Future-proof leadership: inclusion as strategy for innovation and resilience

When Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of Ampa and Shakespeare Martineau, reflects on her career, she describes it as "a series of giant accidents." Yet behind that modest framing lies a compelling example of modern leadership: values-led, creatively informed, and unafraid to challenge professional norms.

Walker-Smith didn’t attend university in the traditional sense. She began her career with a Saturday job that led her to train as a chartered accountant, progressing through senior roles at Deloitte, Boots and top law firms before taking the helm at Ampa group. Her leadership approach has been shaped less by conventional career moves, and more by clarity of vision and the creativity to do things differently.

"Pilates for the soul"

At the heart of her decision-making is purpose—what she calls "Pilates for the soul"—a grounding principle that brings clarity and conviction to complex leadership challenges. Her personal purpose, "bravely lighting the path for others to shine," has become the foundation for the cultural and structural transformation she’s led at Ampa. It informs not only her approach but how the organization empowers others and makes strategic decisions.

One of Walker-Smith's boldest initiatives has been the introduction of a "shadow board." Composed of emerging leaders from across the organization, the shadow board works alongside the senior leadership team on strategy and direction.

"We brought them into the heart of decision-making," she explains. "They weren’t just observers—they were contributors. It gave us a completely different lens on the business."

This consultative model has been instrumental in shaping Ampa’s structure and brand architecture, while also serving as a powerful incubator for future leaders. Several senior leaders within the business started out on the shadow board. The firm has since added reverse mentoring and is exploring an Ampa Assembly—a broader participation model inspired by citizens’ assemblies.

For Walker-Smith, including future leaders in decision-making is a strategic necessity. They bring vital perspective, challenge established thinking and help shape a business that’s more attuned to future needs. In her view, creating space for emerging leaders is an investment in both resilience and innovation.

Lessons for executives

Walker-Smith's approach offers practical lessons for senior leaders navigating today’s business environment:

1. Authenticity fosters trust. Her openness has helped build a more connected and resilient culture.

2. Creative thinking fuels innovation. A background in the arts has helped her reframe problems, challenge assumptions and see new opportunities.

3. Purpose aligns performance. By grounding decision-making in a clear purpose, she’s fostered a culture where ambition and meaning coexist.

4. Inclusive leadership accelerates growth. Initiatives like the shadow board and reverse mentoring have surfaced ideas from voices not often heard in professional services.

Rethinking leadership

Walker-Smith’s path may be unconventional, but it is increasingly relevant in a world calling for more human, adaptable and inclusive leaders. Creativity, when paired with purpose and participation, can deliver tangible results.

"You can bring your whole self to work," she says. "And not only succeed, but help others succeed too."

As CEOs face growing pressure to deliver both performance and purpose, her story offers a working model for modern leadership that balances strategic rigor with emotional intelligence, and business transformation with personal integrity.