The Connector: Edition 128
Oct 8th, 2025 | The Connector
This week, our team gathered for an insightful Lunch & Learn featuring partners from Birch Benefits and Paylocity, diving into the latest trends shaping benefits strategy and HR technology.
💡 Birch Benefits shared innovative ways to tackle rising healthcare costs, from smarter plan design and ICHRAs to tiered networks and reference-based pricing. Their approach to leveraging data analytics helps identify trends early, enabling targeted solutions for chronic conditions and high-cost claims, all while navigating compliance challenges like price transparency and mental health parity
📊 Paylocity provided a forward-looking view of the evolving HRIS landscape, highlighting how data can drive strategic consulting, from retention risk analysis to DEI and succession insights. The team also discussed best practices for change management to ensure the successful adoption of HR technology.
A big thank-you to our partners for sharing their expertise and to our team for their continued commitment to learning and growth!
1. TOC's P3 Executive Summit
The O'Connor Group’s P3 Executive Summit is coming up on October 23rd at Union League Liberty Hill!
This one-day event is built for CEOs, founders, and business leaders ready to dive into the top trends shaping the future of work and leadership.
Featured sessions include:
💠 AI-Powered Leadership: Your Winning Hand for Efficiency & Innovation with Ethan King
💠 Fireside Chat with Javier Garcia from World Central Kitchen
💠What's Keeping CEO's up at Night with Marcia O'Connor from The O'Connor Group and moderated by Michael Harrington from Duane Morris LLP
💠Leveraging the Six Key Components of Your Business with Eric Keiles
💠 The Future of Work is Now: What CEOs Must Do to Lead the Workforce of Tomorrow with Chris Dyer
💠 Crisis Leadership and Response: Who Will You and Your Organization Be in the Storm? with Claire Moravec
💠 Q4 Economic Outlook with Michael Feuz of ITR Economics
Join us for a day of insight, strategy, and connection. You won’t want to miss it! Register for P3 here!
2. The Rise of the Agentic Organization
The next big shift in business is here: humans and AI working side by side at scale. Virtual and physical AI agents are transforming workflows, from simple task support to fully automated processes and “AI-first” systems.
Built on five pillars, business model, operating model, governance, workforce & culture, and technology & data, agentic organizations blend human expertise with AI precision.
Imagine a future bank: an AI concierge guides a homebuyer, real estate and mortgage AI agents provide tailored options, compliance agents ensure rules are met, and human experts oversee the process. The result? Seamless, AI-powered services that extend far beyond banking, into furnishing, renovations, energy upgrades, and more. Read the full article here!
3. Invest in Your Team’s Communication Superpower
Strong communication isn’t just a “nice-to-have," it’s a career accelerator. That’s why the National Speakers Association – Philadelphia Chapter (NSA Philly) created the Speaker’s Academy, a 9-month program designed to help professionals become more confident, compelling, and influential speakers.
For corporate leaders, the Academy is more than just presentation training. It’s about preparing your rising talent to:
- Deliver persuasive presentations that win clients and drive business
- Represent your brand with confidence at conferences and industry events
- Lead with impact in team meetings, town halls, and boardrooms
- Build executive presence and sharpen storytelling skills that inspire action
Participants learn directly from seasoned professional speakers, consultants, and trainers. The program combines monthly in-person sessions, accountability coaching, and peer learning, all focused on practical skills that can be applied immediately. Learn more here!
4. TOC Client Opportunities
We know that finding a meaningful and rewarding job can be a long journey. Our goal is to make that process as easy as possible for you and to create a satisfying work environment - one that you'll look forward to coming to every day.
Take a look at a few of our client opportunities:
Account Director – Hybrid Philadelphia PA
AI Implementation Specialist – Lititz PA
VP Operations – Remote
Learn more about our Client Opportunities Here!
5. Calling all Female Entrepreneurs!
As a female entrepreneur, you’re used to wearing every hat: selling, pitching, networking, and leading. But what if one skill could unlock all of those at once? That’s the power of golf!
HerClub + Shadow Her are bringing you an event designed to help you:
✔️ Build meaningful connections in a space where deals actually happen
✔️ Gain the confidence to use golf as a growth strategy for your business
✔️ Step into every round prepared — not intimidated
This isn’t about becoming a pro golfer. It’s about showing up for your business with confidence — wherever opportunities arise.
Invest in yourself. Your network (and net worth) will thank you. Register here!
6. Introducing Allied Document Solutions & Services
ads-s is your premier managed print services provider. Your business needs a managed print services partner that will work with your business, not simply sell the latest trendy device or gadget. Their approach provides an objective assessment of your current print environment, recommendations for improvements, and expertise to implement and maintain for the best return on your investment. Learn more here!
7. Wellness Wednesday Tip
Vitamin D does more than support strong bones, it plays a key role in immune health, mood, muscle function, and energy. Many adults don’t get enough, especially in fall and winter or if they work indoors most of the day.
How to get your Vitamin D:
- Smart sunshine: Short, sensible midday sun exposure can help your body make vitamin D. Still use sun-safe habits (hat, shade, SPF when you’ll be out longer).
- Food first: Think fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), egg yolks, mushrooms exposed to UV light, and fortified options like milk, yogurt, and cereals.
- Supplement wisely: If food and sunlight aren’t enough, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a supplement is right for you.
Who might need extra attention:
- People with limited sun exposure, darker skin tones, older adults, those who are pregnant, and anyone who works night shifts or primarily indoors.
Quick action steps:
- Add one vitamin-D–rich food to your meals,
- Take a short daylight break outside,
- Ask your provider if a simple blood test makes sense for you.
Learn more here!