CEO Stories: Patricia O’Connell, Podcast Host and Editor of “This Is Capitalism”
Patricia O’Connell, one of the original contributors to “This Is Capitalism”, a content site sponsored by Stephens Inc., will take over as host of the site’s podcast, "CEO Stories".
Patricia, a former editor at BusinessWeek and a best-selling author, brings her experience as a journalist and her passion for storytelling to her role as editor of “This Is Capitalism”. Here Patricia shares some thoughts about the podcast.
What is your vision for “CEO Stories”?
“This Is Capitalism” has a wealth of content – if you’ll pardon the pun – ranging from videos to profiles to great stories about various aspects of capitalism. We’ve looked at such giants as Alexander Hamilton, Chuck Williams, founder of Williams Sonoma, Madame CJ Walker, the first Black female millionaire, as well as modern success stories like Bernie Marcus, who founded Home Depot, and Josie Natori, who runs her eponymous lifestyle brand.
But we’ve also looked at everything from financial literacy programs to the role of community banks to best practices for startups. I’m looking forward to bringing that same variety of perspectives and breadth of subjects to the podcast.
Why does capitalism matter?
People think of capitalism in narrow and frankly often negative and inaccurate ways. Capitalism is an economic system that functions in the context of a political system. As Stephens’ CEO, Warren Stephens has eloquently pointed out, we’re all capitalists: Every time you exchange your money for a product or service, you’re participating in the capitalist system. Every time you’re paid for your work, whether as an employee or as independent contractor, that’s capitalism in action.
How will “CEO Stories” contribute to the conversation?
Capitalism as a system allows for – and enables – entrepreneurship, creativity, opportunity, and innovation. And those are always at the core of progress in this country. The podcast will allow us to highlight people who are bringing their ingenuity and ideas to bear.
We have a great podcast coming up, for example, with a young mother who has started a meal preparation service – yes, right in the middle of a pandemic. She’s not a household name, but her story is inspiring and also has practical advice for any first-time entrepreneur. By shining a light on all aspects of capitalism, we can help encourage entrepreneurship and help people understand what’s at stake for all of us.
About the Series: Featured stories from the intersection of the free market and entrepreneurial success. Here we speak with leading CEOs, academics, philanthropists and up and comers on their contributions and perspectives on the American economy.
About Patricia O’Connell: Patricia O’Connell is one of the original contributors to “This Is Capitalism”, a content site sponsored by Stephens Inc. and is host of the site’s podcast, “CEO Stories”. Patricia, a former editor at BusinessWeek and a best-selling author, brings her experience as a journalist and her passion for storytelling to her role as editor of “This Is Capitalism”.
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