A boss in business is always unveiling their next chapter. Patricia Marilyn Worsfold has taken every challenge in her life and career head-on. She isn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone and accept the change that comes with it. Let’s meet her.
You were born in Australia, but where are you based now? What prompted the move, and is your family still there?
Yes, I was born in Sydney, Australia, but I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. In 2019, as I approached my mid-30s, I felt the need for a fresh start in a new country, and I chose the United States. I have a fondness for warm weather, and the South’s climate seemed ideal for me. My family, including my mother, father, brother, nieces, and extended family, still resides in Australia and Mauritius.
Was being away from your family hard at first? Did you travel often to the US prior? When you think about the differences between the two locations, what was one of the biggest “adjustments” you had to make when relocating from Sydney and Atlanta?
I experienced homesickness for years but remained determined, assuring my family that I was okay and could courageously endure it. I didn’t want them to say, “I told you so.” However, after four years, I eventually found my home in Atlanta.
Before relocating, I had only taken short vacations to the United States, visiting typical tourist destinations such as Las Vegas, California, and New York about four years earlier. Even then, I often remarked, “I love the States,” and had briefly contemplated moving, though it was just a passing thought. The most significant adjustment for me was the absence of immediate family. I am very family-oriented, so not being with them posed a significant challenge. Moreover, I missed the public transportation system; Sydney boasts one of the best systems I have ever encountered.
You jumped right into the workforce right out of high school. What career path did you follow immediately after graduation?
I entered the workforce full-time a few months after completing high school. I spent 20 years working for Australia’s largest athletic retail company, Rebel Sport Australia, and also worked in gyms as a sales representative and with supplement companies.
It’s amazing, in any country, to stay with one company that long. Did you encounter any hurdles as a young woman early in your career there? What was the key to the work environment that allowed you to not only plant yourself there but thrive for so long as you worked your way up?
When I was a young teenager, I excelled in both athletics and academics, and my parents would treat me by taking me to Rebel Sports instead of cheaper stores. I distinctly recall expressing my desire to work in a place like Rebel, where I could be surrounded by the latest athletic wear, gym equipment, hiking and fishing gear, and work alongside cool colleagues in their stylish uniforms.
At the age of 17, I decided to take the step towards financial independence. I walked into the local Rebel store and submitted my resume. Despite having no prior work experience or a background in sales, my involvement in numerous team sports caught their attention, leading to an interview and ultimately landing the job. I was selected as one of the top three candidates out of a pool of 20, and the joy was so overwhelming that I couldn’t help but shed tears.
Certainly, there were challenging days on the job—whether it was grappling with the intricacies of new products, dealing with difficult customers, or encountering occasional clashes with team members. However, I constantly reminded myself that this was my dream job and never allowed myself to forget the euphoria of being hired. I was determined never to take it for granted.
My dedication and strong work ethic did not go unnoticed by the higher-ups. They entrusted me with responsibilities that extended beyond a single store, often assigning me to open new locations and train new staff.
How has your diverse heritage influenced your perspective and approach to life?
Growing up, I cherished everything I had, including hand-me-downs. Material possessions were never abundant, but I learned valuable lessons about manners and respect from my parents and close family friends. My upbringing involved regular church attendance, Sunday school, and attending a Catholic high school. I treat others as I wish to be treated—with kindness and respect. While I’m always kind, I am wary of being taken advantage of due to my kindness. Life is precious, and I strive to live it without regrets. This motivated me to leave my comfort zone in Australia to test my independence, a decision I’m proud of.
Why advice would you give to another woman, who has been hesitant to take the leap from the security of their own comfort zone to encourage her to DO IT AFRAID?
Follow your dreams and don’t worry about people telling you, you’re not going to make it.
How did you nurture your fitness expertise and love for sports?
My fitness journey began with my father’s athletic influence and his dedication to weightlifting, which I observed from a young age. My mother introduced me to local aerobics classes, and my brother and I often competed to be the fittest. Our parents enrolled us in numerous sports, including swimming, touch football, netball, soccer, track and field, softball, cricket, and more. Even at 38, I maintain my passion for staying active.
