Story & Lesson Highlights with Tracy McHugh of Tampa

Tracy McHugh shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Tracy, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
Eight weeks ago, I became a mom, and my days look nothing like they used to. Before, I thrived on structure—up at 5 or 6 a.m. to work out, get ready, and eat breakfast before heading into a day of work, errands, or meetings. Evenings meant an early dinner, a few minutes to journal, and lights out by 10 p.m. sharp.

Now? Structure has taken a backseat. Being on maternity leave has allowed me to lean into a “go with the flow” rhythm, where my son is firmly in charge. When he’s hungry, we eat. When he’s tired, we rest. And yes—sometimes he cries, and I’ve learned not to panic but to meet his needs with as much calm as I can muster. Instead of clinging to rigid routines, I’ve made peace with the unpredictability and carved out small joys for myself—writing, grabbing coffee, or strolling with friends.

My favorite part is that our mornings still begin with two constants: a walk and a cup of coffee, just with my tiny new co-pilot in tow.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I like to say I was “raised Jersey”—because growing up in New Jersey gave me more than just a hometown, it gave me grit, energy, and a certain no-nonsense way of approaching life and work. That spirit carried me into the events world, where I spent most of my career selling, planning, and executing corporate events designed to spark connection and leave a lasting impression.

Then COVID-19 hit—and like so many of us in events, everything I knew was turned upside down overnight. Instead of waiting for things to “get back to normal,” I saw an opportunity to reimagine how I worked. I stepped into consulting, building a business on my own terms, where I could set the pace, the parameters, and the projects that truly excited me. It hasn’t been without challenges, but every twist in the road has stretched me in the best ways. What keeps it special is that I still get to do what I love—bringing people together—while shaping a career that fits the life I want to live.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A defining moment for me was when I began traveling internationally. At first, it was close to home—Canada and the Caribbean, just dipping my toes into new places. In college, I stretched a little further, traveling with my school to Greece and England—a safe leap, but one that opened my eyes to how big and layered the world really is.

The real turning point came after graduation, when I packed a bag and spent two months traveling solo through Europe. This was before the era of smartphones and constant connectivity, so I had to rely on my instincts, stay sharp, and truly be present. I navigated unfamiliar streets, met people from all walks of life, and immersed myself in cultures so different from my own.

Those experiences didn’t just shape how I see the world—they shaped me. They taught me resilience, curiosity, and gratitude. Every place I’ve visited and every person I’ve met has added a thread to my story, and I carry those lessons with me every day.

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
It’s funny, because the moment that comes to mind wasn’t life-changing, but it stuck with me. Years ago during the holidays, I was casually telling my parents a story about how my brother had asked what kind of perfume I wanted. I rattled off a few options but didn’t mention the one I really loved because it was a little too expensive. I wasn’t hinting, just chatting.

A few weeks later, when we were opening gifts, my mom handed me a box. I’ll never forget the shock when I peeled back the wrapping and saw that very perfume—the one I hadn’t even said out loud. She just smiled and said she’d never seen me look so surprised. It reminded me that sometimes being truly listened to means catching what’s unsaid, not just the words we share.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
The first person who comes to mind is Jennifer Garner. She’s one of many I admire, but she stands out. When I lived in Los Angeles, I happened to cross paths with her twice. What struck me both times wasn’t the celebrity aura—it was how down-to-earth she was. She treated everyone around her with kindness and respect, no matter who they were or what their status was. To me, that’s real character. That’s real power.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
From a young age, I had this instinct to lay all my cards on the table and not let fear—or future regret—hold me back. My rule of thumb has always been: if I even wonder whether I’ll regret not doing something, I go for it.

When I was 22, backpacking solo through Europe, I found myself in Venice staring at the gondolas. It felt like the quintessential “couple’s activity,” and the price tag was steep for someone living on a backpacker’s budget. But then I thought: Who knows when I’ll be in Venice again? So I climbed in, alone, and let myself soak up the magic of drifting through those canals. That ride wasn’t about who I was with—it was about saying yes to the moment.

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