LAYSHA WARD is the author of Lead Like You Mean It: Lessons on Integrity and Purpose From the C-Suite (The Open Field). An accomplished C-suite executive with more than 32 years of leadership experience in a Fortune 50 company, she retired from Target in 2024, having most recently served as the retailer’s executive vice president, chief external engagement officer, overseeing its enterprisewide approach to stakeholder relations. She serves on a variety of public company, nonprofit, and civic boards.