Lea Walker
Founder, Mrs Walker
For over twenty years, Lea has been lucky enough to have worked for and partnered with some of the most respected individuals and creative organisations in Australia, London and the US.
She started Mrs Walker after leaving her role as Director of Recruitment for Wieden + Kennedy. The goal was to offer independent and bespoke Talent Consultation in Recruitment and Talent Operations to Agencies and Marketers around the world.
She has worked with the likes of Mother, BBH, BBDO, TBWA, Google, Special Group and Grey to name a few, on roles across all levels and disciplines, as well as Marketing leadership and in house agency roles for global brands. Her clients have so far extended to 17 cities around the world over the last 5 years of business.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
I had led Account Management and then Talent Acquisition for two of the best creative agencies in the world, so building something of my own that allowed me to decide who I worked with and for, felt like the only obvious next move for me when I started Mrs Walker.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I spent 15 years in Account Management, up to Head of Dept for Fallon London in 2007. After having two kids, I pivoted into Recruitment, which led me to the opportunity to be Head of Recruitment for Wieden + Kennedy Portland until 2018 at which point, I started my own global talent consultancy, Mrs Walker. I am in a great place with my career right now. Thoroughly enjoying what I have built and am confident about where the business is heading, which is increasingly global and senior opportunities.
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Integrity
- Kindness
- Wisdom
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Probably my husband. He has taught me about creativity and integrity and the difference between people that just turn up and the people that truly care. He’s set the benchmark for me of the kind of people I want to work with and for.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell.
- Ikigai – Hector Garcia.
- Feel the Fear and do it Anyway – Susan Jeffers.
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- Work Life by Adam Grant
- Ted Talks Daily
- The Harvard Business Review
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
It’s what I do all day every day really 🙂
My job involves literally mentoring people through their current career challenges and next choices.
What are the top skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Connected
- Empathic
- Knowledgeable
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.