The Connector: Edition 140
Apr 22nd, 2026 | The Connector
Share your Story, Scale your Business
At Inc. Founders House at SXSW, business leaders shared a clear message: storytelling builds trust—but only when it’s authentic, relatable, and evolves as your business grows. Here’s what matters most:
- Make it relatable: The strongest stories help customers see themselves in your journey, creating real connection and loyalty.
- Engage both ways: Building relationships—especially early—creates a community that fuels long-term growth.
- Own the setbacks: Sharing challenges and failures transparently can strengthen your narrative and credibility.
- Skip the virality chase: Relevance and consistency matter more than short-lived viral moments.
- Evolve your role: As your company grows, your story—and visibility—should grow with it.
Bottom line: Founder storytelling isn’t static. It’s a tool to build trust, deepen connections, and scale—when used intentionally.
From Office Space to Ecosystem: Rethinking Where You Grow
Today’s CEOs are balancing competing pressures, hybrid work, evolving employee expectations, and a tight talent market, while rethinking how to use underutilized office space and where to locate for long-term success.
More than ever, location strategy isn’t just about real estate; it’s about choosing a community that supports growth, attracts talent, and enhances the employee experience.
Leaders are focusing on four key factors: the strength of a region’s development pipeline, public investment and infrastructure, quality of life and housing, and alignment with evolving workforce trends.
As TOC’s CEO and Founder, Marcia Zaruba O’Connor, shares: “A region’s quality of life directly drives recruitment, retention, and culture. It’s no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a competitive advantage. When employees enjoy where they work and live, discretionary effort increases, and turnover decreases. That’s the ROI of quality of life—and why smart companies are making it central to every expansion decision.”
The takeaway? Companies aren’t just choosing offices, they’re choosing ecosystems that will sustain their business and their people for years to come.
TOC in Action: Client Testimonial
“Working with the team has been such a seamless and positive experience. Communication is easy, and I really value having multiple candidates at a time to compare. It has made the process much more efficient and thoughtful. I also appreciate how open and collaborative the partnership feels. I can be honest, and they bring strong perspectives on who is standing out and why, which continues to improve each round of candidates. It truly feels like a partnership."
See our Recruitment-as-a-Service approach
Let's Get Local
Mother's Day is approaching and if you are thinking of something to do with the family, look no further than Long Wood Gardens.
Enjoy a flower-filled stroll this Mother’s Day Weekend and celebrate the opening of Festival of Fountains with the return of daily fountain performances. Take in a spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performance Friday (Thank You for the Music), Saturday (Brat Pack Soundtrack: Music from the 80s), and Sunday (Let’s Get Loud) evenings when the Gardens are open until 10:00 pm. On Sunday from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, enjoy music with guitar duo Chris Braddock and Andrew Dickenson in the Main Conservatory. Learn more!
Wellness Wednesday
For this Wellness Wednesday, we’re highlighting simple, healthy lunch ideas that make it easier to eat well during busy workdays.
Meal prep does not have to be complicated. A mix of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grains can help keep energy steady and prevent the afternoon slump. Think salads, grain bowls, wraps, and make-ahead lunches you can grab and go.
Small planning habits can go a long way in supporting better focus, energy, and balance throughout the week. Learn more!