Tell us the truth- have you found it any harder to maintain now that you live in the South where not so healthy food is always plentiful?
Making healthy eating choices is possible regardless of your location. If you opt for fast food, that’s a conscious decision you’re making. Personally, I practice moderation in my eating habits. I focus on eating to satisfy my hunger rather than overindulging just to feel full. That said, I do have a particular fondness for high-quality protein in my diet.
What was your role before becoming the General Manager of Doughboy Pizza? What attracted you to your current position? What core values did you believe would benefit the company, and were there any initial challenges you aimed to address?
Before joining the restaurant industry, I had never worked in this field, and it wasn’t something I had considered. While I always enjoyed kitchen activities and food preparation for my fitness goals, I had never envisioned a career in the food industry. Ryan Cameron, the radio personality, offered me the position of General Manager due to my dedication to realizing his business dreams. I find great fulfillment in my role, which I am still learning. One challenge I’ve faced is striking the right balance between being a friend and a manager, as this can sometimes affect how I’m perceived as an authority figure. I’m actively working on improving in this aspect. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure the happiness of my staff and to have everyone proudly represent our incredible team and brand.
Tell us about your entrepreneurial goals.
My entrepreneurial endeavors revolve around my passion for the food and restaurant industry. I aim to expand Ryan Cameron’s Doughboy Pizza, hold partial ownership in a Doughboy franchise, and share my knowledge by teaching staff effective restaurant management based on my experiences.
Entrepreneurship has been frustrating for me, but I know that is because I have never experienced success. How do stay motivated to continue to try new things and embark on new journeys no matter the hiccups you may run into?
Having a strong, motivated, and inspiring spouse makes things easier for me. Their presence keeps me focused, and when I find myself losing motivation, they’re always there to lift me up. I genuinely relish embarking on new journeys with them. It’s a lot more enjoyable when we do it together – it’s fun!
Are you available for speaking engagements and what are some topics you would love to cover?
Each of us possesses a unique story that I believe has the potential to inspire someone else. Therefore, if the opportunity arises for me to share my own story, I see no reason not to do so.
Can you recall a challenging period in your life when things didn’t go as planned, and how did you navigate through it?
During challenging times, I leaned on my faith, remained resilient, and refused to give up. I faced adversity head-on and continue to do so. My incredible support system, both in Australia and Atlanta, has been unwavering since day one, and they have been instrumental in helping me overcome obstacles.
What do you like doing in your downtime?
I have a deep affection for my Giant Schnauzer, Max. I thoroughly enjoy taking him for extended walks. Additionally, I’m a fan of hitting the gym and indulging in some compelling horror movies in my spare time.
Tell our readers where they can connect with you, find out about locations, franchise opportunities and more from Doughboy Pizza and support you in general.
Personal IG: patty.lil.vegemite
Business IG: @officialdoughboypizza
Business Website: doughboypizza.co
When someone mentions your name 20 years from now, what would you aspire for your legacy to reflect about you at your core?
My aspiration is for my legacy to reflect qualities such as being a diligent worker, having unwavering determination, and consistently treating people with the utmost respect.
Anything to add?
“Embrace each new day as an opportunity to write a beautiful chapter in the story of your life. Your potential is limitless, and with determination and positivity, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way. Keep your spirits high, cherish the present, and believe in the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. You are stronger and more resilient than you know!
I was sent this article from a family member and I must say that it’s very entertaining. It’s full of lies and misinformation to be honest. Ms. Worsfold or “Patty” as we call her is a very extraordinary storyteller although she left ALOT of information and truths out. I’m not sure if I should laugh or cry after reading this. She left out the facts of being married to my brother Cedric McMillan, him dying unexpectedly, her having 4 stepchildren that she just abandoned and also her sick mother in law. She left out the fact that he brought her to the States and gave her home, tried to help her get her green card, helped her family in Australia financially and in the end she just abandoned his kids. Please don’t be fooled by this “business woman” she’s a devil in disguise and it’s time that EVERYONE knows the true Patricia.