Episode 16: Rich Connor
In college, Richard Connor began working in a newspaper room. One summer, he covered the police beat, and then by twenty-two he was the editor of a local paper. Surprisingly, Richard Connor admits that he’s still not sure if he knows how to type. He used to write his work out long-hand and his assistant would type for him. But Richard Connor never let inexperience hold him back. He also talks about the intense anxiety of starting a new job and that nagging fear of being fired he felt every day. Richard Connor said ‘yes’ to jobs he’d never tried, kept showing up and learning, and credits a lot of his opportunities to happenstance.
Throughout it all, his love for journalism and being fair is clear. No matter where he’s been or what he’s done, he pays attention to the positive impact a newspaper can have on a community. In this episode, Richard Connor shares about his successes and peak moments, but he also talks of how he would’ve made different career choices. It’s not everyday a business man and successful leader can speak honestly about their past choices. His candor is refreshing.
Tune in to hear about the time Richard Connor received death threats, his opinion on the decline of the newspaper, and the importance of good journalism.
Mentioned this week on Stories with Soul:
40 under 40: Jamey Ice and Jimmy Williams
