Founder & CEO of O’Connell & Goldberg, one of Florida’s top PR firms, Barbara has led decades of strategic communication campaigns for companies representing all industries. She strongly embodies her agency mission, “Good People Make Good News.” A proud alum of the University of Miami, she is active in the community, serving on boards of various non-profits.
Favorite quote: “When they go low, we go high.”
Fun fact: I am a tad obsessed with puns. (Let’s call that a “Pun” Fact.)
How do you unwind after a long day of work? I’ll be catching up on FaceTime with friends and family or attempting to increase my number of steps before the day is done.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? After 18 years of running a business in South Florida, my family and I relocated to NYC for a few years. The challenge of running a second office in one of the most overly-saturated, fast-paced, expensive and competitive cities in the world provided me with incredible experiences, growth opportunities and true appreciation for my hometown. (Like comparing apples and oranges.). Having a talented team helped to make this transition work, but I’m also happy to be back “home” again.
What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? Launching an agency at age 27 and learning I was pregnant with twins shortly after …and then managing that work-family balance for the next 27 years. So, I suppose that’s really 14+ million monumental moments.
Who are your role models? My husband and three daughters – each in their own way – amaze me and inspire me. (And Michelle Obama is not too shabby either.)
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Growing up, my father constantly encouraged me to read the daily newspaper. As a child, it did not interest me at the time. Little did I know that this would one day become my obsession.
What advice would you give a young woman at the start of her career? Find a mentor. Get an internship — or, better yet — two or three. Send thank you notes. Always bring examples of your work at job interviews.
How does being a woman has impacted your career? Having further appreciation for working parents who have to juggle it all.
