Meet Tash Brooks

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tash Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tash, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance for me isn’t defined by sectors of life being in equal measure at all times, it’s more about measuring life through seasons. There are some seasons of life that require a heavier lift than others and some seasons that seem to flow with a lot more ease. Balance for me changed considerably after having children and becoming CEO of non-profit, Walk With Sally. We’ve all heard about time being the number one nonrenewable resource and the most precious commodity we have, but for me that became very real after I became a mum and began consistently working with children and parents facing end of life. I became acutely aware of time – how I was investing it, measuring its value and spending the un-promised time I have been given. It changed the kinds of friendships and relationships I invest in and how and who I am willing to work with. I quite simply don’t have the capacity or the will for the level of non-sense I used to and am quite unapologetic about that. Whilst there will always be seasons of density and high pressure, hustle culture is not something that I look at as a marker of success nor do I covet. Instead, I consciously try to honor the season that I’m in with as much grace, humility and good sense of humor! After all, it’s all temporary.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Walk With Sally is a non-profit dedicated to lessening the burden of cancer for children and families through mentorship, mental health support, art healing and financial empowerment. Becomming CEO in 2022 and leading this mission to its next chapter of impact, is not only a dream but feels very sacred to me.

Working in non-profit is not for the faint of heart. On one hand you’re consistently surrounded by the best of humanity and on the other, there are daily reminders of the tragedies that come with children coping with loss and end of life. Cancer is often referred to as a family disease, as the effects of cancer far exceed the physical health of the diagnosed. Currently, there are an estimated 5 million children suffering with a parent or sibling’s cancer diagnosis. That’s one child in every classroom across the United States. Our programming centers around cancer based crisis and trauma care from many different angles. We assess what cancer has ruthlessly stolen from the child and family, and we provide curated care in an effort to restore those losses and critical needs. Whether that’s daily meals delivered to a family whose single mother is in treatment and too sick to work and cook, gifts and holiday meals for families through out the holidays, mental-health workshops for at risk teens having a hard time investing in their future due to cancer based trauma, and scholarships towards tertiary education. We even help aid in adoption if the unthinkable happens and a single parent loses their life to cancer. The majority of our families are living below the poverty line because of the costs associated with treatment and loss of work, so we opened a shop with brand new clothing, homewares and beauty products. The demand was so high we gave away over $80,000 in items in March of 2024. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t care about your chosen political party, race, gender, or which socio-economic bracket you fall into. It doesn’t care about birthday’s or holiday’s and because of that, it can feel extremely challenging to know when and how to take a break. My key to success in the non-profit space is somewhat simple. Conviction and dedication to the mission, the right team and service style leadership. There’s no way our organization could sustain and grow our impact without the tireless dedication of my incredible team, Board of Directors and volunteers. When your team are aware that they are a critical part of something larger than themselves and are truly changing the trajectory of a child’s life, it’s not only incredibly motivating but immensely fulfilling. If I have learned anything about leadership, it’s that it is critical to ensure that the team you assemble is skilled, passionate and dedicated. It’s my job to ensure that our company culture is steeped in respect, trust and the championing of each other’s successes. I’m non-negotiable about our team’s operating principles and one of my great joys is watching my team thrive and exceed their own goals and expectations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being an Australian native, I’m used to playing tour guide to some of what LA has to offer. I love nature and food, so for me first thing would be a drive up Beachwood Drive to point out some of that old Hollywood history. Stop into the general store, a peek into the “Yellow Brick Road” house, followed by a hike above the Hollywood sign. The next day would involve a drive through the East Side, a walk around Silverlake followed by a drink and dinner at Cafe Stella, maybe some live music at the Greek. After a few days of walking and hiking, we’d do a Korean Spa Day. Lots of soaking, scrubbing, meditations and massage. Beverly Hills is an obvious must, but really only for a quick pit stop. We’d drive through Rodeo and pop by The Polo lounge for some champagne, soufflé and people watching. After a drive over Mulholland looking at the LA skyline at dusk, we’d land in the Valley at the Sportsman’s lodge. This covers an essential Erewhon visit, followed by a glass of wine and charcuterie on the rooftop of Rolling Greens, finished off by a pasta at Uovo. The Walk With Sally headquarters are in the South Bay of Los Angeles, so we’d finish off the trip exploring the different beach cities. Manhattan Beach, Redondo, Hermosa and finish up with a clifftop visit at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No one gets anywhere in life without the support, stewardship or belief from at least one other person. Many people have helped mold me and have given me pivotal opportunities through out my life. Ultimately, as cheesy as it is, there has been one person that’s been the through line from the beginning. It’s my mum, Kay. She has been my ultimate touchstone. She has always believed in my highest potential and seen more for me at certain times than I could see for myself. She has given me grace when I have fallen short or gotten off track. Her selfless love and dedication to seeing me shine has ultimately been the fertile ground that inspired any success that I’ve had. I hope that my children feel the same level of love and dedication to their highest good that I feel from my mum.

Website: http://www.walkwithsally.org

Instagram: @heytash @walkwithsally