Ursula Walker
Trailblazing Women
Empowering Boss Life
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
Ursula Walker: I am Ursula Walker, a certified Emotional Health Coach and acclaimed author. My notable works encompass "Heart Work: A Woman's Guide to Emotional Health and Self-Love." Additionally, I've curated collections like "The Beauty of Forgiveness," "The Gift of Gratitude," and "The Journey to Joy." I have also made contributions to the book "Victorious Living for Moms: A Letter to a Mother's Heart."
My journey extends beyond writing; I am the President and Founder of Anchored Hearts, LLC. Besides my writing endeavors, I serve as a Mentor, Inspirational Speaker, and a passionate advocate for domestic violence awareness. The City of Kissimmee acknowledged my contributions, honoring me as the 2018 Trailblazer of the Year.
What truly defines me is my journey. I have faced significant adversities, which empowered me to positively impact others’ lives. My resilience, positive outlook, strong spiritual foundation, transparency, and the support of my accountability partners have been pivotal in my healing and transformation.
While my professional life is fulfilling, I find joy in life’s simple pleasures. I love having fun, traveling, working out, and experimenting with trendy nail polish colors. At my essence, I am a humanitarian, finding fulfillment in giving back and offering a helping hand to others.
I am dedicated to my husband, Jason E. Walker, and take immense pride in being the mother of two exceptional young women aged 27 and 23. Additionally, I take on the role of a fur-mom to Braxton King Evans-Walker, a lively 1.5-year-old.
Empowering Boss Life
If you have a business, could you describe it and how you started it?
Ursula Walker: Anchored Hearts is a vibrant community organization I founded in 2015, driven by my personal journey of healing and self-discovery. After enduring a heartbreak that shattered me, I embarked on my healing journey, discovering tools that rebuilt my self-esteem and self- worth. Inspired by my own transformation, I authored the book "Heart Work: A Woman's Guide to Emotional Health and Self-Love."
Anchored Hearts offers a safe haven for women, emphasizing emotional health and self-love while providing essential support and empowerment. We establish a nurturing atmosphere through monthly women meet-ups, quarterly challenges, and optional Emotional Health Coaching sessions. Additionally, I initiated "Monday Motivation" on my Facebook page, engaging directly with women on topics like healing, growth, self-love, and faith.
My commitment paid off when I received the opportunity to host my own TV show, "Blossom and Bloom with Ursula Walker." Airing every Sunday, the show delves into relatable subjects such as relationships, emotional health, faith, and community. Anchored Hearts is not just a business; it's a passion-driven mission to empower women worldwide, fostering healing, growth, and self-love.
Empowering Boss Life
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and how have you overcome them?
Ursula Walker: The primary challenge I faced was embracing vulnerability. Sharing my Heart Work journey required openness, transparency, and being comfortable with my vulnerability. Conquering the fear of others' judgment required relying on my faith, embracing relaxation methods, facing my fears head-on, and displaying boldness. I sought support from family and friends, expressing my fears openly, and rewarded myself for every positive mindset shift. These steps enabled me to connect deeply with women, guiding them towards emotional freedom and self-love.
Empowering Boss Life
What accomplishments are you most proud of since being featured in Empowering Boss Life magazine?
Ursula Walker: Following my feature in Empowering Boss Life magazine, a standout achievement is my TV show, "Blossom and Bloom with Ursula Walker." Hosting this show allows me to be 100% creative, teaching, connecting, and facilitating discussions on topics crucial to women in 2023. Personally, I am immensely proud of my personal growth journey—unlearning, re- learning, setting boundaries, and embracing self- love. It takes immense courage to focus on oneself, look inward, and embark on the healing journey.
Empowering Boss Life
How have you continued to empower and mentor other women in your industry?
Ursula Walker: I empower and mentor women consistently, using my Facebook platform to share daily messages that inspire, encourage, and uplift. I aim to stimulate introspection, motivation, and action, urging women to embrace gradual progress towards personal growth and transformation. I firmly believe in the continuous empowerment of women, advocating for their constant evolution and growth.
Empowering Boss Life
Could you share an impactful story or experience that has shaped your journey and outlook on life?
Ursula Walker: One impactful experience that has shaped my journey and outlook on life revolves around the power of collaboration and mentorship. Early on, I learned the significance of supporting other women instead of viewing them as competitors. It's tempting to compete, but embracing collaboration can foster transformative growth, benefiting both oneself and others.
Mentorship became a cornerstone of my philosophy. I recognized that being a mentor, regardless of my position, was a way to uplift fellow female colleagues. I believe having an effective mentor can offer valuable career guidance and essential emotional support in times of difficulty. It's not about being in the c- suite; it's about creating a supportive community where guidance and encouragement flow freely. I urge women to find mentors slightly ahead in their careers. Their recent experiences in management bring valuable perspectives. This viewpoint has not only influenced my career but also strengthened my conviction in the impact of collaboration, mentorship, and empowering others on their journeys to success.
Empowering Boss Life
How has your life and career evolved since being featured in Empowering Boss Life magazine?
Ursula Walker: My life has been enriched with connection. Meeting like-minded women who want to keep trailblazing and passing the emotional-health torch down to our daughters, nieces, aunts, and any woman that decides to keep growing through it has been incredibly empowering. Being featured in Empowering Boss Life magazine has opened doors to a supportive community, allowing me to amplify my message of emotional health and self-love. This exposure has enabled me to connect with more women, spreading awareness and making a difference in their lives.
