The Connector: Edition 151
Sep 23rd, 2026 | The Connector
Last week, TOC’s Marcia Zaruba O’Connor, Susan Fazio, Tara Matteo Banasz, and Reagan Callahan, SPHR had the opportunity to serve meals and connect with guests at the American Cancer Society AstraZeneca Hope Lodge alongside the CEOs Against Cancer – Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
As a board member of CEOs Against Cancer, Marcia is proud to help advance its important mission and our team is honored to support this meaningful work. Giving back and strengthening the communities where we live and work are an important part of who we are at TOC.
We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this special experience possible. Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of The Connector!
AI Agents are Reshaping HR Technology
HR technology is entering a new era. Rather than adding another standalone platform, organizations can increasingly build AI agents that address specific challenges, connect existing systems and automate complex workflows. The future may not be AI versus traditional HR platforms, but a more flexible combination of both, guided by HR leaders who understand what to buy, build and automate while preserving human judgment.
Could Your Next Candidate Be a Deepfake?
As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, employers face a growing hiring risk: fraudulent candidates using fabricated identities, manipulated video and cloned voices to pursue remote roles. These schemes can expose organizations to data theft, financial fraud and serious cybersecurity threats.
Now is the time for HR and hiring leaders to review their recruitment practices, strengthen identity-verification measures and protect their organizations, without compromising the candidate experience.
The O’Connor Group combines strategic sourcing, thoughtful screening and human expertise to help organizations identify qualified talent and build stronger, more secure hiring processes. As AI continues to reshape recruiting, TOC can help you navigate what comes next.
Fall Into a Stronger Q4
The start of fall is the perfect time for business leaders to assess their people priorities and prepare for a successful year-end. TOC’s latest checklist highlights key HR and recruiting areas to review—from workforce planning and employee engagement to compliance, hiring and 2027 readiness.
Explore the Q4 HR and recruiting checklist
TOC's 2026 Executive Summit
The countdown is ON! We are officially seven weeks away from the 2026 Executive Summit.
Join us on Thursday, November 12, at Union League Liberty Hill for a day of timely insights and valuable connections with fellow business leaders. Our speakers will explore the economic outlook, the future of management and how leaders can move beyond chasing AI to begin leading with it.
We're proud to be partnering with our Happy Hour Sponsor, Birch Benefits, Platinum Sponsors, Conner Strong & Buckelew, Duane Morris LLP, EOS Worldwide, and ProCFO Partners, Gold Sponsor, M&T Bank, Silver Sponsor, ProLiant, as well as our Bronze Sponsor, CAC.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact our team to learn how your organization can be part of this premier gathering of executives and business leaders.
Tickets are $295. Reserve your seat today and join us for a day designed to inform, connect and inspire.
Let's Get Local
Step into an unforgettable evening of fashion and philanthropy at the 16th Annual Ella Bella Fashion Show, benefiting Bringing Hope Home. The event will take place on October 23 at the iconic Drexelbrook.
This year, TOC’s Marcia O’Connor will take the runway, and we would love to see you there cheering her on!
Purchase your tickets using Marcia’s code and join us for this meaningful evening.
Wellness Wednesday
Take Action Against Hunger
September is Hunger Action Month a reminder that supporting our communities is part of wellness, too. Consider donating nutritious, nonperishable foods; contributing financially; volunteering; or organizing a food drive with friends, family or coworkers. Every contribution can make a meaningful difference.
Find a food bank near you through Feeding America