Lawrence R. Armstrong

Lawrence Armstrong is a New York Times best-selling author whose debut work, Layered Leadership (2025), offers a compelling exploration of leadership as both an art and a discipline. Drawing on decades of experience as Chairman of the global design firm Ware Malcomb, Armstrong distills the complexities of organizational growth, personal development, and visionary strategy into a nuanced, multi-dimensional framework. His writing is informed by a deep commitment to innovation, creativity, and human potential—values shaping his work as an architect, business leader, and artist. Armstrong brings a rare blend of intellect, empathy, and aesthetic sensibility to each page.

In Layered Leadership, you emphasize a “whole brain” approach—how does this philosophy differ from traditional leadership models, and why is it so effective?
Leonardo da Vinci is a model for whole-brain thinking. He was not just an artist; he had diverse life experiences and many skills. Leonardo combined technical and theoretical training with interpersonal skills, profound curiosity, and interests in various subjects. This holistic approach to learning and thinking is something every leader should aspire to. By integrating diverse influences, leaders can create more innovative and effective strategies.

Practical Steps for Whole-Brain Thinking

1. Seek Out Diverse Experiences:
· Engage in activities outside your usual scope. Attend conferences, read books, and explore interests in different fields. These experiences can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
2. Encourage Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:
· Foster collaboration between different departments and disciplines within your organization. This can lead to the integration of diverse ideas and the development of more comprehensive strategies.
3. Reflect on Your Learning:
· Reflect on what you have learned from different experiences and how you can apply them to your leadership approach. Document these reflections in a journal or sketchbook.
4. Promote Lifelong Learning:
· Encourage continuous learning within your team. Provide opportunities for professional development and encourage team members to explore new interests and skills.

Mentorship plays a central role in your leadership framework. What are the key elements of a successful mentoring culture, and how can companies begin to build one?
One of the most critical roles of a leader is to develop others. This goes beyond mere management; it involves nurturing talent, fostering growth, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. As a leader, your success is not measured solely by your achievements but by the success of those you lead. Reflecting on my time at Ware Malcomb, I realized that our most significant growth came from investing in our people.

The Layers of Mentorship

Mentorship is a layered process, much like the layers in a painting or architectural design. It involves multiple dimensions:
1. Guidance and Support:
· Mentors are providing direction and encouragement to help individuals navigate their career paths.
2. Skill Development:
· We are fostering the acquisition of new skills and knowledge.
3. Empowerment:
· We are encouraging autonomy and confidence in decision-making.
4. Emotional Support:
· It is being there for your mentees during challenging times and celebrating their successes.

You write about protecting executive time for creativity. Why is this so important, and how can leaders carve out that space in the midst of daily demands?
Protect time for yourself to think. Don’t over schedule your calendar with meetings.

Delegation is key to freeing up time for vision, strategy, creative thought. It is so important to stay out in front of your company at all times. The most powerful inspirations tend to come in a relaxed state. Integrating diverse ideas and perspectives, fostering collaboration, and balancing creativity with structure are crucial to building effective and resilient organizations. Embrace these principles and let them guide your leadership journey.

What advice would you give to leaders or founders who want to start implementing a layered leadership approach but feel overwhelmed by where to begin?
Building a legacy is akin to creating a timeless piece of art. Just as a masterpiece inspires and evokes emotions long after the artist is gone, a leadership legacy continues to shape and influence long after the leader has moved on. It is about crafting something with enduring value that stands the test of time.

Layers of Building a Leadership Legacy

Building a leadership legacy involves multiple layers, each contributing to the overall impact and longevity of the leader’s influence:
1. Vision and Values: The foundation of a leadership legacy is a clear and compelling vision grounded in solid values. This vision serves as to guide and direct all actions and decisions. This vision must align with the leader’s core values and the organization’s mission.
2. Mentorship and Development: Investing in the growth and development of future leaders is crucial for building a lasting legacy. This involves mentoring, coaching, and providing opportunities for emerging leaders to learn and grow.
3. Culture and Environment: Creating a positive and supportive organizational culture is critical to a leadership legacy. This includes fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
4. Sustainability and Innovation: Ensuring that the organization is positioned for long-term success requires focusing on sustainability and innovation. This involves
developing strategies that address current challenges and anticipate future opportunities.
5. Community Impact: A leadership legacy extends beyond the confines of the organization. Leaders who engage with and contribute to their communities leave a broader, more impactful legacy.
6. Personal Integrity: The character and integrity of the leader play a significant role in shaping their legacy. Leaders who demonstrate honesty, accountability, and ethical behavior set a standard for others to follow.

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Website: https://lawrencerarmstrong.com/
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Purchase the book here: https://amzn.to/4laRlIj