Our Story
The TOC Group was founded on a simple belief: transformational change begins with people. From our earliest days, we set out to redefine what effective leadership, operational clarity, and cultural alignment could look like for organizations navigating complexity.
How We Started
TOC began in 2007 as a small, focused consultancy with a passion for helping leaders create environments where teams thrive. What started as one-on-one coaching quickly grew into larger strategic partnerships, driven by our ability to blend practical business insight with a deep understanding of human behavior.
Our Evolution
As organizations faced new demands, from rapid growth to cultural challenges and shifting market dynamics, we expanded our approach. We developed frameworks, tools, and programs designed to create meaningful, measurable change from the inside out. Our work grew across industries, but our mission stayed the same: help leaders unlock the full potential of their teams.
What We Believe
- People are the foundation of every successful organization.
- Clarity creates momentum. When teams understand where they're going and why, they move faster and more effectively.
- Leadership is a practice, not a title. Great leaders are built through awareness, accountability, and continuous development.
- Culture is measurable and can be intentionally shaped.
Today
Today, TOC partners with organizations of all sizes to build stronger leaders, healthier cultures, and aligned strategies that drive performance. Our team continues to grow, but our commitment remains unchanged: to empower people to lead with purpose and to create workplaces where humans and businesses thrive together.
Looking Forward
We’re not just consultants, we’re partners in transformation. As the future of work evolves, we’ll continue to innovate our methods and expand our impact, ensuring that organizations have the clarity, leadership, and culture they need to succeed.
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Marcia Zaruba O’Connor is the CEO and Founder of The O’Connor Group, a premier firm specializing in outsourced Human Resources and Recruitment-as-a-Service for small and mid-sized companies in Professional Services, Life Sciences/Healthcare, Information Technology, and Manufacturing. Since founding the firm in 2007, she has grown it into a nationwide network of more than 55 professionals. She also leads 57th Street Partners Executive Search, a division of The O’Connor Group, dedicated to helping organizations secure exceptional executive talent.
Under Marcia’s leadership, The O’Connor Group has earned numerous accolades, including the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Businesses, Philadelphia Business Journal’s Best Places to Work, Soaring 76, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Top Workplaces, Philadelphia Titan 100, and the Entrepreneurs Forum Philly 100. The firm is also proudly certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise.
Beyond her companies, Marcia is deeply engaged in the community. She serves as a Trustee of Widener University, sits on the Widener University Accounting Advisory Board, and is a Board Member for the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia. She is also a member of the M&T Bank Advisory Board and Co-Chairs the Philadelphia 100 Forum. A Hall of Fame Titan 100 recipient, Marcia furthers her commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs as the Founder of Shadow Her, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit equipping female business owners with essential skills for success
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Shadow Her empowers women entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.
Through a safe and inclusive community, Shadow Her fosters mentorship, advocacy, and educational resources for all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. We believe in the strength and capacity of women business owners and founders
Our program is designed to help women entrepreneurs strengthen the inner workings of their businesses. With increased operational efficiencies, these businesses will be positioned to accomplish short term goals and achieve unprecedented success.
Learn more about Shadow Her here!
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Dedicated to Leadership
That Transforms BusinessesAs a division of The O'Connor Group, 57th Street Partners was built on a fundamental truth: clarity and connection are the catalysts for lasting impact. Inspired by the ocean's unwavering force and natural rhythm, we've become a trusted executive search practice that identifies and empowers the leaders shaping tomorrow.
Our approach transcends traditional recruitment. We forge partnerships rooted in trust, strategic insight, and deep understanding, uniting exceptional leaders with organizations where they will thrive and drive meaningful change.Learn more about 57th Street Partners here!