Walking Your Talk: A Powerful Lesson in Living Your Values

It was my first internship—one of my first real steps into the working world—and a striking moment of someone truly living their values.

I arrived expecting a formal interview. A structured conversation, a glass of water on the table, a notebook in hand. I had questions prepared, things I wanted to learn. I knew I had to present my best self. I wanted to fit in.

This was a service innovation agency in Durham, led by two passionate social activists. They weren’t just talking about making a difference—they were actively shaping public sector change and driving innovation.

I rang the doorbell of their home office, expecting to be ushered into a meeting space. Instead, Cameron, the company director and a truly wonderful human being, greeted me with a warm smile and did something completely unexpected.

After a brief hello, he said:

“We always start our day with a walk. And while we walk, we pick up any litter or rubbish we find. Are you okay to walk and talk?”

There was no hesitation in his voice—this wasn’t a test or a gimmick. This was just who they were.

So, instead of sitting stiffly at a desk, I found myself strolling through the streets of Durham, a litter picker in one hand and a deep sense of respect in the other.

This wasn’t just an interview. It was an invitation—to witness their values in action.

They didn’t need to tell me what they believed in. They showed me.

Values
This is important to us.
This is what we care about.
This is what we believe.
This is what we do around here.
This is the kind of people we are.
This is our culture’

A conversation over a crisp morning walk turned out to be far more insightful than any formal meeting ever could have been. The way they worked, the way they lived—it was all aligned.

A lesson in connection.
A lesson in integrity.
A lesson in truly living your values.

So, over to you…

How are you living your values?
How do you show people what you believe in?