Meet Point B’er Connor Donnelly
Get to know Connor, a Principal based in Chicago, IL.
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Connor Donnelly, a Principal based in our Chicago office, has been driving transformation for customers at Point B for the past 5.5 years. With expertise in large-scale transformation management and program management, Connor helps customers build scalable solutions that last. But when he’s not creating strategies to optimize processes, you’ll find him diving into his favorite books, running, exploring new cities on runs, traveling, watching sports, and going to concerts.
Describe the work you do and what makes you proud to work at Point B?
I am part of our Business Transformation capability group, focusing specifically on Transformation Management Office (TMO) design, Project Portfolio Management (PPM) process assessment and design, and large-scale program management. I help organizations assess, mature, and, in many cases, build out their processes and tools to support large-scale transformations. We assist them in building and scaling the functions that empower them to lead and manage their own projects for the long haul!
What makes you proud to work at Point B?
I love the amount of freedom I have in my work. I am in the driver’s seat to design solutions that are best for my customers. Additionally, I believe we have the best people at Point B, and not just from a delivery perspective. I work with generally good, well-intentioned people who are easy to get along with and fun to hang out with! I love the culture we have built as a firm.
Let’s dive into a memorable project.
I was working with a customer to build out its own TMO, which we branded as their “Tech Strategy Execution Office.” This office was charged with managing all IT investments from intake through execution and all the way to closure. They needed us to build out their transformation processes to support all their project work (i.e., intake, resource management, project prioritization, project health tracking, etc.).
This customer was starting from a very basic level of maturity. They were not ready to take on the universe by building highly mature processes; they needed to start with the basics. We agreed to meet the customer where they were. We decided to begin with basic processes, using tools such as Excel and Power BI to create easy-to-use systems that could scale and mature as they grew.
We established the customer’s discipline to manage and govern processes, standing up their TMO and providing them with the processes to help run and govern their future IT initiatives. Additionally, they asked us to stay on to run and execute the PPM processes and ceremonies that we established alongside them.
How is Point B helping you grow your career?
Point B is constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. I believe that change is a good thing, and with it comes opportunity. I find never-ending opportunities to shape my career and evolve alongside Point B. I am regularly inspired to help shape the future of Point B.
Describe Point B’s culture in 1 word. Why that word?
Connected. Our people truly like each other and we build natural connections with one another. Nothing feels forced, and I genuinely like the people who I work with everyday. To me, it means something different to experience the culture at Point B. We have so many unique and caring individuals working here. It’s awesome!
One of our values is “Lead with Integrity and Authenticity.” Why is it important to you to exemplify integrity and authenticity through the work you do at Point B?
I wouldn’t have a leg to stand on with my customers if I didn’t lead with integrity and authenticity. Point B is at the center of driving large-scale transformation across several industries. To do this, we need to be honest and authentic. We need to show up as real people to help drive the change that our customers are asking for.
One of our core values is “Win through Innovation and Growth.” How have you used technology or innovation to drive success for yourself, our customers, and/or the team at Point B?
I’ve been able to design very unique and advantageous PPM, TMO, and PMO tools for our customers. We have a variety of technologies available to us that make this easier and streamline results. We are often able to teach our customers new tools to help them become more successful.
What are some favorite books you’ve read recently?
I recently read Midnight Library by Matt Haig, as well as Serving the Servant, a Kurt Cobain biography by his manager Danny Goldberg. I love Nirvana, and Kurt Cobain has always been a fascinating individual to me. I am inspired by how he approached his art and the way he built connections. I also love reading fiction books and feel like they get my creative juices flowing!
If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Based on my above answer, Kurt Cobain seems like an easy choice. He is such an interesting person to me, and he inspires me with the way he approaches his art. I would also like to add Mike Birbiglia, who is likely my favorite comedian, to the dinner party, as he would bring non-stop laughs, and I always appreciated his storytelling. Lastly, I would add Kurt Vonnegut, who is one of my favorite authors and has written some outstanding works of art, to the list!
Cooking or dining out?
Dining out! I actually hate cooking.
