Lynn O’Connor Vos

CEO | ghg

What would you do if you didn’t work in healthcare?

Be a tennis warrior. I play once a week. I would also attend every tennis tournament.

When was the last time you endured an “agony of defeat” moment? What did you learn from it?

In the agency business, we have an overactive resilience gene. In any given year, we put our hearts and souls into numerous pitches, but we don’t always get the business. We can’t experience an “agony of defeat” moment each time that happens. So we learn how to pick ourselves up and learn from the experience.  

How long ago was the last time you truly took the time to recharge your batteries? What did you do?

I spent two weeks in Asia Pacific — primarily Vietnam.

What do you find frustrating about working in healthcare marketing? 

We see the trends and we know what the new health customer wants, but the pace of change in this industry is much too slow. Instead of meeting the needs of Gen X and millennials, it seems as though our industry is almost designed for seniors.

What are your words to live by?

My father always said, “You can’t park up front unless you drive there.” For me, it means that I am always looking for the next best thing. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

Watch out because the years go by faster than you think.

What is one thing you would tell young women starting their careers in healthcare marketing?

You won’t get what you want if you don’t ask for it. In 1994, after the partners of the original agency left, I asked for – and got – the CEO title. I was in my early 30s with three children under 3 years old.  

Favorite drink? Pinot noir.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say as you enter? Go back down. You’ve got more work to do.