It was a pleasure to meet Tia Walker at an award ceremony in Monaco. We hear so much about empowerment and inspiration and this is one lady that shines in her own right. I ask Tia about the 'ARWEY' awards, and her philosophy on life.

I asked Tia some questions and her answers were warm, charming and uplifting. From across the waters we hope to continue to bond and share in the drive to be the best we can be.

1) Where is home to you?

I truly consider myself a global citizen as I work and travel to destinations throughout the world. I grew up in Palo Alto California and raised my family in Pebble Beach, California and currently divide my time between Santa Barbara, California, Hawaii and Bali.

2) What makes you smile?

Many things. I smile quite often as I learned early on what a gift it is to others and myself. When I witness someone in their joy, a smile is instantaneous.

3) What inspired you to start the Arwey Awards?

It was truly a heart and soul calling. I felt a deep desire to acknowledge women who are committed to changing their communities and the planet. I was inspired as I traveled the globe and met women entrepreneurs who are so passionate about the work that they do and their desire to give back to their communities. I don't think we acknowledge each other enough.  As women, I find many of us are great at giving but not so much about receiving or giving ourselves credit for the impact one woman's life can have in a community.

The recognition I want to foster leaves ego at the door and is about honoring all that was risked by these women to step boldly forward for what they believe in.  I also saw the awards as bridge builders with creating opportunity for conversations, mentorships and co creation between dynamic women from Gen Y/Millennial's to established entrepreneurs and philanthropist and community leaders.

4) What do you say to women searching for a new direction in life?

When searching for direction or clarity my most valuable insights on the path forward have always come from stillness. Sometimes journaling your free flowing thoughts and meditating will clear the space for the next step to be revealed.Truly taking time to just listen to our inner wisdom as the path forward is always within. I see many women spinning their wheels and following a directive from a friend, family or what they think is acceptable because of social norms.

From that quiet place I think that's when you go for whatever it is that you feel called to do. Take risks, try something new and don't be afraid to do something completely out of your comfort zone if that's what allows you to live in your highest purpose. This is the one precious life we've been given, make it matter and live into your joy.

5) What or who inspires you?

I draw inspiration daily from my sons Ashleigh, Nolan & Brenton. Two are in college and one is an entrepreneur. Staying in touch with what this next generation is up to keeps me inspired and hopeful as they have shown me that they will change broken systems that don't work,  carve out new paths of connection and have a different level  of emotional intelligence than was the norm in generations past.

I'm also inspired by the thought leaders, innovators, and those who live life in inquiry and are willing to question the "why" of things that don't serve us and do something different. A woman who has been such a part of my life through her work and words and serves as ongoing inspiration is the late Maya Angelou. I honor her as a wisdom keeper and I'm inspired by her legacy of work. Lastly, the woman who was my first female role model, my mother Emma, who's appreciation and ability to create beauty inspires me to this day. Her tenacity, sense of family and love inspired me to be the woman I am today.

6) Do you believe in gut instincts?

Is there anything else? lol. I believe our truths are known in the wisdom of the body and our intuition. When I really understood this, and listened to that intuition, I experienced so much more grace and ease in my life. The mind is powerful but the body doesn't lie. I could have a intuitive "gut feeling" about something that despite all the rational information that says something should be a yes, yet there is that uneasiness in the gut that says no, I listen to that no. I can say each time I didn't follow that "gut" instinct I have experienced an outcome that was less than desirable.

We were given a gift of that "gut instinct" or intuition and it is something to honor and trust ourselves to trust that gift.

7) Your three essential things if you were stuck on a dessert island would be what?

A pen, a journal and a good book.

8) If you are planning a day/night out, what do you enjoy doing the most?

Wow! That's a hard one as it would depend on the day and night.  Great day plans would be connecting with a heart centered friend/friends having a delicious meal somewhere beautiful perhaps at the spa and a relaxing massage. At night I enjoy live performances and dancing to music.

Tia Walker Executive Director ARWEY Awards
www.ARWEYAwards.com