Tom O’Brien, CEO, HYM Investment Group
08/01/23 • 41 min
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Tom O’Brien’s early-career stint as a campaign worker for presidential candidate and governor Michael Dukakis didn’t pay much – he remembers not being able to make car payments – but was nevertheless a rewarding, “transformative experience,” he said in this episode of PNC C-Speak. O’Brien, co-founder, managing partner and CEO of HYM Investment Group, believes others can benefit from work in the public sector.
“I would encourage people to think about politics and government, particularly at an early stage of their career,” O’Brien said.
Over the years, O’Brien has assembled a diverse team at HYM Investment Group consisting of people with varied life experiences and perspectives. “What we care mostly about is honesty” and kindness, he said. Whatever skills someone might need can be taught, “but we can’t teach you to be a good team member. You need to bring that to our organization.”
Listen to the episode to hear more about:
- O’Brien’s wife of 30-plus years, Trisha, who’s taught him to be “present in the moment,” a better listener and more empathetic.
- His concerns about affordable housing and the need to “fix the Boston public school system.
- What gives him the most joy.
Download a transcript of the podcast.
Subscribe to C-Speak so you never miss an episode. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
Tom O’Brien’s early-career stint as a campaign worker for presidential candidate and governor Michael Dukakis didn’t pay much – he remembers not being able to make car payments – but was nevertheless a rewarding, “transformative experience,” he said in this episode of PNC C-Speak. O’Brien, co-founder, managing partner and CEO of HYM Investment Group, believes others can benefit from work in the public sector.
“I would encourage people to think about politics and government, particularly at an early stage of their career,” O’Brien said.
Over the years, O’Brien has assembled a diverse team at HYM Investment Group consisting of people with varied life experiences and perspectives. “What we care mostly about is honesty” and kindness, he said. Whatever skills someone might need can be taught, “but we can’t teach you to be a good team member. You need to bring that to our organization.”
Listen to the episode to hear more about:
- O’Brien’s wife of 30-plus years, Trisha, who’s taught him to be “present in the moment,” a better listener and more empathetic.
- His concerns about affordable housing and the need to “fix the Boston public school system.
- What gives him the most joy.
Download a transcript of the podcast.
Previous Episode
Jim Canales, President, The Barr Foundation
Experience as a classroom teacher in California set Jim Canales on the path toward his role as president of The Barr Foundation, Canales shares in the latest episode of PNC C-Speak. One of the foundation’s focus areas is education. In 2022, the foundation awarded nearly $140 million to grant recipients.
“The foundation’s mission is to invest in potential,” says Canales, a Boston Business Journal Movement Maker, by awarding grants — in collaboration with businesses — for education and the areas of arts, creativity and climate. “These are challenges that require the engagement of a broad range of sectors to address them effectively. In philanthropy, even with our resources, we need partnership with the business community.”
Listen to the episode to hear more about Canales’ views on diversity among leaders in Boston; the best advice he’s been given — and gives — to others; and his favorite spot in the city. Powered by PNC Bank.Subscribe to C-Speak so you never miss an episode. Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.Download a transcript of the podcast.
Next Episode
Aisha Francis, President, Franklin Cummings Tech
Subscribe to C-Speak so you never miss an episode. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.Aisha Francis’ childhood dream was to be a teacher – which is why she pursued the education field after graduating from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. Now president of Franklin Cummings Tech (formerly known as Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology), Francis relishes “leading an institution that has so much connection to the future of this economy,” as she said in this episode of PNC C-Speak.
Francis is also proud of the “minority-serving” institution’s legacy, rooted in the school’s dual mission to advance the trades of education and entrepreneurship.
Amid the pandemic and recent social justice movements, Francis has witnessed the need for empathetic leadership as well as flexibility. She believes both are pillars that enable greater access to opportunity for people in the workforce.
Listen to the episode to hear more about:
- The college’s move to a new campus in 2025.
- The two novels and a nonfiction book Francis is currently reading.
- Her wish for Boston and the college’s alumni.
Download a transcript of the podcast.
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