About the Webcast
The Walker Webcast brings brilliant minds from broad and varied backgrounds together to engage in conversation with Willy Walker, Walker & Dunlop’s CEO. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower audiences with the wisdom of our distinguished guests. Explore the intersection of ideas and innovation via the webcast, podcast, or web articles.
Tune in on Wednesdays for fresh perspectives about leadership, business, the economy, commercial real estate, and more.
Willy Walker
Willy Walker is chairman and chief executive officer of Walker & Dunlop. Under Mr. Walker’s leadership, the company has grown from a small, family-owned business to become one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States and internationally. Walker & Dunlop has been recognized by Fortune’s Great Place To Work for 9 years, and is on its 100 Best Companies to Work For® 2026 list.
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Curated recommendations from our guests and team
Dirtbag Billionaire
David Gelles tells a fascinating story about Yvon Chouinard, the unlikely billionaire who built Patagonia into one of the world’s most admired brands while challenging many of the conventions of capitalism along the way. Dirtbag Billionaire is entertaining and fast-paced, but underneath it is a compelling look at leadership, culture, and how Patagonia proved that a company can pursue both profit and purpose without sacrificing its values.
My Life, My Football
Even if you're not a soccer fan, My Life, My Football is a must-read. Andriy Shevchenko's story is about far more than goals and trophies—it's about resilience, leadership, and carrying the weight of a nation with humility and grace.
Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America
Jeff has a gift for making constitutional history feel remarkably relevant to the moment we're living through. The Pursuit of Liberty explores the enduring debate over what freedom means in America and offers a deeper appreciation for the people and ideas that have shaped our democracy. Thought-provoking, accessible, and especially timely today.
The Systems Leader
Rather than focusing on leadership traits, Robert Siegel asks a bigger question: how do leaders make sense of increasingly complex organizations and environments? The Systems Leader offers a thoughtful framework for connecting the dots across people, strategy, technology, and culture. I found it to be a practical guide for anyone trying to lead effectively when simple solutions no longer exist.
Phantom Orbit
David Ignatius has a knack for turning tomorrow’s headlines into compelling fiction, and Phantom Orbit is no exception. It’s a fast-moving, thought-provoking thriller that explores how space, technology, and national security are converging in ways that could reshape the future of global competition.
Brain Energy
Dr. Palmer challenges the way we think about mental health, arguing that many psychiatric conditions may be rooted in metabolic dysfunction. What I appreciated most about Brain Energy is that it connects cutting-edge science with real hope for people who have struggled to find answers. It's a thought-provoking read that could change how you think about the relationship between the brain, the body, and overall well-being.
Die with Zero
Die with Zero is one of those books that changes how you think about your entire life strategy. Bill challenges the default approach of saving endlessly, instead pushing for a more intentional balance between earning, spending, and actually living. It’s bold, practical, and likely to spark a few mindset shifts along the way.
Primal Intelligence
Angus Fletcher brings a fresh and fascinating perspective to how we think, decide, and create. Primal Intelligence challenges the idea that logic is always the answer, showing how instinct and emotion play a critical role in navigating complexity. It’s thought-provoking and incredibly relevant for leaders facing an unpredictable world.
A Great Place To Work For All
Michael Bush doesn’t just talk about workplace culture, he shows why it’s a competitive advantage. A Great Place to Work For All makes the case that trust, fairness, and strong leadership aren’t soft ideas; they’re what drive real performance. A valuable guide for anyone serious about building a company that lasts.
High Functioning
Dr. Judith Joseph takes a sharp, insightful look at the hidden struggles of people who seem to have it all together. High Functioning unpacks burnout, emotional health, and the pressure to always perform in a way that really hits home. A great read for anyone trying to balance success with actually feeling well.
Iron Hope: Lessons Learned from Conquering the Impossible
Iron Hope is a powerful testament to what the human mind and body are capable of when pushed beyond perceived limits. James Lawrence doesn’t just tell the story of endurance, he redefines it, sharing hard-won lessons on resilience, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of growth. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply facing your own version of “impossible,” this book will challenge you to raise your standard and keep going.
The Great Age Reboot
The Great Age Reboot redefines what it means to grow older in a world where longevity is rapidly expanding. Michael Roizen, MD, Albert Ratner, MD, and Peter Linneman explore the science, technology, and behavioral shifts reshaping how we live, work, and lead in the decades ahead. This book offers a forward-looking roadmap for extending not just lifespan, but healthspan and purpose.
The 5 Types of Wealth
The 5 Types of Wealth reframes success beyond money, offering a practical framework for building a truly rich life. Sahil Bloom introduces five interconnected forms of wealth that shape long-term fulfillment and sustainable achievement. Blending research, storytelling, and actionable insights, this book helps leaders align their time and priorities with what matters most. Highly recommended.
Team Intelligence: How Brilliant Leaders Unlock Collective Genius
Jon nails what so many leaders overlook. Success isn’t just about individual brilliance; it’s about how well your team thinks together. Team Intelligence is packed with surprising insights on how to build trust, drive collaboration, and unlock collective genius. A must-read for anyone serious about building stronger teams and making smarter decisions.
