Natasha Bond-Walker’s Journey from Burnout to People-First Leadership

Natasha Bond-Walker never set out to become an entrepreneur.

But after 15 years in HR—and a string of strategic roles that left her burned out and unemployed—she found herself at a crossroads. What came next wasn’t part of some long-held dream, but a deliberate choice to build something rooted in her values.

That choice evolved into People Ops Strategies, a people-first consultancy helping organizations build cultures where business outcomes and strategic leadership go hand in hand. Just one year in, Natasha leads a growing team on a mission to prove that the best workplaces are built with intention—and that sometimes, the most meaningful work finds you when you least expect it.

In what ways has your upbringing contributed to how you operate as a leader?

My experiences growing up encouraged me to value fairness and clarity, which both play a strong role in my HR leadership. As a woman of color navigating corporate America, I know what it’s like to be overlooked or underestimated, and that’s shaped how I move through my career, as well as how I lead. I don’t waste time on performative leadership or empty promises—if we’re talking about culture, we’re actually going to do something about it. My job is to help leaders see what’s really happening in their organizations and to make decisions that are fair, strategic, and human.

“I don’t waste time on performative leadership or empty promises—if we’re talking about culture, we’re actually going to do something about it.”

What’s been the hardest and most rewarding part of your professional journey?

The biggest challenge has been—without a doubt—uncertainty! For this exact reason, I never wanted to start my own business. I like planning… or at least the illusion of being in control. While entrepreneurship is all about moving through multiple phases of uncertainty, my career and the current climate have taught me that traditional employment can also be very unpredictable. 

On the other hand, the most rewarding part is seeing my work make a real difference. When I help a leader become more confident, build a process that actually works, or lead change management, I know I’ve helped create a better experience for employees. That work matters—and it keeps me going.

Has your definition of success evolved throughout your journey as a leader?

Absolutely. Earlier in my career, success was about titles and promotions. Now, it’s about impact and alignment. Am I working with organizations that actually value what I bring? Am I helping to create meaningful change? Do I have ownership over my time and how I show up? That’s success now. It’s less about external validation and more about making sure the work I’m doing aligns with who I am and what I stand for.

Have you discovered any underappreciated leadership traits or misconceptions around leadership?

People assume leadership is about having all the answers, but the real power is in emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Entrepreneurship forced me to get comfortable with uncertainty, trust my instincts, and navigate challenges without a clear roadmap. These lessons have made me a stronger leader—more adaptable, more intentional, and better at handling tough situations. The best leaders don’t just push for results; they understand people and know how to move things forward in the right way.

What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your professional journey all over again?

Stop doubting yourself so much! You know more than you think, and you don’t need to have everything figured out before you take the next step. The titles, the validation, the perfect plan—none of that matters as much as trusting your instincts and owning your worth. You’re going to make mistakes, but that’s part of the process. Just keep moving.

How would you describe the journey you’ve had in a few sentences—and would you do it all over again?

It’s been a journey of growth, filled with highs and lows. I’ve learned a lot about leadership, resilience, and what it really means to trust myself. There were moments of doubt and insecurity when I wondered if I was cut out for this, but every step made me a better leader. It’s been one full year since I’ve established People Ops Strategies—and it truly feels like I’ve come full circle. My entire career equipped me with the experiences needed to go out on my own, and being on my own has been the most rewarding both personally and professionally thus far.