Empowering Boss Life
What have you learned about yourself and your leadership style since being featured in Empowering Boss Life magazine?
Ursula Walker: I've discovered a newfound sense of tranquility and contentment within myself. This period marks a shift toward serenity, where I prioritize peace over struggle and prioritize my well-being. Prioritizing self-care, mental and physical well-being, and emphasizing relaxation has become fundamental to my leadership style, enabling me to guide others with a composed and centered approach.
Empowering Boss Life
How have you continued to challenge yourself and grow as a leader?
Ursula Walker: I continuously challenge myself and grow as a leader by actively seeking knowledge, deepening my faith, and fostering connections within my community. I attend women's conferences and mental health events, read extensively, listen to podcasts, and engage with my faith through Bible study. Every day, I make a deliberate effort to learn something new. Moreover, I challenge my thoughts and beliefs, constantly evolving my mindset. I've discarded old habits, aligning my decisions with my moral compass and core values. This dedication to personal and moral development empowers me to lead genuinely and confidently.
Empowering Boss Life
What does being an empowering boss mean to you, and how do you strive to embody that in your everyday life and interactions with others?
Ursula Walker: Being an empowering boss means always standing in your truth as the unapologetic, fierce, and wholehearted YOU, no matter what! I strive to embody this in my everyday life and interactions by embracing authenticity, empowering others, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
Empowering Boss Life
How do you prioritize self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance? what tips can you offer other busy women?
Ursula Walker: I prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance by treating my personal time as a non-negotiable appointment with myself. It's crucial to me, so I add it to my calendar and never cancel or reschedule it. Creating this dedicated space allows me to engage in activities I love and focus on my well-being.
For busy women, I recommend making self-care a non-reschedulable commitment. Schedule it on your calendar and set reminders if necessary. Allocate specific time slots for activities like yoga in the morning and reading in the evening. Communicate these times to your family or roommates, establishing boundaries. Streamlining your mornings by organizing your outfit, bag, and lunch the night before significantly reduces stress.
Remember, it's essential to say no to things that hinder your self-care and start saying yes to yourself. Valuing your well-being isn't self- indulgence; it's a crucial investment in your overall joy and efficiency.
Empowering Boss Life
How do you stay motivated and inspired, even in the face of adversity?
Ursula Walker: My motivation stems from my Mom's words: "Trouble doesn't last always." It reinforces that challenges are fleeting, urging me to confront them with steadfast faith, declaring, "My God is Greater." This mindset frees me from the pressure of figuring everything out and allows me to trust that God will intervene. I believe in taking action while waiting, continuously moving forward, strengthening my faith, and never giving up. I discover my utmost motivation and inspiration in church, where I experience profound peace and a deep connection to my faith.
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What new projects or initiatives are you currently working on?
Ursula Walker: I am in the midst of developing my "Grow. Girl. Grow." Community Book project, scheduled for launch in December 2023 and slated for a book release in October 2024. I am thrilled about the upcoming participation of a new group of women who will embark on a transformative journey of writing their chapters, connecting with fellow women, and ultimately becoming published authors.
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What are your future goals and aspirations, both personally and professionally?
Ursula Walker: My current aspiration is to complete my education at UCF and earn my Clinical Psychology degree, paving the way for me to establish my own practice as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. This journey aligns with my purpose and calling. My aim is to wholeheartedly fulfill my purpose, creating a significant influence through my contributions to the mental health field.
Empowering Boss Life
What changes or advancements do you hope to see for women in your industry in the next 5-10 years?
Ursula Walker: In the next 5-10 years, I aspire to witness a significant shift in how women perceive mental health. I anticipate more women recognizing mental well-being as essential, valuing therapy as an investment in their happiness and overall health. I hope mental health awareness becomes integral, empowering women to live happier, more fulfilling lives appreciating its enduring advantages.
Empowering Boss Life
What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in your industry?
Ursula Walker: For women entering this field, concentrate on nurturing and leveraging your strengths. Identifying what you genuinely enjoy doing and where your skills shine is crucial. While it demands patience, discovering your unique talents and identifying your special superpower or specialization can lead to profound fulfillment and satisfaction. Focus on your greatest passion and channel your efforts into refining your skills in that particular domain. Keep in mind that expertise is achieved through dedicated time and effort. Stay determined and consistently strive towards your goals with unwavering persistence and hard work.
Empowering Boss Life
Lastly, what message would you like to share with the Empowering Boss Life community and its readers?
Ursula Walker: In conclusion, I want to stress the crucial role of emotional well-being in the Empowering Boss Life community and among its readers. Emotional health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling and balanced life. Ignoring your emotional needs can significantly diminish your overall satisfaction, strain your relationships, hinder your professional performance, and even impact your physical health. Just as you prioritize your physical well-being, giving proper attention to your emotional health is just as essential proper attention to your emotional health.
Developing emotional resilience doesn't guarantee a life free of challenges or negative thoughts. Instead, it equips you with the skills to navigate life's ups and downs with confidence and resilience, enabling you to bounce back when circumstances deviate from your plans.
Effectively managing your emotions, thoughts, and feelings empowers you to make wise decisions and approach life with optimism. The journey toward improving your emotional health signifies personal growth, granting you the the strength to face life's complexities with positivity and fortitude.
