Patsy Duggan: Positivity unbound

It has been a while (too long!) since I have written on my own blog, and longer for the people portion, one of my favorites. It is with delight that I start again with Patsy. I don’t remember exactly where or when I met Patsy, only that every single time, she brings a smile. There were many times her warmth and sense of humour cut through whatever moment of chaos or challenge might have occurred mid-event.

By the time I met Patsy, I was in a busy career phase as an Event Producer, juggling multiple client events at any one time and creating memorable events across continents. When we needed the most bubbly and knowledgeable staff to be part of the team, Patsy was always on the list. Having already transitioned from her career phase to freelancing phase, she was always able to be more relaxed – she had worked on many high-level events and knew that we were prepared, and if we had the right attitude, we would deliver excellence. Many times, I found myself seeking Patsy out for a moment of zen, a hug, and a good laugh.

In one memorable moment, I had traveled across the continent last-minute to support an on-site team and when I walked into the office it was like walking into a wall, there was so much tension in this room in the days immediately preceding the event’s start. I connected first with Patsy to ask her what was going on, as everyone was heads-down and anxious. She explained some of the reasons for the stress in the room and suggested we could help with hugs and hydration and set out to do that first, then stepped into whatever tasks were required. It remains a reminder that we are in the business of serving other humans with every event, and that we do have to take care of those working to make the ‘magic’ happen.

Tugboats and tarot cards. The event was the opening of the Port of Prince Rupert Fairview Container Terminal. The staff accommodation – a tugboat! The daily alarm, the foghorn! Until event day, when it was all sunshine and this rural airport came alive, VIPs, charters and commercial aircraft all vying for parking spots. At the festival site, it was all hands on deck as this small town welcomed hundreds of visitors for a day of celebration. This was one of the toughest event executions – a case study in solutions for every step of the journey, and one that, as it all came to fruition, we smiled all the way through and we still laugh about the stories from this one.

One of my most low-key and memorable birthday celebrations began with a brunch, turned into a tarot card reading and me being late for my own afternoon barbecue! Patsy’s yoga practice was one of the first that inspired me to slow down and try it. Patsy is one of the women who inspired me to take my own children traveling as she whisked her grandchildren to Paris and beyond. Today I write this from a lobby in Morocco while our daughter (who has just arrived on the red-eye flight) rests before we begin exploring this evening, starting at Rick’s American Cafe inspired by the movie Casablanca!

So much joy is found in time with Patsy, and while our time may be infrequent, it is always lovely. From serendipitous passing on the seawall to days of being on-site for events, she is always a highlight. Lessons I keep close – keep the faith (and I have the reminder block close at home), share the hugs, be real, and look for the magic, it’s out there in every smile.