Reading Guide

This book club discussion guide was inspired by Joyce Melzer, Laysha Ward's former Chicago landlord and dear friend. Now in her eighties, Joyce is still an avid audio book reader and book clubber.
 
1. Laysha Ward challenges us as readers to find the gold in our roots. Many of the attributes that you see as your curse growing up can become your superpowers. What gold can you mine from your own upbringing?
 
2. Chapter 1 includes a story about an experience the author had with a CEO on the corporate jet. The lesson is about standing in your power and speaking your truth, but it’s also about being strategic in how you do it. How will you apply her Message/Audience/Vehicle/Timing/Tone tool in your interactions with others?
 
3. Why does the author use the phrase “find your lunch counter” as a metaphor for knowing your purpose? What do you think about the advice Mrs. King gave to Laysha when she was trying to decide if corporate America was the place for her? What advice have you received that surprised you but was ultimately right for you?
 
4. Laysha reminds the reader often about the importance of being open to new relationships, especially with people from completely different backgrounds. Have you experienced this in your life? If not, how might you expand your connections to include more people who don’t look like you, act like you, think like you or talk like you?
 
5. Your “kitchen cabinet” is a set of trusted advisors (mentors, sponsors and allies) chosen by you, to help you navigate your life and career. How is your cabinet stocked? Do you have gaps to fill? What step can you take now to shore up your personal and professional board of advisors?
 
6. In Chapter 5, the author describes her longstanding relationship with a founder of the corporation where she worked. What lessons did you take away from that story? Have you ever doubted the intent of a connection, only to discover a meaningful and lasting relationship? Thinking about that relationship, what are you most grateful for?
 
7. The author strongly believes in using your voice – and listening. Which stories, tips or best practices about listening resonated with you, and why? What advice would you add to the section on listening based on your experience?
 
8. Process is not something we immediately think of when we think about life and leadership, but Laysha argues that routines and processes can simplify work and empower teams. They can streamline communication and free people up to focus on their work. What processes do you use, in your daily life and/or at work, that empower you to live and work better?
 
9. The author opens Chapter 8, Nurture the Culture, with a story about her father who was a firefighter for several decades. In today’s hybrid/remote work era, how can a healthy team culture, based on Care+, learning and trust improve work life – and drive business results? What challenges have you encountered in bringing a Care+ culture to life – and how might you overcome them?
 
10. Why do you think the author chose to share the story of her marriage to underscore the importance of resilience and love in one’s life and leadership learning journey? Whether you have a life partner or not, what insights did you take away from Laysha’s own story and her observations of the Powells’ marriage?
 
11. Laysha closes the book with a Lead Like You Mean It anthem. Read the anthem out loud. What messages do you hear? Who is the author speaking to/honoring? How does the anthem make you feel?