In a cozy corner of a local coffee shop, I sat down with Margie McCartney, a seasoned professional with a zest for life that’s as infectious as her warm smile. As we delved into her remarkable journey, it became evident that Margie’s resilience and positive outlook have been instrumental in shaping her path through life’s twists and turns.
Margie, the youngest of five in a close-knit Irish Catholic family from West Chester County, New York, began our conversation by sharing the rich tapestry of her upbringing. “Since the moment I was born, I’ve had season tickets to a wonderful life,” she remarked, her eyes gleaming with fond memories. Her parents, a coal miner’s daughter, and a decorated World War II veteran, created a foundation of love and support that has guided Margie throughout her 61 years.
Her early adventures included summers spent camping under the stars in the mountains, forging lifelong friendships. As a young adult, Margie’s passion for travel led her to study in Austria during her junior year of college and later become a tour guide in Russia. She has met the Pope one-on-one at the Vatican. The Sydney Olympics and a bronze medal in a global scavenger hunt are just a few highlights from her extensive list of accomplishments.
However, life took an unexpected turn for Margie at the age of 61 when she lost her job without warning. “Who I am is so tied up with what I have done for decades that it’s often difficult to discern who I am from what I do,” she confided. The abrupt transition to job hunting in the digital age, where algorithms sift through resumes, left her grappling with the emotional and mental toll of the process.
Margie reflected on the challenges of being a part of a generation facing discrimination, describing how societal perceptions often label baby boomers as “old people.” Despite the isolating effects, Margie emphasized the importance of staying positive and finding gratitude in life’s smaller joys. Visits to her mother in New York and shared moments at Wrigley Field with her retired husband became sources of solace.
The turning point in Margie’s narrative came during a face-to-face encounter at a dinner in Las Vegas during the IMEX trade show. (The Hospitality industry’s biggest show globally). Though she and her next employer, Penny Wing, knew of each other, they had never spent any time together until Penny and her husband invited Margie to dinner. Ironically, two of Margie’s previous bosses are friends with Penny and had recommended her to Penny, CEO of Reimagine and New Hotel Guide. The NHG is a new technology-based platform that is dedicated to introducing and showcasing new and newly renovated luxury properties worldwide. It was designed by planners for planners. Margie is excited to start on Jan 1st, 2024, as the EVP of Luxury Partnerships.
“It’s the eye-to-eye contact, it’s the smile. It’s a firm handshake. This is the best part of humanity,” she declared. The profound impact of personal connections led Margie to coin the phrase “BYOB: Burst Your Own Bubble.”
BYOB, as Margie passionately explained, is a call to action for individuals to step out of their comfort zones, break free from self-imposed bubbles, and cultivate genuine connections. “When people take a chance and go out of their comfort zone, they can build connections, expand their networks, and lead richer lives,” she affirmed. Margie believes that this philosophy isn’t exclusive to those in the “back 9” of their lives; it’s a universal truth that can resonate with anyone facing unexpected challenges.
In the face of adversity, Margie offered a powerful message: “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are not good enough.” Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for growth and fulfillment at any stage of life.
As our conversation concluded, Margie McCartney left me with a profound nugget of wisdom: “We are all part of this big, crazy world, and the most important thing is to hold on to the people that hold on to you.” Her story serves as a reminder that, in the ebb and flow of life, the connections we build and the bubbles we burst define the richness of our experiences. Margie McCartney’s journey is not just a personal narrative; it’s an inspiring testament to the power of positivity, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
