 | This biographical article is written like a résumé .(February 2020) |
Jennifer Rudolph Walsh is an American former literary agent, business executive, and storytelling advocate. She is the co-owner of Godmothers, a bookstore and gathering space dedicated to the transformative power of storytelling. Through literature and curated programming, Godmothers fosters connection, conversation, and community, carrying forward Walsh’s lifelong commitment to elevating diverse voices. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Walsh spent over two decades at WME, where she led the agency’s worldwide literary, speakers, and conference divisions. She served on the board of directors for both William Morris Agency (WMA) and WME, where she was the sole female board member and played a key role in the 2009 merger between WMA and Endeavor. [5] As a literary agent, Walsh represented a roster of high-profile authors and public figures, including Brené Brown, Curtis Sittenfield, Sue Monk Kidd, Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Sheryl Sandberg, and Arianna Huffington. Under her leadership, the agency published more than 200 books annually, many of which became New York Times bestsellers. [6] [7]
Beyond publishing, Walsh expanded WME’s presence in live events and experiential storytelling. She oversaw the acquisition and running of Women of Faith, an arena tour that included its own ticketing system. [8]
In 2014, she launched WME Live, producing large-scale national events such as Oprah Winfrey’s 'The Life You Want' Tour, Arianna Huffington’s 'Thrive', and Cosmopolitan Magazine’s 'Fun Fearless Life'. Two years later, she founded Together Live with Glennon Doyle, a nationwide tour featuring Elizabeth Gilbert, Abby Wambach, Cheryl Strayed, Sophia Bush, Luvvie Ajayi Jones, and other thought leaders, activists, and artists. The tour blended personal narrative with performance, fostering an intimate, community-driven experience. [9] [10]
In 2024, Walsh co-founded Godmothers with her business partner and friend, Victoria Jackson. Godmothers [11] serves as a literary and cultural hub, offering curated book selections, dynamic author events, and a space for deep, meaningful conversations. Through Godmothers, Walsh continues to champion storytelling as a means of connection, transformation, and healing. [12] [13] [14] [15]
Walsh has been a champion for female leadership in publishing and entertainment. She created WME’s first Women’s Summit in 2011, convening over 120 female executives from around the world. Her contributions have earned her multiple inclusions on The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment list. [16] [17]
She is a published author, with her book Hungry Hearts exploring themes of resilience, storytelling, and self-discovery. [18]
A sought-after speaker on leadership, resilience, and transitions, Walsh frequently shares insights on navigating uncertainty and embracing the 'sacred pause', a concept she has explored in revered publications and platforms, including Fast Company, Forbes, Glamour, and in interviews with Elise Loehnen. [19] [20]
Walsh has long supported literary and educational initiatives. In 2001, she co-founded the New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award, an annual honor recognizing exceptional young authors. She serves on the Board of Trustees at Kenyon College, where she earned her undergraduate degree and was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters. She is also a board member of the National Book Foundation and SeeHer, an organization dedicated to accurate representation of women and girls in media. [21] [22]
At the core of Walsh’s work is the belief that stories have the power to heal, connect, and inspire. Whether through her leadership at Godmothers, her tenure in publishing, or her public advocacy for storytelling as a transformative force, she continues to shape the literary and cultural landscape.
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