Meet Tanya Lashley

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tanya Lashley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tanya below.

Hi Tanya, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Honestly, I’ve learned that being the only one in the room who looks like me isn’t a barrier—it’s an opportunity to connect. I love people, and I genuinely believe there’s far more that unites us than divides us. It’s like showing up to a potluck with a dish nobody’s tried before—it may be unfamiliar at first, but once people get a taste, we’re all talking recipes!

I use humor to break the ice. If I sense the room is tense, I might say something like, ‘Don’t worry, I came in peace… but I’m staying for snacks.’ That’s usually all it takes to remind everyone that we’re here to connect, not to focus on what’s different.

At the end of the day, my approach is simple: be myself, find common ground, and sprinkle a little comedy in there. Before you know it, we’re not just colleagues—we’re sharing laughs and making lifelong friends.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m just a Jersey girl with a fire in my belly and big dreams. Growing up, I’d watch Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and think, ‘There’s a whole other way of living out there, and I want to create that for myself.’ I’ve always been driven by a love for life, and now I’m channeling that passion into building my media empire.

At the heart of everything I do is my magical daughter, Chance. She inspires me every day to think bigger and dream harder. Professionally, my goal is to revolutionize the advertising industry. Too often, businesses focus on selling their products or services, but I believe the real magic happens when we shift the focus to the consumer and the community. That’s where connection—and ultimately, success—truly lies.

This belief led me to create the Meet Me In series, a statewide sitcom that highlights local businesses, their communities, and the real people who live there. We film in towns across New Jersey, showcasing the heart and soul of each place while pairing small businesses with big brands. It’s a win-win: the community loves being part of the filming process, and the relatability of the series drives real results for businesses.

The success of Meet Me In New Jersey has been incredible, and we’re just getting started. Our vision is to expand state by state, eventually reaching other countries. Imagine communities all over the world being brought to life on screen, with local businesses and global sponsors thriving together. It’s not just profitable—it’s transformative.

For me, it’s all about creating something meaningful, relatable, and fun. I want people to laugh, feel connected, and see themselves in the stories we tell. That’s how we’re not just changing advertising—we’re making an impact.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Not many people know this, but my journey started in real estate investing. I used to knock on the doors of people on the brink of losing their homes, offering to buy their property so they could have a fresh start. What’s remarkable is that almost every one of them ended up working with me. My colleagues used to say, ‘If Mr. Schwartz isn’t dealing with Tanya through all stages of the sale, there’s no deal.’ They couldn’t figure out why, but I knew the answer: authenticity.

The first quality that’s been most impactful in my journey is authenticity. People can sense when you’re not being real, and trust me, there’s no shortcut around that. When you show up as your genuine self, people feel it, and that builds trust.

The second is my sense of humor. I love to laugh, but what I love even more is making others laugh. It’s my way of breaking down walls and creating connection. Honestly, nothing crushes me more than when someone doesn’t laugh at my joke because bringing people joy is my goal.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is ambition. Ambition isn’t something you can teach—it’s something that comes from within. It’s the fire that keeps me going no matter what challenges I face. I simply can’t turn it off, and I think that drive has been my superpower.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this: be authentic, find your unique way to connect with others—whether it’s humor or something else—and never stop chasing your goals. When you combine those qualities, not only will your career be rewarding, but your impact on others will be unforgettable.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The most helpful person in my life has been my daughter, Chance. This kid is pure magic. She’s wise beyond her years, and her presence has completely transformed me. I’m a deeply spiritual person and a firm believer in the law of attraction, and so is she. When I lose my way or feel overwhelmed, Chance always reminds me, ‘Mommy, be easy and it will come to you. Don’t stress.’ She has this incredible ability to manifest whatever she sets her mind to, and watching her has been one of my greatest inspirations.

When she was born, my ambition skyrocketed—I’d say it 100xed overnight. Suddenly, there was nothing I wouldn’t do to create the best possible life for her. She’s my world, my motivation, and my constant reminder to stay focused on what truly matters. Every success I’ve had is rooted in her belief in me, and I can only hope to be as much of a light for her as she has been for me.

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Tanya Lashley

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