New partner Krista Henehan joined the company in May of 2018. She took on one of the most unique and challenging roles within the company, Chief of Staff for the LSC (Larry Connor) Department. Krista has proven to have grit, a relentless work ethic, and above all, a positive can-do attitude.
Loop recently caught up with Krista to talk about her promotion to partner and her unique path to The Connor Group….
What did you do before The Connor Group?
I was the director of operations for USA Climbing. My job involved traveling around the country and putting on indoor rock-climbing competitions for the nation’s top youth and adult climbers. I started this career right out of college after getting an internship with the United States Olympic Committee. I was initially hired as a project manager and moved up from there.
Did you find us, or did we find you?
I was looking for a change. Although I loved what I was doing, the travel was beginning to be a bit much for my family. I said if I found a great opportunity, I would consider leaving. This opportunity in Dayton came up, and I remember thinking The Connor Group would be a great company to work for.
What do you remember about your interview?
My first in-person interview was with director of recruiting, Angela Burns. I interviewed with Larry twice. I remember while he was looking over my resume, he said, ‘so, you graduated from Ohio State?’ I corrected him and said I graduated from ‘THE Ohio State University.’ I also remember interviewing with Katie Dunn, Larry’s long-time executive assistant. Katie was very direct with me about the role I was taking on and how demanding it would be. From the very beginning, I remember being extremely impressed with how professional everyone and the process was.
Who’s been your biggest mentor?
Honestly, it’s Larry. He’s taught me about the business world and not to take no for an answer. There’s always a solution, and he’s provided me the resources to accomplish the impossible. He has taught me about grit and determination and enabled me to find a way when others say something is impossible. Nothing is impossible.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
I’d probably say it was last summer planning travel around the ever-changing COVID restrictions. The rules were changing by the minute, but despite the obstacles, we successfully planned multiple spearfishing trips to the Bahamas. At that time, accessing tests wasn’t easy, but I made sure we had the correct COVID testing done by specific deadlines, obtained specific travel visas and made sure every detail of the trip was planned correctly. We also planned a trip to Sea Island when every restaurant was still closed. We had to make sure there were great meals and that everyone who attended had a great time. It all comes down to proactive planning, and that’s what I do best.
Were you surprised to earn partner at the February Awards Dinner?
I was really surprised. I had gotten the Core Value award right before the partner announcement, and I was honored. I feel like everyone who’s ever received the Core Value award has been a great fit here, lives our culture, and emulates everything we are about. I had thought I was on the path to earning partner in August of 2021. I’d like to think my willingness to always make the organization a priority, my commitment since day 1 and bringing a can-do attitude every day is what led to my promotion in February.
How would you describe the LSC Department to others outside of the organization?
We’re an elite department within the organization, and I believe we are held to the highest standards for accountability. We’re also unique because every day is different. There aren’t any systems and processes in place for some of the jobs that we do. We also get to see, learn and do pretty unique things.
What’s your best advice for newer associates at The Connor Group looking to earn partnership?
The first six months are overwhelming. Trust the process and learn as much as possible while getting to know key people throughout the organization. Have a can-do, we will find a way attitude. If you have that mindset and go the extra mile, you’ll be successful.
What’s your favorite Larry story?
It was within my first six months with the company. Keri Stafford and I both had set up conference calls back to back on Larry’s schedule. Larry was on the first call, and all of a sudden, Curt Moody – who was scheduled for the next conference call – chimed in. I heard Larry through my office wall say, ‘Curt? Curt, is that you? What are you doing here?’
Keri and I immediately called each other and knew we had screwed up. Larry’s reaction to our mistake was priceless, and thankfully we owned the problem and came up with a solution. We have processes in place to make sure that never happens again. Larry also loves using emojis via text. Some of his favorites are the ambulance, fire, SOS and the crazy clown- with him, everything is an emergency!