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

A groundbreaking, inspiring, and holistic new approach to leadership from one of the top woman C-suite executives in the nation. AN OPEN FIELD PUBLICATION FROM MARIA SHRIVER In a world where we strive for a healthy and happy personal life, financial security, and meaningful work, it's easy to lose sight of our values. The pursuit of career success and financial stability can often lead us down a path where we find ourselves trapped in uninspiring jobs, disconnected from our true purpose. We yearn for a life filled with meaning and a legacy that speaks volumes about who we are. But how do we achieve all this, especially in today's turbulent and divisive times?

Lead Like You Mean It by Laysha Ward is the answer. Drawing from her illustrious career as one of the nation's top Black female C-suite executives, Ward provides readers with an insightful and practical approach to leadership that emphasizes meaning and purpose.

Leading with meaning is about integrating your life and career as interdependent pieces of a larger puzzle. It's about acting from your purpose, making intentional choices, nurturing relationships, and championing the well-being of both yourself and others. By leading with meaning, you're embracing a holistic approach that ensures your life and career are in harmony. You're part of something grander, maintaining alignment with your purpose no matter the challenges that arise or the evolution of your goals. It's about forging new relationships, even with those from vastly different backgrounds, and committing to personal growth and service to others.

Ward's holistic approach to leadership involves focusing on self-care and total well-being. It's about navigating the inevitable highs and lows of life and career with grace and resilience, ultimately shaping a legacy that leaves a positive impact on people and the world around you.

Key Principles of Leading with Meaning
1. Acting from Your Purpose
At the heart of Ward's philosophy is the concept of leading with meaning. This involves understanding and acting from your core purpose. It's about making choices that align with your values and aspirations, ensuring that your career and personal life complement each other.

2. Intentional Choices
Every decision you make should be intentional and purposeful. Ward encourages readers to reflect on their choices, big and small, and consider how they contribute to their overall goals and well-being. This mindful approach to decision-making helps in creating a life that is both fulfilling and successful.

3. Nurturing Relationships
Building and maintaining meaningful relationships is a cornerstone of Ward's leadership philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with others, fostering a supportive network, and valuing diverse perspectives. These relationships are not just beneficial for career growth but also enrich your personal life.

4. Championing Well-Being
Ward stresses the importance of self-care and well-being. Leading with meaning involves taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. By prioritizing well-being, you can perform at your best, both in your personal life and career.

5. Holistic Approach
Ward advocates for a holistic approach to leadership that blends life and career. This means viewing them as interconnected rather than separate entities. By doing so, you can achieve a more balanced and integrated life.

Practical Strategies for Leading with Meaning
Lead Like You Mean It offers practical strategies to help readers implement these principles in their daily lives. Ward shares personal anecdotes, case studies, and actionable tips that readers can apply to their own situations. Her advice is grounded in real-world experience, making it both relatable and achievable.

Building a Legacy of Meaning
Ultimately, leading with meaning is about creating a legacy that speaks to who you are and what you value. It's about leaving people and situations better than you found them, making a positive impact on the world. Ward's approach to leadership ensures that you're not only achieving success but also making a meaningful contribution to society.

Lead Like You Mean It is a must-read for anyone looking to align their life and career with their true purpose. Ward's holistic approach to leadership provides a roadmap for living a life of meaning and impact, no matter your age or stage in life.

In today's fast-paced and often chaotic world, Lead Like You Mean It serves as a beacon of hope and a guide to a life well-lived. Embrace the principles of leading with meaning, and discover the key to a fulfilling and purposeful life.