Patrina King
Patrina King tells us that, “As a Business Golf Coach, I help entrepreneurs and professionals use golf as a tool to enhance their professional and personal skills. I focus on golf fundamentals, business networking, golf strategy, mental toughness, and more. Being a lifelong golfer and current business owner, I have developed a solid background in strategy, business administration, management, and operations.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I spent my formative years on the golf course, where my father and I bonded over weekend rounds and occasional weekday evenings. This unique upbringing instilled in me valuable lessons about human interactions. Whether we were engaged in a friendly game or simply enjoying each other’s company, those moments taught me essential skills in working, playing, and communicating with people. In that nurturing environment, I discovered that life extended beyond academic achievements; it was about forging connections with the right individuals, emphasizing the importance of relationships in the broader spectrum of success.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
My business venture owes its inception to the influential guidance of my mentor, Nancy Lewis. Initially, I lacked the motivation to introduce the game of golf to women, firmly convinced that the sport held limited appeal for them. This perception was shaped by my own experiences as the sole girl on the local golf course during my upbringing. While I encountered a few fellow female golf enthusiasts in other cities, the lack of substantial interest in my hometown reinforced my initial belief. However, under Nancy’s mentorship, I gained a fresh perspective and the determination to challenge these preconceived notions, ultimately leading to the establishment of my business.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
My call for change is straightforward: let’s foster mutual respect for everyone. If we collectively embrace respect for each other and acknowledge our differences, there may be less pressure to ‘pick a side.’ Allowing people the space to be themselves can pave the way for a more harmonious and peaceful coexistence for all.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
I find immense joy in witnessing the increasing prominence of women in leadership roles. It’s disheartening that gender alone has historically been a barrier to women assuming leadership positions. The idea of women in leadership should be inherent; our focus should always be on appointing the most qualified person for the job, and it’s no surprise when that person happens to be a woman. I believe we are making significant strides towards a more inclusive future, and I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the positive changes underway.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
My guiding principle is ‘Do it authentically,’ a motto born from the lessons life has taught me. The paramount lesson is the importance of being true to oneself. The world needs the unique qualities that define you. When you conform to someone else’s mold, you risk missing connections with the people who resonate with the real you. It’s about attracting and connecting with ‘your people’ by embracing and expressing your authentic self.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Avoid the distraction of comparisons. Your primary focus should be on delivering your best in your business. Others in your field might seem to excel in different aspects—be it speed, scale, or efficiency. However, their success is tailored to their audience at this moment. Their audience may not be your audience currently. If their audience aligns with yours, they will naturally gravitate towards you as long as you remain steadfast and consistent in your efforts.