For almost thirty years, Lea Walker has 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 she left her role as Director of Recruitment for Wieden + Kennedy in 2018.
The goal was to offer independent and bespoke Talent Consultation in Recruitment to Agencies and Marketers around the world. Lea has worked globally with the likes of Mother, BBH, BBDO, TBWA, Google and Special Group to name a few, on agency roles across all levels and disciplines, as well as Marketing leadership and in-house agency roles for global brands.
For more details, visit her website here.
Here we sit down with Lea to learn a bit more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Lea: I had the best job in advertising recruitment. I was guarding the gates of one the greatest creative agencies in the world at Wieden + Kennedy in Portland.
There wasn’t a better job in that space. Bigger, sure. I was chatting about Global Head of Talent or Chief of Staff jobs with other agencies, but it didn’t feel like the right thing to do.
So one night, I went through my contacts on my phone and made a list of my friends and ex-colleagues, who I loved and respected, who were now CCOs, CEOs and CSOs of agencies all over the world and I started reaching out asking if they’d work with me if I started my own Consultancy.
I had 37 open roles in 14 cities around the world within 48 hours. That’s the moment I made the decision to start my own business,
Q. What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive?
Lea: I think I have high-functioning anxiety and I am definitely a workaholic, so the only thing I have had to really learn to do is manage my personal time and space. Self-employment can be all-consuming and recruitment is a very personal business.
So over the last 6 years or so, I have just had to become more disciplined about resting and drawing boundaries. If I do that, then I can stay motivated and productive day in and day out while avoiding the inevitable burnout if I don’t deliberately step away when I need to.
Q. How do you stay organized with such a busy schedule?
Lea: Being self-employed is a real gift in that you can work as much or as little as you want or need to. You can also work very specifically around your own style and schedule.
I know how many candidate conversations I can take in a day to be fully present for every person. I have learned there is a tipping point in my energy, so I have become quite diligent on that front.
I also know that I am most productive and focused in the morning, so I always set time aside for myself to work through anything that requires ‘some flow’ and deep thinking in the mornings. I also stop at the end of each year and brutally assess the year that has passed.
I assess the candidates, the clients, the partnerships that have worked and the ones that haven’t felt as good. The roles I have enjoyed and the less fulfilling ones. And I take stock and be clear with myself about the plans for the coming year.
It’s not brain surgery, but as a self-employed consultant, you can easily just keep rolling along and not take the time to really consider whether you are enjoying the work. So, I have found this an invaluable practice and I believe I have become more focused every year as a result.
Q. What would you change about the world if you had a magic wand?
Lea: Well, I hardly think an advertising recruiter is entitled to change the world, but I would definitely change some things about our industry if I had a magic wand.
For example, I would make the value of creativity more deeply respected. I hate that creativity has become a commodity in our business. We’re nothing without the creative department.
I would also calm the industry down because we can be so reactive to trends, optics, new mediums, technology and competition. I think that makes us over complicate our business and some days I just wish everyone would take a massive deep breath and get back to great ideas, beautifully executed.
Lastly, I would make systemic changes to make it easier for working mothers in particular to thrive in our industry. There is so much demand for senior female leadership, but the industry really hasn’t adjusted to the reality of the lives of working mothers. To keep them in the business and allow them to thrive, the rules need to change. We’ve made some great progress post Covid. But not enough in my mind.
Q. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Lea: I would name it “The Eldest Daughter.”
Q. What motivates you?
Lea: Sounds cliche, but helping people with their career choices is a genuine privilege.
Moving talent around the world. Helping folks have adventures. Building up the self esteem of someone to take on a bigger opportunity.
It really is what makes the job worth it.
Q. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Lea: I constantly invest in my own learning. I will take courses, attend conferences, and I am an avid reader. I think it’s incredibly important to never get complacent in your knowledge or experience.
Q. What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs to invest their time in?
Lea: Relationships. That feels very specific to my line of business, but strong, trusting and mutually respectful relationships will carry you through the best and worst of times.
Q. What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
Lea: Be ready to never have a day off! That is a curse and a blessing. But when it is your baby, you will never fully step away from it. And that can make resting hard.
But it is worth it, for the integrity and autonomy of doing things your way.
To keep up to date with Lea and her journey, connect with her on Instagram.