by Annette Walker
Walker isn’t just my last name—it’s an accurate description of who I am.
I’ve walked trails in Orange County, Calif., the California Coast and 220 miles in Spain on the Camino de Santiago. One thing I’ve learned is that when you’re on the path, you focus on the step ahead - watching for hills, loose rocks, maybe even a snake or two. Progress happens one step at a time. When you get to the top, that is when you stop, turn around, and take in the view. It’s only then that you see how far you’ve come.
The same is true of life, leadership, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Today, I want to share a few lessons from my journey.
Lesson #1: Choose Your Fellow Travelers Wisely
My husband Chuck and I have been married for nearly 45 years. Together, we raised six kids and now have 15 grandkids. Through the chaos, we found a partnership. I couldn’t have accomplished all I have without his support, and he’d say the same about me. The most important decision you’ll ever make—more than career, investments, or house—is choosing the person who will walk beside you. Pick someone who will cheer you on, carry the weight, and celebrate your summit.
Lesson #2: The “Boss Mama Paradox” is Real
When I was building my career, women were expected to choose between building a career or raising a family—rarely both. Society had strong opinions about each path, as if they couldn’t coexist. I call that the Boss Mama Paradox. A colleague once said, “I don’t know how you do it with all those kids!” I did it and so can you. Enjoy whichever path you choose to walk. Never in the history of the world have women had more choices and opportunities like we do in this country today. Whether you stay home, get an outside job, or do both – none of it is easy but easy things are rarely rewarding. Being is mom is a gift beyond measure. Being a boss can also be very rewarding, especially if the work matters.
Lesson #3: The Hardest Roads Teach You the Most
On the Camino, my guidebook said the route was three miles uphill and 12 miles downhill. I thought, “Great, only three miles of work, then I can coast.” I was wrong. The sun blazed, the slopes were steep, and the trail was covered in loose shale. I cursed more that day than all other days combined. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The hardest roads are often the ones that teach you the most about yourself. Think back on your most memorable lessons – the hard ones are the ones that define you.
Lesson #4: Some Roads Are Best Walked Together
I was lucky to have mentors who saw something in me before I did. They opened doors, challenged me, and pulled me up when I doubted myself. I had a husband who believed in me and teammates who had my back. At home, my kids learned everyone in a big family has to pitch in. Sometimes, it took a village to make it all work. That’s why I say: whatever road you choose, let’s support each other. If you stay home with your kids—your work is invaluable. If you’re building a career—stand tall. If you’re doing both—don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. The path is yours; no one else defines it for you.
I recently spoke to a group of women about the Boss Mama Paradox. They agreed things have improved, but some still hear comments like, “You only went to college to get your MRS degree,” or “So you’re letting the nanny raise your kids?” Enough. Let’s stop judging and celebrate each other’s choices. Some of my best friends were stay-at-home moms who helped my kids when I couldn’t. Today, those same women call me when they need help navigating healthcare. That’s what women do. We show up for each other. We walk this road together.
One Final Thought: Be Someone’s Good Samaritan
On the Camino, you meet people from all over the world. Language barriers don’t matter. If someone stumbles, strangers help. If you’re lost, someone points the way. Let’s be that for each other. Women supporting women isn’t just a nice idea—it’s our responsibility. That’s how we make sure the path is smoother for the next generation. None of us does this alone. The strongest among us lift as they climb.
Buen Camino, my friends. Walk your path with purpose. If you ever need guidance, know that I’ll be there to walk with you.
Annette Walker is the president of City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California.
Connect with Annette
Instagram: @cityofhopeoc
Facebook: @cityofhopeoc
X: @cityofhopeoc
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