MICHELLE WALKER
Nominee for what Award/s
Outstanding Connector Award
Mum Who Moves Mountains Award
Everyday Trailblazer Award
Outstanding Connector Award
Outstanding Connector Award
Who is Michelle Walker? I’m Michelle Walker, and connection is at the very heart of who I am. When I started The Hills Socialites in 2017, it began as a small, simple idea—a safe, supportive place for women to come together. Now, that idea has blossomed into a vibrant community of nearly 2,000 women across Sydney. It’s so much more than just a group; it’s a space where women find belonging, friendship, and strength—a reminder that none of us ever have to face life alone. I’ve felt alone before myself, and I know how isolating that can be. It’s a feeling I never wanted anyone else to carry. That personal experience fuels my passion to build inclusive communities where every woman feels truly seen and supported. Alongside this, I’ve spent nearly 20 years in recruitment and launched Katz Recruitment in 2018. For me, recruitment isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about opening doors and helping women find their confidence and purpose. Whether it’s young women stepping into STEM, mums returning to the workforce, women over 50 starting fresh, or migrants building new lives here, I’m dedicated to creating opportunities that genuinely change lives. Being a mum to three beautiful daughters’ shapes everything I do. It’s taught me the power of leading with kindness, resilience, and heart. Bringing people together, building bridges where others see walls—that’s not just my job, it’s who I am. This award means the world to me because it honours that very gift—the joy and responsibility of creating connection, community, and a place where every woman can thrive.
1. What motivates you to build community or connection?
I’m driven by a fundamental truth: no one should ever feel alone. I founded The Hills Socialites because I wanted to create a space where women could feel truly seen, safe, and supported. Watching that community blossom into a city-wide network of nearly 2,000 women has been a constant source of joy and motivation. At Katz Recruitment, I live this mission daily—connecting employers with employees, helping people discover purpose and opportunity. Whether it’s a young woman stepping into STEM, a mum re-entering the workforce, or a migrant building a new life in Australia, I am relentless in creating opportunities and fostering empowerment. I build bridges where others see walls. The fuel behind my work? Knowing that genuine connection doesn’t just improve days—it transforms lives.
2. Tell us about a time your connecting skills transformed a space or event.
One standout moment was a community dinner I organised for The Hills Socialites. Women arrived alone, uncertain, some carrying heavy stories. By the night’s end, the room was alive with laughter, deep conversations, and bonds forged. I had thoughtfully paired attendees by shared interests and energy, sparking friendships and collaborations. From that night, two women connected through my introduction and launched a thriving business partnership—a true testament to the power of intentional connection. This same spirit is at the heart of Katz Recruitment. I once worked with a mature candidate who had lost confidence after years out of work. We rebuilt her belief in herself through coaching, mock interviews, and genuine encouragement. When she landed a role, she told me, “This was the best experience I’ve ever had in recruitment—you didn’t just place me, you changed my life.” That moment fuels me every day. Whether in a bustling room or a quiet one-on-one, I create spaces where people feel seen, respected, and truly supported. This is the essence of connection—and it’s what I lead with every day.
3. How do you make others feel seen and included?
It starts with authenticity. In The Hills Socialites, I’m intentional about creating environments—online and face-to-face—where every woman feels safe, welcomed, and truly part of something bigger. I remember names, ask heartfelt questions, and personally follow up when life throws challenges or brings joy. No one is invisible here. Inclusion is a daily, active commitment. I warmly introduce newcomers, check in quietly if someone retreats, and foster a culture rich in kindness, empathy, and zero judgement. One member shared, “Joining this group has changed my life—I finally feel like I belong, like someone truly sees me.” At Katz Recruitment, I bring this ethos to work. I don’t just place candidates; I advocate for them—especially migrants, mums returning to work, and those rebuilding confidence. One candidate told me, “You’ve made my year—I’ve never felt this included or supported. Your warmth truly made all the difference.” Moments like these remind me inclusion is life-changing—and it demands heart and dedication. To me, making others feel seen and included means creating a genuine culture of belonging—one conversation, one connection at a time.
4. What has building a community taught you about leadership?
Leadership is service. It’s standing beside, not above. Leading The Hills Socialites and Katz Recruitment has taught me that people follow authenticity, heart, and care—not titles. I’ve learnt to listen deeply, to trust, and to be vulnerable. Leadership means showing up consistently with empathy, even when juggling family, work, and the enormous task of nurturing community feels overwhelming. One particularly hectic week, I balanced preparing a major Socialites event, meeting recruitment deadlines, and supporting my family. It wasn’t easy, but I do it because I believe in the magic of connection and the power it unleashes. Supporting causes like transitional housing, breast cancer galas, the Yeah Girls 40-plus group, and the Celebrate Women awards is part of this journey. Uplifting and empowering women is the heart of everything I do. True leadership creates space for others to step up—to find their voice, share their stories, and support one another with strength and grace.
