Better Done Than Said

A plaque on her desk reads, “Well done is better than well said.” Those are the words Shelley O’Connor, CEO, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, strives to live by both in and out of the office.

She attributes career growth to her willingness to take on new roles and not be afraid to make mistakes.

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“All of my learning experiences have come with mistakes, but you step back, learn and push forward,” she says.

O’Connor is an example of the opportunity awaiting those willing to step outside of their comfort zones.

“In 2004, I got a call from corporate headquarters asking me to relocate from California to NYC and become Chief Operating Officer of entire branch system,” says O’Connor.

“My experience was limited to ultra-high net worth, not broad scale retail business. But I went for it and will never regret it.”

While she admits to missing wearing flip flops year-round, today, she manages a team of nearly 400 and has found that listening is key to being an effective leader.

“Being able to bring folks together and work toward a common goal is important, and one of the most important things is not to be the one talking the most in the room,” she insists.

O’Connor also credits much of her success to the influence of her grandfather, who lived through the Great Depression as his family’s sole earner.

“He always reinforced the importance of working as hard as you can, not compromising, pushing yourself as hard as you can and being accountable for what you do.”

A wife and mother to four grown stepchildren and four dogs, O’Connor only sees work as a fraction of the equation.

Family is paramount.

“I decided a couple of years ago that unless I am travelling for business, I am going to make it home for dinner with my husband,” she says.

“I’m out of the office like clockwork. By 6pm, I’m home … I think that’s important for people.”

Bonus PINK Link: Read how Emory MBA Bridget McCarthy leveraged education to get out of middle management.

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By Meghan Miranda

Meghan is a freelance writer based in Atlanta. She also works full-time in corporate sales. Follow her on twitter @meghan_says.

“I have a tremendous opportunity … as a woman, I think I’m uniquely qualified to handle it.” Shelley O’Connor