Meet Kate Walker | Executive Consultant, Human Resources Expert, & Bestselling Author SPHR and SHRM-SCP Certified; Certified Life Coach

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

Hi Kate, what principle do you value most?
Two values that have been on my mind lately are authenticity and humility. In this day and age of online business, I see many people boasting and bragging oftentimes in the name of coercive sales tactics. They’re shouting revenue numbers and program success which may or may not be true. I’m more attracted to those who are a quiet, humble force. Those who are providing value and doing good things in the world without shouting, craving bright lights, or hyping accolades.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I go into detail about my career journey in my bestselling book “A Candid Conversation – Lessons in Life, Love & Leadership” but in summary my dream as a kid was to work in glamorous corporate settings, and I was fortunate enough to have that opportunity! My corporate experience is vast and ranges from music, to sports, to entertainment, and more. I began my career as a Human Resources professional by accident. I accepted a temp HR job after leaving my music industry job and the rest was history. I learned HR on the ground level and worked my way into senior most HR positions. I overcame challenges by always listening and learning. I would “act as if” I belonged at the table and in due time I had a voice at the table. I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible people and learn about business leadership. I come from humble beginnings but knew that a rewarding career was something I could attain if I “just kept going”. And today, I am pursuing entrepreneurship and “just keep going” despite obstacles. That is my biggest learning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in the Bay Area in California for a couple of decades now. Friends and family from out of town love to visit and tour around San Francisco. Having lived in iconic North Beach / Telegraph Hill for the majority of my time in the city, I believe I am well qualified to be a tour guide. For starters, you can eat every meal in North Beach. Next, take a walk up to Coit Tower and enjoy the most epic 360 views of the Bay. Then, check out the harbor seals swimming at Pier 39 and grab souvenirs from the fun tourist shops. If you are feeling adventurous we can bike down Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world! So much to love in SF!

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?
My most important dedication is to my two boys (one is out of the nest, the other practically out of the nest). Their unconditional love for me is so deeply felt. They’ve seen me working hard at my career, managing through challenging personal situations, publishing a book, and always trying to become the best version of myself, all while taking care of them as a single parent. Next, I’m going to give praise to books. I’m an avid reader and have learned impactful information on both a personal and professional level by way of books. Shout out to public libraries!

Website: https://www.katewalker.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatewalker/

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-walker-sphr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katewalkercoaching