A day in the life with sustainability entrepreneur Pat Kane

Pat Kane’s passion for sustainability runs deep – she’s the founder of reuzi, a one-stop shop for reusable goods and an educational hub for all things sustainable living, and chief sustainability officer at Pragmatica, a boutique sustainability agency. Alongside these roles, she’s also a writer, speaker, and educator championing greener choices at every turn, alongside being a mentor with The Shona Project.

In between emails and meetings from home, Pat prioritises her own well-being whenever she can (which is a big feat in itself) – whether it’s a quick run after dropping her boys at school, trying out a new recipe or spending time with her family.

So, how does she do it all? As Pat puts it, ‘multitasking is an art’ that mothers tend to master quite quickly. Here, she walks us through ‘a day in the life’, sharing how she finds balance, why sustainability is so close to her heart, and how she doesn’t just talk the talk – making mindful choices like driving the plug-in hybrid DS 7.

What does a typical day in your life look like from morning to evening?

A typical day in my life starts early – often before the sun’s fully up… that quiet sliver of time before the house wakes up is pure gold!

I usually sit outside, do a little stretch, and with my coffee in hand, I will either work on my list of ‘goals x dragons’ – the latter being the have-to-do tasks that are less fun than average – or some journaling, just to ground myself. Then it’s go-time: I will take my supplements and prepare a powerhouse smoothie. My boys are pretty independent at this stage, so they prepare their own breakfast, and I will try to sneak in a few squats while packing lunches (multitasking is an art mothers tend to nail, am I right?).

I drop the boys to school on foot; I feel very privileged to be able to walk them, and I use the journey back home to squeeze a run in. Running is my reset button, my non-negotiable. No matter how packed the day is, that time on the road clears my head and fuels everything else.

The rest of the day is a blend of working from home – calls, emails, writing, and problem-solving – and the eventual in-person event, talk or meeting. I love cooking, so by late afternoon I’m usually in the kitchen, unwinding with a new recipe or one of our go-to meals while the boys orbit in and out, doing homework or just being their loud and hilarious selves.

Evenings are family time. We eat together, talk about our days, and wind down with feet up and some stories. It’s busy, messy, and full, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

How do you balance the different hats you wear? Are there key elements of your routine that help you perform?

Balancing the many hats I wear – from chief sustainability officer at Pragmatica, founder of reuzi and writer, to (accidental!) content creator, speaker, mentor, and educator – is definitely a complex dance, but it’s one that’s anchored in purpose and passion. I thrive on variety, and what helps me perform across all these areas is having strong, non-negotiable anchors in my day.

Running is a big one for me; it’s my mental reset and creative spark. Whether I’m preparing for a talk, brainstorming content, or needing clarity on a strategic decision, that time on the road brings fresh energy and focus.

Because I work from home most days and have two wonderful (and very active!) boys, I’ve learned to embrace structure with flexibility. I block my time carefully, batch similar tasks, and am fiercely protective of the windows I carve out for writing and educational work. I’m also a big believer in rest and boundaries, even if it means saying no to some things, so I can show up fully where it matters most.

At the heart of it all is my “why”: whether I’m speaking on a stage, creating a post, mentoring young women through The Shona Project, or guiding a team through sustainability initiatives, it’s all about empowering people to live with intention and make a positive impact.

What’s something you’ve learned to prioritise or let go of over time?

Over the years, I’ve learned to prioritise impact over perfection. In the early days, I felt the need to be across every detail, every opportunity, every platform, every event and award ceremony – but that’s just not sustainable (ironic, right?).

Now, I focus on the work that truly moves the needle, whether it’s a meaningful session with a private client, a social media post that sparks action, or time spent mentoring someone who just needs a little belief poured into them.

I’ve also learned to let go of the guilt around slowing down. Rest isn’t a luxury – it’s fuel. As a busy mom, a leader, and a creator, I’ve come to understand that my energy is one of my most valuable assets. Protecting it allows me to show up fully, whether I’m speaking on a panel or chopping veggies for dinner while the boys tell me about their day.

When it comes to getting around, what matters most to you: convenience, sustainability, or comfort?

Sustainability is always at the core for me, but I’ve learned it has to work with real life. So it’s a balance – sustainability first, but also convenience and comfort, especially with kids in the mix and a calendar that’s constantly shifting. I’ll choose walking or public transport whenever I can, but I’m not afraid to be pragmatic when needed. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making mindful choices that add up over time.