Leading Deseret Book — A Conversation with Laurel Day

We’re really excited to share this episode with you. It was with someone we’ve wanted to talk to for a very long time — Deseret Book president Laurel Christensen Day. We knew from afar that she was a trailblazing leader and a thoughtful publisher — and we were not surprised to find that as we got to know her a little bit that she’s a woman of deep faith as well. Uniformly, everyone we have ever spoken with who has had a chance to work with Laurel absolutely loves her.

We’ve always been fascinated by Deseret Book — by the unique place it holds in Latter-day Saint culture and the responsibility it has in creating and distributing content that informs, inspires, and even shapes belief. Walking into a Deseret Book and seeing the art and the books and the scripture sets always seems to make us nostalgic for our own upbringings and tradition, even while we’re living it! And Deseret Book is, of course, much more than just a retailer — they’re a major content producer with business lines in books, music, art, and events. And of course, it does all of this as a part of the larger organization of the Church.

We thought Laurel’s insights were incredibly perceptive and thoughtful. She shared with us thoughts on what to do when you make a mistake, even as a leader, or perhaps especially as a leader—with openness rather than defensiveness, and with introspection and searching for the truth in criticism. She also shared a little bit about her story, including her journey as a woman navigating her business career—along with some other insights for women and how advocating for yourself could look. And finally, Laurel was kind enough to share some advice for us at Faith Matters.

[minaguta]

I came into this expecting to engage in many eyerolls. Instead, I found a leader who really gets it and has a great perspective. So glad she chose to do this.

[SouthwestORV]

I am grateful that she is leading Deseret Book

[jerkerstigsson]

Loved to hear about the ambition to tell stories from other parts of the world!

[deborahparker]

Sister Day. I love what you said. "I personally want to be part of a church that is so much bigger than anything that I have ever realized." Thank you for helping to make that come true!

[georgiaborn]

😮LOVE!!!! 💕 Keep up the great work FM❣️❣️🌵🌞

[keithc.rasmussen]

So, this conversation is wonderful. So too is that lamp table behind the ladies. That’s a great table. Is this someone’s home or a studio? Whoever bought that table has fabulous taste! My opinion. 😂