"Slam Dunks Come in Suits Too" Kwame Walker
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In Episode 9 of Season 1 of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life, we sit down with Kwame Walker, a man who seamlessly blends the grit of a South London upbringing with the poise of a Capitol Hill insider.
Kwame’s path from dreaming of basketball to becoming a successful lobbyist meant adjusting to a few unexpected twists along the way.
His story begins not with a grand plan but a missed basketball tryout.
“I came to Austin to play basketball for UT, but I didn’t make the team.”
Life’s slam dunks often look different than we expect, and for Kwame, the assist came from a friend’s father, who offered him a job as a messenger in a law firm. That gig paid $3.25 an hour (yes, that was “awesome” back then) and planted the seeds for a career he hadn’t yet envisioned.
“I didn’t know what a lobbyist was, but I stayed curious, I stayed open, and I stayed in the Capitol.”
From messenger to Senate staffer to law school graduate at SMU, Kwame worked his way up with a blend of hard work, education, and a bit of serendipity.
His advice to Gen Z? Don’t stress about sticking to one path.
“There’s always going to be twists and turns in your career. You never know where you’ll end up.”
As a lobbyist, Kwame represents everyone from cities to Fortune 500 companies at the Texas legislature. The job demands more than just schmoozing; it requires educating lawmakers about the real-world impact of proposed legislation.
“A lot of lawmakers don’t fully grasp the nuances of certain legislation. My job is to walk them through the potential impact, often on topics they aren’t well-versed in or that stir strong public opinion.”
The challenge becomes even greater when representing clients with controversial positions.
“You don’t always represent the popular side. But even those clients have a right to have their voices heard. The difficulty lies in ensuring the message is not just delivered but understood—especially when emotions run high.”
Educating lawmakers isn’t just about presenting facts; it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with them personally.
“You have to find common ground, show how a bill could affect their constituents or align with their values. It’s part persuasion, part education, and all about building trust.”
Kwame’s role as a lobbyist has brought him face-to-face with some of the most critical issues of our time. One such instance involved working on a piece of legislation to increase access to affordable housing.
“Housing isn’t just a policy issue; it’s a human issue. When you see families who can’t find a place to live, it’s not hard to understand the stakes.”
Navigating this legislation required Kwame to balance competing interests—from city governments to developers and community organizations.
“You have to find a way to make everyone feel heard, even when their priorities conflict. That’s the art of it.”
It’s not always easy to advocate for change in the legislative arena, especially when facing resistance.
“I remember walking into meetings where people were skeptical, thinking I was there just to push an agenda. But when you take the time to listen, to show that you care about the real impact on people’s lives, that’s when you start to break through.”
Kwame believes that impactful lobbying isn’t about winning at all costs; it’s about creating solutions that leave communities better off.
“Sometimes you walk away with a compromise. But if that compromise helps even a small group of people, it’s worth it.”
And yes, that sometimes means representing clients the public loves to hate. But as Kwame sees it,
“Everybody deserves representation, period.”
Throughout the episode, Kwame’s dedication to his vision for society and his role in shaping it stood out clearly.
Raised in South London, he credits his parents for instilling the value of education. “Neither of my parents finished high school, but they drilled it into us that education was the way out.” It’s a lesson that carried him from the streets of South London to the halls of the Texas Capitol.
Gen Z had some burning questions for Kwame, too. One of them, Edwin, asked:
“How do you balance emotional well-being during tough times?”
Kwame’s advice—to “feel your feelings” and not suppress them.
His reminder to celebrate small wins was simple yet necessary to accept who we are:
“If you’re happy, lean into it.”
For young people juggling career uncertainties and the pressure to succeed, Kwame’s message offers a reassuring reminder that growth comes from both the highs and the lows.
The hosts chimed in, each bringing their own take. Natalie emphasized the power of self-awareness and seeking support: “Sometimes just talking to someone gives you the fresh perspective you need.”
Leon, the Stoic sage, reminded us, “Things are rarely as good or as bad as you think they are. Balance is key.”
One recurring theme in the episode was the role of technology—and the isolation it sometimes brings.
“We’re more connected than ever, yet we’re lonelier-Put down the phone, go see your friends, and build real community.”
This sentiment echoes a growing body of research highlighting the impact of digital isolation on mental health, particularly among younger generations. For instance, a study mentioned in Penn Today found a causal link between reducing social media use and decreases in loneliness and depression (you can read more about it here). Similarly, a report by the Pew Research Center notes that while social media can provide a sense of connection, it often exacerbates feelings of isolation when it replaces face-to-face interactions. The American Psychological Association also reports that high screen time is correlated with increased anxiety and lower life satisfaction among young adults, emphasizing the need for mindful technology use.
Kwame’s advice is practical and timely: disconnect to reconnect.
Simple actions like setting boundaries around phone usage or prioritizing in-person gatherings can make a significant difference.
“We’ve got to remind ourselves what real connection feels like.”
It's a challenge worth trying in a world that often chooses convenience over meaning.
As we come to an end of this episode Kwame leaves us with an interesting perspective on life:
“Your life is a puzzle, and someone always has a piece. Be willing to put yourself out there.”
Whether through small gestures or grand actions, every connection we make has the potential to ripple outward in ways we can’t predict.
Listen to Kwame Walker on Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life – Episode 9, Season 1.
Kwame N. Walker is a seasoned Texas lobbyist and attorney, currently serving as Senior Vice President at McGuireWoods Consulting. With a career that began in 1986, he’s worked as a legislative aide, director, and general counsel for multiple state senators, including Royce West. Kwame represents cities, corporations, and nonprofits before the Texas Legislature, with expertise in public policy, infrastructure, and economic development. He holds a government degree from UT Austin and a J.D. from SMU.
Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program
Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.
Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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