“Humanity is the core of our business.” ― Richard Walker As the CEO of a prominent IT consulting firm, York Solutions, Richard Walker has applied the principle of Relationship Equity to achieve tremendous business success as he builds the tech talent pool and helps professionals develop their careers. Walker describes Relationship Equity as the good faith you can build by investing in relationships faithfully and steadily, with no expectation of reaping a return. In his new book, Relationship Equity: Your Cornerstone Investment to Great Gains in Business and Life , Walker takes his readers on a journey of discovery, examining a principle with the power to revolutionize both business and personal lives. He explains that the relationships we forge with others are of supreme importance―and when you get those right, the rest will follow. “If you are a friend who is genuine,” he writes, “you will have genuine friends―and lo and behold― they will want to help you just as you have helped them.” Sounds simple? It’s not. Relationship Equity has many nuances, and Walker explores them all in Relationship Equity . To share the story of how he developed the philosophy, he escorts his readers back to the small-town world of his youth in northern England, then onward to his corporate life at the helm of a thriving American tech company. “In our families, our businesses, our communities, our world―we need one another,” Walker writes. “We are not islands unto ourselves.” In his new book, Walker teaches us what he and his company are doing today to pay forward the many acts of kindness that have come his way through the years. Richard Walker has made it his business to change lives for the better, and his business reflects that. If you have the good fortune to fall into Richard Walker’s orbit you first are caught in a whirlwind of charisma. Only later, slowly, do you realize the depth of his perception and selflessness. You will reconsider your closely held patterns of behavior. He will improve you as he has me and many others ― prince and pauper alike ― who flock to him for advice. Steven J. Kern, MD FACS The snazzy shoes, big smile, gregarious laugh, and welcoming arms are the epitome of Richard Walker; a true master of connecting others through selfless purpose and drive. I have watched Richard for over two decades build relationships where people feel truly valued, inspired to connect with other and give back to make the communities they come from a better place. What you see is what you get with Richard ― a genuine, charismatic leader who puts the value of a relationship before everything else. Our world is better because of Richard, and Relationship Equity is a masterful composition of doing just that. Kim Skanson President, Cargill I have known Richard for over a decade, and he has been a great friend and mentor to me. He is also one of the most successful and generous leaders I have ever met. In Relationship Equity, he reveals the secret behind his remarkable achievements: building strong and lasting relationships with everyone he meets. This book is not only a fascinating story of his journey from bricklayer to CEO, but also a practical guide on how to create meaningful connections in life and business. If you want to learn from the best, read this book. You won't regret it. François Charette Enterprise CTO, Optum Richard Walker has been one of the most influential people on the trajectory of my career, as he called out in Relationship Equity, he taught me the value of investing in my professional and personal network. Through our relationship, Richard helped guide me from being a middle manager to a c-level executive at a $20 billion public company. In the process, I learned that paying it forward, without expectation will give you more gratification in life than any professional achievement. Marc Kermisch Chief digital and information officer, CNH Industrial Richard Walker is the real deal. Relationship Equity isn’t just a book, it’s how Richard approaches life. As a recipient of Richard’s relationship equity, I know firsthand the impact this has had on me and so many others. In Relationship Equity, Richard reveals the principles that propelled his success personally and professionally. From his humble beginnings to his successful career, his story can be your playbook. Mark W. Murphy Executive vice president and chief information and digital officer, 3M As an executive, fellow immigrant, and life coach, Richard’s story truly resonated with me. Relationship Equity speaks volumes to those of us that value team collaboration and see its long-term ability to achieve great results. I thoroughly enjoyed the personal stories which at times had me laughing out loud. However, I have walked away with a deepening connection to the importance of continuing to build and foster relationships! Kelley Gurley, Ph.D, Global head of data digital technology portfolio and demand management, Takeda