Beyond the Title: Laura Lahti
Beyond the Title is a series of Q&As with alumni of Madison365’s Most Influential lists.
Laura Lahti (Wisconsin’s 30 Most Influential Asian American leaders, 2025) is the co-founder and President of AMASIAN and serves on the Dane County Equal Opportunities Commission. She’s also a longtime Realtor, recognized as the face of Team Lahti Real Estate with Badger Realty Team. In addition, Laura works as a Branding Innovator at American Diversity, supporting local organizations with creative promotional strategies. Outside of her professional and philanthropic roles, Laura treasures her role as a Halmoni (grandmother), and enjoys learning Korean, entertaining, traveling, and spending time with her family.
What does presence before performance mean to you – and how do you stay grounded when the pressure to perform is high?
It’s about being grounded, attentive, and fully present. Before I speak or host a big event, I follow a ritual of spiritual cleansing and meditation. It helps clear my mental clutter, release stagnant energy, and bring me back to the present moment.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got from a mentor was simple: document everything. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but I quickly learned how powerful it is. An email thread, a receipt, a few quick notes from a meeting—having those records has saved me more than once when something slipped through the cracks. It’s not about being rigid, it’s about giving yourself a safety net so you can focus on the bigger picture with peace of mind.
Tell us about a time you had to lead before there was consensus – when you were the only one who saw it, believed it or were willing to act. What gave you the courage to move anyway?
When I moved to make AMASIAN a 501(c)(3), there was no board and no roadmap. What gave me courage was knowing how isolating it feels not to see yourself represented—and trusting others felt it too. My ADHD became a superpower, helping me think differently and act boldly. That leap lit the spark for something larger than me.
What’s one question every new leader should ask during their first 100 days and why?
“How would you prefer I communicate with you—email, text, quick check-ins, longer sit-downs?”
It respects their time and sets up smoother collaboration. Plus, it saves a ton of frustration down the road.
Who’s in your “corner” – that voice of wisdom you trust when things get tough? How do you build and protect that circle?
In my corner are a few friends and family who tell me the truth when I need it most. I protect that circle by keeping it small, rooted in trust, and showing up for them the way they show up for me.
Leadership can be exhausting. What practices or boundaries help you avoid burnout and stay aligned with your purpose?
For me, it’s carving out rituals that bring me back to center—meditation, breathwork, and saying no when I am feeling burnout.
Clout fades. Calling lasts. How do you stay anchored in impact over recognition?
I stay anchored by focusing on the people right in front of me—my community, my family, and the next generation watching. I’m rarely on social media, and when I do post, it’s usually just to share an event or meaningful news.
What’s a leadership value you refuse to compromise even when it’s inconvenient?
A leadership value I won’t compromise is integrity. Even when it’s inconvenient, I’d rather be upfront and honest than cut corners. People can handle tough truths, but once trust is broken, it’s hard to get back.
What book, quote, lyric or even scripture captures how you lead or how you live?
My mantra, the Ho’oponopono prayer: “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” It clears my subconscious of negative thought patterns, creating space for peace, responsibility for my actions, gratitude, forgiveness, and love.
When life gets heavy or leadership feels overwhelming, what’s something you turn to: music, travel or cultural connection that helps you feel like yourself again?
When I have time to escape, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and attending events to support other organizations.
Who is your favorite sports team?
I don’t have a favorite sports team. If I attend a game, I will always root for our home team!
What is your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is the one I get to share with my family—especially now with my granddaughter and daughter living with us. Experiencing the season through her eyes brings a whole new layer of joy and meaning. The traditions feel fresh again, and it’s a reminder that the real gift is simply being together.