Leaders Perception Magazine is currently running an interview series called – Innovate & Elevate: Inside the Entrepreneur’s Toolkit
Today, we had the opportunity to interview Kate Walker – Executive Consultant, HR Expert and Bestselling Author @ Kate Walker Consulting.
Today we are joined by Kate Walker, Executive Consultant, HR Expert and Bestselling Author of ‘A Candid Conversation: Lessons in Life, Love, and Leadership’. Kate grew up in Sacramento, CA and has worked in glamorous corporate settings from music, to sports, to entertainment. After making her corporate exit in 2021, Kate started Kate Walker Consulting, a full service consulting and coaching company that helps leaders build powerhouse skills that positively impact company culture and their bottom line. We will be discussing the essential tools and technologies she relies on to manage her business effectively, the unconventional and creative approaches she has implemented that have contributed to the growth and success of her business, and how she addresses the learning curve and potential resistance from her team when implementing new tools or technologies.
Interviewee Name: Kate Walker
Company: Kate Walker Consulting
Kate Walker’s favourite quote: One favorite is “Money comes easily and frequently” as shared in the book “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. I began using this affirmation during a transitional period in my life, when I wanted to change my limiting beliefs about money. Affirmations are very helpful to me.
The Interview
Thank you so much for joining us today! Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your backstory?
Kate Walker : I grew up in Sacramento, CA. As a kid, my dream was to work in glamorous corporate settings. I have! From music, to sports, to entertainment. I’m grateful for the career that I’ve embarked on with iconic global companies. I had the opportunity to work with incredible people and learn from top leaders. I learned human resources starting as a temp and worked my way into senior most HR positions. Providing HR support and partnership in a corporate setting was incredible. I made my corporate exit in 2021 to start Kate Walker Consulting – a full service consulting and coaching company that helps leaders build powerhouse skills that positively impact company culture and their bottom line. I love training new managers.
What are the essential tools and technologies you rely on to manage your business effectively??
Kate Walker : I am not a fan of gimmicky solutions. My most prized tool is my online calendar. I try to stay very disciplined by time blocking. By maximizing my time, I create more time for non-work activities. I like to use excel to make lists or trackers. I use the Notes App on my phone to track top of mind ideas or thoughts.
Are there any unconventional or creative approaches you’ve implemented that significantly contributed to the growth and success of your business??
Kate Walker : Yes! I wrote and published a book! ‘A Candid Conversation: Lessons in Life, Love, and Leadership’ was released on October 24, 2023 and achieved best seller status on Amazon.The book seeks to inspire people closing a life chapter and redesigning their future through a journey of determination and self-awareness. It’s both a memoir and a guide to reflection and empowerment, ‘A Candid Conversation’ shares the advice and tools that I wished I’d had while navigating single parenthood, a corporate exit, and entrepreneurship. I wrote the book so that others can find success on their own terms. The book is reaching new audiences and I’m hearing from people around the world about how the book is impacting them. It’s very humbling.
How do you address the learning curve and potential resistance from your team when implementing new tools or technologies? ?
Kate Walker : Whenever possible, ask your team to be part of the solution. In other words, curate focus groups or project committee meetings where team members can share their opinions and perspectives about a new tool or technology. There will be greater buy-in if they had input or helped choose one of the solutions. Don’t underestimate the need for training and mentorship when people are learning a new tool or technology. Also, vary your training methods because people learn in different ways.
Leaders Perception would like to thank Kate Walker and Kate Walker Consulting for the time dedicated to completing this interview and sharing their valuable insights with our readers!
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