5. What legacy do you hope your connections leave behind?
I want my legacy to be a ripple effect—small acts of connection spreading far beyond me, changing lives in ways I can’t predict. I hope The Hills Socialites is remembered as a sanctuary where women found lifelong friends, regained confidence, and felt less alone in their toughest moments. I see the transformation when hesitant new members realise they’re truly welcome—that moment of belonging is priceless. As a mother of three daughters, an aunt, a sister, and daughter to a widowed mum, I know deeply how crucial support and connection are. No one should face life’s challenges alone, no matter their age or circumstance. This belief drives me in everything I do through The Hills Socialites, Katz Recruitment, and Michelle Walker Katz. I want young girls—my own included—to grow up knowing the power of community, the strength in lifting each other up, and the choice to lead with compassion rather than competition. I dream of a world where women don’t just survive, but thrive—together. My hope is this network will keep growing, spreading joy, strength, and unwavering support across generations—helping women rewrite their stories with courage and connection at the heart. This is why I am an Outstanding Connector. Connection isn’t just my work—it’s my purpose, my passion, and my power. I bring people together to lift them higher. I lead with heart and resilience, creating communities where every woman can shine.
Mum Who Moves Mountains Award
Mum Who Moves Mountains Award
Michelle Walker Katz – Business Owner of Katz Recruitment & Founder of The Hills Socialites Wife. Mum of three. Business owner. Community builder. I’m Michelle, and I’m proof you can build a business, raise a family, and love both fiercely. I’m raising strong girls, running a thriving recruitment company, leading a vibrant women’s community with The Hills Socialites, and showing that with heart, grit, and support—you really can move mountains!
1. Share a story where you balanced motherhood and ambition.
A typical day in my world? Get three kids—Rochelle (11), Valentina (10), and Charlize (3)—out the door to school or childcare, then dive into running Katz Recruitment. Back-to-back meetings, mentoring candidates, talking with clients, managing a team—it’s nonstop. After school pick-up, I’m back at my desk finishing up, sometimes not wrapping until 7pm. But I aim to finish most days by 5:30pm to be fully present with my girls because family always comes first. Funny thing? They’ve memorised my mobile number from hearing me leave voicemail messages for clients so often. They’ll probably make great little recruiters one day! Rochelle even mimics my business voice sometimes—and while it makes me laugh, it reminds me they’re watching, learning, and absorbing what it means to be a hardworking, kind, and ambitious woman. They see me juggle, and I want them to know anything is possible when you lead with heart and keep going—even when it’s hard.
2. What inner strength helped you carry it all?
My biggest strength is staying real and asking for help—my husband is my superpower. I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Balancing ambition with chaos means focusing on one priority at a time, not everything all at once. I’m supported by an incredible team—my husband, mum, mother-in-law, and friends who step in when I need them. I take care of myself too: journaling, meditating, and having honest chats with friends to refill my cup. Most importantly, I remind myself why I do this—for my girls, their future, the financial security I’m building, and the example I want to set: women can be strong, nurturing, driven, kind, and get the job done.
3. How do you lead your family and your community at once?
I lead by showing up in everything I do. At home, my daughters see me working hard, facing challenges, but also creating joy and connection. I share what I’m doing, involve them when I can, and let them learn from both my wins and mistakes. In the community, through Katz Recruitment and The Hills Socialites—a women’s group I founded—I empower others, especially women who feel overlooked. Whether it’s mums returning to work, young women stepping into STEM, or anyone starting fresh, I help them find confidence and opportunity. In both, I lead with empathy and energy, lifting up everyone around me— including my little people at home.
4. What sacrifices have you made, and what joys have you gained?
I’ve sacrificed sleep, quiet moments and sometimes sanity! But the joy outweighs the chaos. I’ve built a business I love, created a life where my daughters see strength, passion, and kindness in action. I protect what matters—like never missing school open days (even if I’m tired) and making weekends non-negotiable family time. We create special memories—visiting the zoo, farms, weekend getaways. Those moments keep us grounded and connected, no matter how busy life gets. 5. What message would you give to other mums feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to do it all, and definitely not all at once. Stay real. Ask for help. Take the pressure off. Bring your kids into your journey—they don’t need perfection; they need you. Balance isn’t about ticking every box each day—it’s knowing what matters most right now and focusing there. Sometimes finishing late is okay. Sometimes takeout is a win. Rest is necessary. Your kids are watching and learning resilience, work ethic, compassion, and grit—not just from your words but how you live. Be proud—you’re not just moving mountains. You are the mountain.
Everyday Trailblazer Award
Everyday Trailblazer Award
Who is Michelle Walker? I’m Michelle Walker, founder of Katz Recruitment, where I’ve spent nearly 20 years helping businesses and candidates find the right fit—especially in industries traditionally dominated by men. Seven years ago, my company expanded into recruiting for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), a sector I knew little about at first. Instead of shying away, I stepped out of my comfort zone and committed myself to mastering this technical field. I taught myself the qualifications and certifications required for both technical and non-technical roles, from engineers and technicians to sales managers and support staff. I built strong, respectful relationships with industry professionals, most of whom had been in the trade for decades. That experience expanded into other male-dominated sectors, including Technical Sales, Manufacturing & Industrial Technology, Business Management & Operations, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Customer Service & Sales Support. My dedication to understanding these industries has earned me a reputation as a trusted recruitment partner, often relied upon for hard-tofill, niche roles. A recent conversation with a new client who tested my HVAC knowledge affirmed this: after asking several technical questions, he smiled and said, “You really do know your stuff.” Moments like this show me that persistence, genuine learning, and respect can break down barriers and build real credibility.
