Heart-First Founders

A gathering space for soft souls in business.
Refill your cup and rest with us.

Three Heart First Founders members walking together through bushland parkland Heart First Founders group gathered together at the coast Heart First Founders members smiling together at a park gathering

A movement for founders who lead with kindness and empathy

Belonging. not burnout
Connection. not networking
Heart. not hustle

Have you been craving a space where you can feel good about your natural softness, sensitivity, and kindness as superpowers in your biz?

Would you like to gently refill your energetic cup away from your screen with like-minded, heart-not-hustle founders?

Join the club.

Join our kindred community

At Heart-First Founders you'll find monthly walks, like-hearted connections, and a quiet hustle rebellion. We can't wait to warmly welcome you.

Heart-First Founders is for you if:

  • you're a kind, empathetic human who runs their own show
  • you want to grow your brand without burning out
  • you believe success should feel like resonance, not just results
  • you've ever been made to feel unsafe or small by a client or contractor
  • you're a new or soon-to-be founder craving gentle support.
Three Heart First Founders members chatting on a picnic blanket

The walk and talk vibe:

  • free and low-key
  • no networking; just connection
  • no pressure; no need to be 'on'
  • honest chats that stay on the walk
  • a kind-hearted hideaway
  • feel seen, heard, and cup-filled

Walk + Talks

Free, low key, here if you need.

Join us in the last week of every month as we unplug and step into nature and like-hearted company.

Upcoming walks

Click on your city below to see upcoming walk dates and register for free via Humanitix.

We can't wait to stroll with you!

Join a Perth walk Join a Melbourne walk

Keep up to date with us on Instagram @heartfirstfounders

Polaroid of a Heart First Founders walk with Jules in Eltham, Melbourne

Come as you are

Thinking about coming along to a walk? Yay!
Here's exactly what to expect.

Save your free spot via Humanitix so your host can look out for you on the day. You'll receive reminders and any updates about changes to the location or timing from your host.

Arrive anytime from 15 minutes before the walk begins. We depart right on the scheduled time. Your host will message the night before with what they'll be wearing — and their mobile number — so you can spot them easily or text if you're running late.

Follow your host and relax into the company of fellow soft souls in biz. You're welcome to join in however feels right for you — whether that's connecting, sharing, or simply enjoying the energy of kind, like-minded founders and a fresh breeze.

“Thank you again for a beautiful morning. I felt so much more energised for the rest of the week, starting it off on a good note with amazing founders who were so uplifting and supportive. Looking forward to the next one.”

Ann Manifis

Ann Manifis Consulting

We believe that growing a brand, and finding success, can be slow, nuanced, and deeply meaningful – especially if we can support each other through.

Walk and Talk FAQs

Yes please. Each walk has its own Humanitix link so we can keep track of numbers and send you any updates about location or weather. You can pick and choose the dates that work for you – there's no long-term commitment.

Absolutely. Most people come on their own the first time. Your host will warmly welcome you at the gathering point before the walk and will let you know what they're wearing so you can find each other. Once we start walking, you'll find the conversations unfold naturally. You're welcome to be as quiet or as chatty as you like – it's your time to unplug and be in the energy of like-hearted humans.

No, the walks will always be free!

Your host will keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to the walk. If the weather looks wet or wild, we'll send you an email update via Humanitix the day before so you know what to expect (maybe a later start, a shorter walk, or a cosy coffee instead).

No, this is unhurried, heart-to-heart connection – not networking. It's a safe space for the people who feel called to attend, unwind, go deep, or say nothing at all if they feel like it. There's no pitching, biz card swapping, or pressure to 'sell yourself'. Heart First Founders is about real relationships, gentle support, and feeling less alone in business.

Cancelling is absolutely fine! Life happens and if you don't feel like coming we want you to know you can cancel at any time. You can do this via the link in your Humanitix registration email or simply reply to this email to let us know. We hope you'll join a future walk when things feel lighter again.

Your host will send a short email to everyone who attended. If you shared a preferred social handle or contact details in your RSVP, these will be included so you can stay in touch with anyone you connected with. It also means you don't need to worry about swapping details during the walk – you can simply enjoy the moment, knowing you'll be able to reach out later.

Feel free to email Adele (adele@bookleafcopy.com.au) or DM us on Instagram @heartfirstfounders