A Year of Connections

When I began “Laysha’s Lessons From the C-Suite” more than two years ago, my aim was to share stories from my life and leadership learning journey in hopes of inspiring your journey. I believe part of my responsibility as a storyteller is to share my podium and offer you divergent points of view, catalytic encounters and words of wisdom that are food for the soul.

In that spirit, many of my lessons over the past year were about lifting up the voices and stories of others. People who have inspired me, challenged me and forever changed me in some way. They include someone whose writing I’ve admired for years. Another I’ve had the great honor of mentoring from adolescence to adulthood. And a total stranger I shared a serendipitous moment with on a recent trip.

Let’s take a quick look back, before we look forward to a new year:

Be Well. Live Well. Put Holistic Wellbeing at the Top of Your Career and Life Plan

We kicked off 2023 with a check-in on your holistic wellbeing – intentionally integrating wellbeing into your individual development plan. Why? Because we are at our best, both personally and professionally, when we consistently practice self-care and wellness routines, whatever that means for you. Bottom line: You deserve to live well and be well.

Pearl of Wisdom

Last spring, I traveled to Atlanta to record a conversation with the incredible playwright, novelist and poet Pearl Cleage at the theater where she serves as the Distinguished Artist in Residence. Pearl is the author of one of my favorite poems titled “We Speak Your Names,” which was commissioned by Oprah Winfrey in celebration of sisterhood and women such as Dr. Maya Angelou, Coretta Scott King and Dr. Dorothy Height. We talked about the power of truth, what she’d say to her younger self, the poem that started it all and her influential body of work. I invite you to sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and listen to Pearl share stories that will leave you wiser and inspired.

I Choose You: Intergenerational and Reverse Mentorship

I was so proud to amplify the voice of Marcus Hunter, a 21-year-old student at the University of Minnesota. Marcus became my youngest mentee when I met him at the age of 12 at a peace walk in the aftermath of shootings on the northside of Minneapolis. My husband, Bill, and I can attest to the transformative power of mentorship and the impact Marcus has had on our lives; the highs and lows and learning moments for all of us. Marcus is the epitome of resilience and ambitious youth. He's living proof that where you start in life doesn’t determine where and how far you can go. Check out this lesson to learn about his life in his own words.

Healing Together

Just last month, I shared a lesson that generated a lot of discussion. It centered on a chance encounter with a fellow traveler halfway around the world. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so let’s just say it was a life-affirming reminder that love, compassion and kindness are transcendent and connect us all. With the holidays upon us, this is one story I hope you’ll share with your loved ones.

As I begin a new, post-Target chapter in my life in 2024, I want to thank all of you for your comments and dialogue – and give a special nod to those I’ve had the good fortune to meet in person this past year. I’m grateful for the inspiring and positive community we’ve created together.

Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year! Cheers!

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