A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership
A CEO for All Seasons is a masterclass in knowing how and when to lead differently. The McKinsey team, including Carolyn Dewar, distills hard-earned wisdom from some of the most successful CEOs in the world into a practical roadmap for navigating every phase of the role. Whether you're just stepping into leadership or focused on leaving a legacy, this book delivers insight you can act on today.
The Well-Tempered City: What Modern Science, Ancient Civilizations, and Human Nature Teach Us about the Future of Urban Life
Jonathan brings together history, data, and a deep sense of purpose to show how we can build cities that are more resilient, equitable, and sustainable. The Well-Tempered City is a thoughtful and timely guide for anyone who cares about the future of our communities — from policymakers and developers to everyday citizens.
After the North Pole: A Story of Survival, Mythmaking, and Melting Ice
Erling’s reflections on exploration and meaning stayed with me long after our conversation. After the North Pole is about more than surviving the harshest conditions on Earth. It’s about navigating the inner landscapes of purpose, solitude, and human resilience.
Our Better Angels: Seven Simple Virtues That Will Change Your Life and the World
This book is a powerful reminder that real change begins with how we show up for others. In Our Better Angels Jonathan shows how virtues like compassion, humility, and kindness aren't just good principles, but practical tools for leadership and impact.
Dealing with Feeling: Use Your Emotions to Create the Life You Want
Marc has written a powerful guide to understanding and regulating our emotions - at home, work, and everywhere in between. His work emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and how we can use it to drive success. This one's a must-read for anyone looking to lead with empathy and clarity in today’s world.
Gray Matters
Gray Matters is one of the most riveting and profoundly human books I’ve ever read. Dr. Ted Schwartz takes readers into the operating room, into the mind, and into the emotional heartbeat of brain surgery. His storytelling is as precise as his surgical work and just as impactful.
Anthro-Vision: A New Way to See in Business and Life
Gillian does an incredible job showing how thinking like an anthropologist can help you spot what others miss, whether you’re running a company or just trying to make sense of the world. It’s smart, surprising, and super relevant for anyone leading through change. Definitely worth a spot on your shelf or your coffee table.
The Experimentation Machine: Finding Product-Market Fit in the Age of AI
This is a must-read for any business leader trying to stay relevant in the AI era. Jeff Bussgang lays out how startups are using AI to move faster and smarter, and why established companies need to rethink everything from client acquisition to product-market fit. I found it both eye-opening and actionable.
Table for Two
Amor never fails to deliver a great read. The real superpower of Table for Two is how it allows you to reflect on the chance encounters in your life that led you to where you are today. As a childhood friend, I’ve long admired Amor’s gift for storytelling, and this collection is him at his very best.
Living Beyond Your Dreams: 11 Principles for Triumphing in Life and Leadership
Living Beyond Your Dreams isn’t just another book about leadership – it’s about the mindset, resilience, and relationships that define success. It’s a playbook for anyone looking to rise to the top in business and make a lasting impact.
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Living with a SEAL: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet
If waking up at 3 am to run 15 miles in a blizzard in Central Park is your thing, this book is for you! Jesse writes a hysterical, engaging, and revealing book with regard to human potential.
The Blumhouse Book of Nightmares: The Haunted City
The horror movie industry is big business, and Jason’s formula for making blockbuster films is applicable to driving excellence and success in any business.
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Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)
Conflict is everywhere and is part of what makes us human. Amy Gallo provides the tools to make this inevitable part of life a bit easier.
The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places are Building the New American Dream
Steve highlights the transformative power of startups and their role in revitalizing communities across the U.S. A hugely inspiring book on the economic future of America.
Why We’re Polarized
This was a fascinating read about how identity politics is at the core of polarization. I can’t recommend this book enough, especially today with the state of U.S. politics.
Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World
Ginni’s book is filled with incredible life and leadership lessons. Anyone at any stage of their career will benefit from her wisdom.
The Portfolio Life: How to Future-Proof Your Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger than Your Business Card
In her book Christina writes “step back from the cult of ambition,” and while this is coming from a wildly successful and ambitious professor, her lessons are not to be ignored. Through research, case studies, and her own experience, Christina outlines how to design a career strategy to last you a lifetime.
Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury
Engaging and thought-provoking analysis of the source of America’s intensifying political discord. Evan is an incredible writer, who weaves together profiles of dramatically different protagonists to give the reader insight into how and why America became so divided.
Presidential Playbook 2020: 16 Nonpartisan Solutions to Save America
We could use a plan for America’s future – and John’s book does just that! The book is not based on opinions, but rather facts and data that underpin some of our largest problems and potential solutions. All from the perspective of a successful CEO who has built an amazing community-focused company at Trek.
Gimme Shelter: Hard Calls + Soft Skills from A Wall Street Trailblazer
I have the great pleasure of working closely with Ivy and her book sheds insight into the woman behind the incredible mind. A very inspirational read!
When Women Lead: What They Achieve, Why They Succeed, and How We Can Learn from Them
Great research and insights on diverse management teams, companies led by women, and companies led by minorities. One of the more interesting points is that women and men are equally as successful raising Series B, C, D venture financing, but because women are more factual and understated, they underperform men in Series A fundraising when selling a vision.
