How I Got Here: Sustainability advocate and strategist Pat Kane

How did you start out in your career?

Growing up in Rio, I was raised in a family of strong and entrepreneurial women. Our family business was in education, and my grandmother inspired me to become a kindergarten teacher while finishing my final years of secondary school. At the age of 23, I left to live in Kingston, Jamaica to work for an Irish telco business called Digicel. That’s where my love affair with Ireland began.

What steps did you take career-wise to get where you are now?

Moving to the Caribbean was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Even to this day, it remains one of the most defining moments in my life. I met my husband and moved to Ireland, and my next job was as a customer experience director for Flutter Entertainment, which is a FTSE 100 company. As a woman, a foreigner, and a new mother in a male-dominated industry, it felt empowering. I leapt into entrepreneurship with a maternity leave project and launched Reuzi just five days before childbirth. I joke that my son, Conor, was my first employee. When I then trained to become a sustainability strategist, and clients began recommending me to other businesses, I knew I was heading in the right direction.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up early and start my day with either a run or a gym session, a non-negotiable part of my routine for the impact it has on my mental well-being. Once I’m done, it’s time
for breakfast. I have two boys (TJ is ten and Conor is six), and I cherish these morning moments, chatting with them and getting them ready for the day ahead, as well as dropping them off at school. I take a few minutes to journal and keep a running list of “dragons” – which is what I call the biggest challenges or tasks I need to tackle.

By 9 am, you’ll find me at my desk. I work from home, and I absolutely love it. No two days are ever the same. Some, I’m visiting clients, working on a brand collaboration, or writing an article. Other days, I’m home all day, deep in concentration. At 6pm, I religiously wrap up work and shift into family mode again. Cooking dinner for the four of us is one of the most special parts of the day. Before sleeping, I grab my journal once more to reflect on my day. It helps me stay grounded in gratitude, and I go to bed knowing I’ve done the best I possibly could.

What parts of your role do you find most fulfilling?

That’s a tricky question because I wear so many hats! But at its core, what I find most fulfilling is the connection. Whether I’m working on a project for a new client, collaborating on a brand initiative, or preparing to go live on a radio show, the most rewarding part is the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. I thrive on meaningful interactions – learning from others, sharing insights, and constantly evolving in the process.

What are the most challenging parts?

Right now, my biggest challenge is making time for all the things I want to do. With so many exciting projects, commitments, and possibilities, balancing everything can be a constant juggling act. I’m always striving to make the most of my time – prioritising what truly matters, staying present in the moment, and ensuring I give my best to both my work and my family.

What are some of the most important things you’ve learned throughout your career?

One of the biggest lessons has been the importance of resilience. Life and work always throw curveballs, but being able to adapt, stay positive, and keep learning has been key. I’ve also come to truly value collaboration – the best ideas often come from working together and learning from those around you. Maximising the power of connections is a must. Building trust and acting with integrity are foundations I’ve found are non-negotiable for creating lasting relationships.

And finally, I’ve realised – the hard way – that success doesn’t mean much if you don’t take care of yourself along the way. Striking a balance between ambition and well-being has made all the difference in staying energised and passionate about the work I do. At the end of the day, it’s all about trying. Perfection may be out of reach, but progress is always within our grasp.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of IMAGE.