Laysha Ward is an accomplished C-suite executive with a demonstrated ability to lead through rapid change, solve problems, build innovative community programs, and collaborate with key stakeholders to support organizational goals and objectives. 


The stories and lessons in her book, Lead Like You Mean It: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose From the C-Suite, inspire readers to embrace their purpose, make intentional choices, nurture relationships, and champion and sustain themselves and others.


Laysha held numerous roles during nearly 33 years at Target Corporation, a Fortune 50 company with $100+ billion in annual revenue. 

·      She most recently served as  Strategic Advisor (October 2023 to April 2024) and prior to that, as Executive Vice President, Chief External Engagement Officer (2017 to 2023). In this role, Ward oversaw Target’s enterprise-wide approach to engage and deepen cross-sector stakeholder relations to drive positive business and community impact. 

·       She began her career with the company in 1991 as a member of the store sales and management team at Marshall Field’s in Chicago. 

·       She was named Director of Community Relations in 2000 and promoted to Vice President of Community Relations and Target Foundation in 2003. 

·       She served as Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer before being named Chief External Engagement Officer.


In 2008, President Bush nominated and the U.S. Senate confirmed Laysha as a member of the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the nation’s largest grantmaker for volunteering and service. Under the Obama Administration, she served as board chair.


She is a member of the Economic Clubs of Chicago and New York, Executive Leadership Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Black Women on Boards and Women Corporate Directors – Tampa Bay Chapter. She serves on the nonprofit boards of the Minnesota Orchestra and the Northside Achievement Zone, as well as the board of Minnesota Sports and Events and the for-profit boards of MACRO and United Airlines Holdings, Inc.


Laysha received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, Master’s degree from the University of Chicago, and an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

1941-2026 
Rev Jesse Jackson, civil rights leader.  
“I Am Somebody” 
“Keep Hope Alive”

Another giant tree in our forest has fallen.  

Rest in peace, Reverend. 

#Leadership

Laysha Ward

Author, C-Suite Leader, Board Member and Speaker. Order my book “Lead Like You Mean It - Lessons on Integrity and Purpose From The C-Suite.” Grab your copy from my website below ⬇️

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Carter G. Woodson started Black History Month 100 years ago because he knew: if you don't tell the story, someone else will erase it or shape the narrative they want to portray.

So let’s all commit to telling our stories, built on integrity, purpose, and the audacity to lead on our own terms.  You should shape and share your narrative. 

This month and every month, that story matters.

#BlackHistoryMonth #CenturyOfBlackHistory #LeadLikeYouMeanIt

Lead Like You Mean It turns ONE this week, and I couldn't let the moment pass without a look back at the crazy, wonderful, and truly meaningful ride it's been. 

I've had the privilege of connecting with so many of you who are leading with intention, purpose, and heart.

Here's to everything this past year taught us, and everything still ahead!

Check out my newest newsletter, celebrating 1 year of my book! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gnqKZK2q

#LeadLikeYouMeanIt #BookAnniversary #Leadership #Gratitude

Tombolo Books Magers & Quinn Booksellers Women in Retail Leadership Circle San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Penguin Random House Dallas Regional Chamber Twin Cities Business Miami Book Fair The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) UNCF Essence Communications Inc.

Today marks one year since Lead Like You Mean It was published by The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

This past year has been filled with powerful dialogue, thoughtful questions, and leaders committed to doing the work. And each experience has reminded me that a book is never just a book - it’s an invitation. An invitation to reflect, to grow, and to lead with purpose and greater intention.

I’m deeply grateful for this community and excited about what’s ahead. The story continues, and there’s more to come.

Here’s to leading like we mean it!
Check out my latest newsletter. 

#LeadLikeYouMeanIt #LayshasLessons #Leadership #IntegrityInAction #WomenInLeadership 

Adeption LinkedIn Learning

Today marks one year since the launch of Lead Like You Mean It: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose From the C-Suite - a book that began as a dream and b

Open article: Celebrating A Full Year of Lead Like You Mean It by Laysha Ward • 3 min read

Celebrating A Full Year of Lead Like You Mean It

LinkedIn just released its annual Skills on the Rise list - a data-backed look at the fastest-growing skills shaping the future of work.

In a world increasingly powered by AI, I believe one skill will quietly rise above the rest: Human-centered leadership in a technology-driven environment.

AI can optimize, analyze, and accelerate - but it cannot replace judgment rooted in values, replicate empathy, or build trust. The leaders who will thrive in the year ahead won’t simply ask, “What can AI do?” They’ll ask, “How do we ensure technology serves people, not the other way around?”

