Women's Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia

WOMEN OF ACCOMPLISHMENT 25th Edition

HOW CHOSE FIELD:
Accounting is the language of business and so I thought it would position me to succeed.

Lauren C. O'Brian, CPA, Senior Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer

Independence Blue Cross

1901 Market Street, Phila., PA 19103
(215) 241-2582
lauren.obrien@ibx.com
www.ibx.com

FIRST JOB: Dialing for Dollars for Emory University's Endowment Fund.

PROUD OF: The Finance Modernization Project at IBC where we have repositioned finance to be a strategic business partner.

DEFINING CAREER MOMENT: During my first corporate buyout I learned that you never know what is around the corner and that change can bring huge opportunities.

KEYS TO SUCCESS: Intellectual curiosity, tenacity, and the ability to hire talented, driven, team oriented professionals.

MOTIVATOR: Adding value to my organization and community. And coaching people; it's fun to watch someone's light bulb go on.

I WISH I HAD KNOWN: To buy Berkshire Hathaway and Apple stock many years ago!

BIGGEST INFLUENCE: My parents, who exposed me to many cultures, told me I could be anything I chose, and taught me integrity.

GREATEST PASSION: Continuous learning and adventure travel.

LEADERSHIP TIP: Hire bright, motivated, team oriented people who complement your skill set. Diverse team thinking is very important.

ADVICE TO PASS ON: You don't have to know everything. You just have to know what questions to ask and how to listen.