In 2007, Marcia Zaruba-O’Connor made the courageous decision to leave her stable, salaried position to establish The O’Connor Group, a human resources outsourcing, recruitment and executive search firm. The following year, the 2008-2009 recession brought immense challenges. With just one client, Zaruba-O’Connor was determined to maintain that relationship while seeking new opportunities.
The O’Connor Group has now grown to a team of 65 employees, headquartered in King of Prussia. “This journey has reinforced my belief in resilience and the power of unwavering commitment,” said Zaruba-O’Connor.
Since she was named a Titan 100, the Hall of Fame inductee has embarked on a journey with ShadowHer.org, a dynamic and groundbreaking certified nonprofit organization dedicated to propelling women entrepreneurs into the stratosphere of success.
“We’re rewriting the narrative for women entrepreneurs, smashing through barriers that have kept businesses from soaring past the $1 million milestone,” said Zaruba-O’Connor. The transformative six-month program is a whirlwind adventure led by industry titans – subject matter experts at the forefront of sales, marketing, finance, human resources and strategy. Already in its second cohort, Zaruba-O’Connor said the energy is palpable, the success stories are multiplying, and sponsorships are locked and loaded, ready to catapult entrepreneurs into the stratosphere.
At The O’Connor Group, Zaruba-O’Connor said the firm’s aspirations extend beyond recruitment and consulting. “We envision ourselves as architects of transformative experiences, shaping workplaces where potential flourishes and diverse talents harmonize for unparalleled success,” she said. “We are not just consultants; we are partners in progress, architects of enduring organizational legacies.”
As a leader, Zaruba-O’Connor said she aspires to create a work environment that transcends the ordinary – a space where every individual is not just part of the team but an essential force in a collective success story.
“Picture a workplace where challenges are not obstacles but stepping stones, each one an opportunity for growth and personal triumph, and one where speaking up isn’t just encouraged; it’s a cornerstone of our fabric of who we are,” she said. “I dream of creating a supportive ecosystem that propels individuals not just in their careers but in their broader lives – an environment where personal and professional growth are inseparable threads in the fabric of a better life.”
For Zaruba-O’Connor, The O’Connor Group is not just a workplace. “It’s a realm where each person’s journey intertwines with the collective, forging a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and a commitment to excel and help others live a better life,” she said.
