After going on a family golf trip in 2005, Natasha Sawatsky fell in love with the game and felt she finally found a passion to blend her career with. Seven years later, Natasha leads Marketing & Sales at the Glencoe Golf & Country Club, where she plans events that allow members, families and the community to create amazing memories together in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the Membership Marketing & Sales Director at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club. My Club is the largest golf course in Canada and we have about 1160 Active members. Initially, I managed the recruitment, retention and marketing of memberships. In addition to this, I now manage the wedding sales, public relations, internal/external communications, and social media platforms.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started working at the Club on June 1, 2009. I had previously worked in hospitality for almost 17 years until I went on a golf holiday with my family in 2005 and fell in love with the game. At the time, I was an Executive Meeting Manager at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. I managed over 500 events in two and a half years and I was working crazy hours…I knew it was time for a change. In 2008, I hired a professional recruiter and coincidently, a contract came up for a Membership Marketing Director at the Granite Club and Granite Golf Club. This was my chance to blend my love of golf into my professional world. I took a chance on an industry that I knew nothing about, hoping that my passion of service would help me succeed. A year and a half later, I moved to Calgary and was given the opportunity to design my dream career. Over the course of the last few seasons, I have been able to join together my love of food and beverage, communications, and of course…golf.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I get to meet a lot of amazing people and I interact and work with all of the departments within the Club. I get to help brides/grooms plan the most special day of their lives and at the same time, I am able to show off a Club unlike any others in the country and watch families create amazing memories together. It’s pretty cool.
During the peak season (April to August), work can be CRAZY! My biggest challenge is trying to stay balanced throughout this time. My workload easily doubles during this period and many weeks are spent working Monday – Saturday. I guess that is ‘challenging’ part…but I kind of love it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have never been able to answer this question! BUT, if I stop feeling successful (see answer to following question), I will know I need to “see myself” somewhere else.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is waking up every day and being happy and content in my personal life, and pumped up to go to work at the same time. Success is going into the world every day knowing that you are making a difference and impacting someone in a positive way.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
In 1999-2000, right after college, I was hired by Walt Disney World to represent Canada in Epcot Centre. This experience changed my life and showed me a perspective of service and work ethic like I had never seen before. It altered my view on the corporate world and provided many subsequent opportunities at incredible companies as a result. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the Mouse.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
A good friend of mine says “Passion Drives Success”, and he’s absolutely right.
My advice? “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi. Your career should excite you, engage you and motivate you every day. Stand up for what you believe in, don’t be afraid to ruffle some feathers, and do what is right for your organization. The right people will notice. Your career make you feel like you’re “going to work”.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support the Canadian Cancer Society and participate in spring/fall events. Cancer has touched both my family, and families of some of my dearest friends. Every little bit helps.
What to you is notable?
Notable is having the courage to take risks. Notable is acting and selflessly. Notable is being true to who you are and what you believe in, despite what others may think or say.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone, iPad, iPod!