Christine O’Connell

Vice President, Black Flower Agency

1. What do you do in your role at Black Flower?
I oversee a loyalty marketing platform for American Express focused on their high value Card Members. We operate in all different verticals and passion points, developing partnerships and creating “once in a lifetime” experiences. We’ve just returned from a great experience at the Monaco Grand Prix.

2. How long have you worked at Black Flower?
I just started with Black Flower at the end of February/beginning of March. I have learned so much here already, and I couldn’t imagine a more accommodating and welcoming team. It really is an exceptional place with exceptional people.

Right after I started, I got to go to the MCI Global Academy. It was extraordinary. Having been with the same company for 10 years prior to coming to Black Flower, I didn’t know what to expect or what I was getting into. Meeting all the people from our global offices and seeing the collaboration was the best thing that could have happened for me. Getting the opportunity to see how strong and collaborative all the teams are, and seeing top leaders integrate with creatives, finance, HR and business leadership was remarkable. It was a game changer for me to see what the company stands for and all of its capabilities.

3. What is your favorite part of this job so far?
My favorite thing to do is listen and learn about what my colleagues are doing. I see the work that the Gucci team, or Cartier team produces, and it just blows me away. I have learned so much about fashion and relationships. I love getting to see what everyone else is working on and how well connected this team is.

4. How did you get started in this business?
I actually started my career in hospitality. I opened nightclubs in New York and Las Vegas overseeing all of the large marketing events and openings. I was working with a lot of high value guests. Because what we do is so hospitality driven, it parlayed into a job overseeing the American Express platform. One of my mentors had once said to me that “people remember their really good days and their really bad days.” We have the privilege of giving people some of their best memories and their really good days.  That idea is what still drives me in this business and in this role.

5. What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
I’m mostly an open book, but something people would be surprised to learn about me is that I’m actually afraid of flying, even though I have to travel non-stop in this role.