1. What male-dominated space or tradition did you step into?
Seven years ago, Katz Recruitment was asked to take on recruitment for the HVAC industry—a highly technical, male-dominated field. I had to quickly immerse myself in a world of acronyms, licenses, certifications, and specific technical requirements. I learned the details of various roles, from installation technicians to design engineers and project managers, and even the distinctions between commercial, industrial, retail and residential HVAC sectors. This required both self-education and reaching out to experienced industry insiders to understand the culture and language. I studied the qualifications needed for both the technical side (like refrigeration mechanics, electrical certifications) and the non-technical side (such as sales, customer service, and operations roles). Taking on this challenge was initially outside my comfort zone, but I knew backing myself was the only way to grow. Over time, I became a trusted partner for HVAC businesses, helping one of them fill over 50 roles with candidates who not only had the right skills but also fit culturally. This foundation opened doors to other male-dominated industries, including technical sales roles like business development managers, account managers, and engineers; manufacturing and industrial technology; supply chain and logistics; as well senior business management opportunities.
2. What barriers or stereotypes did you face?
The biggest challenge was overcoming assumptions—both about my knowledge and about my ability to succeed in technical fields. Many people assumed I was just “another recruiter” without real understanding of the industry’s complexities. In male-dominated sectors, there’s often a hesitancy to trust outsiders, especially women, to navigate their unique demands and culture. I encountered scepticisms when I first approached companies and candidates. Some questioned whether I could grasp the technical jargon or the nuances of the roles they were hiring for. But I didn’t take this personally; instead, I focused on earning trust through preparation and persistence. That is exactly what I did. A client recently shared their experience working with my business Katz Recruitment: “Michelle took the time to really dig deep and understand our business and the type of culture we promote. Katz Recruitment has filled over 50 roles for us, and almost every team member is still with us. The candidates presented are always excellent cultural fits. They don’t give up on hard-to-fill roles and do all the groundwork to find the right people. Katz Recruitment is the only recruiter we use regularly—not just for value, but for the skill, determination, and experience of the team.” This feedback is a testament to how hard work, listening, and genuine commitment helped break through stereotypes and establish lasting partnerships.
3. How did you stay motivated when facing resistance?
Staying motivated was a matter of focusing on the bigger picture: helping people find opportunities that could change their lives, and building a business based on integrity and expertise. I remind myself that every successful placement is more than just a job filled—it’s someone finding confidence, purpose, and stability. Whether it’s a young woman stepping into a technical sales role, a migrant building a new career, or an experienced technician returning to work, I see my work as opening doors for people who deserve a chance. I also love helping and empowering women within male orientated industries. I also stay driven by the challenge itself. Learning a new industry and becoming an expert wasn’t easy, but I knew that the only way to build credibility was through hard work and continuous learning. Moments like that recent call with the HVAC client, who put me to the test and then smiled in approval, remind me that the effort pays off.
4. What does being a trailblazer mean to you now?
Being a trailblazer means having the courage to step into spaces where few women have gone before—not just to exist, but to truly excel. It requires doing the deep work: mastering the technical and cultural details needed to be taken seriously. It’s about shattering the glass ceiling into a million pieces and becoming such an essential part of a business that they can’t imagine functioning without you—it’s the unique strength and touch that women bring. It’s also about leadership through service—earning respect by showing up prepared, listening carefully, and helping others succeed. I see trailblazing as a quiet, persistent force. It’s not about grand gestures but about consistently proving your value and opening the door wider for those who come after you.
5. How do you want to open doors for the next generation?
As a mum of three daughters, I want to be a living example that women can not only survive but thrive in male-dominated industries—with preparation, resilience, and heart. I want my daughters, and all young women, to know they can break free from limiting stereotypes and carve their own path in any field they choose. Through Katz Recruitment, I actively mentor and support candidates who may feel overlooked—whether they’re women, migrants, or people returning to work after a break. I work with companies to help them see that talent comes in many forms and that fostering an inclusive culture is essential for success. I’m also deeply committed to empowering female high school students interested in STEM by helping them prepare resumes, sharpen interview skills, and build confidence. It’s one way I give back and make a difference, helping to open doors early so more women can confidently step into these exciting careers. Ultimately, I want to pave the way for the next generation to know they can do anything—with dedication, support, and the belief that the future is theirs to shape. This is why I am an Everyday Trailblazer. Because I stepped outside my comfort zone, learned a new industry inside and out, and built a recruitment business trusted by technical and industrial leaders. Because I persist when others doubt, and because I open doors for others to follow.