Articles Inspiring Conversations – Joan Kelley Walker
We are honoured to have Joan Kelley Walker, 2019 Women of Inspiration™ as a National Ambassador for Universal Womens Network™. As a 2019 Women of Inspiration Global Impact Award recipient, she continues to lead, inspire and motivate!
Joan grew up in a small town in Saskatchewan. As a young girl, she had the courage and confidence to step outside of her comfort zone and hard work to pursue her dreams. Joan is a role model for many young women who have a dream. Her story is one of determination, living of purpose and giving back to make the world a better place for all.
UWN: Every woman has a story. Tell us about your story!
JKW: Where to begin? I was born and grew up in a small farm town in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. I do believe that this upbringing has instilled the values that are still so important to me today. Family, community, and giving back. I started modelling when I was 15 and that lead me to the “big city” of Toronto to pursue my dreams in modelling, journalism, broadcast, producing, radio and TV. I have never been able to just pick one! When I look back it is clear that one passion lead to the other and they are all interconnected. When I stared on a national TV series The Real Housewives of Toronto, I knew that there was a great calling with this and decided to create my own fashion brand the Joan Kelley Walker collection which was for the Everyday Elegant woman but most importantly it was about GIVING BACK. I believe it is important to give how you can and when you can and my family and I have worked with many different foundations and organizations throughout the years with a focus on Women and Children. Philanthropy is often associated with those who have money and resources but that is not true. We all have the capacity to give in our own way and that is what my mission has been over the last couple of years. Inspire giving, connecting individuals to a cause. I love fashion and so it was natural for me to create a giveback with a clothing line but there are really SO many ways we can. My story continues to write itself. There have been many lessons learned, mistakes made, and celebrations of accomplishments. We are always evolving and that is what makes it our story.
UWN: Are you finding inspiration in stories of courage, bravery, perseverance to support you through this time?
JKW: YES. During challenging times, it is our human spirit and connection to others that keeps us going. Although we are “social distancing” right now we are able to connect through social media, on zoom calls, on the phone, text, through email…. there are so many ways to stay connected and for us to share our stories. I am inspired by all of the unsung Heroes like healthcare workers, front line workers, by all of the ways many organizations have been innovative and creative to keep their much-needed services going to support individuals who are in need. The Canadian Fashion industry started making masks, Shelters extended their programs. CNIB is virtually supporting their clients. Breakfast Club of Canada continues to feed Canadian children even though the schools are closed. To name just a few. People and organizations are being proactive. There is good work being done and people are showing their kindness and humanitarian side. These are the times we all have to be brave and persevere. We should not be afraid to ask for help. There is help available. There are people who care and this inspires me greatly.
UWN: How does it feel to be acknowledged as a Women of Inspiration?
JKW: It is a humbling feeling. I am honored to be recognized with all of the other women. I believe all women are an inspiration. Each and every one of us has a voice and a story to share. There is much to be learned in this collective wisdom.
UWN: We are honored to have you part of our journey. Why did you make the decision to become a National Ambassador?
JKW: When we share our learnings, great strength is created. We are all better together especially when we harness the power of mentoring each other and leading by example. Sharing our experiences and our stories is very powerful!
UWN: Why is recognizing women in leadership roles critical? Why now more than ever should we recognize the achievements of leaders at all levels, including the unsung heroes.
JKW: I believe we are in a time where leadership is being redefined. We all have the capacity to lead and by recognizing leadership we have the power to ignite it in others. There are many scales of leadership. We need to recognize and create our own abilities and contributions as much as possible. No effort is too small!
UWN: How has your adversity, and journey prepared you to lead through a crisis? What is one thing that you swear by that has helped you when faced with uncertainty or a challenge?
JKW: Someone once complimented me “you follow the breadcrumbs’. I am not an aggressive person. I do not force issues, rather I observe, I analyze, I consult my intuition. I have learned that creating tangible goals based on tangible steps is the only way to reach a goal. You have to accept that you may have to alter your ideas and plans but a gentle calm manner is the most effective course of action, in any scenario in life.
UWN: Has this time of PAUSE given you time to gain a new perspective? What are some of the realizations you have made?
JKW: My “pause” started at the beginning of the year when my focus was on family. My mother had a stroke shortly after the start of the New Year, before COVID -19 so I had already been experiencing the slow down. I feel very blessed to have put things on hold early in 2020. I was admittedly going at a very fast pace before and knew I needed some inward time so I was already listening to this, when you are creative a pause is always a good thing. Time to rest, reevaluate, redesign. My Mom’s stroke put things into perspective for me. It’s okay to put things on hold. When you circle back, sometimes you find that what you thought was so important, may not be after all. This is a good time to clean house and only keep the things that matter.
UWN: How has the Global Pandemic affected you personally and professionally? Tell us how this has changed, motivated or inspired you?
JKW: Now more than ever people and organizations are looking to each other for ideas, answers, communication. We all have a common goal. I never claim to have all the answers but somehow I have become somewhat of a hub, a connector. I am always happy to share my ideas, support other peoples work.
UWN: What words of inspiration and wisdom would you offer for leaders to through this historical time?
JKW: Deal with Facts only. Have a plan. Keep focus. Do not feel helpless, take this opportunity to appreciate what we have in life. We are in charge of our own mindset. Remember that others look to leaders in times of trouble to learn from their courage, inspiration, hope, and guidance. Lead by example. We will all learn from this situation in many areas of life (personal, family, communication, effectiveness, self-motivation…) Share what you learn, do not dwell on the negative. Communicate mindfully and above all else have Empathy. Be transparent and honest!
UWN: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
JKW: I see myself being more mindful that ever before. I have great plans to grow my brand. The goal and purpose of my clothing brand has always been to create a new way for doing charitable giving. I hope to inspire others to do the same. Giving inspires giving.
