Kim O'Connor

Kim O'Connor

Boston Office Managing Partner


Grant Thorton

New York, NY USA


You’re not alone in being afraid. The first time anyone tries something new, you never know if you can do it. You have a choice at that point to either back away from it because you are afraid, or to be vulnerable and take a leap. That’s the only way you can figure out what really lights you up.

Videos

By Roadtrip Nation

Kim O'Connor

Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
I grew up on the west coast of the U.S. and always wanted to go to the University of California, Berkeley—I began attending with the goal of getting a degree in liberal arts.
Before I got a chance to graduate, my mom got really sick, so I moved back home and began working.
I met someone who worked as a CPA and I really liked the sound of their job.
Decided to go back to school and attend the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where I received my bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting.
Started exploring different client and company environments in order to figure out what I liked—along the way, I worked at mutual fund, manufacturing, and medical advice companies.
Began working for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as a partner, where I worked for over 15 years.
In 2004, I decided to go to Grant Thornton, where I now work as the managing partner in the Boston office.
I also serve on the board of directors of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Keep following my journey

Education

High School
Bachelor
Economics, General
The Wharton School
Vocational
Neuroscience Leadership Program
Columbia University

Career

Boston Office Managing Partner

I'm an assurance partner that works with public & private international companies & organizations.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Numbers
Learning / Being Challenged

Day to Day

As the Boston Office Managing Partner, I oversee the Firm’s New England market strategy and execution, coordinating cross-service line solutions for our clients and prospects. In this role, I am also responsible for people and culture in New England. I serve as a relationship partner to many of Grant Thornton’s largest clients, ensuring Grant Thornton is creating innovative solutions and helping clients stay ahead of shifting complexities as they grow.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

When you are starting out, you won't have the experience so you have to be curious, have a positive attitude, and find a company with a good culture fit for you. For women, we often wait until we are fully qualified whereas men just go for it. For the women reading this, you just need to go for it!

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

certification
Vocational
Neuroscience Leadership Program

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Myself:

"Am I going to be able to learn this fast enough? Will I understand everything?"

Challenges I Overcame

Family Stress
Imposter Syndrome
Gender Discrimination