October 28, 2013
2013 Outstanding Women In Business
Mary Ann O'Connor: President and CEO VNA Care Network & Hospice, Worcester
Mary Ann O'Connor
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
After giving this careful thought, I would say that my aunt, Emma Fallert, has influenced me the most. Emma was born in 1923. She was a successful owner of two businesses during her career. She owned a restaurant and a beauty salon. She often involved me in the company as a young girl, either by answering phones or assisting with operations and customer service. She was very committed to providing the best service. It was very obvious that she cared about her customers and that she was intent that they experience only the highest level of service excellence. She modeled hard work, strategic thinking and strong connection to her community and a love for what she was doing. She had the full support of her husband and family in all of her efforts. She was a wonderful role model for a young girl, as I was taught from a very early age that hard work and love for what you do made most things possible.
What has helped you achieve success in your career?
Having a sincere interest in what I am doing has helped me to achieve success in my career. I truly enjoy working hard to achieve the best outcomes for patients and families and staff. I love working on behalf of the nurses, therapists and caregivers to create a work environment where they can flourish so they will have the best opportunity to provide great care. I do believe if you love what you do and you work hard at it, with an emphasis on lifelong learning, success will follow.
What's your primary motivator; or if there is one thing that makes you tick or ignites a passion within you, what is it?
There are many things that motivate me, but when I am asked to speak about the motivator that most comes to mind, I would say that at the end of my life, I would like to look back and feel that my time here was well spent and that all the hard work and effort left my small part of this world somehow improved or better off.
How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
The staff of VNA Care Network and Hospice, Homestaff (private care) and Wellness work every day to serve the Worcester community with excellence. Our mission is to provide care and services so patients and families can remain together in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. We seek to work together with patients and families so they become highly engaged in the maintenance of their health and wellness. We serve patients from birth to end of life. Our staff visits patients 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
When the stress level gets too high, how do you ease the pressure?
It's very clear to me that the maintenance of my own health and wellbeing is paramount to me, my family and any success I may achieve. I love to walk, dance, read, and spend time with my husband and two sons, Ryan and Paul. I give my work everything I have every day, but I have always been able to turn it off and totally become immersed in my private life. I think that is a critical skill.
How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life? Please give an example or two.
I like to travel, and scheduling vacations on regular intervals helps me to look forward to time off. I try hard to stay involved with activities I enjoy, like dancing, so that I don't spend all my time working. I also have joined a walking group that meets regularly and takes very interesting guided walks. I love music and enjoy staying in touch with all the new tunes!
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2013 Women In Business Awards - Mary Ann O'Connor, VNA Care
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