About Renée
I believe people do their best work when they do not have to leave themselves at the door
I am an executive coach, keynote speaker, facilitator and governance adviser with more than 20 years of senior leadership experience. I help people understand who they are, trust what they bring and create the conditions for others to succeed too. I call that Permission to Twirl.
Leadership from the inside
I have not spent my career observing leadership from the sidelines. I have led people and organisations through transformation, uncertainty, growth, operational pressure and significant public scrutiny. My executive career has included serving as Chief Operating Officer at UniMed and Deputy Chief Executive at EQC, as well as senior leadership responsibilities across insurance, health and wellbeing, Canterbury earthquake recovery, central and local government and purpose-led organisations. I understand the realities of leadership: the decisions that do not have perfect answers, the relationships that require care and courage, the pressure to deliver and the responsibility of shaping an environment in which other people can succeed. Today, I bring that experience to my work with chief executives, boards, executive teams, emerging leaders and organisations across Aotearoa.
Permission to Twirl
Why Permission to Twirl?
For much of our lives, we receive messages about how successful people should look, sound and behave. We learn to smooth out our edges, hide the things that make us different and become more acceptable versions of ourselves. I have learned that leadership becomes more powerful when we stop performing somebody else’s version of it. Permission to Twirl does not mean doing whatever you like. It means understanding yourself well enough to lead intentionally rather than imitatively. It means bringing your strengths, experience, personality and humanity to your work. And it means giving other people permission to contribute without asking them to become smaller, quieter or more like you. That is how people feel they belong. That is how better relationships are created. And that is how people and organisations thrive.
Colour is not the point. But it helps.
I am known for bold colour, tutus, curiosity, connection and energy that is difficult to miss. But Permission to Twirl is not really about what I wear. It is about the freedom that comes when we become comfortable enough with ourselves to stop judging difference in others. My values are Joy, Connection and Impact, and they shape everything I do — from an executive coaching conversation to a conference stage, boardroom or community project.
01
Joy
Energy, colour and aliveness in the way leadership feels.
02
Connection
Relationships where people feel seen, respected and able to contribute.
03
Impact
Useful change in leaders, teams, organisations and communities.
Experience includes
Chief Operating Officer, UniMed
Deputy Chief Executive, EQC
Senior leadership through the Canterbury earthquake recovery
Leadership and engagement work across complex sectors
Executive, board and governance advisory work
Leadership coaching and development
Board and community governance roles
MBA and Bachelor of Business
Accredited Extended DISC Practitioner
CliftonStrengths, Emotional Culture and coaching methodologies
Sector experience
Renée works across a wide range of sectors, including health and wellbeing, insurance and financial services, disability and social services, central and local government, rural and primary industries, professional services, property and construction, arts and community organisations, and membership and not-for-profit organisations.
Health and wellbeing
Insurance and financial services
Disability and social services
Central and local government
Rural and primary industries
Professional services
Property and construction
Arts and community organisations
Membership and not-for-profit organisations
What you can expect from working with me
You can expect warmth, energy and encouragement. You can also expect honesty, clarity and thoughtful challenge. I will listen carefully, ask useful questions and help you get underneath the obvious answer. I will bring practical experience, pattern recognition and a deep belief in people’s potential. My work is not about making people more polished. It is about helping people become more intentional, more courageous and more fully themselves.
Leadership is deeply personal
The work begins with understanding who you are, the impact you have and the leader you choose to be.
Renée Walker - Executive Presence. Unmistakable Humanity.