Elevate Your Team: Empower Your Team to Reach Their Full Potential and Build A Business That Builds Leaders
In his book Robert writes, “There is no way to spend too much time on obtaining and developing the best people.” If you’re not consistently improving your team, you’re doing your company a disservice.
Move Fast and Fix Things: The Trusted Leader’s Guide to Solving Hard Problems
Frances writes in her book, “Leadership is about empowering other people as a result of your presence and making sure that impact continues into your absence.” Frances is at the cutting-edge of leadership education, and anyone in a leadership position, or seeking to be in one, can benefit from this book.
The Politics Industry
Katherine dives into the data behind the disaffection and disappointment in the U.S. political system. Katherine’s data, analytics, and solutions - such as rank-choice voting - make this a must-read.
The Click Moment: Seizing Opportunity in an Unpredictable World
Frans’ theories about culture, diversity, and success are thought provoking and inspirational. The book provides insight on the keys to success and how to embrace uncertainty. This is a profound read.
Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America
Skiing is a passion that many enjoy but few are able to take to Chris Davenport’s level. This book brings the pictures and stories behind fifty great descents to life and will make you want to hit the slopes immediately.
Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine
While shedding light on the evolution of warfare, David highlights what to anticipate in the future to navigate our increasingly dangerous. David is a remarkable leader, scholar, and public servant, and it is always an honor to talk with him on the Walker Webcast. Read Conflict!
No One Succeeds Alone: Learn Everything You Can from Everyone You Can
Robert’s story is truly inspirational. From overcoming personal struggles to founding a multibillion-dollar company that is transforming the real estate industry, his journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of community.
Permacrisis: A Plan to Fix a Fractured World
From economic instability to the climate crisis, we’re faced with a myriad of challenges in the modern world. In Permacrisis, Mohamed and his co-authors provide hope – and a plan – for a better future. Mohamed is a rockstar. Read and learn!
The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America
Jeff takes readers on a journey back to the foundation of our democracy by profiling six of the most influential founding fathers and their reading of the great Greek and Roman philosophers. It is a fascinating analysis of how the philosophers influenced our Founding Fathers to establish our democracy. The webcast required every brain cell I was born with!
Design for a Radically Changing World
Diane and Andy created this essential guide for those looking to harness the power of design to create positive change. Now more than ever – with the evolution of office and workspaces as we know it – this book is an important read! Plus, it looks great on your coffee table!
The Generous Leader: 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone’s Gain
If you want to improve your leadership skills, look no further. Joe’s authenticity is inherent throughout his book which is a great reminder that being a successful leader requires more than just technical skills. A wonderful read for seasoned leaders and young professionals alike.
The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World's Fastest-Growing Sport
Formula 1 has been catapulted into the American spotlight in recent years. My conversation with Joshua and Jonathan only scratched the surface of the countless circumstances and events that have redefined the trajectory of motorsports. Anyone looking to understand F1 beyond "Drive to Survive" should add this to the top of their reading list!
Financial Literacy for All: Disrupting Struggle, Advancing Financial Freedom, and Building a New American Middle Class
I’m constantly inspired by John and his mission of providing financial literacy and economic empowerment tools for all. His latest book is a resource for readers at every stage of their professional career looking to better themselves and society.
My Life on the Road
Gloria Steinem is one of the most influential voices of our era. In preparation for having the honor to sit down and interview her, I read-up on her fascinating journey in My Life on the Road. The only thing better than sitting down with Gloria and getting answers to my questions is getting a sneak peek at life through her lens in this bestseller.
Rewired
Rewired is THE go-to handbook – complete with McKinsey research and real-world case studies – on how to innovate and stay ahead in an era of rapidly evolving technology and AI. A highly transformative and impactful read!
Default: The Landmark Court Battle over Argentina's $100 Billion Debt Restructuring
An amazing analysis of the Argentine debt crisis and how world markets, and U.S. law, isolated Latin America's second-largest economy. A fascinating read!
Beyond the Building: How to Use Innovation to Create and Grow Your Commercial Real Estate Portfolio
For anyone looking to understand the future of commercial real estate and the role technology plays in it – this book is a must-read! Rob speaks from his experience and delivers tangible advice for leaders looking to drive growth and sustainability in their businesses. The only caveat to the recommendation is Chapter 2 is about this guy named Willy Walker...
Any Happy Returns: Structural Changes and Super Cycles in Markets
Peter has a unique ability to break down complex economic concepts and present them in a highly digestible way. His analysis of the financial markets – while drawing on major trends and transformations – is invaluable in helping us understand what we’re likely to face in the future.
The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity
A fascinating behind-the-scenes look into the most exclusive club in American politics. Michael delves into the presidency, tracing it back to the 1920s and revealing how these leaders’ legacies continue to shape political decisions today.
The Kennedy Half-Century: The Presidency, Assassination, and Lasting Legacy of John F. Kennedy
Fascinating read from a renowned expert on Kennedy’s life, death, and impact on American politics.
