The Numbers Don’t Lie
B4 Ecosystems are an opportunity for B4 Members to share challenges, be inspired and learn from experts in their field. They began with our Business Development Ecosystem back in March 2023, which has been lead from day one by the always impressive Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born. Caroline has been leading from the front as our other Ecosystems learn from her impressive example. Article by B4’s Richard Rosser
Many of you will know that Caroline recently became a director of one of Oxfordshire’s leading networking groups, Opendoorz. Well before this became public, Caroline did me the courtesy of letting me know what was happening. She didn’t draw any conclusions about her further involvement leading the BDM ecosystem but there was the potential for a decision to be made by me and she gave me the time to consider. But I was very clear in my mind that there wasn’t a decision to be made, there was no need for time. As far as I was concerned, if there was a decision to be made, it was up to Caroline.
I can’t undersell how valuable Caroline is to B4. She runs the BDM ecosystem superbly, always giving great advice, allowing Members to solve problems themselves but she is always there providing guidance. She’ll bring in experts like Matt Skipper from Mills & Reeve and she’ll always make the sessions engaging, thought provoking and genuine.
She is considerate beyond belief. At last Thursday’s BDM session, it was World Happiness Day so everyone had a ‘Happy’ pen and a chocolate bunny at their places, courtesy of Caroline.
They don’t make them like Caroline O’Connor anymore…. she is pure gold. As many will know, life has thrown its fair share of challenges Caroline’s way and she has faced each and every one of them head on, with grace, determination and a conviction not to be beaten. This is why she is such a fundamental ally to Opendoorz, B4, her clients, those in her network and those fortunate enough to count Caroline as their friend.
It never crossed my mind that because Caroline was working more closely with Opendoorz that I would change my view about her leading the ecosystem. Cathy, Sonia and I have happily worked alongside each other for Lord knows how many years without a single problem and with a healthy respect for each other knowing full well that we are different entities offering different things. But Caroline left the door open for me to make a decision and that’s the mark of the person she is.
Caroline has proved beyond any reasonable doubt over the years that she can effectively give her very best to both of us. But if you need any proof, take this simple fact on board. On 20th March, Caroline hosted the most recent BDM ecosystem for 16 Members. After a day full of meetings, including an Opendoorz meeting which finished at 6pm in Marlow, Caroline turned up to the B4 Platinum Dinner at Rhodes House looking like she’d had all day to get ready – she looked a million dollars. By 5pm on 21st March, the next BDM ecosystem on 19th June was nearly full. The numbers don’t lie. If you don’t have Caroline O’Connor in your network or know what she can do for your business, make sure you make amends.
The next BDM session is on 19th June and Members can book here:
www.b4-business.com/event/bdm-ecosystem-roundtable-with-caroline-oconnor-of-fourth-born-2/
If Carlsberg made superwomen, they would look just like Caroline O’Connor.
Please contact Caroline at: caroline@fourthborn.co.uk
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