Pat Hirst has golden nuggets of “attitude” to help entrepreneurs, heads of corporations, municipal public servants and leaders of non-profits alike. She will capture your imagination through stories and great information via PowerPoint and video presentations and interactive exercises.
In her role as Director of Customer Service for the Vancouver Port Corporation, Hirst learned what it takes to lead a team and create results. She also learned the importance of communicating effectively, resolving differences and the strength of building a positive work culture.
“I say to people, ‘If you want to enhance one skill, make it your communication because that’s what you are relying on to get all your person and professional objectives met.’”
Relationships are everything! Raised on a farm in the Dufferin Municipality, southwest of Winnipeg, Hirst understands the power of relationships where we see our friends and neighbours on a daily basis.
Hirst’s career has been an interesting journey to where she is now, the President of Touchstone Resources, a company she began out of Winnipeg in 1995.
She’s an instructor for CPA Manitoba, Manitoba Quality Network QNET, and Red River College; a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, Mediation Services Winnipeg, and Winnipeg Film Group.
With a bachelor’s degree in Commerce with Honours from the U of M, a Certificate in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University, and a Certificate in Conflict Resolution from Mediation Services Winnipeg, she brings preventative strategies that are a foundation for business building.
“Hire good people, train them well and treat them right,” sounds simple.
Over the years, Hirst realized people need help to accomplish that, so she has written a book that you can purchase in order to take home Hirst’s wisdom - “In a Perfect World: Interpersonal Skills for Life”. One reviewer says, “The book covers often overlooked principles to offer a fresh perspective to those struggling with derailed social lives.” These are also the soft skills every business needs.
Hirst points out that the upcoming expo is a rare opportunity providing expertise for the rural business community, all gathered in one place, “in your own front yard,” she points out.
“What can we learn from other businesses? That is, I think, the real benefit of coming together. How do we earn from each other, leverage each other’s successes?”