In this moment, the most valuable skill may be the ability to balance innovation with intention. To stay anchored in purpose while navigating rapid change, and to remain deeply human while leveraging powerful tools.

If you’re building this skill, here’s my advice:
• Stay curious, not defensive, about new technology.
• Strengthen your EQ as much as your IQ.
• Practice clarity in communication when change feels ambiguous.
• Keep purpose at the center of every decision.

The future of work isn’t AI versus humans. It’s AI with humans, led by people who know who they are and what they stand for.

What skill do you believe will be most valuable to learn this year, and how are you building it? 

#SkillsOnTheRise #HumanCenteredLeadership #Leadership #AI #LeadLikeYouMeanIt LinkedIn News, LinkedIn Learning

As we celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month, I'm  thinking about Ann Fudge, a phenomenal businesswoman.

Early in my career, I had the privilege of meeting her at a women's leadership forum hosted by The Executive Leadership Council (ELC). She said something that changed everything for me.

She challenged me to live with intention - to build a holistic plan so I had the freedom to live and lead on my own terms.

That wisdom became a lifelong gift.

Think about it: We create development plans for our careers. We set goals, track progress, celebrate wins. But how many of us bring that same rigor to our lives?

In business, when we do strategic planning, we build a long-range plan looking out three to five years with goals, objectives and key performance indicators. We then review that plan on an annual basis, creating an annual operating plan or AOP. 

So why don't we do that for ourselves?

I do. To lead with meaning, I put that strategic planning model into practice for my life and career with a roadmap that tracks my progress not just professionally, but holistically.

Because here's the truth: You are one person. You have one life.

Your life deserves the same vision, discipline, and intention you pour into your leadership.

Give it that. 💙

#IWD #Leadership #IWD2026 #LeadLikeYouMeanIt #WomenInLeadership
#womenshistorymonth

Libraries have always been one of our most powerful community resources - open doors, shared knowledge, and a belief that everyone deserves access to learn and grow. 

Join me in celebrating the libraries and librarians who help communities thrive, one reader, one question, and one story at a time.

Happy National Library Lovers month!

#NationalLibraryLoversMonth #CommunityFirst #LeadingWithPurpose #LibrariesMatter #Leadership

Leadership conversations that matter usually start with one simple question: How do we unlock the potential in yourself and others?

I had the privilege of exploring that question at Miami Dade College’s Conference Day in conversation with President Madeline Pumariega. 

We talked about human centered leadership, especially as AI becomes more prominent, and what it truly means to lead like you mean it - showing up with intention, integrity, courage, humanity, and a commitment to growth and being of service. 

I’m grateful to President Pumariega and the Miami Dade College community for the warm welcome and for the incredible faculty and staff who show up every day focused on student's success in their life and careers. 

And thank you to Michael J. Jabbour for sharing important insights on AI and innovation in education, a conversation every institution is navigating right now. 

Moments like this remind me why I wrote Lead Like You Mean It - leadership is not just about position, it’s about purpose, impact, and lifting others as we grow. This applies to leaders across different industries and sectors. 

#Leadership #LeadLikeYouMeanIt #MiamiDadeCollege #HumanCenteredLeadership #IWD
Miami Dade College Foundation

Honored to be included among such an incredible group of women who are using their voices, experiences, and platforms to inform, inspire, and challenge the way we lead and live. 📚✨  

Women’s History Month is a powerful reminder that our stories matter—and when we share them, we open doors for others to step forward with courage and purpose. I’m grateful to be featured alongside so many brilliant authors and changemakers.

If you’re building your reading list this month, I hope these books spark new ideas, deeper conversations, and bold action. Let’s keep lifting each other up and writing the next chapter together.

#WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #WomenSupportingWomen #LeadLikeYouMeanIt

Your reading list is looking a little empty... 👀 Don't worry—we can help!

In honor of Women's History Month, we've curated a collection of books highlighting women who are blazing trails, leaving their mark on history, changing the face of business, boldly taking up space, and refusing to be silenced. Whether you're interested in historical figures or present day icons, our speakers have a book for you.

Featuring books from Kate Brower, Norah O'Donnell, Jonna Mendez, Dr. Fei-Fei Li, Rebecca Hinds, PhD, Laysha Ward, Brooke Shields, and Tamsen Fadal.

#UTASpeakers #KeynoteSpeakers

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