In honor of this year’s International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we’re recognizing and celebrating some of our Connor’s female leaders who are an inspiration to us.  

We are committed to leading with purpose and fostering a gender-equal workplace by seeking inclusion at work and in our communities. When Connor was founded, we were inspired by Nelson Mandela’s words, “It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

This is reflected in our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts – our organization’s backbone. We continually update our policies and practices to reflect the global perspective of our teams, our communities, and the world. Our female leaders are a contributing part to the greater whole and we honor them, their hard work, and their efforts to help nurture other females into leadership positions with Connor and with other companies.  

For this blog, we are going to highlight several of our female leaders and include their answers to the questions we asked. For each question, we heard from at least two leaders. Each response leaves us thankful we count them as part of the Connor team and have the opportunity to work together.

What’s something you wish you’d known when you started your career?

Rebecca Hynds

There's no shame in changing course. If it’s too hard then maybe, it’s not the right path or place. Embarking on the new challenge in Connor Consulting and learning to truly believe that I was good enough.  

Crystal Bruzzese

I wish I would have known how to set healthy boundaries early in my career.

Carolyn Johnson

I wish that I had known that the challenges and obstacles we all face along our career paths would eventually be embraced as growth and development opportunities. I have learned to accept life’s lessons and experiences with gratitude, and to turn stumbling-blocks into stepping-stones throughout my career journey.  

Sharon Cheng

That it’s ok to make mistakes if we learn from it.

Have you had any mentors that you feel really impacted your career?  

Rebecca Hynds

Mike Willis - a PwC Director has always been a mentor for me in my professional career. He's a bit like Simon, surrounded by females! He hires those who can do the best job and loves to see how they can contribute to his business. If it wasn't for Mike, I would never have stayed in my old role for so long.

Crystal Bruzzese

I have had quite a few mentors throughout my career who shaped different aspects of it at each point. My first mentor was able to see and highlight my strengths and encouraged me to obtain an MBA, which ultimately became one of the best decisions I made and opened the doors to many opportunities as my career progressed. During my MBA program, I became friends with the CEO of a community health system. She embodies what I feel a strong female leader should be – balancing business with compassion and empathy for her team and patients. 

Carolyn Johnson

I've been fortunate to be surrounded by strong, inspirational women throughout my life. What I admire most has been their spirit of resilience (mental fortitude and emotional strength), along with their grace. My parents emphasized the value of hard work and education in my youth and instilled the importance of “Never Giving Up.” Developing a mindset of determination, perseverance, and hardiness has been instrumental in powering through workplace issues and adapting to change.

Sharon Cheng

My husband. He may not be the best boss, but he reminds me of my strengths and gives me the opportunity to succeed with it.

What’s a career moment you’re most proud of?  

Rebecca Hynds

Completing my Masters in Executive Leadership in 2022. It was challenging to move jobs, take a director role in Connor and complete my studies but I managed it and loved every minute!

Crystal Bruzzese

I'm proud of my ability to consistently bring teams together to create a positive culture that encourages teamwork, trust, and support. 

Carolyn Johnson

As I look back on professional achievements, I’m most proud of efforts to nurture positivity and advocate for respect and equality for everyone in the workplace. My interpretation of career success is not measured by position titles or pay grades. Rather, if I have made any positive impact, or inspired confidence and uplifted others along the way, then this will be the most meaningful definition of success, for me.

Sharon Cheng

Seeing the people, I mentor get promoted. Being able to contribute to someone’s professional growth is one of my passions.

In closing

Beyond the four leaders we interviewed, we are proud to have many more who work hard and contribute to Connor’s goals every day. We feel it is important to make sure we have a diverse leadership group to support our employees and the Connor values. Each of these leaders is a shining example of phenomenal leadership and how we can all support and lift each other up.

For more information on the culture and community values at Connor, please see our website. And, if you’re looking to join the Connor team, check out our recent open positions.

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