A Summer of Fun and Learning

I’ve always tried to maintain a growth mindset – especially during seasons of change in my life. And this summer is a great example. I’m learning every day how to run my own business as I prepare for my spring 2025 book launch, attend board meetings across the country and build my skills as an entrepreneur.

Summer is also a season of fun, so I’m prioritizing that, too! I’m saying “yes” to opportunities to meet new people, experience new places and simply savor the sun-drenched - and even rain-soaked - days. Below are some mid-summer highlights.

But first, I’m excited to share that my book officially has a title: Lead Like You Mean It: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose from the C-Suite. In future editions, I’ll share a sneak peek at the cover and provide a link for pre-orders! Stay tuned and sign up for Laysha's Lessons at my website!

Essence Black Women in Business Awards

Last week, I was honored to be recognized at the inaugural Essence Black Women in Business Award Dinner, during the 30th annual Essence Festival of Culture. Essence launched this event to highlight achievements of Black women pioneers in business and entrepreneurship and applaud the monumental successes and contributions they continue to make. Receiving the Community Investment Pioneer Award is meaningful on its own, but being honored alongside Thasunda Brown Duckett, Serena Williams, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Marian Croak and Ingrid Saunders Jones made this an extraordinary moment in my life and leadership learning journey. The award winners will be featured in the November/December edition of Essence Magazine. My deepest gratitude to Richelieu Dennis, entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist and founder of Essence Ventures, and Caroline Wanga, President & CEO.

U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials

As a lifetime sports fanatic, I am thrilled to share that I have joined the Board of Directors of Minnesota Sports and Events (MNSE), the regional sports commission. MNSE was the local organizer of the Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics Olympics Trials at Target Center June 27-30 – and my husband Bill and I were fortunate to be able to attend. It was flipping fabulous – literally! Go Team U.S.A.!

New York State of Mind

I’ve been to New York City often over the years, but my visit in June was loaded with Pride and joy! I learned so much at the World’s Most Influential Women’s Network, a two-day global women’s event hosted and organized by McKinsey. It was amazing to connect, share and celebrate with a remarkable group of women leaders who are creating new solutions and driving positive impact in business and in our world. Other energizing activities included walks in Central Park listening to the street musicians … a Summer Concert featuring my friend Susan Chapman’s daughter’s student recital for the Patricia Robinson School of Music at Carnegie Hall… ?dinner at one of my longtime friend Marcus Samuelsson’s fabulous restaurants, Hav & Mar, with friend and collaborator Thelma Golden, director of the Studio Museum in Harlem … and another amazing meal at Bourbon Steak. The sights and sounds of the Big Apple did not disappoint!

Juneteenth Celebration at the White House

It was a privilege to be a part of this glorious night commemorating Freedom Day (June 19, 1865), commonly known as Juneteenth, a day that honors our ancestors and reminds us of the sacrifices made, progress achieved and work that remains. Community, culture and incredible music were on full display, and we enjoyed it all.

What I’m Reading

As a history buff and whiskey lover, I’m drinking up my friend Fawn Weaver’s new book Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest. Fawn digs into the history of Jack Daniel’s distillery, uncovering beautiful and rare connections between Black and white neighbors in Lynchburg, Tennessee dating back to the 1880s – including the relationship between Jack Daniel and his master distiller Nearest Green. Fawn’s experience meeting Nearest Green’s descendants as she was researching the book inspired her to create Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most awarded bourbon and American whiskey of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Cheers to Fawn, a powerhouse author, businesswoman and all-around inspiration!