Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to debut our new podcast series, “Tips From The Trail,” hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, where we explore the path to political office, from the decision to run to election day. For our inaugural episode, we are excited to feature special guest Mimi Walters, Chief Commercial Officer of Leading Edge Power Solutions and former U.S. Representative, as well as WPLN’s Honorary National Co-Chair. 

Mimi’s leadership journey began in high school and continued through college at UCLA, including an internship on Capitol Hill, before her focus shifted to local politics after the birth of her first child.  As Mimi recalls, “I walked into city hall one day and said, ‘I want to get involved in the community, how can I volunteer?’ And so I started my career as crowd control for the holiday parade in Laguna Niguel.” 

Through her involvement in organizations like California Women’s Leadership Association (CWLA), Mimi built valuable relationships with experienced women in politics who provided mentorship and insights into the political landscape. Beyond networking, Mimi emphasized the importance of hands-on experience.“I got most of my experience,” Mimi explains, “from volunteering on other people’s campaigns. That’s how I learned to run my own.” 

For women considering getting involved in their community or running for office, Mimi offers several key recommendations:

1. Have passion: "If you don’t have the passion, I wouldn’t suggest doing it.” Without genuine passion for the work, the challenges of political life, including potential invasions of privacy, can be overwhelming. 
2. Have a career: Having a career to fall back on offers stability, regardless of the outcome of a campaign, and will help you rebuild after setbacks.
3. Have a sense of humor: “Don’t take everything so seriously. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, we all make them.” 
4. Have principles: “Don’t be someone who just says what people want to hear. Have conviction for what you believe in and when it comes down to making those tough decisions, fall back on your convictions and why people elected you.”  Principled leadership builds trust and allows you to effectively represent your constituents.

For Mimi, it’s essential for women to be actively involved in the political process, setting an example for future generations and bringing unique perspectives and strengths to the table. “If you’re somebody who cares about the future of our country and leaving this world a better place for future generations, then you need to get involved. You almost have to get involved. Because if you don’t do it, who else will?”  Mimi’s journey, from volunteer to political leader, is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to serving one's community.

Check out the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

MORE ABOUT THE GUEST: Mimi Walters is a former investment executive who transitioned to a 22-year career in elected office, beginning with Laguna Niguel City Council in 1996.  She subsequently served in the California State Assembly (2004), the State Senate (2008), and the U.S. House of Representatives (2015-2019), focusing on fiscal, healthcare, and energy policy.  While in Congress, she served in House leadership and on the Energy and Commerce Committee.  Currently, Walters is building an energy company, Leading Edge Power Solutions LLC, serves on the boards of B. Riley Financial and Eos Energy Enterprises, and chairs the nonprofit Apollo Pact. She is also WPLN's Honorary National Co-Chair, where she provides indispensable expertise and strategic guidance to the WPLN Leadership Team as they seek to educate, organize, and inspire more women across the country.