you found them, you’ll discover that leading with meaning—at any age—is the key to a well-lived life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Leadership

240 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Matt Chisling (MattyandtheBooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a moment of panic trying to "review" this book, knowing that reviewing this sort of business-slash-self-help genre of nonfiction is a little irrelevant if you are living a different experience than I am. Laysha Ward is clearly an influential person with great connections, a great sense of professional value, and I had numerous people reach out to me during my reading to share that they've met her/interacted with her and find her deeply inspirational. For me, personally, the advice was perhaps better tailored for a rising manager, or someone who is trying to find their footing in an office for the first time, versus for more senior leadership. Without a doubt, her advice for, in particular, women of color, is deeply needed and undoubtedly more appreciated by someone who can relate to the unique challenges Ward faced on her way to the top.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical tips and advice from a Fortune 50 C-suite leader, with illustrative stories from her career. A handy reference guide for life and leadership.

[Molly Barrus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the stories about the author’s career at Target and wanted more of them! The other “how to” parts of the book were a little too preachy and repetitive for me.

[Kevin & · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laysha Ward’s Lead Like You Mean It is a compelling and candid memoir that blends personal storytelling with powerful leadership insights. Written in a direct, no-nonsense style that mirrors Ward’s authentic voice, the book offers a rare and refreshing perspective on corporate life through the lens of a Black woman who rose to executive leadership at Target. Some key takeaways includes:

• The importance of authenticity and resilience: Ward’s journey underscores the importance of hard work, self-belief, and the transformative power of mentorship. Her reflections remind readers that success is rarely solitary—it’s built on the shoulders of those who uplift and guide us.
• The realities of corporate life are at the highest level: With clarity and honesty, Ward exposes the human complexities of the corporate world, including its systemic challenges and the corrosive effects of unchecked greed. Her insider’s view is both sobering and enlightening.
• The need to remain spiritually grounded and understanding your self-worth: One of the most resonant moments in the book is Ward’s reflection on self-worth, inspired by her grandmother’s wisdom: “Girl, you are a child of God.” This affirmation becomes a rallying cry for readers to embrace their value, take risks, and pursue progress over perfection. Reading Lead Like You Mean It makes you want to sit across from Ward herself, absorbing lessons, laughter, and leadership truths that linger long after the final page.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved!! Laysha is a United board member and has done a few events with the women's BRG and I've always been really captivated and moved every time she speaks, so I was really excited to read.

I'm very skeptical of leadership books because they are often so boring and repetitive, but this one was different. She does a great job of giving actionable advice and helps support it with anecdotes from her very impressive career. She also has an awesome and inspirational story, growing up in a rural background and being a black woman in corporate America, which she's able to tie into the story in an impactful way.

[Anjali Chauhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a refreshing take on leadership. Laysha Ward shares real, honest lessons that remind you leadership isn’t about titles - it’s about purpose, integrity, and showing up for others. Loved every page!

[AJAX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read this one!!

[Michele Odems · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible and loved it! Great personal stories to share examples of leadership pillars. Most important idea that I took away was “progress over perfection”

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a goodreads giveaway and this is an honest review

Overall interesting, well written, insightful, and inspiring. Did get a bit repetitive though

[Kara Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic memoir and advice from an inspirational leader

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to work at Target! Good information and organization. Worth a read.